Higher end production bass vs 'entry' level custom.

[nonohmic]

All,

I am finally getting to the position where I am ready to put a serious (for me) amount of money into a bass. My budget is ~ $2k. This is an interesting space because it puts you at the high end of production basses, but also the lower end of custom basses. I have a number of options on my list, which I won't go into.

But my question is - what are peoples experiences in this price point? Does this price point in production basses 'punch above it's weight'? Or is getting your own custom specs worth it, even if the overall options on the bass aren't as extensive?

Thanks!

 

[highway]

I personally wouldn't invest too heavily in any one thing, because my interests change over time. So the PERFECT thing for me today may not be the same thing 5 years from now, and it may be difficult to get my money back out of something. That is just my opinion, and what I have observed in the past.

That said, you may be able to "build" something classy and traditional from Warmoth (Gecko 4/5/6) for $1000 or so.

 

[wvbass]

I personally think the $999-$1600 range is where basses really punch above their weight. You can can get five star quality at the expense of choosing your own options. I've not convinced enough that the $1600-$3000 range has enough more to offer that I'm ready to venture into that territory. I have made used purchases in that higher price range and am completely satisfied, but I can't say my $999-$1600 basses are worse.

On the other hand, I'm not any worse of a player on my basses that cost less than $999, so there might be a lesson to learn from that.

 

[wvbass]

I personally wouldn't invest too heavily in any one thing, because my interests change over time. So the PERFECT thing for me today may not be the same thing 5 years from now, and it may be difficult to get my money back out of something. That is just my opinion, and what I have observed in the past.

That said, you may be able to "build" something classy and traditional from Warmoth (Gecko 4/5/6) for $1000 or so.

Says the guy that ALSO just bought his first StingRay5.

 

[nonohmic]

On the other hand, I'm not any worse of a player on my basses that cost less than $999, so there might be a lesson to learn from that.

Absolutely. I have Squiers which I still need to learn how to get the most from.

This purchase is based on the fact that I have worked hard and put the majority of my life in order, now I'm ready to treat myself.

 

[StyleOverShow]

You know refining your tastes might be a better way to go, in the figure out what makes a difference kinda way. The number of strings, pups, controls are all one set of characteristics or look, fit and finish features are another. Then there’s weight, neck length and width etc.

You might try some different bases like G&L, MM and ?? Find out what’s really important to you before throwing down on a keeper kind of bass.

 

[wvbass]

You know, in almost forty years of playing, I've figured out a couple things about what I like in a bass:

1) I like the upper horn to hit at about the 12th fret so it hangs like a Fender. This is flexible, but it is automatically more comfortable.
2) I like 5 strings to have tighter string spacing than four strings.
3) I like variety.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[nonohmic]

You know refining your tastes might be a better way to go, in the figure out what makes a difference kinda way. The number of strings, pups, controls are all one set of characteristics or look, fit and finish features are another. Then there’s weight, neck length and width etc.

You might try some different bases like G&L, MM and ?? Find out what’s really important to you before throwing down on a keeper kind of bass.

Yeah word, maybe I need to make better use of return policies (while not taking advantage of course).

 

[scuzzy]

all my basses are just under $2000 or less. I have 2 customs, and several high end factory models. if there is a factory bass that ticks all the boxes of what you are wanting, buy factory, and used if possible.

if you want a look and setup very different from a factory bass, go custom. if you aren't very picky on lots of things, but are looking at great quality for the best price, there are a plethora of amazing custom instruments up for sale on our classifieds ALL the time in that price range. it really comes down to preference. I like my custom basses a lot. their look is what really separates them. as far as playability and tone, my big Al SSS matches or exceeds both. just my opinion.

 

[Anachronism]

Unless you have specific specs in mind that are hard to get from a production bass, or just really like a particular builder's work, I don't think custom necessarily gets you very much. 2k will get you a new Fender, Rick, etc... and a lot of used boutique basses can be found at that point as well (I think the cheaper used Alembics might prove to be some of the best bargains around, FWIW).

