Carrigan? Any thoughts?

[2xhippy]

I am thinking of buying a used Carrigan Designs 4 string and want any feedback anyone has. I played it and really liked it! Loved the craftsmanship and the neck! Any thoughts?

 

[bassgod76]

I just got mine in the mail today. I'm
Happy so far, but I haven't really been able to put it through its paces. I will report back with a thorough review (honeymoon-free), in a week

 

[bassgod76]

So here is my brief review. (I promise it won't be one of those dumbass honeymoon/this is the best bass I've ever played, reviews)

*I have not played this with a band yet*

After playing many basses, over the years, I decided to take the custom-made plunge. Few makers had anything I'd want or could afford, but Carrigan came along. I investigated him, heavily, asking any owner what they thought, liked, disliked. After much thought, I submitted my order.

Pros:
-His price is super competitive, as he has almost no overhead.
-Everything I asked for, he made happen. I wanted a symmetrical back on my bass. He resisted at first, as all his designs are offset waist. He went back to the drawing board, and I was granted my request.
-I think the bass is the most interesting-looking one I have ever owned.
-I loved his choice of wood grains.
-He was communicative, and responds quickly.
-He said the bass was 8lbs. It was 8lbs, right on the button.
-I purchased padauk knobs for my bass, but they were LesPaul sized, and made my bass look goofy. James straight traded me for a smaller set of ebony knobs, which looked nicer.
-The green brown finish is just cool.
-Balances perfectly.
-Super thin body.
-P Bass like neck. Not Ibanez thin, but not a baseball bat.
-Padauk nut is cool and unique.
-Zero fret is a nice touch.
-Effortless ease of play, thanks to 32" scale.

Cons:
-The action was so low when it arrived, that it had significant feet buzz. A few bridge saddle adjustments fixed it.
-The finish isn't perfect, and there are some glue seams.
-One of the battery boxes (My request), is ever slightly crooked.
-If you're a 34" scale user, and not used to the way 32" scale affects the E string, be advised, it may sound flubby, to you.
-I requested a complex 3 band EQ and two pickup setup. Looking back, I think I should've stayed with a single Musicman setup. However, this may pay off, down the road, as I get to know it better.


I am happy with what I got.
Is it the only bass you'd ever need? Uh no, that's a P Bass!

I would recommend Carrigan basses to anyone wanting a unique boutique bass, without the insane price.

 

[Michael Morgan]

Thanks for the review. I've been speaking with James Carrigan for a while about a build, and I think your review has convinced me to pull the trigger. After getting lackluster custom builds from Warrior and Felton, I've been very reluctant. That said, James looks to make a much more unique build for a far better price.

 

[bassgod76]

Thanks for the review. I've been speaking with James Carrigan for a while about a build, and I think your review has convinced me to pull the trigger. After getting lackluster custom builds from Warrior and Felton, I've been very reluctant. That said, James looks to make a much more unique build for a far better price.

Cool to hear he's still making them. I hope you like what you ordered.