I'm looking to commission a build- what do I need to do?

[Bass Man Dan]

I want a light 5 string pbass. I'm talking under 7 pounds. I really can't find one I like out there. So I am looking to have one built for me. Once I find a builder, what usually happens? Is there a contract with the spec sheet, deadlines for the completion, deposit and final payment amounts, etc.? Never done this so all info is appreciated.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I want a light 5 string pbass. I'm talking under 7 pounds. I really can't find one I like out there. So I am looking to have one built for me. Once I find a builder, what usually happens? Is there a contract with the spec sheet, deadlines for the completion, deposit and final payment amounts, etc.? Never done this so all info is appreciated.

There is no industry standard on how Luthiers run their business deals with customers. We're all different. Most who've been around a while will do some kind of order sheet in writing to make sure the specs are clear before the work starts. If you insist on a signed contract with deadlines and penalties, most Luthiers will refuse to work with you. Way too risky for them financially. Not worth it.

Most will require a deposit to get started and some payments as the work progresses. But that depends on the Luthier and how difficult and risky they view the project. What you are looking for sounds routine. You should be able to find someone to build that for you.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

There is no industry standard on how Luthiers run their business deals with customers. We're all different. Most who've been around a while will do some kind of order sheet in writing to make sure the specs are clear before the work starts. If you insist on a signed contract with deadlines and penalties, most Luthiers will refuse to work with you. Way too risky for them financially. Not worth it.

Most will require a deposit to get started and some payments as the work progresses. But that depends on the Luthier and how difficult and risky they view the project. What you are looking for sounds routine. You should be able to find someone to build that for you.

This is really good info. Thanks!

 

[Paulabass]

If you can't play one of this builders basses, at least get some testimonials and references from previous customers. Reputation, reputation, reputation. Price will help you as well. If someone tells you they can build a neck thru active bass out of exotic wood for $1500 he may be full of it, conversely, a bolt on Fender clone with mid-range parts can be done at that price (still be wary). Agree with me or not, but if cost is an issue, you may not be ready for a full custom.

 

[KohanMike]

I've had bass ukes and tenor ukuleles built by Bruce Wei Arts in Vietnam. I give him my initial specs via email, usually as a drawn mockup since I'm a graphic designer. He replies in email with drawn samples and specs and we go back and forth that way a few times. The more detail and specifics you can give, the better. When we're done, he requires payment in full via PayPal including express shipping by my request. It usually takes him about 2 months to complete, sending me progress photos a couple of times.

Tenor ukuleles used to cost about $500 including shipping, it's up to $850 now. Bass ukes used to cost $850, it's up to $1100 now. He makes a variety of instruments and does very good work, not just in my opinion, but also my luthier here in Los Angeles, Eric's Guitar in Van Nuys, CA (in the Sound City complex) says the same when I have him add a preamp/pickup or replace a bridge to one of Bruce's builds.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

This is really good info. Thanks!

Some general comments on your request:

You're probably looking at around $2500. To me, that's the minimum price for a custom hand made Fender-style bass. Standard woods, good quality hardware, good quality aftermarket pickup, passive pickup system. Fancy woods, fancy finish, fancy electronics add to the price. I'd be suspicious of anyone quoting you much less than that. They would be using kit parts, or working for really cheap.

Making a light weight sub-7 lb. P-bass isn't difficult, but it requires some work beyond what the manufacturers (like Fender) are willing to do. Mainly, the neck needs to be made from a lighter weight wood than maple, with a little extra care in its structure and reinforcement. The body also needs to be made from a fairly light wood, with extensive internal chambering. Some attention to details, and it will be under 7 lbs, balanced, and fine-sounding.

My buddy Jeremy Kirsch (who goes by the name of Freekmagnet over in Luthier's Corner) has recently built some cool basses from cherry and really likes it. Cherry is strong, fairly light weight, in good supply, and finishes nicely. Cherry would be a good candidate for your light weight 5-string. Cherry for the neck and body, a simple transparent finish. You can see some of Jeremy's work on his threads, and PM him to see if he's interested in taking on your project.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Some general comments on your request:

You're probably looking at around $2500. To me, that's the minimum price for a custom hand made Fender-style bass. Standard woods, good quality hardware, good quality aftermarket pickup, passive pickup system. Fancy woods, fancy finish, fancy electronics add to the price. I'd be suspicious of anyone quoting you much less than that. They would be using kit parts, or working for really cheap.

