So how do I go about ordering a custom bass

[SuzyCreamcheese]

Hi all,

Out of curiosity, how does on go about ordering a custom bass, in specific what does the builder need to know and does one need to supply them with sketches?
Does anyone have an example of them ordering a custom bass (i.e., the E-mail message or whatever)?
Thanks in advance,

 

[mothmonsterman]

It depends,
Most builder will help you out when it comes to materials and such.
But the more information you give them the better, since it is a custom bass.
If you have a really good grand vision of what you want it to be i would suggest putting together a materials list like
this kind of wood for the neck, this one for the body, laminated with this kind, these pickups, this preamp and can you put a naked lady inlay into the fret board? ect.

As many sketches as you can do (with measurements)



with most custom bass builders you can be as involved as you want.
Just find a builder you like and call him up honestly.

 

[BurningSkies]

First you'll have to find the builder you'd like to use...not all bass luthiers will build a 'from scratch' bass for you. Many have stock shapes and specs then options you can choose, or specs you can suggest, but there are only a handful that will work from a sketch, etc., for a complete build.

Once you find someone who will do that, send them an email to find out if they're interested in doing it for you. Find out their wait time for build, build time and a realistic pricing scale to see if you're in the ballpark.

Once you get that far, now it's time to talk about the specifics.

Please be realistic about what you want, both in your overall vision and also your materials and how much you'd like to pay. No one will build you a serious custom instrument for 800 bucks. Don't ask a luthier to cop another makers designs...

 

[lug]

you contact Bud at http://www.lecomptebass.com/ and tell him what you want. Easy as pie!

Want to see some?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Kenny Allyn]

you contact Bud at http://www.lecomptebass.com/ and tell him what you want. Easy as pie!

Want to see some?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That was gonna be my advice too ...

He really makes it easy my 1st LeCompte is in the Gallery shot [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

Here is #2 in progress

... The one you see in progress is the new NAMM show bass

 

[spade2you]

What exactly are you looking for? Why do you need something custom as opposed to stock? What features do you absolutely need?

 

[SuzyCreamcheese]

What exactly are you looking for? Why do you need something custom as opposed to stock? What features do you absolutely need?

Well it was more of a thought then really an idea, its just hard to find a left handed fretless maple five string P/J.
That and I want something personal and I've got the money for the moment.

 

[spade2you]

That shouldn't be too difficult. I just ordered a fretless PJ CB 4 string.

 

[waseok]

Hi all,

Out of curiosity, how does on go about ordering a custom bass, in specific what does the builder need to know and does one need to supply them with sketches?
Does anyone have an example of them ordering a custom bass (i.e., the E-mail message or whatever)?
Thanks in advance,

U choose a wood combination, PM Wilser and ask him how it will sound

 

[alembicbones]

Suzy,

Another thing you might consider is ordering through a retailer like Bass Northwest or Bass Central. When I ordered my custom Alembic, I did so through Bass Northwest. I'm not sure how it is with all bass builders but I received a substantial discount ordering the Alembic through Bass NW as opposed to Alembic direct (approx. 70%). When it came to deciding on specifics of the bass, I dealt directly with Alembic. It was a very smooth process. I believe Bass NW does this all the time and can be a great resource when it comes time you order a custom bass, whomever the luthier.

Best Wishes,
Bones