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Fender custom shop process?

descendent22

descendent22

Jul 29, 2015
1,543
924
39
Connecticut
#1
I'm in the " blue print " stages of a fender custom shop, meaning creating my custom p bass on paper. A couple years back I wanted to do so but I didn't have the $$. Anyway, how does this all happen. I know there's a couple different shops in the u.s., do I get to choose which one? And just the whole process of getting the bass exactly perfect and what you want done. How does the whole general process happen? Can someone be descriptive and tell me about it?
 
#3
I've done it several times. First, download the quote sheet from the page @Mastermold posted. Go through it and check off all of the options. It's okay if you want something not listed. Write that stuff down in the section on the last page. Call or email one of the Fender Custom Shop dealers. I use Sweetwater but any should work. Should meaning some are not very accommodating to what they feel are tire kickers. Best thing to do is call, say you are interested and let them know you have the quote sheet ready to go. You can discuss the options with the dealer and they'll send it to Fender for a quote and time frame. The dealer and/or Fender may come back with additional questions or other options. From there, its up to you to figure out what you want and your budget. Good luck and have fun!
 
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#5
BigBigGuy44 said:
I've done it several times. First, download the quote sheet from the page @Mastermold posted. Go through it and check off all of the options. It's okay if you want something not listed. Write that stuff down in the section on the last page. Call or email one of the Fender Custom Shop dealers. I use Sweetwater but any should work. Should meaning some are not very accommodating to what they feel are tire kickers. Best thing to do is call, say you are interested and let them know you have the quote sheet ready to go. You can discuss the options with the dealer and they'll send it to Fender for a quote and time frame. The dealer and/or Fender may come back with additional questions or other options. From there, its up to you to figure out what you want and your budget. Good luck and have fun!
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Thank you for the info. I wouldn't be able to contact one of the builders and talk to them directly?
 
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#6
Not sure but its worth trying.

I currently have two CS basses - both were teambuilt and all questions and concerns were addressed through the dealer. I'm currently spec'ing out a masterbuilt Jaguar. So far, the process has been the same but the dealer, Fender and I did have a call to make sure what I wanted was available and Fender said the actual builder would contact me directly before starting.

Would you mind if I asked what you are considering?
 
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#7
BigBigGuy44 said:
Not sure but its worth trying.

I currently have two CS basses - both were teambuilt and all questions and concerns were addressed through the dealer. I'm currently spec'ing out a masterbuilt Jaguar. So far, the process has been the same but the dealer, Fender and I did have a call to make sure what I wanted was available and Fender said the actual builder would contact me directly before starting.

Would you mind if I asked what you are considering?
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Reason why I ask is because I'd wanna make sure the neck measurements are perfect..just everything perfect.
 
#8
BigBigGuy44 said:
Not sure but its worth trying.

I currently have two CS basses - both were teambuilt and all questions and concerns were addressed through the dealer. I'm currently spec'ing out a masterbuilt Jaguar. So far, the process has been the same but the dealer, Fender and I did have a call to make sure what I wanted was available and Fender said the actual builder would contact me directly before starting.

Would you mind if I asked what you are considering?
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No I don't mind. I wanna go with a p bass 100% . Not sure if I want it based off of like a 65 fender p bass, or something totally unique and custom but basic at the same time. One more idea crossed the mind but it'll probably be n dot time, is a pre 64 jazz bass. Probably a 62 jazz bass.
 
#11
Spinal Tapper said:
Yeah, they'll be $4k and up, but probably closer to $5-7k.

IMHO, if you're gonna drop the cash on a brand new CS Fender, especially if you're just going to do a 65 reissue, or something, why not drop the dough on a real vintage P that will retain/gain value in the long term?

No dis, just curious.
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Your make a very strong point there and that has come across mind.and I may do that, the ONLY reason why I wouldn't is because when it comes to p bass I always put jazz necks on my p bass's. I prefer jazz necks and precision bodies which makes things complicated.i'm just a better bassist with a jazz neck and I would never want to switch any parts on a vintage instrument. With a custom shop I'll have control over the neck type and the wood the bass is made out of the color, pickups and all the other fun stuff
 
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#12
descendent22 said:
How much is a custom shop roughly cost, I know it all depends on what I'm getting done but I've herd prices anywhere from 3500 on up
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I would figure $3,000 and up. It really all depends on what specific features and finish you want. For example, I wanted a 66 Jazz but Fender doesn't specifically offer a 66. They do have the tooling for a 64. The differences between a 64 and 66 are mainly aesthetic. We were able to get to what Fender called a 66 by adding block inlay, using different pickups, etc. If you want a 65, you would probably have to do something similar or look to go masterbuilt. Masterbuilts run upwards of $6,000.
 
#15
MobileHolmes said:
I thought the last time I was Daydreaming
With the quote form they started around 4200 for a team built, 7k or so for a master built, and features added up crazy fast
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No, you are correct on pricing based on the quote sheet. But, prices are MSRP not street price. Street price seems to be at the discretion of the dealer.

MrAtomic said:
What the what what? A CS Jaguar? Look -- I know this is a bit of a derail, but PLEASE keep us updated on the build, and the eventual bass. I had no idea you could order a CS Jag, and am really excited to see what yours looks like. What a great choice!
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Thank you sir. Yeah, so Fender will build anything you want for a price. I'm 99% there and owe my dealer a return call to finalize color and pickups. Right now, I'm torn between Antigua, Royal Blue Metallic and Gold Sparkle. Either will have a maple board, block inlay of some sort and matching headstock. As far as pickups are concerned, I'm pretty set on 75 Jazz but am toying with the idea of having them over-wound.
 
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