"Coolest" body shapes for a custom build?

[EXILE03]

I'm doing a custom bass build (just the body), but haven't really decided on a style. I want something unique, but not too "out there". I don't have access to any fancy tools to do bevels or carved tops, so something more Fender-like would work. I also want a relatively small pickguard on there. I'm thinking a Rickenbacker 4001/4003 kinda thing, or maybe an LP doublecut, but is there anything else you think could work?

 

[eldoryder]

The obvious answer, IMHO, would be a Telecaster (guitar)-shaped body. Fender AND small pick guard!

 

[mapleglo]

Fender Performer.

 

[2saddleslab]

The coolest body shape was the first, slab baby!

 

[Korladis]

I love the Rickenbacker shape, but the Guild B-401 is cool, too.

 

[vdub75]

LP Junior DC, Telecaster-guitar or Grabber/Ripper!

 

[mfbolton]

I would say take whatever shape is your favorite and then put a twist on it, make it your own somehow.

 

[KramerDon]

Don't be afraid to bevel without expensive tools.I did mine with a $8 Lowes wood rasp and 60grit sandpaper.It took a little time but not as much as you may think.Just don't automatically think it's not doable if you like that look.

 

[Webtroll]

LP doublecut / Washburn Vulture all the way, just make sure not to make it neck heavy

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Cool is in the eye of the beholder. Just remember ergonomics, you still have to wear the thing, so make sure it's comfortable.

 

[Roscoe East]

Cool is in the eye of the beholder.

^^^This. E.g., I find any kind of pointy angles ridiculous looking, but 80s hair metal proved there was a place for those instruments. And my personal preference tends to be for instruments with dramatically asymmetrical upper/lower horns (Curbow, old Modulus Quantum, Zon Hyperbass, Clement, Wishbass, etc.) but I'm well aware that traditionalists probably find all those shapes well towards the fugly end of the spectrum. Get what you like and to hell with what other people think!

But yeah, make sure it's comfortable...

 

[lz4005]

Singlecut all the way.

No pickguard.

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[JIO]

Fender Performer.

... +1

 

[edencab]

Jaguars & reverse Jags look good

T-Bird's

 

[AdamR]

TBird !

 

[JIO]

consider thinking outside the box...

 

[neo 7]

Cool is in the eye of the beholder. Just remember ergonomics, you still have to wear the thing, so make sure it's comfortable.

^This. I will probably never buy another bass with a short upper horn. Too much neck dive, and puts the first frets too far away. Having said that, I think a Mosrite looks really cool.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

+1

Singlecut all the way.

No pickguard.

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[Sethakamoe]

Deep double cut away. Because it doesn't always look the best but if u like to shred it's the way to go.

 

[JYBass]

Check out Warmoth's body styles, the Z-Bass and the Iceman. They are pretty funky.