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EBMM: Why Isn't a Custom Order Really a "Custom" Order?

Bottoms_Up!

Bottoms_Up!

For the record, I don't love Raymond.
Apr 14, 2009
1,598
335
63
Worcester, MA
#1
Hi!

I juste posted this over at the EBMM bass forum but figured there's more traffic here.

I just tried to order my dream bass through GC and got shot down on two custom requests* with "...that option is not available on that model." Of COURSE it's not...that's why I'm placing a "custom" order. In other words, I'm willing to wait 20 weeks AND pay a premium for something that's "custom."

Anyhoo, here's my Dream Specs:

Stingray 4HS w/ SLO neck profile
*Ebony board
White w/ matching headstock
*Black Stealth hardware (bridge, electronics cover, & tuners)
Black pickguard

The whole experience reminded me of the Jack Nicholson/wheat toast/chicken salad diner scene in 'Five Easy Pieces.' "...Ok, in that case, I'll take a SR 4HS Stealth with an SLO neck and ebony board...but hold the black satin finish and paint it white then send me the bill." Except I didn't tell GC to hold the black paint between their knees. :p

So why isn't a custom order really a "custom" order @ EBMM?
 
#3
It simply because Ernie Ball Music Man makes the rules. They are very protective of their intellectual property, and have some interesting rules to go along with it. Not much different than Rickenbacker.

Edit: If you really want it to be that custom, buy a Stealth version of the bass you want, and have it refinished. Refinishes I've seen run around $300-400, so it's not to terribly bad, especially if you're willing to "pay a premium".
 
#8
NicJimBass said:
If you really want it to be that custom, buy a Stealth version of the bass you want, and have it refinished. Refinishes I've seen run around $300-400, so it's not to terribly bad, especially if you're willing to "pay a premium".
Click to expand...
I would have to refinish the entire bass, neck and all. I have actually toyed with the idea of getting a Stealth and a white one, swapping the hardware, then selling the Stealth with chrome hardware.

I don't think my specs are all that outlandish. Hey, I just want to *buy* something from them.

"NO SOUP FOR YOU!!"
 
#11
Bottoms_Up! said:
I was under the understanding that GC was their main distribution outlet.
Click to expand...

Doesn't mean they know what they're talking about.

That's the problem with big chain stores, they employ lots of cheap, underskilled staff who haven't got enough knowledge of the products and services they offer. Which is why I think the person that served the OP probably thought he wanted a bass customised with standard options, not realising they could order a proper 'custom shop' model.

Besides, I've heard too many GC horror stories, if I lived in the USA, I certainly wouldn't go to them for anything more than strings. I mean, they are also one of the main Warwick dealers, but the number of times I've heard stories of them charging an extra $100 for the gigbag, tools and wax that ship free with every bass!
 
#12
ga_edwards said:
Doesn't mean they know what they're talking about.

That's the problem with big chain stores, they employ lots of cheap, underskilled staff who haven't got enough knowledge of the products and services they offer. Which is why I think the person that served the OP probably thought he wanted a bass customised with standard options, not realising they could order a proper 'custom shop' model.
Click to expand...

This. For an order like this you really need to go straight to the source. If you can't talk with a luthier, you need to at least be able to talk with someone who thinks like a luthier. In the case of EBMM, one of two things will happen:
1) They'll say "sorry, no can do. Company policy" and you move on.
B) You'll get what you want and be thrilled with it.

Good luck.
 
#13
Bottoms_Up! said:
I would have to refinish the entire bass, neck and all. I have actually toyed with the idea of getting a Stealth and a white one, swapping the hardware, then selling the Stealth with chrome hardware.

I don't think my specs are all that outlandish. Hey, I just want to *buy* something from them.

"NO SOUP FOR YOU!!"
Click to expand...

Someone on the forums did exactly that. Looked pretty darn good too. Well, the Stealth with chrome hardware looked kinda lame, but the white one was awesome.
 
#14
I think it all comes down to the cost involved for EBMM, IIRC. Adding different color hardware as an option (for instance, black and gold) adds to an already astronomical number of variations when you take into account color, fingerboard, matching headstock or not, pickup configuration, etc. Making large batches of hardware that isn't chrome, only to have a few people here and there order it, doesn't make a lot of sense, financially. They'd be sitting on a lot of inventory, with no promise that it'd sell. Keep in mind that most basses they sell are black on black, with chrome hardware, which will probably never change, even if there are other options made available.
 
#16
Dragan said:
beware tho, if you say anything less the highest praise of EBMM on their forum - you'll be eaten live!
Click to expand...

This is not exactly true. Criticism is fine. Being a jerk is not. I make critical comments there all the time. I'm just not a dick about it.

Bottoms_Up! said:
I'm experienced with refinishing, so the idea of getting a SR Stealth and refinishing the body white has me really intrigued. Especially keeping the neck black. How sexy would that be?? :hyper:
Click to expand...

Someone did that very thing to a stealth Bongo. It turned out great (Michael Dolan did that refin). I'm sure an SR Stealth with a white body would be a great looking tuxedo bass, too.
 
#18
bassmonkeee said:
Someone did that very thing to a stealth Bongo. It turned out great (Michael Dolan did that refin). I'm sure an SR Stealth with a white body would be a great looking tuxedo bass, too.
Click to expand...

It was Brandt at the Perfect Bass that had this done. I'm almost certain it was a factory job. There are pics [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

EDIT: There were 2. One was indeed refinished by Michael Dolan, and Brandt's was a factory job.
 

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