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My DP Pushic Custom fiasco........

#181
i'm not into the whole "custom" scene, but is it at all feasible to have a low-cost, good quality (NOT necessarily the same thing as high quality) custom option? and by low-cost - because cost is a verrry relative thing when it comes to basses - i mean in the wishy/dp price range?
(not counting carvin)

people rave about their custom basses and what not. for those of us that are not able to plop $2000+ on a single instrument, companies like DP and Wishy must sound like a dream! cost-wise, i mean.
 
#182
jomahu said:
i'm not into the whole "custom" scene, but is it at all feasible to have a low-cost, good quality (NOT necessarily the same thing as high quality) custom option? and by low-cost - because cost is a verrry relative thing when it comes to basses - i mean in the wishy/dp price range?
(not counting carvin)

people rave about their custom basses and what not. for those of us that are not able to plop $2000+ on a single instrument, companies like DP and Wishy must sound like a dream! cost-wise, i mean.
Click to expand...

Not really. Most of the custom guys seem to get by on a shoestring...Small shops that usually only have a few employees and no benefits. Lots of the guys who build say it's a very tough slog to make ends meet and only really do it for the love of making basses.

I personally don't begrudge the extra $$$ for a beautifully built non production bass. Those guys deserve it. Otherwise, there are plenty of production basses that sound great and have excellent fit and finish.
 
#184
I have posted this info before, somewhere (don't think it was here on TB) ...

Here's a reality check for sake of comparison. All of the prices listed are direct from the builders web sites and are the base costs for a 6 string, the last time I checked. No other considerations have been given to NT vs. bolt-on vs. set neck, specialty woods, electronics, etc. Just pricing for the cheapest 6 they offer:

DP Custom $850
Stambaugh Bass $1800
FBB Custom $1850
MP Guitars $1899
Benavente $2000
Elrick $3000
Conklin $4200

Of course there are lots of other builders, this is just for reference. Looking at the pricing you can likely understand how appealing something like a DP can be for those looking for a "custom" bass. However, just comparing the under $2K base costs, there is a world of difference between DP and the next three (Stambaugh, FBB & MPG). Do a search on the next three in line and for the most part all you'll see are glowing reviews :bassist:

I interpret all of this to mean that you need to plan on paying in the neighborhood of $2K to get a decent custom/boutique bass. At $850, you're getting what can only be described as sub-standard (dare I say, novice?) work. I don't know about you guys, but $850 is a lot of cash to me and I'm not about to waste it on a sub-standard bass simply so I can say that it's "custom" built :rollno: I can buy any of a wide variety of smoking basses for that money ..... :cool:
 
#185
lamborghini98 said:
Im pretty sure that reading this thread is a terrible way to make judgements on DP. why dont you try talking to some of his happier customers, too. This is just the negative. Remember that he has made probably hundreds of instruments ... and I bet you cant find more than 6 or so original buyers who werent happy.. and not more than 1 or 2 who had serious problems with their instrument (by serious I mean you cant play the instrument). Youre right in that you should expect to get what you pay for. But you need to re-evaluate the meaning of that statement in this context. Are other basses overpriced? Who is Dave's market? etc etc

Im out of this thread until someone gives reason for any more debate. I really want to see an itemized list of the problems in 4string's instrument, and their actual impact to the instrument.
Click to expand...

Well the thing is that this thread (and TB in general) really IS a good way to make a judgement call on a DP bass or any other piece of gear out there. The membership base here is pretty big and there are lots of smart people out there posting with opinions I'd trust so why not ask around on TB before making a decision? I'd love to read about the 1 or 2 people out there onm TB who got lucky with their DPs but where are they? The dissatisfied to satisfied ratio isn't very forgiving for Mr. Pushic. What is it about 5 to 1? I know that you think that your bass will be different. You are being optimistic about your purchase but let's face it: DP track record isn't good. He's either in over his head, doesn't care about doing a good job or wasn't really ready skills-wise to start this venture. I really think what most of the posters in this thread are trying to do is look out for their TB brethren.

