In Feb of 2018, I contacted a gentleman who agreed to make me a custom bass. I have ever been through this process so I didn't have a lot of input on string spacing, pickup placement, specific wood choice, etc. Also I've never played one of his basses so I figured I was in over my head. I had no clue how long it would take but it's been a dream to get one of these basses since I was a 16 year old in the mid 90's. Turns out this bass ticks every box for me. Weight, playability, sound, look, feel- it has everything. The pics barely do it justice. Ladies and gentlemen of Talkbass, I give you the only bass I need and one I cannot put down. My new Carl Thompson.
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NBD!! A year and 8 month wait and well worth it!!
- Thread starter stevegeer
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36" scale, weight is about 6.50 lbs, not sure what pick ups he currently uses. I know they've changed over the years but it sounds like every Carl Thompson I have heard recorded. They are passive pick ups. Simple tone and volume knobs. The front switch is the pick up selector. The back switch is interesting- forward is a mute, middle is neutral, and back cuts your highs and sounds almost like an upright. String spacing is similar to my Fender Jazz- a little wider maybe. It has the lowest action on any bass I have ever played and does not buzz through the amp. It's also dead quiet through the amp when you are not playing- grounding and shielding game is on point!
The top is Myrtle wood with stripes of Ebony. Fret board is ebony. The back is walnut. the strip where the inlay is was actually a different piece. After Carl had a few coats of oil on it, he was not happy with how it was looking so he redid it. Forgive me, I forget what the back of the neck is- maybe padauk? He is a true perfectionist and it was great working with him. I love the stories has from over the years. I only wish I could have picked it up in person and shook his hand.
The top is Myrtle wood with stripes of Ebony. Fret board is ebony. The back is walnut. the strip where the inlay is was actually a different piece. After Carl had a few coats of oil on it, he was not happy with how it was looking so he redid it. Forgive me, I forget what the back of the neck is- maybe padauk? He is a true perfectionist and it was great working with him. I love the stories has from over the years. I only wish I could have picked it up in person and shook his hand.
Congratulations; that is incredible!
I have a Semi-Frills Fretless 6 somewhere in CT's queue. I am aware that following up with Carl is a no-no, so I've been trying to estimate on my own, when I might expect mine.
Having followed another TalkBass member's Semi-Frills order, which was about 14-15 months, I had roughly guessed March or April 2020.
Your order was a year and 8 months... but then your order seems to be a full custom as opposed to semi-frills. Maybe that's the reason for the longer time? (Just a guess; I'm just thinking aloud here.)
I have a Semi-Frills Fretless 6 somewhere in CT's queue. I am aware that following up with Carl is a no-no, so I've been trying to estimate on my own, when I might expect mine.
Having followed another TalkBass member's Semi-Frills order, which was about 14-15 months, I had roughly guessed March or April 2020.
Your order was a year and 8 months... but then your order seems to be a full custom as opposed to semi-frills. Maybe that's the reason for the longer time? (Just a guess; I'm just thinking aloud here.)
Most likely you are correct. I have heard form others that the semi frills gets done much faster. I really wanted the 3D scroll so I tried to be as patient as I possibly could. I watch the Instagram for updates. I was stoked when I saw mine come up. I wouldn't take my wait time as what it takes. Only Carl knows when the wood tells him that it's done.
If I had the money, I would have gone for the 3D scroll myself. A Semi-Frills isn't exactly an easy expense to me either. I'd been sending payments since January and I still have one more payment remaining. (I don't like holding a payment until the end. Knowing that I have an owing balance weighs on my mind until it's paid.)
I am subscribed to Carl's Instagram because they occasionally show the in-progress instruments. I probably saw yours if it appeared in one of his pictures or videos. Sometimes there's a green piece of tape with a name or it's written inside a pickup cavity. It won't have my name though. I ordered mine through Brian at The Low End.
beautiful!!! everyone's different but I almost like the back more.stunning from any angle tho,enjoy
