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Custom Ibanez
- Thread starter Danni Moe
- Start date
bongomania
Commercial User
They do make custom instruments for some of their top endorsing artists. They don't have a custom shop for just anyone to order from because the majority of their customer base is young and couldn't afford it.
They have the LACS(in LA, naturally) for their artists. Outside of that, they make high end/boutique models in Japan, but not customized ones.
bongomania
Commercial User
...from 13-to-19 year olds who want to customize everything but want to pay a low-end SDGR price.
Seriously, the people that have custom-shop money in hand tend to buy boutique brands... Even the Fender Custom Shop doesn't get nearly as much love on this forum as the dozen or more high-end Fender-copier boutique brands. A Fender CS bass costs almost $4000; why would a CS Ibanez be any different?
Don't get me wrong, a high-end Ibanez is a stellar instrument--but the "massive demand" is from kids who couldn't even afford a high-end Ibanez.
False they do have a custom shop.
It is just closed for public use until they state otherwise read their sites FAQ.
@Root 5: Well I don't disagree and I hated my ATK's trifade burst at first and planned to sticker it up it grew on me. Plus nobody can hear what a basses color is only the sound. Like my hs history teacher said you can spray paint a turd gold but, it's still a turd.
It is just closed for public use until they state otherwise read their sites FAQ.
@Root 5: Well I don't disagree and I hated my ATK's trifade burst at first and planned to sticker it up it grew on me. Plus nobody can hear what a basses color is only the sound. Like my hs history teacher said you can spray paint a turd gold but, it's still a turd.
I think a major factor with Ibanez and their high end lines is, their so saturated in the low end, everyone looks at their flasher stuff, then the tag, and thinks "yeah, like I'm paying that for an Ibanez". Which is a shame, their top stuff can be as good as anything out there, I'm sure.
Yes, and I'd be one of the first ones there.
An SR4 with the new (2010) bart system/EQ, with the cherryburst finish like on the SR400, with a maple fretboard & abalone dots.
I'd just go for a 5 string ATK3ex1.
@DavidMoe: They didn't close it just quit taking public orders.
I don't know why either could have been they were swamped with orders maybe could be there wasn't enough all I know is Ibanez isn't telling why or letting you into the custom shop until they decide to open it again.
@DavidMoe: They didn't close it just quit taking public orders.
I don't know why either could have been they were swamped with orders maybe could be there wasn't enough all I know is Ibanez isn't telling why or letting you into the custom shop until they decide to open it again.
I've owned 3 Ibanez instruments... because they were bargain priced. Great stuff, but their business model is pretty solid without delving into the CS market.
They've never had one open to the public. Whatever it says on the website isn't correct.
Yeah, but would you pay $4500 for it?
Seriously, there are some people who could actually afford their custom stuff if it was open to the public, but for the most part they would get 10,000 requests and 9800 people who thought the quote was "$4000 more than I think it should cost". It would mostly be a waste of their time.
As bongomania said, they would be as expensive as the Fender shop easily (ie, $10k for a slightly-more-optioned-than-off-the-shelf bass/guitar), and would only get a few serious orders. The people that want that stuff just wouldn't pay almost at all.
Look at ESP- they have a serious, open-to-the-public custom shop in Osaka. I've been there- they produce incredible instruments that are worth every single penny. I was surprised at how great the instruments are. They'll make basically whatever you want...for about $4000 and up. Consequently, they don't get a whole lot of orders. And Ibanez would definitely be more expensive.
Yeah, but would you pay $4500 for it?
Seriously, there are some people who could actually afford their custom stuff if it was open to the public, but for the most part they would get 10,000 requests and 9800 people who thought the quote was "$4000 more than I think it should cost". It would mostly be a waste of their time.
As bongomania said, they would be as expensive as the Fender shop easily (ie, $10k for a slightly-more-optioned-than-off-the-shelf bass/guitar), and would only get a few serious orders. The people that want that stuff just wouldn't pay almost at all.
Look at ESP- they have a serious, open-to-the-public custom shop in Osaka. I've been there- they produce incredible instruments that are worth every single penny. I was surprised at how great the instruments are. They'll make basically whatever you want...for about $4000 and up. Consequently, they don't get a whole lot of orders. And Ibanez would definitely be more expensive.
I'm not gonna pick a fight but, I believe a maufactors website over a person over the internet.
Also some people don't like ESP. I know I don't. They are great for beginners but, as far as gigging forget it. I don't like 'em.
If you want to know who has custom shops the most famous one for under $1000 is Carvins. Now if you get their bolt on models they'll be easily $700 tops if you just tweak a few things but, if you start going crazy customizing every little thing expect it to add up to reflect it.
Personally I'd suggest DanAtkinson he's a TB local he makes basses in the P or Jazz styles but, believe me his work is impeccable. The people who got 'em love 'em more than their Fenders and some say it only cost them around $800.
Also some people don't like ESP. I know I don't. They are great for beginners but, as far as gigging forget it. I don't like 'em.
If you want to know who has custom shops the most famous one for under $1000 is Carvins. Now if you get their bolt on models they'll be easily $700 tops if you just tweak a few things but, if you start going crazy customizing every little thing expect it to add up to reflect it.
Personally I'd suggest DanAtkinson he's a TB local he makes basses in the P or Jazz styles but, believe me his work is impeccable. The people who got 'em love 'em more than their Fenders and some say it only cost them around $800.
Since we've changed from CS Ibbies to CS basses in general, can anyone tell me anything about the Schecter custom shop?
bongomania
Commercial User
This is precisely why the Ibanez custom shop is not open. Everyone thinks Ibanez is all about their low-end models, just like you think ESP is all about their low-end models.
What? LOL. Their bolt-on basses start at $800 and go quickly up from there to the over $1K range if you do even a small amount of upgrading.
XtheDeadPawn said:
Lol, really? ESP has some of the nicest instruments around. As far as I'm concerned, they basically killed the coolness of their brand when they introduced the Ltd line. Now, its Damn near impossible to get a hold of a guitar/bass that says ESP on the headstock for under $1500. But, if you can, they are well worth the money. My advice is simply don't knock the brand unless you've played something other than their entry lvl gear.
Randy
- Dec 28, 2009
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- Endorsed by K.B. Guitars, Nordstrand Audio Pickups, Von York Strings and Gallien-Krueger Amps.
I'm okay with them not having one except for endorsed artists. I actually prefer their SR 500's over their high end stuff. If I'm going to drop that kind of money on a high end bass, it would be more Music Man basses and I don't need a custom shop for anything they do either.
I may be making a huge incorrect blanket statement here, but I doubt any company with a custom shop is anywhere near as big as Ibanez is.
Side note: Whats the point of getting a custom shop bass anyway? Different colors/woods? Wont your selection of woods and electronics still be limited to what they use in their basses? Like wont you be limited to lesser than the SR5000Es electronics or equal to?
Side note: Whats the point of getting a custom shop bass anyway? Different colors/woods? Wont your selection of woods and electronics still be limited to what they use in their basses? Like wont you be limited to lesser than the SR5000Es electronics or equal to?
ESP is primarily a Japanese company. They do have some basses in the US mainly under the LTD line, but 3 ESP branded basses. The lower end LTD's are horrible. The older high end LTD's are great money for the value. Before ordering from their custom shop, Id look to importing one from Japan first. Their Invalid Link Removed is top notch (look at those frets!), come with a 3 year warranty, and you can change the color of any bass they sell (for a fee if its not offered on a model. They also start at like $4000+).