Making a light weight sub-7 lb. P-bass isn't difficult, but it requires some work beyond what the manufacturers (like Fender) are willing to do. Mainly, the neck needs to be made from a lighter weight wood than maple, with a little extra care in its structure and reinforcement. The body also needs to be made from a fairly light wood, with extensive internal chambering. Some attention to details, and it will be under 7 lbs, balanced, and fine-sounding.

My buddy Jeremy Kirsch (who goes by the name of Freekmagnet over in Luthier's Corner) has recently built some cool basses from cherry and really likes it. Cherry is strong, fairly light weight, in good supply, and finishes nicely. Cherry would be a good candidate for your light weight 5-string. Cherry for the neck and body, a simple transparent finish. You can see some of Jeremy's work on his threads, and PM him to see if he's interested in taking on your project.

I appreciate all of this info. Thank you!

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Yeah, after researching a bit and considering costs, I just pulled the trigger on another Sandberg. Appreciate all the info, it was helpful in making my decision easier.

 

[mikewalker]

I've had bass ukes and tenor ukuleles built by Bruce Wei Arts in Vietnam. I give him my initial specs via email, usually as a drawn mockup since I'm a graphic designer. He replies in email with drawn samples and specs and we go back and forth that way a few times. The more detail and specifics you can give, the better. When we're done, he requires payment in full via PayPal including express shipping by my request. It usually takes him about 2 months to complete, sending me progress photos a couple of times.

Tenor ukuleles used to cost about $500 including shipping, it's up to $850 now. Bass ukes used to cost $850, it's up to $1100 now. He makes a variety of instruments and does very good work, not just in my opinion, but also my luthier here in Los Angeles, Eric's Guitar in Van Nuys, CA (in the Sound City complex) says the same when I have him add a preamp/pickup or replace a bridge to one of Bruce's builds.

Yeah, I agree that Wei's shop is very good, I have had a number of his instruments over the years.

 

[Bass4Brkfast]

Here are some things that help, just from my experience:
1- Know exactly what you want, as in all specs and materials: scale, type and color of finish, body style, size, contours, neck shape, width and radius, number of frets, headstock shape, fret wire material, make/model of the pickup and wiring, knob choice, hardware i.e. make/model of tuners, bridge, string spacing, string trees, neck plate and strap buttons.
Know all of what you want before you contact the Luthier.
2-Have it all written down, with photos of everything on hand and share all of it with the Luthier. Ask if they are comfortable with the build requirements, ask them what they excel at and maybe try and play to their strengths with your build.
3-Let him/her advise you on the more advanced stuff like wood choice and construction methods based on your goals.
4-Be flexible with the timeline within reason and agree on an estimate time that is workable for both. Things may take longer to build or assemble, and the last thing a Luthier needs is a client pressing for updates more often than they can provide them.
5-A deposit up front and payments as the build goes on are standard practice, as others said. Make sure you agree on this with the builder ahead of staring.
6-Look for testimonials about the product and the experience of working with the builder.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Yeah, after researching a bit and considering costs, I just pulled the trigger on another Sandberg. Appreciate all the info, it was helpful in making my decision easier.

I was going to recommend Sandberg's Ultralites, or whatever they're calling them. Congrats!

 

[Philip McAdam]

I want a light 5 string pbass. I'm talking under 7 pounds. I really can't find one I like out there. So I am looking to have one built for me. Once I find a builder, what usually happens? Is there a contract with the spec sheet, deadlines for the completion, deposit and final payment amounts, etc.? Never done this so all info is appreciated.

Hi Dan, Sandberg make a lightweight bass that may meet your needs for less than the cost of a custom build. Having said that, a custom build is perhaps a bit special to the person that it has been created for.

 

[deepestend]

Just beware of any small shops that overpromise. It's only human to try to promise to give incredible value for price. But sometimes, it ends up being very hard to deliver. In some cases it's likely worth it to spend more for a sure thing.

 

[themickster]

I want a light 5 string pbass. I'm talking under 7 pounds. I really can't find one I like out there. So I am looking to have one built for me. Once I find a builder, what usually happens? Is there a contract with the spec sheet, deadlines for the completion, deposit and final payment amounts, etc.? Never done this so all info is appreciated.

Have you seen the Ibanez SR Series? They are lightweight.

You'd need to tell a luthier what you want, or you'll get something you don't want.