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Parts bass build - but is it cost effective?
- Thread starter TheDepths
- Start date
I've used Stratosphere to build a few Strats and a Charvel. In the case of the Charvel, buying the body and neck from them and fitting a set of EMGs I already had was cheaper than new but mainly because the exchange rate was pretty good at the time.
In regards to taxes you're going to be hit with customer charges which I think are 20% plus Royal Mail add an additional charge as well. Coupled with current exchange rates then you may find it's gonna cost you.
In regards to taxes you're going to be hit with customer charges which I think are 20% plus Royal Mail add an additional charge as well. Coupled with current exchange rates then you may find it's gonna cost you.
Guitar parts shipped to the UK at Vat and import duty exempt...one of the bizarre customs rules...don't ask me why.
But I have been hit with customs fees and handling charges for guitar parts in the past so it is a bit of a lottery.
Make sure any parts shipped have "Guitar parts" listed on the customs forms somewhere or you will get charged duty. If the customs guys (royal mail / UPS etc) can't see the content description on the form then they apply a blanket % fee plus charges. If they see "Guitar parts" on the manifest then they will apply no duty but slap a small handling and delivery charge for you, which will be less than the full duty + fees + charges
But I have been hit with customs fees and handling charges for guitar parts in the past so it is a bit of a lottery.
Make sure any parts shipped have "Guitar parts" listed on the customs forms somewhere or you will get charged duty. If the customs guys (royal mail / UPS etc) can't see the content description on the form then they apply a blanket % fee plus charges. If they see "Guitar parts" on the manifest then they will apply no duty but slap a small handling and delivery charge for you, which will be less than the full duty + fees + charges
I 100% agree.
I think there are two types of part builders: ones that want to put together something on the cheaper and ones that are looking to get a one of a kind bass (which could result in them saving money as well).
When I built my parts bass, it was because no Fenders out their offered EXACTLY what I wanted. One might have had stacked knobs, but not a vintage neck radius, etc. I didn't skimp on any single part, probably spent close to $1,250 total, which might be high to some and low to others, but I couldn't be happier with the outcome.
I just keep changing things out until I end up with something better than anything else I've tried. THAT'S when it becomes cost-effective, because you amortize your costs with every gig you play an awesome instrument. The formula is simple: if you could be more satisfied with the performance of a bass, decide what that is and change it. Normally I can do that buying used, thereby keeping losses to a minimum. FWIW, I would never buy all new parts to build a parts bass, because there is no guarantee that it will be a great player, just great looking.
My dirty little secret is that sometimes I like messing around with hardware and electronics, building basses MORE than playing them. I know, shocking, right? Oddly enough, this tends result in a marked increase in my playing suckage percentage. I built my first parts bass because I really wanted a Pedulla Buzzbass, and couldn't afford it. In those days you could take an unfinished neck to Pedulla in Rockland MA and they'd finish it with satin on the back and the "glasskote" epoxy on the fingerboard for around $80! I probably had around $400 into the bass, which was a lot for a parts bass in 1987, but it still plays like a dream, ferocious "mwah", and the glasskote is still nearly pristine.
I have dealt with Stratosphere many times and have nothing but good to report. It's not the cheap way, but it is fun, and you get exactly what you want, as frequently stated. On larger ticket items, they offer a 10% discount usually 2 days a week. Still not the cheapest, but....
Customer service is as good as it gets. I've changed my mind on a project, returned all parts, and been refunded in full.
In addition, the parts are exactly what they say they, with dates and origins disclosed.
Chop shop? Yeah. I wish I had thought of it first.
Customer service is as good as it gets. I've changed my mind on a project, returned all parts, and been refunded in full.
In addition, the parts are exactly what they say they, with dates and origins disclosed.
Chop shop? Yeah. I wish I had thought of it first.
I'm working on a parts P right now, and really, it works out about the same a buying one, but I get it my way, and I get the challenge of building it myself. I'm in Canada, so I also pay additional costs for shipping, duty, etc. and it adds up fast. Parts I got from ebay, for example, are free shipping in the US but cost almost as much as the part to be shipped to Canada.
You US guys don't know how good you've got it while in other parts of the world (even directly on top of you) we have to pay an arm and a leg to get parts into the country.
I've documented my cost breakdown for making this bass: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/putting-together-a-parts-p.1102997/
Still waiting on Warmoth for the neck. It's been months.
You US guys don't know how good you've got it while in other parts of the world (even directly on top of you) we have to pay an arm and a leg to get parts into the country.
I've documented my cost breakdown for making this bass: http://www.talkbass.com/threads/putting-together-a-parts-p.1102997/
Still waiting on Warmoth for the neck. It's been months.
You US guys don't know how good you've got it while in other parts of the world (even directly on top of you) we have to pay an arm and a leg to get parts into the country.
It works both ways. More than once I have experienced sticker shock from shipping and tarifs when buying Canadian.
I agree with many of the sentiments expressed before.
Here's an example; I built my second parts-bass using a combination of eBay searching/price-comparing and the occasional "Accessories Sale" discounts through Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. Fender may not allow them to apply discount codes (usually around 15%), but the Mighty Mite bodies I've used twice aren't restricted. (for the record, neither is Hipshot and other related hardware)
I, for one, am very pleased with the results. So much so, that I'm already assembling parts for my next build.