Jeff
 
#186
lamborghini98 said:
Me too... but theres no point in worrying. I have confidence that if I dont rush him and dont give him a project I dont think he can do, itll all turn out well. A few TBers who are happy with Dave's work have come out of the woodwork and PM'ed me saying so. They just dont post because theyre not a-holes like myself. I just have a different point of view from a lot of people, and what you think is critical may not be critical to me. Then of course we both exaggerate and things get out of hand.

Still want 4string4ever to post, though...
Click to expand...
See my original post for the items you requested. Oh, I forgot to add that originally the bridge was not centered correctly causing the G string to almost come off the edge of the f'board......
 
#187
pointbass said:
I have posted this info before, somewhere (don't think it was here on TB) ...

Here's a reality check for sake of comparison. All of the prices listed are direct from the builders web sites and are the base costs for a 6 string, the last time I checked. No other considerations have been given to NT vs. bolt-on vs. set neck, specialty woods, electronics, etc. Just pricing for the cheapest 6 they offer:

DP Custom $850
Stambaugh Bass $1800
FBB Custom $1850
MP Guitars $1899
Benavente $2000
Elrick $3000
Conklin $4200

Of course there are lots of other builders, this is just for reference. Looking at the pricing you can likely understand how appealing something like a DP can be for those looking for a "custom" bass. However, just comparing the under $2K base costs, there is a world of difference between DP and the next three (Stambaugh, FBB & MPG). Do a search on the next three in line and for the most part all you'll see are glowing reviews :bassist:

I interpret all of this to mean that you need to plan on paying in the neighborhood of $2K to get a decent custom/boutique bass. At $850, you're getting what can only be described as sub-standard (dare I say, novice?) work. I don't know about you guys, but $850 is a lot of cash to me and I'm not about to waste it on a sub-standard bass simply so I can say that it's "custom" built :rollno: I can buy any of a wide variety of smoking basses for that money ..... :cool:
Click to expand...
Im guessing that DP's price is a real world actual sale price while many of the others are retail prices and that the actual sale price is lower if you were to contact an authorized dealer.
 
#188
Nick man said:
Im guessing that DP's price is a real world actual sale price while many of the others are retail prices and that the actual sale price is lower if you were to contact an authorized dealer.
Click to expand...

You're right- you can get a bolt-on Elrick six for around $2300 new, and an FBB for even less.


The prices are pretty correct as sales prices if they include many extras that a base model DP doesn't come with standard. For $1850, you get a decked-out FBB with nice woods, Bart (or similar) pickups and pre, nice hardware, etc. $3000 will be just a few hundred short of getting you a singlecut five-string with Bart soapbars, 3-band preamp, deluxe Hipshot hardware, strap locks, really nice top, etc. all standard- basically his top-of-the-line stuff.

$850 will get you a base model DP- adding in all the extras that the FBB or Elrick would have standard would jack up the price of the DP several hundred dollars.
 
#190
marcusalan said:
I find it funny that so many people have posted only the base price for the DP in comparison to all of the other custom builders...

It's the STARTING price for a BASE mode. Once you pile on the requisite options, there goes the sweet price point.
Click to expand...

Yup, that was the gist of my post- while they're still inexpensive, they're not really that far off of other builders when you add on the options that other builders have standard.

4string4ever said that his cost about $1500 in this thread (or at least implied it), which is the same as a nice FBB and close to a Stambaugh or the same as a bolt-on model by lots of builders.
 
#192
Bryan R. Tyler said:
4string4ever said that his cost about $1500 in this thread (or at least implied it), which is the same as a nice FBB and close to a Stambaugh or the same as a bolt-on model by lots of builders.
Click to expand...
Agreed, and that was my point as well. The pricing listed is a guideline for the approximated costs for any of these builders. You can get a pretty sweet FBB for $2K, and it's a very safe bet that you won't have any type of fit/finish issues with the bass. If 4strings bass was $1500, that is no longer a bargain, at least not by my definition of a bargain. For $1500 that bass should be problem-free ......
 
#193
I agree with you Jeff.

We should be as responsible as possible in informing members of the TalkBass community (and elsewhere) about situations like this. No one should get stuck with a lemon, regardless of their wallet-size or musical experiences. NO ONE!!

