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cheapest custom bass brand

#43
Cheapest custom is a strange request. It's kind of like asking "what is the most expensive mass produced bass".

The thing is, just because it's "custom" doesn't mean it's any good. Personally I would take a name brand mass produced bass over a "cheap" custom any day. Unless what you are really looking for is a brilliant, undiscovered luthier in which case your question should be; "who is the most brilliant, but still undiscovered bass luthier around today"?

Actually, I wouldn't mind knowing the answer to that particular question either. :D
 
#44
pringlw said:
Cheapest custom is a strange request. It's kind of like asking "what is the most expensive mass produced bass".

The thing is, just because it's "custom" doesn't mean it's any good. Personally I would take a name brand mass produced bass over a "cheap" custom any day. Unless what you are really looking for is a brilliant, undiscovered luthier in which case your question should be; "who is the most brilliant, but still undiscovered bass luthier around today"?Actually, I wouldn't mind knowing the answer to that particular question either. :D
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Good point here. While Tom Clement is a very cost-effective custom luthier, there is NOTHING "cheap" about the quality of his work. His standard hardware and electronics are VERY good and his woodworking is excellent. He uses excellent quality woods as well. No basswood, carolena, agathis, or any other "mystery wood" lurking around HIS shop- thats for sure!

Heck, Tom even does a continuous wood control cavity cover as a standard feature! A lot of luthiers charge extra for that!
 
#47
kjpollo said:
Good point here. While Tom Clement is a very cost-effective custom luthier, there is NOTHING "cheap" about the quality of his work. His standard hardware and electronics are VERY good and his woodworking is excellent. He uses excellent quality woods as well. No basswood, carolena, agathis, or any other "mystery wood" lurking around HIS shop- thats for sure!

Heck, Tom even does a continuous wood control cavity cover as a standard feature! A lot of luthiers charge extra for that!
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Basswood is an excellent quality wood.
 
#48
smcd said:
Basswood is an excellent quality wood.
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Didnt mean to offend there. Its just that basswood is rarely associated with boutique-quality instruments.
I was mentioning woods that are most commonly associated with solid-painted inexpensive imports as opposed to much more costly custom pieces which often have transparent color or clear finishes.
 
#50
BurningSkies said:
EBMM uses basswood for some of their basses and I've never heard them called cheap. Also, I had a MIJ Telecaster in transparent honey blonde that was basswood and was quite beautiful to look at as well as sounding great.
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My Skjoldslayer 4-string is made from basswood, and it kicks booty (and opens beers!). :cool:
 
#52
Cheapest, more custom then most body shape wise, qaulity custom bass maker I know of is Monson. Monson Guitars Most would upgrade the stock pups in the basic models that start at $1,300. With fully custom body shape as part of cost or pick out of existing so far shapes. But otherwise is very very good stuff imo. Btw they do specialize in more out there body shapes (bc rich, moser, etc type stuff) which I really like about them. But the more conservative types prob wouldnt much like monson basses and guitars. Lol.
 
#54
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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sorry and thanks you,re right should be more clear, I am talking about a completely custom bass which is affordable but still high quality so yes I am looking for a "builder" not a brand
 
#55
As a visual aid to the many Tom Clement recommendations, I submit the following photos of my two Clements:

IMG_8425.jpg


IMG_8426.jpg


IMG_8427.jpg


IMG_8428.jpg


IME/IMHO Tom does amazing work, and he should be charging a lot more for his basses (Shhhh! Don't tell Tom! :ninja:).
 
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#57
tombowlus said:
As a visual aid to the many Tom Clement recommendations, I submit the following photos of my two Clements:

IMG_8425.jpg


IMG_8426.jpg


IMG_8427.jpg


IMG_8428.jpg


IME/IMHO Tom does amazing work, and he should be charging a lot more for his basses (Shhhh! Don't tell Tom! :ninja:).
Click to expand...

Dayum!! You got one of the 2 basses Tom made from a single slab of walnut! I'd recongized that fretted 4 anywhere!!

I wish I could've landed one of those!
 
#58
kjpollo said:
Dayum!! You got one of the 2 basses Tom made from a single slab of walnut! I'd recongized that fretted 4 anywhere!!

I wish I could've landed one of those!
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I did! And it is a fantastic bass. Truth be told, though, I may end up putting it up for sale, as I am not really very comfortable on short scale basses.
 

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