Opinions on Frankenstein Basses

[buldog5151bass]

Leo designed them to be modular. I have a jazz bass with a P neck, and another I made from Fender and All Parts pieces.

 

[denton57]

Sounds like a great deal as far as quality of parts vs. asking price.

I too am a Frankenbass guy. I never have a completely stock bass, although right now I have a Nash J that needs nothing and I'm not touching it. However, it too is just a parts bass really.

My project P is in pieces right now as I decide what color I want the 63 RI body to be finished in by MJT and what level of relic. I'm leaning towards Surf Green or Firemist Gold medium relic.

Neck is a 70's rosewood A width P neck. Pickup is a Fralin. Pots are 63 RI, bridge is a roadworn, strings are Labella flats.

Parts basses are fun. However, if you want to put a value on it or sell, you are better off parting it out as individual pieces. It sounds like the guy selling the one your looking out has his priced right

 

[jamersonburton]

All basses are made of parts => all basses are parts basses.

Circular reasoning my friend. It is improper to say A is A.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The issue is that when you don't know where all the parts come from (or the talent of the guy/gal who put them together) it needs a little more of a critical review. But nothing wrong with a well made parts bass.

 

[skidmarkbass]

My favorite basses are my Frankensteins.

 

[Shawncavbass]

Def play the bass first if you can before purchasing. if everything feels right then that's all that matters. It's just a huge plus when you get custom parts you were looking for added in the purchase.

I have a MIA Fender P bass Body/ Squire J Neck and swapped out the bridge for a Badass II copy and swapped the pup for the nordstrand NP4A pup... its all about what you want out of the instrument.

 

[EmptyCup]

Frankenstein basses can be fantastic players if the parts are of decent quality and they are assembled with care.

Just don't get them near fire... they don't like that... fire bad

 

[Son of Wobble]

Sometimes parts basses come together beautifully, sonically speaking. Sometimes, you can create a bit of a dud.
In any case, the result is never entirely predictable, which is why one should not greatly overspend on a parts build.

 

[MegaSwing]

Sometimes parts basses come together beautifully, sonically speaking. Sometimes, you can create a bit of a dud.
In any case, the result is never entirely predictable, which is why one should not greatly overspend on a parts build.

Bingo. I've assembled some terrific ones that ended up lacking in some way. The challenge is to recognize when you really have nailed it. The most elusive creative talent often is knowing when to stop.

 

[radioface]

If one likes the sound, action, weight, looks and balance of a bass, buy it.

 

[RED J]

@ Ric5 all nice but natural/tort PJ5 drooldrooldrooldrooldrooldrooldrool

 

[richfirstbass]

At $350, resale shouldn't be a problem if it turns out you don't like it, assuming that there's nothing physically wrong and the build was decent. But with a USA Fender body, Warmoth neck, etc., at least you're dealing with component parts of good quality.

So long as "Frankie" didn't start off with a lightning strike.... did you get detailed photos?

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Show some respect, will ya ?View attachment 614315

Now that is funny

 

[buldog5151bass]

I always figured Dr. Frankenstein would favor a bolt on neck.

Thank you, thank you - I'll be here all week. Be sure to tip your waitress.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I've always felt that all Fenders are Frankensteins, in two senses:

1. The parts come together from bins on an assembly line, and the major components are bolted together.
2. They all sound a little different, and every so often you find one that's a real gem.

 

[Smoove-Groove]

I like my one. Lefty neck, peavey t40 neck position and an old Greco pu in the back. The body is from an old japanese p copy. A nice slab of wood.

 

[jamro217]

If you can eliminate the crappy parts from a mass produced line yet retain the overall design with higher quality components for a fraction of the price, why not?

 

[bholder]

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.
View attachment 614480 View attachment 614483

Sadly, the Geddy doll looks more like Keanu Reeves. Woah.

 

[squidtastic]

First bass I got was a P body with a J neck. As far as Fender goes, it was/is the best of both worlds for me.

 

[shawshank72]

I dont like to buy them but i love to make them.