My best piece of advice to newbies is to save up that extra $500 or even a $1000 and buy the right piece gear for you!! You'll thank yourself in the long run!! Don't pinch pennies when it comes to satisfying your artistic endeavors. ;)

ZoomBoy said:
Well the thing is that this thread (and TB in general) really IS a good way to make a judgement call on a DP bass or any other piece of gear out there. He's either in over his head, doesn't care about doing a good job or wasn't really ready skills-wise to start this venture. I really think what most of the posters in this thread are trying to do is look out for their TB brethren.

Jeff
Click to expand...
 
#194
marcusalan said:
I find it funny that so many people have posted only the base price for the DP in comparison to all of the other custom builders...

It's the STARTING price for a BASE mode. Once you pile on the requisite options, there goes the sweet price point.
Click to expand...

Youd think so...
ill divulge my specs.
4 string
maple/padauk/maple neck
wenge wings
afzelia burl top (i bought it myself for 190)
bloodwood fretboard
bloodwood trussrod cover
EMG 2-band electronics
EMG active pups (TW-neck, DC-bridge)
hipshot b body through bridge
gotoh tuners
some other minor things...

the base price is 700, and its coming out maybe 400-500 more. Its not dirt cheap, but check out how much other companies might charge for the same work.
 
#195
4string4ever said:
See my original post for the items you requested. Oh, I forgot to add that originally the bridge was not centered correctly causing the G string to almost come off the edge of the f'board......
Click to expand...


Sorry.. I just cant find what Im looking for. I want an itemized list of exactly why each problem is a problem. Its obvious that no one wants these flaws, but which ones are more than just aesthetically displeasing? And how serious are they?
 
#196
lamborghini98 said:
Youd think so...
ill divulge my specs.
4 string
maple/padauk/maple neck
wenge wings
afzelia burl top (i bought it myself for 190)
bloodwood fretboard
bloodwood trussrod cover
EMG 2-band electronics
EMG active pups (TW-neck, DC-bridge)
hipshot b body through bridge
gotoh tuners
some other minor things...

the base price is 700, and its coming out maybe 400-500 more. Its not dirt cheap, but check out how much other companies might charge for the same work.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but check out the quality that comes out of their work...
 
#197
lamborghini98 said:
Sorry.. I just cant find what Im looking for. I want an itemized list of exactly why each problem is a problem. Its obvious that no one wants these flaws, but which ones are more than just aesthetically displeasing? And how serious are they?
Click to expand...


Personally, I would consider a bridge that wasn't aligned perfectly to be a SERIOUS problem. And an inexcusable one. At any price.
 
#198
Fro $1,200, you could've had a beautiful Carvin that meets or exceeds your specs, including a one-half-inch-thick figured top. The construction would be flawless, and people wouldn't be hassling you right now.

Here's just one example:

91232b.jpg
 
#199
You poor, poor boy. This world is going to do terrible things to a naive pup such as yourself. I've seen his work first hand. The neck on one bass I've seen, the back felt like a roller coaster with all the valley's and ridges. The fingerboard and neck had many gaps with dried up glue oozing out. The frets and scale are incorrect making for an instrument that can't play in tune. The workmanship is just plain poor and not worth the money. But, worry not. By some crazy twist of fate you may end up with that one rare bird that still sucks but not quite as much as all the others.


Or.... you could take that same $1200 and buy a used Elrick, roscoe, Zon, Modulus, or any other quality instrument (I've seen many of these in that range) and actually own a useful piece of equipment that you won't have to beg someone to buy from you later on for $300.

lamborghini98 said:
Youd think so...
ill divulge my specs.
4 string
maple/padauk/maple neck
wenge wings
afzelia burl top (i bought it myself for 190)
bloodwood fretboard
bloodwood trussrod cover
EMG 2-band electronics
EMG active pups (TW-neck, DC-bridge)
hipshot b body through bridge
gotoh tuners
some other minor things...

the base price is 700, and its coming out maybe 400-500 more. Its not dirt cheap, but check out how much other companies might charge for the same work.
Click to expand...
 

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