Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Kit Basses - Comments & Advice
- Thread starter Basslice
- Start date
-
- Tags
- kit builds
I am completely addicted to building my own basses now, so a kit is appealing, but the economics dont make much sense. Nearly all the kits available are Chinese made imports, and as others have said, quality varies wildly, with "meh" about the best. The hardware and electronics they typically provide are crap. Buying aftermarket parts for a cheap kit makes no sense financially, but if the point is to have fun building it, the world is a giant candy shop of Fender compatible parts, and the treasure hunt alone is a lot of fun. If you want to try your hand at some carpentry, but not the whole hog, get a "paddle" headstock neck that you can customize like the Carvin/Keisel necks. Spend your money on a decent neck, and then buy a cheap painted body, or body blank and carve your own if you feel ambitious.
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
- Jul 7, 2010
- 3,383
- 2,311
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist for: Duncan Pickups; Line6, Hipshot, GHS Strings, Somnium Guitars
It is a very inconsistent process when buying the cheap kits. I have found that IF you dont mind sanding necks, sealing the necks and fret filing, paint or staining and clear coat of any type. Then go for it.
But in my thoughts I would just find a used Squier VM bass and switch out pickup to either a SPB-1 or EMG GZR and then do setup and have fun.
BUT that is me.
I also build basses and guitars so both options are enjoyable when you know what you are wanting and doing.
Have fun with your choice!
Remember it goes to 11!
But in my thoughts I would just find a used Squier VM bass and switch out pickup to either a SPB-1 or EMG GZR and then do setup and have fun.
BUT that is me.
I also build basses and guitars so both options are enjoyable when you know what you are wanting and doing.
Have fun with your choice!
Remember it goes to 11!
I've been building guitars and basses from parts and kits now for quite a while. Its become an obcession. You can get great results using either approach.
This i assembled from parts. All third party parts, loved the body color.
This one i built for me. Custom ash body made by toro woodworks. I finished the body. Fender pbass neck. Lackland pups. High mass bridge. Seymour Duncan preamp.
Here is one I built for another friend. He wanted to stay all Fender as far as wood is concerned. Pbass neck, Fender replacement body, Seymour Duncan pups, high mass bridge, and a Tort pickguard.
I have others but I'm sharing these with you to get a sense of what's possible.
- Sep 9, 2007
- 5,309
- 4,977
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Eventide, GHS Strings, G&L Guitars, NS Design, Tsunami Cables
I've modded nearly every bass I've had, and built a couple from parts.
If you're good with tools and patient, building one from a kit or parts is really the way to go. It's not about the monetary savings as much as it is learning some skills, but also dialing in that bass the way YOU want it. I usually put the whole thing together, dial it in, and then take it to a repair tech to give it a good once-over. From there, I never have any other issues.
If you're good with tools and patient, building one from a kit or parts is really the way to go. It's not about the monetary savings as much as it is learning some skills, but also dialing in that bass the way YOU want it. I usually put the whole thing together, dial it in, and then take it to a repair tech to give it a good once-over. From there, I never have any other issues.
I'd buy a neck from the TB classifieds, since you have a better chance of getting something decent compared to a cheap kit. Then decide what path you want to take on the body. If the neck is decent, you're a long way to a good playable instrument. I bought a 2005 Squier neck and built a body from scratch. Not that hard to do, if you're so inclined. I'll resist the urge to post a picture.
iirc Kiesel stopped their custom necks service when the pandemic hit, and removed the links for it from the website. There is no online builder tool for custom necks any more, and the page you linked to is a placeholder. I don't know whether you can still get a neck by phoning them, though.
The world needs more double bucker jazzes.
Also, I've built a kit strat, then modded the ever-loving heck out of it. It was great. Kits are fun, I wouldn't pretend they're an efficient way to get a guitar/bass though.
Last edited:
no one needs a P-bass! just to clarify: in your world!
for the OP: that's what a lot of the glarry club members do: buy the cheap bass and then modify it (visually/electronically/feel/etc.) until it's playable to the satisfaction of the player. quite a few (all?) of those instruments are made to play better, look better, sound better...all for a little time and whatever parts/costs that best rationalize the end result. my axes have to play.... i have to be able to bond with them and they have to be dependable, gig-able instruments. parts building can easily get you superior instruments for less than off-the-rack comparables.
i have a P-bass (
) that kills, weighs ~6 lbs., looks and sounds good --- but it's the feel that makes it work! it's fun to DIY, but it's serious business to get a real player! good luck with your quest/project!
I will say, that is one beautiful bass. Regardless of anything else.
FWIW, this is the best selling/rated P Bass kit on Amazon right now, no idea what "okume" wood is, one of a thousand tropical woods that are supplanting others due to CITES and lumber shortages, I guess. The reviews are decent, with the predictable comments on replacing the pickups. The electronics look to be the cheap mini-pots and thin wiring, but that stuff is cheap to upgrade if you can solder. The tuners on these kits can be best described as "serviceable", but the ones on my 93' MIM P are no better, go figure. The Allparts and Mighty Mite necks are pretty good, though if budget isn't the primary concern, Warmoth parts are about the best available, and you can customize everything. I put a Frankenjazz Fretless together from Warmoth parts years ago, and it's among my most stable and well made basses. If you want a high quality hassle free build where everything just fits, don't cheap out.
