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Warmoth jazz bass vs. mid-range jazz bass

B

BadBassNo9

Apr 25, 2011
103
1
#1
Okay,

It's decision time again.

I'd like to know your thoughts on whether i should get a custom-made Warmoth, or a mid-range "branded" jazz bass, such as a Skyline, MIM, MIJ, or even a MIA Fender?

The advantages of the Warmoth (imo) are:

- Custom colour
- Get to choose the body type, wood, neck
- Get to choose the pick-ups
- Get to see it at it's full build and it will feel like "all mine"...!
- Cheap shipping

Advantages of a brand-name bass:

- Brandname has more re-sale value (possibly?)
- Troubles with the build. Do i get a warranty with a custom-made bass? i will have to trust the people that build it for me (and i already do)
- I'll have to buy a bag or case
- Doubting myself, asking myself if i made the right decision?

I'd like to hear from people who have owned a Warmoth bass, what they thought of it, and how it compared to a previous brand-named bass they may have owned.
 
#2
I've never owned a bass made from Warmoth parts (and, unless I've missed something, they'll need to be assembled-- Warmoth doesn't do that for you) but people are divided about their necks, because of the steel stiffening rods. They are rumored to affect the sound, and I certainly believe that's possible.
Also, you'd have to buy a case or gig bag with the Warmoth bass, as well.

Having said all that, it sounds as though you're emotionally leaning toward the Warmoth idea (a more personal instrument, and so on); so I'd recommend that you do that. There won't be a huge difference in sound or quality, unless you're one of those fussy, boutique-loving guys. :rolleyes: Both will serve you just fine on a gig.
 
#3
Either one should serve you fine. Warmoth stuff definitely depreciates quicker than Fender; that said, Warmoth does a great job and they use really good wood (their customer service is usually excellent as well). To me, you really can't go wrong and it boils down to how badly you want to customize.
 
#4
I don't know if the Warmoth will depreciate more, but it will probably not sell as quickly as a Fender. I would buy what I really want and not worry about resale.

Warmoth parts are reportedly excellent. I think they sell painted bodies, but I don't know if they build basses. Check their web site.

The cost of a case is a concern, but shouldn't be a deal breaker.

To me, the biggie is the neck. I have heard VERY few complaints about the quality of Warmoth's necks. But I've read lots of comments on TB about them being "chunkier" than Fenders.

There are plenty of other individual luthiers who will make you a custom Fender style bass. I have no idea what the cost would be.
 
#5
Bob C said:
I don't know if the Warmoth will depreciate more, but it will probably not sell as quickly as a Fender. I would buy what I really want and not worry about resale.

Warmoth parts are reportedly excellent. I think they sell painted bodies, but I don't know if they build basses. Check their web site.

The cost of a case is a concern, but shouldn't be a deal breaker.

To me, the biggie is the neck. I have heard VERY few complaints about the quality of Warmoth's necks. But I've read lots of comments on TB about them being "chunkier" than Fenders.

There are plenty of other individual luthiers who will make you a custom Fender style bass. I have no idea what the cost would be.
Click to expand...


Warmoth don't "build" them, I think it's because doing so would violate their license as Fender replacement parts supplier. Assembling a bass is easy enough though.

Warmoth necks can also be ordered with the slim taper. To me the regular Warmoth Jazz neck is comparable to my 97 MIA Jazz.
 
#6
Warmoth necks are chunky (I have one) but a couple of months ago they started offering a what they call 'slim taper' neck. The regular neck is fine for me (big hands) but a next neck (considering a fretless as soon as funds permit) would be a slim taper one, if only because I'm curious.
 
#7
It's pretty much as stated in the OP. The huge advantage with a custom or "parts" bass (hey, aren't they all?) is that you get to to spec it exactly how you want. But to get this, there's a bit of a gamble involved (money up front before you get to play it), and resale value is poor compared to what it wll cost new. And yes, you have to have an element of trust in your choices and your work (or that of whoever does it for you).

As far as initial cost is concerend you can go pretty much as low or as high as you want with a custom or a stock bass. And the case isn't an issue, really - if you get a case with a bass, you've paid for it. ;)

My Warmoth/Status custom jobs were not cheap, but I think I got good value compared to what I've have to spend on a stock bass to get anything even close in quality. But if I ever sell them, the price I'd get would probably make me cry. On the other hand, I have no plans ever to sell them as they're perfect FOR ME, just as I hoped they would be.
 
#10
baskruit said:
Warmoth necks are chunky (I have one) but a couple of months ago they started offering a what they call 'slim taper' neck. The regular neck is fine for me (big hands) but a next neck (considering a fretless as soon as funds permit) would be a slim taper one, if only because I'm curious.
Click to expand...

My favorite Jazz bass has an old Warmoth neck. The chunky size is what I love most about it. I have big hands and prefer a fat, P bass neck and most 1.5" jazz necks are too skinny for me. They cause my hand to cramp. The chunky Warmoth neck is 1.5" at the nut but the fat size feels GREAT in my hands and I can play it for hours with no problem.
 
#11
AphekGreg said:
Warmoth woods and finish are of better quality. Equivalent or better than the best Fender basses.
Click to expand...

My neck/freboard is birdseye maple and it's stunning.
 

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#12
If you do a good job with assembly and setup, the Warmoth should surpass Fender in all categories except resale value. They use really nice wood and their finishes are great too.
I mean you can't get a quilt over mahogany body and a wenge board from Fender!
 
#13
If what you want is already mass manufactured (with decent QC), then buy that. If what you want is something that is already manufactured with one change, then buy it and make the mod. If what you want is more significantly different than anything else available, then go "custom".
 
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#19
My vote goes for warmoth. Its well made stuff and you have way more control over what you get.

On the other hand I was considering buying warmoth build recently but then came upon the new Squire Jaguar basses (shortscale) and bought that instead. Putting a warmoth together does take time and you want to make sure you do it right. Aside from wanting a maple neck the squire Jag had almost everything I wanted and is priced very well. With a few mods it will be terrific.
 
#20
KingRazor said:
Dunno

@Lesfunk: you make a good point, but that just makes me wonder why I never see warmoth basses that cost, say, under $800 to build for sale
Click to expand...

Well, assuming that you are starting with nothing. It's kind of difficult to build a custom warmoth bass for $800.
For example...
I just pulled these prices off warmoths site.
Let's say we were to build a Nice Custom Jazz Bass. Something very different that you could buy from Fender.
J bass Body Black Korina on Black Korina $446

J bass neck Specs: Pau Ferro/Ebony $318


That's just the body and neck for $764.00 plus shipping.
That's not counting the Bridge, Tuners, Pickups, Pots, Jack, Neck plate and screws, Nut and paying somebody to put it together and set it up if you don't have the skill set.
A bass like that will set you back around 1300.00 to build.

You probably will not be able to get more than $700 should you try to sell it. Plus it'll be hard to sell an instrument like that because one mans perfection is another mans turd.

See what I'm getting at?
 

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