I can think of several who might be able to make something that looks close. Might not be cheap, but can be done.
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EBMM: Why Isn't a Custom Order Really a "Custom" Order?
- Thread starter Bottoms_Up!
- Start date
I can think of several who might be able to make something that looks close. Might not be cheap, but can be done.
I never said it couldn't be done or that there were none that could do it. I specifically said that Valenti couldn't do it, and neither could any other builder that just uses off of the shelf or pre made parts.
That's right, which is why I said there were very few true custom builders and not that there were no custom builders -- are we arguing about this?
That's right, which is why I said there were very few true custom builders and not that there were no custom builders -- are we arguing about this?
LOL, good point. I guess my point is that if you REALLY want it, stuff is out there. Once guys get over that it may not say Ernie Ball, and perhaps the $$, you've got yourself a bass.
Yup. If the OP wants it bad enough he could get someone to build it -- or close to it without with out treading on EB intellectual property. I suspect he really just wanted to troll EB, though.
Yup. If the OP wants it bad enough he could get someone to build it -- or close to it without with out treading on EB intellectual property. I suspect he really just wanted to troll EB, though.
Either that or the typical dream bass, but will complain and nit pick to the point it's just not gonna happen.
Still, I'm surprised that enough people haven't asked for customs with $$$$ burning a hole in their pockets that they don't just hire a guy to do that stuff.
I won't question EBMM's business model. I was one of the guys complaining about the lack of a finished neck. Finally, they came out with a finished neck!!! I tried it and hated it. I like the unfinished neck much better.
He's no longer at The Perfect Bass. I think his model was a special one off thing for him and probably not something he can get again.
Nah. I just wanted to know why they couldn't just slap black hardware and an ebony boarded SLO neck on a white SR 4H with matching headstock. Seems like a pretty simple thing really. They churn out Stealths, so they obviously have the black hardware and I've seen ebony boarded SLO necks on the Stealths and Dargies. Maybe I should have said "Special Order" instead of "Custom."I suspect he really just wanted to troll EB, though.
Anyway, that thread over on the EBMM forum was actually downright pleasant and I received an alternate solution from a member at a fraction of the cost, so it's all good in my book.
It seems I was unfair on GC too. After reading through the EBMM forum link it appears they don't offer a proper custom shop service to lowly mortals. You have to be famous.
I wouldn't want to question their business ethics either, but it does make you wonder....
I wouldn't want to question their business ethics either, but it does make you wonder....
Why would it make you wonder?
An artist playing a custom instrument on a tour for 1000s of people, or playing on the final of American Idol for millions of people as opposed to random guy with a checkbook.Gee, real tough to see a difference there in cost/benefit for the company.
Hi all... Im a Sales Manager at GC and a long time MM fan/player.. MM doesnt do custom order basses. My lead guitar player is one of the Customer Service reps at MM and trust me Ive asked him several times to build me a custom shop bass... Sorry lol its not GC's fault.
Why would it make you wonder?
Gee, real tough to see a difference there in cost/benefit for the company.
How is giving away a custom instrument any worse than accepting large chunks of money?
I seem to remember there was a run of Stingrays for the German market that had ebony fretboards (not sure about the SLO neck though) and I think they also had black hardware. You might want to search the German market. I know there was one that showed up recently in the classifieds.
Or you could get just about everything you wanted (probably not the ebony fb) and then have the hardware black powder coated.
Or you could get just about everything you wanted (probably not the ebony fb) and then have the hardware black powder coated.
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.
So why isn't a custom order really a "custom" order @ EBMM?
Why? Many reasons why, none of which any one of us mere mortals will ever be able to change.
Like Fender, their idea or allowance of what is "custom" is wholly different than what most player's idea of "custom" is. "Custom" anything from EB or Fender is a misnomer. If you really want a custom bass, there are people who will build it for you. I'd dare say there's people who are not affiliated with EB who would make a EBMM for you as custom as you want it. I would pursue that option.
Although I dont need a custom shop order I am having a hard enough time finding a color of stingray for myself.
Go to the website for music man and look at the color under each guitar.... they dont even give you actual pics. Ill be looking at the stingray5 pics and when I roll over a color example they show me a picture of an axis guitar.
I just dont get it. Are they that lazy and/or too cheap to pay their web designer enough?
Go to the website for music man and look at the color under each guitar.... they dont even give you actual pics. Ill be looking at the stingray5 pics and when I roll over a color example they show me a picture of an axis guitar.
I just dont get it. Are they that lazy and/or too cheap to pay their web designer enough?
Why would it make you wonder?
Gee, real tough to see a difference there in cost/benefit for the company.
The likes of Fender, Warwick and other recongnised brands don't seem to find a problem with it. Why should custom shop instruments be exclusive to endorsing artists? If your passionate about owning a specific bass built to your specs, dipped in adamantium with meteorite inlays and are willing to pay for it, I don't see a problem - and nor do other brands.
It smacks of EBMM being elitist.
Owning a custom shop isn't just about promoting the brand, it's about owning the instrument of your dreams. If you build it they will come, unless you're EBMM, and they won't come.
