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Singlecut help needed!

#42
Brad Johnson said:
Just curious... what is your type of elecronics? Kevin has built with Bartolini, Aguilar, Demeter, Glockenklang, Nordstrand, Sadowsky, Pope, Duncan, Aero, Lane Poor, Barden, Fralin, EMG electronics and more.

He's a custom builder. I'm not saying you're wrong, just curious as to what your type is?
:cool:
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Sorry, it's my mistake, i tought brubaker was only using bartolini, i know they are great pickups but i really don't like them...
 
#43
Brad Johnson said:
Quality is definitely in the eye of the beholder. So is getting the same for 1/2 the price. It really depends on what two things you're comparing and what your idea of quality is. MMV
:)
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Everything is subjective. Heck, TB's #1 mentioned low B has never impressed me, not that I'm some sort of expert. As much as I drop the names of my favorite luthiers, one would think I am being paid.

Naturally, if we're talking about being cheap and providing value, I've heard SX basses are $11 new. I mean, if they're not as good and cutting corners, perhaps the overall "value" is about the same. I mean, if something costs 1/2 as much, but is only 1/2 as good, it's really nothing to brag about. Naturally, not all independent luthiers are equally as good, although I think reputations will speak volumes.

I think a big factor is how some builders can produce something at a lower cost without cutting corners. While going through a dealer might add a little security, does their cut make the bass any better? Does the price of artist endorsements that gets passed on to the consumer make the bass any better? Does more expensive rent make a bass any better? I could go on and on, but if I can focus most, if not all of the $ where I need it to go, that's how I like it. Sure, my luthiers don't have the reputation or familiarity, but I think there's a reason why Cliff Bordwells customers tend to order another, sometimes almost immediately.
 
#44
bassman74 said:
Sorry, it's my mistake, i tought brubaker was only using bartolini, i know they are great pickups but i really don't like them...
Click to expand...

He does use Bartolinis as his standard (my preference in his basses and I've played the other brands at some point). He's built with Carey Nordstrand's Big Singles, Fat Stacks, dual coil and NJ pickups too.
;)
 
#46
spade2you said:
Everything is subjective. Heck, TB's #1 mentioned low B has never impressed me, not that I'm some sort of expert. As much as I drop the names of my favorite luthiers, one would think I am being paid.

Naturally, if we're talking about being cheap and providing value, I've heard SX basses are $11 new. I mean, if they're not as good and cutting corners, perhaps the overall "value" is about the same. I mean, if something costs 1/2 as much, but is only 1/2 as good, it's really nothing to brag about. Naturally, not all independent luthiers are equally as good, although I think reputations will speak volumes.

I think a big factor is how some builders can produce something at a lower cost without cutting corners. While going through a dealer might add a little security, does their cut make the bass any better? Does the price of artist endorsements that gets passed on to the consumer make the bass any better? Does more expensive rent make a bass any better? I could go on and on, but if I can focus most, if not all of the $ where I need it to go, that's how I like it. Sure, my luthiers don't have the reputation or familiarity, but I think there's a reason why Cliff Bordwells customers tend to order another, sometimes almost immediately.
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Most of what you mentioned has little to do with many builders. I'm saying that based on personal experience. Very few actually have much of an artist endorsement budget. Many sell direct at the same price as their dealers do... and dealers only offer security if they actually stock items IMO. As far as rent, that sounds like a NY comment so I'll leave it alone;)

There are many luthiers whose work I respect and in fact have supported. There are also many skill levels at play. I see some building at levels others don't. Usually I don't see much in the way of a free lunch. By the same token, I've seen some newer guys jump out there with pricing commensurate with more established builders. There's a reason the more established builders can charge what they do. They have a known consistent higher end product.

Value is a perception. So is quality to a large degree. IMO there's a fairly short list of seriously top flight builders and many more very talented ones who have yet to reach their level. Good luck to them all.

And no, I won't name names.
:cool:
 
#47
Identity plays into value a lot, and there are lot's of luthiers out there who don't seem to have one. Many basses I see appear to be desperately trying to not look like something else. This has nothing to do with how GOOD the instrument is. But it does have an effect on it's appeal, and hence it's value compared to other basses in terms of how much money they can bring in the market. It might be keeping some good instruments from coming to light.

Another thing is consistancy. Making some great basses is one thing, but making almost ALL great basses is another.
 
#48
I think you've mistaken a simple difference of opinion with an argument. And I'd also note that there's some very valid opinions on value from both sides.

:cool:

I would suggest that you brush up on your stance on resale value. That can be a real eye-opener.
 
#56
thepontif said:
Totally confused. I tried to make the connection but missed it. Sorry. Maybe it's just my failing mind, but I'd swear this kind of communication is getting harder and harder.
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Mike. You posted then the OP posted then I responded to the OP's post. Not yours.

At some point the OP erased his post that was between yours and mine and it then looked like my post was immediately after yours. It was not originally. Hope that clears that up.
 

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