 

[Jim C]

Its the law of diminishing returns.
I think a Japanese Sadowsky could be 4 to 5 times better than a Squire but I don't think an AC is twice as good as the Sadowsky.
And I've been chasing this formula forever. The super good and super bad unicorns along the way really confuse things too.
So bang for buck and based on a general sampling of 4-strings, I suggest MM, G&L, Lakland Skyline, Sandberg, and some Fenders (I'm not up on what models excel). This would be the $900 - 1,600 range as mentioned by wvbass.
You might find something more esoteric like a Valenti or Bluesman close to that number.
I'm sure I'm missing some.

Once you clear $2K, Sadowsky, Spector and a bunch of customs are waiting.

For me, none of these basses would ever be acceptable if it weighed over 8.5lbs or had a nut wider than 1 5/8" so consider your requirements as suggested above.

 

[highway]

Says the guy that ALSO just bought his first StingRay5.

Yeah I am definitely not an expert, but that is why I try to buy used gear that holds its resale value if/when things change! The more specialized the thing is, the smaller the target group will be.

 

[wvbass]

Yeah I am definitely not an expert, but that is why I try to buy used gear that holds its resale value if/when things change! The more specialized the thing is, the smaller the target group will be.

I should receive my first Stingray5 tomorrow.

 

[Guild B301]

If you go the custom route, just make sure you don’t go for something so personal that it won’t have good resale value. If you go the production route- definitely get a used bass and you will be able to afford a much better model.

 

[Sid the Kid]

At this dollar amount I think assembling a parts bass would leave you wanting. Also at this dollar amount you should have an idea of what you want from an instrument.

We have no idea what you are looking for, so my best suggestion is a top end production model. The custom bass will only excel when you know exactly what you want, then you have to hope the builder can achieve that. It is an expensive gamble when you consider the resale value of custom Basses vs expensive production Basses.

I would try to find a Warwick Thumb 5NT in your price range, and I know that no Warmoth or even entry level boutique would compete. That’s just me tho.

 

[highway]

I should receive my first Stingray5 tomorrow.

That's awesome! I'm sure you'll love it, if you like THAT sound at all they don't disappoint! The string spacing took a week or so to get used to, but I love it. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the way this bass sounds. I've liked it since the 90s, and only wish I got one sooner. My GAS kinda disappeared over night for other instruments.

 

[two fingers]

"It depends."

If you're into Fender type basses, two grand will get you a lot. If you're into super modern boutique basses, not so much.

What style of bass are you into?

 

[Chad Michael]

Had I ~ 2k burning a hole in my bass pocket:

- MM Stingray Classic (newish)
- Roscoe LG (used - ish)

Why? Because they sound a bit different from anything I have now.

…. what are peoples experiences in this price point? Does this price point in production basses 'punch above it's weight'? Or is getting your own custom specs worth it, even if the overall options on the bass aren't as extensive?

I'm not qualified to offer wisdom here, however others will chew your ear off, if you give them time <c:

 

[JW56789]

I can not think of a time when there has been greater diversity in available 'off the rack' basses. I've been at this a long time and am very hard pressed to think of anything I could possible think of that isn't already in production by several different companies, and for the $1k-$2k range, you have a HUGE range of first-rate axes. I would really, really have to dream up some sort of unicorn that would force me into a custom build.

Of course the question is, 'What don't you have now that you want in your new one' . . . . and then you work out from there.

I was fortunate to have a custom five-string built for me by Alembic, but it was a specialist piece, yet not unlike any number of neckthru fives that were available: It was the 'Alembic' part that was not available anywhere else.
We worked out the details, I paid up, and a year later, on time, I received exactly what I ordered.

I'd posit that $2k is on the low end (maybe too low) for an outright custom axe, but if you should decide to go that way, for gosh sakes, deal with someone like Alembic, MTD, Sadowsky, Spector, etc., people that have been around for a long time, run an honest business, and will deliver what you wanted. The Internet has spawned a lot of 'custom luthiers' who are little more than a great website with pretty pictures and little or no reliable track record, legitimate build times, and little to no chance of being anything more than a very expensive mistake. A casual cruise around Talkbass will recount some of those horror stories.

My advice would be to shop around and be totally and utterly sure that nobody is making what you want IF you got to have something built; otherwise there are tons of great axes in production that could be just what you're after.

 

[REV]

Another thing with "Custom Instruments" is the wait factor. Is the luthier dependable? Do they have a history of delivering on time? These days they may not have help to complete a project. Do they have a long list of satisfied clients? A long list of dissatisfied clients? Are you willing to wait at least six months for your bass?