custom bass

Establish a price range. Figure out what options you want/need. Then figure out who can do that in your price range.

 

look around on the web for names (talkbass)

check out:

nordstrand
sadowsky
nino valenti
mike lull

ETC ETC ETC, there are many to choose from actually.

once you have an idea of which is right for you, look into the ordering process for that individual maker

 

Kinda depends on what you want. Most builders have a specialty or two. CB and Stambaugh are great, but probably not the company you'd need if you want a Jazz clone. Bebense might not be ideal if you want a bass....this decade! Fender Custom Shop is probably out of the question if you want a fanned fret 7, etc.

What exactly are you looking for?

 

Not to sound condescending or anything, but it doesn't really sound like you know exactly what you want and one post from Feb suggested you haven't been playing bass for very long. It's usually best to wait a while and play dang near anything you can get your hands on. Until you know exactly what you want, it's a waste of money.

 

www.dpcustom.com
www.gwbasses.com

or 2 of my Favorites:
www.Ramirexbass.com
http://redeemerbasses.com

both of these guys are TB'ers and will work with you!

 

That should be www.ramireZbass.com

Check out the Luthiers Corner here on TB too.

 

Hi,

I have gathered quite a few links on my website. Check out the bass section - not all of them are luthiers offering custom made instruments, but most of them are...

http://mybass.dk/links_gear_bass.htm#bass

 

You almost described a G&L L-2000...which can do a Jazz bass sound very well. And has the wide, P-bass, neck. Or try Valenti or have someone put together a Warmoth bass. Be prepared to pay over a grand, at least.

To get the color pattern you want you may have to find someone who just does custom guitar painting...not building.

 

Yep.. that's what I ment.. That's what happens when you try typing while selling strings

 

Judging by your posts a custom bass may not be a great idea as it'd be better to play longer and get a feel for what you really want in a bass.

But, if you fall in love with a certain bass or make. Go for it, no matter of the price. You may as well be happy.

 

Carvin.com

 

+1000

 

Agree 100%. If you don't even know the correct terms, you're going to have a very hard time conveying to a luthier what it is you're looking for

Agree on the G&L thing, too. Only they offered a finish that is what you're looking for. It was called "Green Swirl" and I think it was only in the early/mid '90s. Then all you'd have to do is add the gold pickguard.

Check this post for examples of the Swirl finish.

 

hmmm..some kind of greenish burl perhaps for a top? anybody can really build a jazz copy..and i agree that judging from the way you talk about this bass you want, youd be better off with a piece of junk untill you really know what you want. dont waste your money.