Having a bass made by a luthier

[micguy]

I make my own basses - all custom builds, and I will share one bit of wisdom with you: You will NOT get everything right on your first custom build - there are enough variables that it's almost impossible, unless you have a very similar instrument, where you've tried out those things, to specify your dream bass.

You're on here asking for advice on things like string spacing. That means you don't know what string spacing you prefer. You really need to have important things like that figured out before you specify a custom build.

The way to get to your dream bass with the least time and money is to take something close to what you think you want, and do mods to it, until you figure out what you really do and don't like. Then, and only then, are you ready to specify your dream bass.

And yes, a Warmoth build is a good thing, but even those are more expensive than a lot of production basses that you can do mod experiments on - I wouldn't start with a Warmoth build until you have most of your stuff figured out.

 

[MobileHolmes]

Try a bass with a narrower string spacing, or instal a narrower bridge on your bass and see how it feels to you.

Guitar and bass are very different instruments, transpolating features from one to the other doesn't always make sense. I can see a compound fb radius being a big feature in a guitar. On bass... Fb radius is not that decisive. Can you really feel a difference in yor playing or comfort with flatter or rounder radii on bass?

Yeah, the theory behind a compound radius board is that it's easier to play chords in the low frets on a smaller radius, and easier to bend at the high end on a flatter radius. I've got a couple compound radius neck guitars and can't tell much difference. And don't see why you'd do it on a bass.

 

[J Posega]

Curtinsmith Guitars focuses entirely on short and medium scale basses. I think his stuff looks great, never played it though.

You could spec out a project with Warmoth parts, too.

 

[skycruiser]

How about you pick up a Mustang and have someone replace the fretboard with a fretless fingerboard?

Pick one of these up for $50. A competent luthier can do the replacement.

https://www.lmii.com/macassar-ebony...rboard-516-thick-1st-grade-4-string-bass.html

 

[BlueTalon]

I noticed the fretboards of all my 6 string guitars are wider at the nut and narrower at the bridge end than my bass. 19mm string spacing seems normal at the bridge end of the fretboard but I’m thinking I would like the strings closer together.

In my first custom order, I got a 4 string bass with a 40mm nut and 18mm spacing at the bridge. That resulted in a neck that has minimal taper. My guitar player was impressed by how it doesn't feel like it's getting wider in your hand as your hand travels down the neck.

If that helps.

 

[J Wilson]

IF you use an independent builder, BE SURE and use one with a verifiable track record, a history in the business, just as if you were looking for a reputable home builder or doctor. You DON'T want this to be the guy's first or second rodeo. I'd also look for someone who does a lot of Fender-style work.

TalkBass is full of tales of woe of guys who fell for some pretty website (like some middle-aged woman with a 'pen pal' in Nairobi that needs money), sent off a pile of hard earned cash, and got nothing, or a trainwreck some kid in 11th grade shop class could have bettered.

DO your homework.