Favorite "boutique" bass

[Jared Lash]

I'm not fond of any of the above-mentioned. Well, I do like the look of the single-cut Sadowsky, but Roger flat-out declined to make me a 32 inch scale version.

If I'm going to spend upwards of $2,000 on a bass, I will go to a true custom shop (who will build EXACTLY what I want according to my blueprints and material specs) rather than one of the boutique builders who just spin me out a slight variant of one of their designs...

There are a few builders that will do that for you. I always recommend Chris Stambaugh but there are other talented luthiers who do true custom work. There's something super addictive about getting to totally design your own instrument.

 

[JIO]

Personally I'm not drawn to "boutique" basses. I create/make my own basses, but although some of my designs may be considered "boutique" to some, I don't think they fit that category. If you formalize what you mean by "boutique", I'll adjust my opinion accordingly. The brands you list are considered "boutique", but what do you consider "boutique"?

 

[Dan B]

Personally I'm not drawn to "boutique" basses. I create/make my own basses, but although some of my designs may be considered "boutique" to some, I don't think they fit that category. If you formalize what you mean by "boutique", I'll adjust my opinion accordingly. The brands you list are considered "boutique", but what do you consider "boutique"?

To me it’s any smaller business or luthier producing something very high quality, with custom options, and/or producing something that is unusual or out-of-the-box.

 

[Bassmann79]

Personally I'm not drawn to "boutique" basses. I create/make my own basses, but although some of my designs may be considered "boutique" to some, I don't think they fit that category. If you formalize what you mean by "boutique", I'll adjust my opinion accordingly. The brands you list are considered "boutique", but what do you consider "boutique"?

Proven quality and durability track records, unique sound and playability, relatively small shop, custom ordered instruments. Not widely available (you can't just walk into a music store and see them hanging all over the wall).

The proven boutiques that come to my mind are:

Alembic
Spector
Sadowsky
Fodera

 

[MattB88]

Proven quality and durability track records, unique sound and playability, relatively small shop, custom ordered instruments. Not widely available (you can't just walk into a music store and see them hanging all over the wall).

The proven boutiques that come to my mind are:

Alembic
Spector
Sadowsky
Fodera

Michael Tobias and Ken Smith’s work is definitely proven as well.

 

[ClassicJazz]

Mine are Roscoe and Fodera. So of course gotta have one of each!

 

[FC Bass]

What's the string spacing at the bridge on that one?

Those have the Classic taper: Width at Nut: 2.00, Width at 24th Fret: 2.50
Not sure what the string spacing is, but its tight. EdwardofHuncote has a fiver with this taper, if he reads this he might be willing to tell you
Newsteds later 5+ string basses all had the Comfort taper with wider string spacing at the bridge and narrower at the nut: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Worldeeeter]

Those have the Classic taper: Width at Nut: 2.00, Width at 24th Fret: 2.50
Not sure what the string spacing is, but its tight. EdwardofHuncote has a fiver with this taper, if he reads this he might be willing to tell you
Newsteds later 5+ string basses all had the Comfort taper with wider string spacing at the bridge and narrower at the nut: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They look tight in the photo. I'm a big fan of 16-17mm spacing on my 5ers. Looks like Jason is, too.

 

[ll Rip ll]

I want this... with an unlined fretless board...

I'm having a sixer built. Unlined, but with blocks.

 

[Bassworship1]

By far the best Boutique basses I’ve had out of all the ones I’ve owned are both of my Custom Devon Basses. Best value you can find IMO. Absolute superb Build, playability, and tone.

 

[scubaduba]

Michael Tobias and Ken Smith’s work is definitely proven as well.

^This for sure. Add Michael Pedulla to this list.

 

[symbolic_acts]

probably Birdsong would be my favorite if there was a SINGLE video on youtube of someone demoing one in high quality, like come on...
other than them Fodera.

 

[west al]

I don't know if, Zemaitis is considered a boutique bass or not, but Ronnie Lane played one in Faces. One of the finest sounds in either the studio, or on the stage!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Pedulla Pentabuzz, baby!

 

[Bassist Jay]

I really like Nordstrand basses and Sadowsky’s. I am endorsed by Nordstrand Pickups and I have mentioned to Cary that when he starts building again, to please let me know because a Nordstrand bass is my dream bass. I’ve also been looking at Sadowsky basses lately and am considering selling off all of my Ernie Ball Music Man basses to order one or possibly two if I can make it work.

 

[johndb]

For the Wyn!

 

[MattB88]

View attachment 2982176

Pedulla Pentabuzz, baby!

drooldrooldrooldrooldrool

 

[MattB88]

View attachment 2982184 For the Wyn!

Gorgeous!!!!

 

[ltsal]

For Me its My 1988 Status Graphite S3000 (serial no 62), it has a Walnut body with a Headless Graphite neck or my Alembic Essence 5 with Europa EQ .

And im geting A Dingwall D bird deliverd at end of the wich im sure will join my list.

 

[Deleted member 389437]

Mayones
Maruszczyk
Fedora
Sire ( Not really a “boutique” brand but they have some amazing boutique Ish basses! )