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what CUSTOM BASS builder would you choose?.. budget=$1800
- Thread starter quadrogong
- Start date
JJBACOOMBA
Commercial User
Cant go wrong with Lecompte. I am SOOOOOO happy with mine. I plan on getting another real soon.Great customer sevice!!
ptidwell
Commercial User
natselection said:
Well it said builder, and to me that is someone who can put the parts together exceptionally well. I have a Valenti (#20) that Nino did a fabulous job on, in your price range. However I also have a Skjold Exotic Custom 5 that will rival any of the boutique basses being made but you would need to contact Pete because my Skjold Exotic Custom is way over your budget but he does have Stage Series, Pro Series, Custom Series, in addition to the Exotic Custom Series. Check Pete's website http://www.skjolddesign.com/
There are other great builders and luthiers out there that I have not experienced but from my experience and IMHO you can't miss with either of these very different yet great results.
BTW neither Valenti or Skjold give me any kick backs, returns, or endorsement for my comments on their instuments. My comments are IMHO, and to some that is worth absolutely nothing. yet there may be someone who values MO.
The money you are talking about is a problem for a hand made bass and especially with custom scale length. I'm not sure what his price range is these days, but check out Rob Allen basses. He does a lot of fantastic short scale basses.
Got to go with Valenti. I also have to agree that if you hang on and save some more then you could get into a whole other list of luthiers.
I know we have had a couple of out-of-thread chats about this, but based on my understanding of what you are looking for, I would again very strongly recommend FBB, especially if you have your heart and mind set on the shorter-scale pseudo-CT look.
FBB has never been (and likely may never be) the popular flavor of the month here at TB, partly due to limited output each year & partly due to his somewhat "earthy" designs (definitely similar to the CT's in that way). But as I've mentioned before, FBB's are first and foremost a players bass. There are a lot of other very excellent builders that can give you a glossy-er, sleeker look, or outstanding value in a traditional fender-esque style (Nino's basses are just amazingly well built), but none will give you better playability than an FBB. They may be as good, but not better.
You're smart to look at as much as you can .... just because I like FBB's, or another person likes Stambaugh (or LeCompte or any of the others) doesn't mean they are the bass for you. Again, best of luck with your search and take your time ... the build times will be much longer than the time you spend deciding where to place your order .....
FBB has never been (and likely may never be) the popular flavor of the month here at TB, partly due to limited output each year & partly due to his somewhat "earthy" designs (definitely similar to the CT's in that way). But as I've mentioned before, FBB's are first and foremost a players bass. There are a lot of other very excellent builders that can give you a glossy-er, sleeker look, or outstanding value in a traditional fender-esque style (Nino's basses are just amazingly well built), but none will give you better playability than an FBB. They may be as good, but not better.
You're smart to look at as much as you can .... just because I like FBB's, or another person likes Stambaugh (or LeCompte or any of the others) doesn't mean they are the bass for you. Again, best of luck with your search and take your time ... the build times will be much longer than the time you spend deciding where to place your order .....
From personal experience I will go in this order:
Le Compte-great basses with great attention to detail and great designs to boot!
FBB-Same as above!
US Masters-Beautiful instruments with unique patents, one shape but they are incredible instruments that are great on the pocket.
Le Compte-great basses with great attention to detail and great designs to boot!
FBB-Same as above!
US Masters-Beautiful instruments with unique patents, one shape but they are incredible instruments that are great on the pocket.
Stambaugh!!!
If mine had been a 4 or 5-string, without the piezo pickups, midi pickups, and semi-hollowbody options it would only be around $1500-1600. Plus Chris will give you a lot of options for very cheap or free. Stuff that other luthiers often charge a lot more for. And it's completely custom, you can literally design or specify just about anything and I'm sure Chris could do it for you.
If mine had been a 4 or 5-string, without the piezo pickups, midi pickups, and semi-hollowbody options it would only be around $1500-1600. Plus Chris will give you a lot of options for very cheap or free. Stuff that other luthiers often charge a lot more for. And it's completely custom, you can literally design or specify just about anything and I'm sure Chris could do it for you.
I would go with on of Cliff Bordwells basses. I think you can get a standard model for $1850.00
www.cbbasses.com
www.cbbasses.com
The only one you've mentioned that I have experience with is FBB. Matt is an amazing guy to deal with, and from the details you want (short scale, aesthetics), FBB seems to be a perfect fit.
I haven't played a LeCompte, but I've played a few Warmoths that Bud has put together, and they are all top-notch. I would expect nothing less from the ones he's building, and he's a great guy, as well.
I've only played one Stambaugh, but from what I know about them, this also seems to be a great choice.
I haven't played a LeCompte, but I've played a few Warmoths that Bud has put together, and they are all top-notch. I would expect nothing less from the ones he's building, and he's a great guy, as well.
I've only played one Stambaugh, but from what I know about them, this also seems to be a great choice.
- Jun 25, 2006
- 3,226
- 338
- Disclosures
- Owner, Pike Amplification & 3Leaf Audio
I would go with FBB. I've had two FBB's before and they are very well built and sound great. Matt Schmill is also a very cool guy to deal with. His prices fall just about exactly into your price range too. Keep in mind that some of the other builders mentioned here are amazing, but won't fall into the price range you gave. FBB will fall into that price range but still be just as good as the others. You should also check his online inventory. You might find a bass that you really like and not have to wait for it.
www.fbbcustom.com
www.fbbcustom.com
quadrogong, since you do you want something shorter like 33" or 32" ect. I'm not sure that a lot of builders listed probably will do these shorter scale lengths for you. However, not to say that they aren't top notch builders.
I think you should try and sort out which builders will make the these scale lengths for you and which won't.
I think you should try and sort out which builders will make the these scale lengths for you and which won't.
ibz said:
Matt Schmill from FBB does alot of shorter scale basses. In fact, there is a really nice 4-string 32" on his inventory page right now.
My 'custom' experience was with Mike Kinal. He is an often over-looked master luthier. He has an amazing collection of woods to choose from and would have no problem doing a custom scale length for you. He does beautiful nice finishes, imho. You wouldn't be able to pop by his shop as easily, tho...
Ken
Ken
Karl Hoyt...but I'm not sure he's taking any orders at present.
Beyond that, pehaps you could contact Dan Lenard at Luthier's Access Group, tell him what you're looking for and have him recommend a builder...
http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/
Beyond that, pehaps you could contact Dan Lenard at Luthier's Access Group, tell him what you're looking for and have him recommend a builder...
http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/
I vote for stambaugh
If I hadnt a custom paintjob, through body stripes and 2 inlays+ binding
mine would've been around there! [$1800]
If I hadnt a custom paintjob, through body stripes and 2 inlays+ binding
mine would've been around there! [$1800]
