Opinions on Frankenstein Basses

[MrFabulous]

I have the opportunity to pick up a Frankenstein bass tomorrow. It's an American P/J body, Warmoth Custom Neck (aged pearl block inlays), EMG Victor Wooten PAXJVX pu's, US Hipshot tuners with drop D. The seller is asking $350.

So here's my question: What's your success been with mutts like this? I don't have extra cash very often, and would like to have a second cheaper bass. My main guitar is a Fender AVRI 63 P.

 

[snyderz]

4 of my 6 basses are parts mutts. I love every one of them. This one sounds like a nice parts combination. Price sounds OK to me. Let us know if you snag it, and pics of course.

 

[RED J]

I like mutts. If you are really getting those components, darn good buy IMHO.

 

[bholder]

Do Frankenstein basses have big bolts sticking out the side of their necks? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[RED J]

Show some respect, will ya ?

 

[1960jbass]

I have put together 3 Franks and I like all 3. Like it has been said, it sounds like a good combo of parts. But as always, try before you buy!!

 

[Marko 1]

If it plays right, it’s an opportunity to get the bass without paying for the brand name.


Even though sometimes ya get that, too.

 

[Antisyzygy]

Parts basses can end up being pretty nice basses. Where else are you going to get that quality, and those extras for that price?

One of my favorite basses is a parts Squier that I shielded, upgraded the pickups/electronics and set up for BEAD tuning. It's a nice player, and sounds great with the electronics/pickup upgrade.

I got a different P bass to be my main P bass but I couldn't bring myself to sell that old one, so that's why I tuned it BEAD. Now it get's some more use.

 

[charlie monroe]

FrankenFenders get respect from me. It's a chance to get every little detail arranged the way you want.

Agree with @RED J, sounds like a good deal.

 

[4stringmachinepete]

I've only ever played a handful of Frankenstein's ,but I'll say that each deafly had their own vibe, sound , and personality. And besides playability which is subjective what more can you ask for ?

 

[Neveragain55]

I think basses that are made up of many different basses are cool, especially when everything comes together and it sounds exactly the way you want it to sound.

Personally I've had bad luck with one of my basses that I was forced to use different parts on, and it just came out all wrong - now she's a wall Hager...

Good luck with your project....

 

[Phalex]

$350.00??? That sounds like a horrible deal......


You got the guys contact info?

 

[Pocket4]

The bass is all parts, and it's all about the parts! Void where prohibited.

 

[bolophonic]

All my basses are mutt-jalopy basses. I think the bass you described sounds like a good deal.

 

[AnalogKid4003]

Parts value alone is worth $350. And regarding non original franken-fenders that's the way you need to assess thier value is in the respective used parts market value.

But I have several that are excellent players! I mix necks a lot for fun, you can always put originals back together that's what makes fenders so much fun to own and play around with as a hobby.

 

[Ric5]

Here's some of the Frankensteined basses that I have built.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

Every bass is assembled from parts. Just, some parts are better than others.

 

[Juststanley]

The neck is probably worth two bills alone.....I love my parts basses....

 

[Bassic Playing]

@Ric5 I adore every bass you've ever made.

As for parts, my second bass (out of 2) is a parts P bass that sounds absolutely divine, and I have a real attachment to it due to the way it was made, even if I like how my other bass plays and feels better.

 

[zongo]

Obviously you can find great-playing Frankensteins ... Just accept that resale may be difficult.