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TRUE CUSTOM builders? Any left?

pablomigraine

pablomigraine

Commercial User
Feb 9, 2005
3,458
611
New York
neuraldsp.com
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Director of Commercial Sales - Neural DSP
#1
So it seems to that, among the more well-known "custom" builders there isn't all the much "custom" to what's being offered.

Usually these builders offer you a choice of 3 or 4 body styles, often less, and your pick of body wood, top wood, FB wood and stain / color and that's about it.

What if you're one of those folks that has (or thinks they have) the wherewithal to design your own body shape, want something unusual in terms of neck design and scale length etc? Any builders out there who both offer this level of customization AND can turn out a truly high-quality instrument in terms of build-quality, fit & finish etc?

Any suggestions TB? There's a 50/50 chance I'm gonna see some proceeds from a real estate closing this coming fall, and I'm considering trying to fulfill a long-held dream...

Thanks!
 
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#5
EmaTheMirror said:
I would say that they tend to stick to their body shapes, but I'd consider instruments by Alpher (UK) quite varied and bespoke, particularly for their pickup and wood configurations
Click to expand...

It was new to me so I took a look, and there are a LOT of basses to look at!

I thought it was cool that the bridge got some treatment as well on this one.

E19DE87D-DCF3-4F5C-8636-AB1135DBE5C8.jpg
 
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#14
pappabass said:
The main difference between a custom bass & shelf bass is the appearance: finish and the shape.
Click to expand...
I don't think so, or at least that's not the main point.
The main difference is, I think, that a custom bass can be totally personal to the person who commissioned it in consultation with the experienced builder who is making it.
 
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#15
pablomigraine said:
...any builders out there who both offer this level of customization AND can turn out a truly high-quality instrument in terms of build-quality, fit & finish etc?

Any suggestions TB? There's a 50/50 chance I'm gonna see some proceeds from a real estate closing this coming fall, and I'm considering trying to fulfill a long-held dream...

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I can vouch for these guys, (and yes they can speak English...) : Google Translate
 
#18
pablomigraine said:
Usually these builders offer you a choice of 3 or 4 body styles, often less, and your pick of body wood, top wood, FB wood and stain / color and that's about it.
Click to expand...

Haha when you put it like that, it doesn't sound like many options at all.


pablomigraine said:
What if you're one of those folks that has (or thinks they have) the wherewithal to design your own body shape, want something unusual in terms of neck design and scale length etc? Any builders out there who both offer this level of customization AND can turn out a truly high-quality instrument in terms of build-quality, fit & finish etc?
Click to expand...

It would be interesting to have a running list of builders that will do what you're asking. From speaking with many builders, most are a bit gun-shy about it; what looks awesome on paper turns into a nightmare instrument that the player may end up hating. Also, having something out there that's not "on brand" with their artistic statement doesn't appeal to them.

If you do find someone that's willing to do this, I would hope you do two things:

1. Heed his/her advice when they steer you for/against a specific feature. You are working with the builder on this project, and they're the expert. Otherwise, you could just build it yourself.
2. Pay more than just a deposit. I know many builders who still have that "truly custom" instrument, because the buyer either backed out or demanded a refund because it wasn't "exact" (spoiler: it was) and threatened to smear them on social media.
 
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#19
Iridescentone said:
Wowza! That is one heckova finish. Jaw dropping. Agree on the hardware treatment, too.
Click to expand...

IIRC, there's a place that sells the wood blanks like that. I've seen Shawn May (May Basses) and Devon Smullen (Devon Basses) offer basses with that as well. You don't need to do anything other than a clear coat.
 
#20
Fender will build whatever you want. People aren't always aware of this. So will Fodera.
It tends to be super expensive because dealing with fully custom orders is extremelly time consuming.
The solution is often to deal with local luthiers, most will build the instrument of your dreams at relatively moderate prices.
 
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