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Can a Luthier Do This?

B

bobbykokinos

Dec 2, 2004
1,882
4
#1
I've been tossing around the idea of getting a bass built.. Not really sure yet though.

Right now, I have a Modulus Q6 and I love it but wouldn't mind another 6 string with a more organic sound. The biggest thing for me is the neck on the Modulus.. The profile, the width, the spacing, everything about the neck feels right to me. I just dont get the sound I would like out of it..

Would a luthier be able to basically replicate my neck (but with wood materials) on a custom bass? Or, is this beyond the scope of a custom made bass?
 
#6
TheSuzie said:
Bet that Bud LeCompte could make a great neck for you.
Click to expand...

I had looked at LeCompte stuff.. First of all, though, I have no experience with them. I know it would be hard to find one to play or atleast see in person around here. Second, I would want a single cut.. I checked out some of his designs and, while they are attractive, I would want a SC without a "fin" top horn.. More rounded than hooked.. I didn't see anything like that on his website except for the CB SC-4 which isnt the look I'm looking for..
 
#7
Well, for goodness sakes... "Oh, well that's no good because it has to be purple." Here's a purple builder. "Oh, well, no, his purple is no good, it has to be a trans purple that could be mistaken for pink."

Tell you what- Yvon's answer was the correct one. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, how about you describe in detail exactly what you want your bass to look like, and what features it should have, and we can then make helpful suggestions.
 
#8
bongomania said:
Well, for goodness sakes... "Oh, well that's no good because it has to be purple." Here's a purple builder. "Oh, well, no, his purple is no good, it has to be a trans purple that could be mistaken for pink."
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm not being picky.. I like the looks of Lecompte's work and if I can custom build a body design I like with him, I'll consider that route.. I'm simply saying, if I'm going to get a custom built bass, I'm going to get the exact body style I want..

Is there something wrong with that?? Why would I go through the trouble of having someone build a neck exactly how I want and have a body shape I "kinda" like?

My question for this thread was to inquire about neck work.. I havent even gotten far enough to even consider what luthier I would go with.. Simply asking if custom builders would go to this extent or not..
 
#11
I don't see any reason why a true custom builder would have a problem metting your requirements. My custom 7 string order with FBB is totally to my specs, including body shape, size, dimensions .... same with the neck.

My only suggestion would be to be sure your measurements are very accurate, and to take the advice of the luthier if something seems out-of-whack. What may seem like a perfect design to you could actually end up with other issues (neck dive, weight) that you didn't consider. I've learned to listen to the builders .... :cool:
 
#12
To be fair, your question was "Would a luthier be able to basically replicate my neck (but with wood materials) on a custom bass? Or, is this beyond the scope of a custom made bass?"

And the flip side of that is, anytime you go searching for a custom bass, there are at least 5 major criteria if not way more than you have to deal with.

So, for anyone to really help, you should probably get very familiar with what it is that you want. Right now, we got modulus neck profile, singlecut, and 'no weird fin shape'. Scale length? Woods?

See what i am getting at? Maybe it was a grumpy answer that was stated, but it is valid.
 
#13
one thing is for sure, make sure you really think about your order and spend as much time talking about tone woods and electronics as you can with the builder you choose, otherwise you could end up with a bass that you end selling in a year or two,

see my sig, you will see what i mean, the basses that i ordered where made to the highest standards but are just not really what i was after in the long run, so dont rush into to anything.


Dave
 
#14
I have a Roscoe SKB3006 with a custom neck profile (custom thin). I use to have a Moduls Q6 a while back and to me the Roscoe neck feels pretty similar to the Q6 neck, although I must say, I much prefer the Roscoe. Check with Gard for the precise specs. Just MHO.
 
#15
Since my name was brought up I think it's alright to mention that I can and will do customer designed shapes. The option is there on our quote page. I'll be starting a customer designed bass very soon. I might mention that it cost more do to the design time I have to spend refining things and template making, as these types of things are usually one off.

Also I have at least two single-cut shapes that are un-"fin" like. The ECH and the CBSCX. Just bought some would to start work on an ECH-6.
 
#16
lamarjones said:
And the flip side of that is, anytime you go searching for a custom bass, there are at least 5 major criteria if not way more than you have to deal with.
Click to expand...

With all due respect, what does my choice in electronics, bridge, body shape, etc.. have to do with if a luthier can duplicate a neck profile for me??

It was just a question to see if I can get the same neck feel as my Modulus despite whatever I do with the body of the body. I didn't know if luthiers go to this extent or not.

But, from what I gather, alot of luthiers will do it and some wont because they already have neck templates they go by.. Thats the answer I was looking for..
 
#17
budman said:
Since my named was brought up I think it's alright to mention that I can and will do customer designed shapes. The option is there on our quote page. I'll be starting a customer designed bass very soon. I might mention that it cost more do to the design time I have to spend refining things and template making, as these types of things are usually one off.

Also I have at least two single-cut shapes that are un-"fin" like. The ECH and the CBSCX. Just bought some would to start work on an ECH-6.
Click to expand...

Thank you for chiming in!! I did see on your website where you build customer designs.. Now, this includes the body and the neck, right?
 
#20
bobbykokinos said:
Would a luthier be able to basically replicate my neck (but with wood materials) on a custom bass? Or, is this beyond the scope of a custom made bass?
Click to expand...

TheSuzie said:
Bet that Bud LeCompte could make a great neck for you.
Click to expand...

bobbykokinos said:
I would want a single cut.. I checked out some of his designs and, while they are attractive, I would want a SC without a "fin" top horn..
Click to expand...

bobbykokinos said:
With all due respect, what does my choice in .... body shape, etc.. have to do with if a luthier can duplicate a neck profile for me??
Click to expand...

Don't know man, you tell me. Either way, I think you have found your answer.

When I had a Nordstrand built, Carey copied the specs of another bass guitar near to a tee, just got to know who is willing and who is not.
 

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