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Is creating a frankenbass worth it?

#21
Have you looked at online resellers like Stratosphere for the exact neck you want?

Mixing and matching parts is one of the tings that make bolt-neck instruments fun.
 
#22
PTS74 said:
Thanks for the replies, at least those of you who were polite. I didn't know you can get custom decals, so rest assured I'll bypass a Fender logo. Didn't realize I'd have to also get a decal on my forehead that read "scumbag" for even entertaining the thought.
Click to expand...

Understand, there haves been many discussions on this, by many who DO know, and "see nothing wrong with it". All is cool.

I think it costs about $20 to get one done, even with a "faux Fender" script.

Try doing it, it's fun.:thumbsup:
 
#23
Gilmourisgod said:
No offense intended, people get touchy about fake logos because some bozo is always hawking an obvious fake on Ebay with a counterfeit decal for high dollars. When you get into the stratospheric level of rare vintage instruments, there is a thriving forgery underworld, the same characters who make fake painting and antiques. Most guitar forgeries are pretty blatant, but an expertly relic'd instrument, often built from at least some genuine parts, can fool even the experts. Unlike paintings, most guitars have little to no provenance. There's a guy who keeps trying to sell what is clearly a Jazz parts bass supposedly once owned by Jaco for thousands, can't remember what it is now
As he keeps changing the price. What balls! Its funny unless you are the sap that buys the fake.
Click to expand...

Agreed, counterfeit rebranding to sell is awful. I wasn't even thinking along those lines.
 
#24
MobileHolmes said:
I made my own for one bass with laser
Printer decal paper (used a font that was inspired by 50s frigidaire). For my new build, I found a lady on eBay that does logos (there are a bunch, she had great
Feedback). I'm getting "Bassopotamus" in something close to the fender script in metallic silver
Click to expand...

MH, Is this the one you used?

Frankenstein Partscaster Metallic Gold Guitar Waterslide Headstock Decals | eBay

I've gone through this lady for several water slide decals and it was a good experience both times. Here's an example:
image.jpg
 
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#26
BTL said:
Have you looked at online resellers like Stratosphere for the exact neck you want?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion, Stratosphere is actually selling exactly the Japanese Fender neck I want, but it's lightly damaged (hairline crack at the edge of the headstock from being dropped (see pic, wonder how you even repair that?) and a few deep chips on the neck back.

bBJqWFx.png
 
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#27
I suck at photoshop. I remember somebody posting a link to a company that will make a custom water-slide decals for around $15.00. Anybody else seen that? BTW, the Warmouth necks are the best I've seen, nice bodies too, though that's not crucial, particularly in solid paint colors. I bought one Mighty Mite Strat neck, and it was just OK. Its a great time for builders, all the cheap chinese parts have driven down prices across the board, and there are literally thousands of vendors for Fender style parts. The hard part is sifting through all those sources for the best quality and prices, kind of an OCD habit of mine. Post photos of what you come up with!
 
#34
In terms of logos, why is it SOOOO important to have one any way? I love it when I see a logo less bass or guitar. It takes the ego out of the equation. If WE bassist looked less at the logo and name, we could learn a lot more from our hero's and other bassist. Plus we would be more open-minded to instruments that MAY be more suitable and most of all more enjoyable for our goals.
FF
 
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#35
Gilmourisgod said:
I suck at photoshop. I remember somebody posting a link to a company that will make a custom water-slide decals for around $15.00. Anybody else seen that? BTW, the Warmouth necks are the best I've seen, nice bodies too, though that's not crucial, particularly in solid paint colors. I bought one Mighty Mite Strat neck, and it was just OK. Its a great time for builders, all the cheap chinese parts have driven down prices across the board, and there are literally thousands of vendors for Fender style parts. The hard part is sifting through all those sources for the best quality and prices, kind of an OCD habit of mine. Post photos of what you come up with!
Click to expand...
Check my posting a couple back before this one of yours
 
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#36
Just remember that a frankenbass is only worth that price to you. The chances of selling it (further on down the road) for anything close to the investment is slim. At least the fender would hold it's value fairly well. When you build a parts rig, better plan on being married to or taking a bath when you try to get rid of it.
 
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#37
FlatwoundFunk said:
In terms of logos, why is it SOOOO important to have one any way? I love it when I see a logo less bass or guitar. It takes the ego out of the equation. If WE bassist looked less at the logo and name, we could learn a lot more from our hero's and other bassist. Plus we would be more open-minded to instruments that MAY be more suitable and most of all more enjoyable for our goals.
FF
Click to expand...
Beats me... But I won't take the logo and the serial off my J neck. Fender put it there, not me! ;-)
 
#38
Personally, I've had a blast finishing my parts-basses, not to mention the anticipation surrounding a couple more builds I'm slowly assembling. I've learned so much…not simply what makes an instrument "tick", but a stronger grasp of my personal, ergonomic criteria. In the process, I parted out my first project, kept want I wanted, sold the rest and embarked upon my second build.

ProjektBlue01_zps8085cc7e.jpg


Since then, I've further modified and improved it (pics are forthcoming) to the point where there's little more I can do to it.

In the broad scope of things, there are two, big benefits;
  1. The cost gets spread out over time, so there's less immediate pinch on the wallet.
  2. Within the bounds of reasonable availability, you can put together something to your specific preferences, which might not be available at an attainable price-point or not attainable at all. (How common are P/J Jazzes with vintage-spec necks, series/parallel switches, split-coil bridge pickups, painted headstocks and come in a kick-ass, transparent blue finish?)
 
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#40
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