- Will it save you money? Probably not.
- Will you end up with something customized to your needs or desires that is probably not available "off the shelf"? Quite probably.
Here's an example; I built my second parts-bass using a combination of eBay searching/price-comparing and the occasional "Accessories Sale" discounts through Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. Fender may not allow them to apply discount codes (usually around 15%), but the Mighty Mite bodies I've used twice aren't restricted. (for the record, neither is Hipshot and other related hardware)
I, for one, am very pleased with the results. So much so, that I'm already assembling parts for my next build.
TBH i would always look closer to home, status graphite neck.... Expensive but soooooo nice... Id need a MM neck as they are the only aftermarket 5's they do.
Local makers do offer bodies if you ask around, facebook local groups usually know all the little gems (locally its howard the 'bass doc', awesome work, great guy).
Hardware wise almost everything is available.... Fender hardware will always have a premium being what it is (wish i could get an RSD bridge lol).... Some items are harder to find, jazz deluxe stack knobs for example are like hens teeth in the EU (thomann has them BTW
finally got some for my jag).
Import duty is not so bad when its expected ( anything over £35 expect a 20% and between £8-25 for a card or letter telli g you hou have to pay import duty... Royal mail is £8 couriers like dhl can set what they like)
Local makers do offer bodies if you ask around, facebook local groups usually know all the little gems (locally its howard the 'bass doc', awesome work, great guy).
Hardware wise almost everything is available.... Fender hardware will always have a premium being what it is (wish i could get an RSD bridge lol).... Some items are harder to find, jazz deluxe stack knobs for example are like hens teeth in the EU (thomann has them BTW
finally got some for my jag). Import duty is not so bad when its expected ( anything over £35 expect a 20% and between £8-25 for a card or letter telli g you hou have to pay import duty... Royal mail is £8 couriers like dhl can set what they like)
Sure you do, all nature of guitar accessories. Canada produces some of the best wood hardshell cases in the world, and one of my favorite strap makers is in Canada.
Try not to take this too literally; the obvious point is, when we here in the USA buy Canadian (items that are superior or unavailable here) we experience the same international upcharges.
Fair enough. Looking at my own stuff, Gibson, Epiphone, and Yorkville cases and Levy's straps are made here. I was thinking more of the actual guitar parts - the market is larger basically everywhere else in the world.
That previous comment was intended as tongue-in-cheek, just to be clear. Not trying to cause an international incident.
Fair enough. Looking at my own stuff, Gibson, Epiphone, and Yorkville cases and Levy's straps are made here. I was thinking more of the actual guitar parts - the market is larger basically everywhere else in the world.
That previous comment was intended as tongue-in-cheek, just to be clear. Not trying to cause an international incident.
I get it, no harm done.
Ever heard of Greasy Groove Inc., located in Nova Scotia? One of my all-time favorite suppliers of all nature of guitar parts, lots of unique and interesting stuff. How about Eastwood Guitars, which now offers parts and a custom shop?
I could go on and on about Canadian retailers (I purchase from them all the time) but suffice it to say there are lots of outlets in the Great White North that have amazing and unique parts and products for pluckers all over the world. You guys know your guitars, basses, amps, and accessories, and have excellent and diverse taste.
I suppose, no matter where you are, there will be times where you need something that just isn't available in your country, but we Yanks experience that from time to time as well. I think that applies world-wide.
My experience with The Stratosphere has been VERY different. Yes, they are an honsest company and will refund your money but their customer service is terrible and their sense of urgency is a joke. They are terribly slow to respond to messages through email and never answer the phone. Most of the time their voicemail is full. I'm done with them. I rather pay a few dollars more and go straight to Fender. At least I know it's a new part. The last neck I bought from Stratosphere was dinged up and the fretboard had deep scratches in the rosewood (pictures on request). The tuning keys on several necks have had small black pits that are very difficult to remove.
- Jul 3, 2007
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- Author of "Soul Fingers." I'm the Duck Dunn expert.
I was about to make this point, too. I really wanted a '57 RI P-bass with a Geddy neck, and the only other options are to have it custom built (expensive) or buy a '57 RI P-bass and a Geddy Lee bass, and switch the parts out (also expensive). Then again...that might have actually been fun, too; but I don't have that kind of money!
Buying parts as you have the money for them is like making payments on the instrument, only without some hiked up interest rate.
Exactly! my build was September to February. I actually "paid it off" faster and with more focus than if I did it over 6 months - year at a music store, and I got exactly what I wanted.
Well for me that is the point... The only reason to build a parts bass is to end up with something that cannot be bought off the shelf, something unique, otherwise why do it? When I build one for myself there is no warranty and it cost me more so if I was going to be happy with one that Fender or whoever already makes and sends to every Guitar Center on the planet then why build one... just go get one off the wall at GC. I usually build Fender P or J basses for others and they want stuff that can't be bought from a store or catalog. Mostly color combo's, neck swaps and pickups.
I would say it can be done cost effectively, but usually doesn't turn out that way. I like doing it because I like doing it, creating something, more than thinking I'm saving money.
