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cheapest custom bass brand

#21
jim777 said:
The problem with the original post is the word "custom" without a definition of what you mean. It's almost a troll ;)

Makers like Carvin have a few set basses with a ton of options, but you can't order 30 frets, blocks in maple boards or neck binding, for example. Tom Clement has a few set models with a ton of options, but he also has some things you can't order.

There is a big difference between 'full boat, full on, every single aspect Custom' and a very wide array of options for you to choose from to 'customize' your particular bass. Until the OP adds a bit of clarity these responses will either be helpful or not.

Also, fully custom will almost certainly mean a 'builder', like a Tom Clement, and not a 'brand' like noted in the original post.
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Agreed- I own both a Clement and a Carvin and I love them both for different reasons.
My Carvin was my 1st foray into the world of "custom" and I love the bass. It was easy to order from their menus. But there are definite limitations on what you can order from body shape and pickups and preamp and so on and so on.

My Clement is my first "true" custom. Tom has a wide and ever expanding variety of body shapes. He will use pretty much any type of wood you want. The same for electronics and hardware, although his default stuff is really good- Hipshot tuners and bridges, and Bartolini or Nordstrand pickups.
Another plus to working with an individual luthier is the communication. Tom provides tons of progress pics as your instrument is being built. Plus he answers any questions and will work with you on any adjustments you might want. Those are the extras you dont get when you order from Carvin.
Once you order from Carvin, AFAIK, the next time you hear from them is when the bass is done and ready for shipping.

Again- I'm NOT knocking Carvin, I would not hesitate to order from them again-their build quality is outstanding.
But I'd much RATHER buy from a guy like Tom Clement.
 
#25
ghoulbug, I had to check that link to see if it was the same demo of the Wishbass I'd seen before. If Steve's playing on that doesn't make you jump up and order one, I don't know what will. You'll have to get a Marshall amp to really nail that tone though. (Descibed by someone as "the mooing cow tone", not to be confused with Clapton's "woman tone".)
 
#27
Mayers said:
Carvin is more of a normal retail bass but you can choose many options that are mostly cosmetic.

To me a real custom is like Warwick custom shop ( they will do what you want ... for a price ) or Clement or Fodera or Conklin.
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Somehow when dude asks for the cheapest custom, Fodora and Warwick really don't belong in the answers! :D
 
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#29
reubmister said:
hi guys i have been thinking about getting a custom bass and wondering which brand does them at the best price

much appreciated
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That`s a bit of an oxymoron, in a way - a "cheap custom". What is YOUR definition of "custom" ? You couldbuy some parts from Mighty Mite, or a Saga kit and it would be custom. Or, you could contact a luthier, collaborate on a design, and throw down 5k on a one-off.
 
#34
OP if you are seriously looking for an instrument you need to whittle down your criteria to limits. E.g. "I want a full-spectrum-sounding, neck through multiscale bass for $1k." Or maybe it's, "I just want something that looks handmade, and I want it for $400." Both are doable, but you have to know what you want in order to find a specific path. Nowadays you can get real specific with features and budget and go hunting. If budget is weighted heavily you may end up finding something used that fits all your criteria on TB, Craigslist, or eBay. The more specific your criteria, the more searching and waiting may be required. Even if your criteria seem completely out of bounds from the whole worldwide market you can still do it with DIY - as so many famous musicians have done. If you are a naturally uncoordinated quadriplegic you can STILL do it - go schmooze high school woodshop teachers until you get someone to make one for you. The point is if you have a clear goal and the will to achieve it you will get there. If you have thought about any of your criteria, post them; as it stands I've put a lot more thought into this from-the-hip paragraph than you did into your query for your own instrument.

Nobody on TB knows what is the cheapest custom build on earth, b/c AFAIK nobody here is omniscient. Maybe there's a homeless guy somewhere who could gnaw free salvage lumber into a bass in exchange for leftovers you didn't want? That's the cheapest that springs to my mind.
 
#39
ghoulbug said:
You guys dissing the wishbass video I posted should be ashamed of yourselves. Just because we don't share the same taste in music doesn't mean you have to post those nasty put-downs.

That can be fixed, though. Here's another wishbass demo. Something more organic for you guys. Hope you can enjoy this one.

YouTube - ‪ ORGANIC WISHBASS DEMO x‏
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If it was actually music, I'd agree with you, but the out of tune guitar and the bass farting don't come close to qualifying. I'd almost rather listen to Beyonce. Almost.
 

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