Inexpensive build.

[Pep]

If anyone has ever built “parts basses” you know it can be expensive for just the body and the neck. Add to that hardware, electronics, tuners and it can add up.

How about a Squier Jaguar “H” Series with a 32” neck. If you get one from Sweetwater for $349 plus tax.

I’ve been eyeing some bodies and necks on eBay from Stratosphere and Franklin Guitar works. They are an outlet for bass parts and get a lot of over runs and B.Stock parts.

I’m currently starting on my second Squier Jaguar “H” Series Bass. Both the “loaded” body and” loaded” neck came from Franklin Guitar Parts. The total cost for both came to
$172.00.

If you’re wanting a project bass with all the parts for not much dough, this is it.
Links:

https://ebay.io/m/YP3Lhs

https://ebay.io/m/rfVDsp

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Thanks for the links.

 

[Pep]

You bet.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I built this for $400.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

I’m currently starting on my second Squier Jaguar “H” Series Bass. Both the “loaded” body and” loaded” neck came from Franklin Guitar Parts. The total cost for both came to $172.00.

https://ebay.io/m/YP3Lhs

https://ebay.io/m/rfVDsp

Body is $115, Neck is $80, that comes out to $195.

How did you arrive at $172?

 

[madmaskbass]

i love scouring marketplace for people who have upgraded cheap basses with good hardware and then buy those basses with good hardware to feed projects. For instance in my area there is an ibanez talman body with emg-x PJ set for less than the price of buying the pickups alone. Can get some good gear for cheaper if you are prepared to hoard lol. My issue is owning really lovely basses its hard to play the projects over them and then they dont sell that well. Still great fun though.

 

[J Wilson]

Although you can build some utterly first-class parts basses, buying every last part (especially buying the body and neck already finished) at retail can add up to quite a sum.

It's far cheaper to find a used ___________________ that's pretty close to what you had in mind, change out the few things YOU want, and get after it. Not always possible, but particularly for Fender-style instruments, the aftermarket choices are very, very deep for pickups and parts.

I'd also add this: If you think of every time you read a post where the guy just had to change out to 'better pickups' (to him), ever wonder WHERE the old ones went? Often guys will sell these and they can be REALLY cheap. Check the used sections of the usual suspect websites and look around.

 

[Iridescentone]

I've been hanging onto a spare pair of Peavey SF pickups for years, thinking I'd someday make a parts bass with them.

Caveat 1: I can buy a nice old Foundation for less than any parts list from the usual suppliers.

Caveat 2: I already have an old killer Foundation, and I can't think of any way to improve on it.

No joy there for that idea.

 

[lug]

Clearance G&L Tribute neck -$39
Cheapie Amazon tuners - $25
Unknown body off of ebay -$55
Used SD Quarter Pounder - $60
Omega Bridge - $45
Controls - out of junk drawer.

Result - This bass goes with me as primaray or backup to every gig I have. Got lucky on the weight, under 8lbs.

The only thing I might change in the future are the tuners, they really are cheap feeling but do hold a tune.

 

[srosenthal13]

How about a Squier Jaguar “H” Series with a 32” neck. If you get one from Sweetwater for $349 plus tax.

I've done exactly that, but with the Classic Vibe Jags. They were about $450, but still a reasonable price for a solid mod platform.

 

[Pep]

Body is $115, Neck is $80, that comes out to $195.

How did you arrive at $172?

Yes, it appears my figures are slightly off but not by much. They gave me a discount on both items.
Neck: $ 71.99 + tax = $ 76.31
Body: $100.00 + tax = $106.00

Total: $182.31. Still a heck of a price!

 

[Pep]

I built this for $400.

View attachment 7523358

I’d like to hear more about this!

 

[Pep]

Clearance G&L Tribute neck -$39
Cheapie Amazon tuners - $25
Unknown body off of ebay -$55
Used SD Quarter Pounder - $60
Omega Bridge - $45
Controls - out of junk drawer.

Result - This bass goes with me as primaray or backup to every gig I have. Got lucky on the weight, under 8lbs.

The only thing I might change in the future are the tuners, they really are cheap feeling but do hold a tune.

Beautiful bass.

 

[Pep]

I've done exactly that, but with the Classic Vibe Jags. They were about $450, but still a reasonable price for a solid mod platform.

View attachment 7523594

Nice pair!

 

[Thumpin6string]

I’d like to hear more about this!

The details are in my sig, but here is the link. I did sell the Benevente preamp and put in a used Bart NTMB with mid switch since the original build. It added about $10 more.
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/nbb-my-franken-6-fretless.1580816/

 

[bolophonic]

In my experience, the best place to buy parts is right here. Stratosphere is probably the most expensive place to buy parts.

 

[Pep]

In my experience, the best place to buy parts is right here. Stratosphere is probably the most expensive place to buy parts.

Try Franklin Guitar Works.