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Custom basses

#2
Erikthejunkie said:
So my musical Mentor has a custom bass that i fall in love with every time i play:D

SO my question to all of you is
1.where can i build/order/buy a custom bass
2.Price
3.and What does your custom bass look like?
:help:
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1, you'd probably build it at home or a workshop/order one from many many builders/or buy one from many bass stores.
2, totally variable from 1.5k to 15k+
3, mine is a trans green and maple 5 string :D.


Know what brand your mentor's is? Though of asking him where he got his? What was it like? Any mass produced stuff in a similar vein?
 
#4
The bass that I am getting custom made for me is a Pavel. Pavel De La Fuente makes killer basses, whose company specializes in custom orders.

My Pavel that is getting made for me is a 5 string Jazz bass, Cocobolo top, Mohogany core, set neck(not a bolt on), birds eye maple neck and board, and some killing bartolini jazz custom pickups. I got this bass totally to my specs, and everything I could ever want from a bass is going into it. even down to a custom shaped neck. And after all that, (and a ton of searching around), Pavel gave me more bass for the $. Pavel is a definite way to go.


Also. there are some companies out there that make custom basses for $30,000.... Most ALL customs don't cost near that much. You can get a custom bass, with your dream bass sound, and all your specs for $3,000, and many different luthiers can do this for you. But remember: money shouldn't necessarily be the deciding factor in choosing a custom bass. I went with a Custom Pavel to get the perfect tone, feel, and playability possible. If you go custom, you should think about what the perfect tone and feel is for you. And you tell the luthier what you want out of a bass. And If the Luthier is worthy, will build you the perfect bass, with all your specs and tonal needs. they often come with sweet "easter eggs" that the builder will use in the bass.

Also. what I love about customs is that you get a perfect bass made for you, that will be with you for many, many years. I know that my Pavel bass will most likely be the last big investment in a bass that I will ever make. not because buying basses is difficult, but because this bass will suit me perfectly in every situation, and every style that I will ever play. to me, THAT is the beauty of customs.
www.pavelmi.com
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#5
Mine's a Tom Clement. Tom's a solo luthier in Florida. He's one of the most reasonably priced craftsmen you'll likely ever find. Mine is my avatar but I never get tired of showing it off so here it is:

Clementbody.jpg


Its got a burled redwood top over a swamp ash body. :hyper:

Now there are certain things Tom doesnt do: neck thru's, and colored finishes are the main 2 things. But he does pretty much everything else, and he does things VERY well! His woodworking is impeccable and he's an excellent communicator. He sends progress pics of your build at every opportunity and he'll adjust things to your personal preferences.
 
#7
I think some luthiers forget this:

Custom - adjective:

Made to the specifications of an individual customer (often in the combinations custom-built, custom-made)

A lot of "custom" places only make variations of their regular stock. Very few places will build you a bass you designed yourself.
 
#10
Green1 said:
I would check out Valenti basses as well.
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I've met Nino and played a couple of his basses. He's quite a guy and he builds some GREAT basses, but he's not a custom luthier in the strictest sense. He makes P & J basses only- as far as I'm aware, he does not do any other body shapes.

But he does offer a pretty wide array of options on his basses as far as electronics, woods, finish colors, etc. 2 years ago I played an Inca Silver 5 string jazz he built and let me tell you, I was GASing for that bass for WEEKS!! His fret work and setups are beyond compare!
 
#11
kjpollo said:
I've met Nino and played a couple of his basses. He's quite a guy and he builds some GREAT basses, but he's not a custom luthier in the strictest sense. He makes P & J basses only- as far as I'm aware, he does not do any other body shapes.

But he does offer a pretty wide array of options on his basses as far as electronics, woods, finish colors, etc. 2 years ago I played an Inca Silver 5 string jazz he built and let me tell you, I was GASing for that bass for WEEKS!! His fret work and setups are beyond compare!
Click to expand...

It's a hard distinction to make, I'd certainly call him a custom builder, if you want a custom based on a Fender...
 
#13
You might want to check out the luthier section here at TB. Not only can you find custom builders, but you can see the quality of their work in all the stages of the build.

I know John K. builds exquisite basses and Prat basses are very impressive too. (Although I don't think his website does justice to the quality of his work.)

Also, if you have lots of patience to go through a long list of brands go here:
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Not all of them are custom builders but many are - you just have to sort through them.
There are a lot of great ones listed including ones like Jersey Girl that really do some different things.
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