Hey Guys DR Burkowitz Here:
I've been watching this post and and received RedV's email and feel a need to chime in.
I am about as happy as Anyone could be with the bass. I had heard a few horror stories just before I got my bass, that had freaked me out. I found these horror stories to be either B.S. or someone who had a very early model DP Custom. As with anything the more you do it, the better you get at it.
My bass is exactly as I had ordered and hands down the best money I have ever spent on Music related gear. I am putting together the money right now to have Dave start another project for me. Don't let the reasonable price or a few smoke blowers fool you. This is a first class instrument, made by one hell of a guy, at a price this working stiff with kids can afford.
And just so you don't think that I'm a man without Standards, my other basses & gear include.
1997 Conklin Sidewinder 7 string Fretted - Will replace this one with my next DP Order
1989 Tobias Signature 6 Fretted - Keeping this bass for sentimental reasons
1983 Ibanez Musician Fretless - Keeping this bass for sentimental reasons
And Have sold These since receiving my DP Custom, just had zero need for them since getting the new bass:
1988 Warwick Thumb Bass Fretless
1994 Carvin LB76 Fretless
SWR SM-400 head
SWR Goliath II (x2)
SWR Henry 8x8
DBX 411 Compressor
Roland JC120 Chorus Unit
I've also been the proud owner of 1978 Jazz Bass, Spector USA 6 string, An Elrick 6 string Single Cut, 1979 Music Man, Warwick Dolphin Pro I, 1964 Jazz Bass, Fodera Monarch, Axtra custom 5.
I can honestly say that my new DP Custom 7 Fretless is on a level with most of these fine instruments. You have to take into consideration however that many times your trying to compare apples and oranges. These vintage Fenders or the Music Man, or Jeff Rader's Sadowsky's are all bolt on's and are just simply a different style of instrument. Every maker has their own style, and they put their own expertise and knowledge into the instruments they build. For Dave his engineering background has proved to be a valuable asset in my project.
In Peter Parker's case he dig's the Ken Smith Basses, I've played several, I borrowed one from my buddy that was in Cynic. Well made bass, but in my hands, to me, it felt sterile. Doesn't mean it wasn't great quality just wasn't for me. Kind of a similar thing with the fodera I owned. I know Peter has one as well. Great bass, but it felt like a flattened spector to me. I'm not slamming the bass. It just wasn't for me. I'm wondering if that is the case with some of these opinions?
In a private email Peter and I had spoken, and I respect his opinions and comments. However they are one mans opinions just as mine. I think that needs to be taken into consideration. I also spoke to Jeff Rader about his. Although he had some work done to make the bass more to his liking, he simply did not connect with the bass. That happens. We've all experienced it, it's something we all go through on our quest for perfect tone, feel, function. I find it in poor taste to anialate a builder that 1.) you haven't played or 2.) haven't worked with in problem solving in the event of a problem.
I'll concede the fact that DP Custom very well may have produced a bugger instrument. But meat & potatos of it is he offers a Lifetime Guarentee. If on the off chance something is not right call him and have it fixed. Seems pretty simple to me.
You also have to consider the amount of "seconds" other builders may experience. Talk to your favorite music store and ask about stock nightmares. i have yet to hear of a company with a ZERO bad prodcut rating.
Difference with DP Custom is it's one man, making basses by hand, on a customer based design, trying to interpet the customers wishes best any man can. In my case Dave hit the nail on the head. My bass is essentially perfect. It is the most "organic" feeling bass I have ever played, and since receiving it has been the only bass in my hands. It took about 24 hours to groove into it, and now it's as much an extension of my body as my legs are. it will not be long before DPCustom Basses are the only basses I play (gotta have that fretted 7 made).
about the website and photo's: He's a luthier and an engineer not ansel adams or a web developer. I prefer him that way. I have a photo shoot next week for my bands new album. I will make a point of having the photographer take some shots of my bass, and will post them here once I get them.
You can here a soundclip of my bass here:
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/339/dimension_x_project.html
It's in the track "Why" about Halfway through the song. I will be able to send better soundclips of more fretless tracks as soon as mixdown is complete on the next 7 tunes. BTW both the Studio Engineer and the Mastering Engineer commented on the killer tone my bass produced. The Mastering Guy is a Virgin Records Employee as their mastering guy for Narada Records and has worked with Tony Levin, Trent Resoner, etc... Take into consideration however that you will be listening to a MP3 file.
In summary my bass is everything I had hoped for and more. If you've had a bum experience talk to Dave about it, I'm sure he can resolve the issue to your satisfaction. If you don't want be a swell guy and work with your luthier, then it's your own damn fault your unhappy
Best Wishes,
DR Burkowitz
) basses and maybe not so tolerable of what a lot of us may be. That's just an opinion. I do appreciate the fact that some are trying to convey honest encounters here...it really helps us all.
. (Im originally from LaCrosse and Tomah)