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Gui...d=1&keywords=p+bass+kit&qid=1605798961&sr=8-8
https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Gui...d=1&keywords=p+bass+kit&qid=1605798961&sr=8-8
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
Freekmagnet
Commercial User
Just echoing a few other post here...
I would go parts bass as opposed to buying a kit. All the Fender stuff, for the most part, is interchangeable. You can make a pretty fun treasure hunt out of shopping for used or new parts.
Here's a few tips I learned along the way:
Squier Affinity bodies are made of alder. You can pick one up for under $50.
Don't go too cheap on the neck. Stay away from the Eden stuff and the Ey Guitars stuff. Last I heard, AllParts necks are made in Japan and you can pick one up new for under $200. It might need some fretwork, so be prepared for that. TruOil is the hobby builder's best friend for finishing necks. Otherwise, there's tons of guys selling used necks here on TB. I bought a used USACG P neck for $100 here.
I know you said you wanted EMGs specifically, but just FYI, the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 is a great pickup and you can find a used one for $50. New, they're like, $79.
There's a seller on eBay - BezDez - who deals a lot of Korean-made parts. I've bought tuners and bridges from them, and they are definitely decent quality. Otherwise, look for a used set of tuners here on TB.
Expensive bridges are a waste of money, but don't go too cheap. Again, check out BezDez on eBay.
I would go parts bass as opposed to buying a kit. All the Fender stuff, for the most part, is interchangeable. You can make a pretty fun treasure hunt out of shopping for used or new parts.
Here's a few tips I learned along the way:
Squier Affinity bodies are made of alder. You can pick one up for under $50.
Don't go too cheap on the neck. Stay away from the Eden stuff and the Ey Guitars stuff. Last I heard, AllParts necks are made in Japan and you can pick one up new for under $200. It might need some fretwork, so be prepared for that. TruOil is the hobby builder's best friend for finishing necks. Otherwise, there's tons of guys selling used necks here on TB. I bought a used USACG P neck for $100 here.
I know you said you wanted EMGs specifically, but just FYI, the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 is a great pickup and you can find a used one for $50. New, they're like, $79.
There's a seller on eBay - BezDez - who deals a lot of Korean-made parts. I've bought tuners and bridges from them, and they are definitely decent quality. Otherwise, look for a used set of tuners here on TB.
Expensive bridges are a waste of money, but don't go too cheap. Again, check out BezDez on eBay.
I'm not clear on what you are trying to accomplish. If you just want a cheap P bass, get a Squier Affinity. From everything I've heard they are at minimum acceptable and at least there will be a market for it if you don't like it. You can get them on Craigslist all day long for about $100. A kit bass, that's a crap shoot and you could wind up throwing away your time and money if the project doesn't work out.
I've built exactly one kit bass. It was fun and a great learning experience, and I look forward to doing more building, but probably not from inexpensive kits.
Finishing (painting) was a major major PITA for me, and I've decided that part of the job isn't for me. At least not until I have a proper indoor spray set up.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned specifically yet is the cost of tools needed to do the job right, especially for the frets. I hugely believe in the right tools for the job. For me, the cheap ones are harder to use, less precise, result in more frustration, and I usually end buying the more expensive one anyhow.
If you do the frets yourself, you'll need a leveling beam, a notched straight edge, fret files, nut slot files (if you want a proper set up and good action).
Those tools can get spendy...
Finishing (painting) was a major major PITA for me, and I've decided that part of the job isn't for me. At least not until I have a proper indoor spray set up.
One thing that hasn't been mentioned specifically yet is the cost of tools needed to do the job right, especially for the frets. I hugely believe in the right tools for the job. For me, the cheap ones are harder to use, less precise, result in more frustration, and I usually end buying the more expensive one anyhow.
If you do the frets yourself, you'll need a leveling beam, a notched straight edge, fret files, nut slot files (if you want a proper set up and good action).
Those tools can get spendy...
$150 is tempting...
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
I hear ya. What I am trying to accomplish is to add a Fender-"Type" P-bass to my arsenal - even though I don't need one. I have looked for Squires used and new, but I don't know if you have checked lately, but they're prices have gone up quite a bit. So the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].
Like trying to find an old project tube amp at a garage sale. They don't exist anymore - at least not in these parts.In a perfect world, I would lay down $1600 on a nice bass and call it a day. But the world isn't perfect. So cheap, but decent playability is the goal. I don't mind projects...
****EDIT: p.s. I don't want a PJ, so infinity is out.Funny how prices of Affinity (PJ) new is less than Plane Jane Precision.*********
Last edited:
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,350
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
Make your own 'kit'. I'd personally do body & neck from USACG, though many do Warmoth, and then at least you're getting good wood and workmanship and source/build the rest on your own. That way you can have all the 'fun' of doing the finishing, assembly maybe some of the finer fretwork, etc. but don't have to work with crappy components.
I have looked for Squires used and new, but I don't know if you have checked lately, but they're prices have gone up quite a bit. So the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].
I don't know how hard you've looked, but deals are available if you're not it a hurry. This is an affinity P, not a PJ:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
As to your example, people can ask whatever they want. NOBODY is going to pay $400 for a used Squier.
