With all the pup talk so far, I've gotten that the KA is quieter (and more $$$) but what about tonal differences? Or does placement play a major part as well? I'm getting a Lobe if that helps...
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Wishbass Club (part IV)
- Thread starter Thunderitter
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Placement does make a difference in tone.
Overall I think you'll find that the KA is a hotter p-up, so a little more oomph and it's going to give you more bass and mid, while the Select J is going to be better on the mids and highs, albeit with a little more noise. All the Wishbasses I have played have a similar overall tone, which have been quite 'middy', so both p-ups 'cancel' each other out and IMHO there's not a whole lot of tone difference with the straight p-up to volume set-up between the pair of them.
I think that major issue is whether you want a thinner p-up (Select) or a wider one (KA).
Overall I think you'll find that the KA is a hotter p-up, so a little more oomph and it's going to give you more bass and mid, while the Select J is going to be better on the mids and highs, albeit with a little more noise. All the Wishbasses I have played have a similar overall tone, which have been quite 'middy', so both p-ups 'cancel' each other out and IMHO there's not a whole lot of tone difference with the straight p-up to volume set-up between the pair of them.
I think that major issue is whether you want a thinner p-up (Select) or a wider one (KA).
+1 to what TR says. AND, regarding pickup placement: Closer to the bridge will give a somewhat thinner tone with more Jaco "mwah", and closer to the neck the tone will be deeper and rounder. Extreme close bridge placement will yield less output since the string vibration excursion is lower there, so any hum will be a larger part of the signal, and therefore louder. The ppickup placement on the ambrosia Lobe 5 on ebay right now is pretty much where mine is, and I have already bought a tone control and a deeper sounding Bartolini pickup to dial that back. I like snarly mwah as much as the next guy, but YOW... (I got a 250/250 ohm stack and the pickup from bestbassgear.com . Brian is a GREAT guy to deal with.)
All that having been said: without a tone control, almost ALL Wishbasses are pretty bright and growly compared to other basses, no matter what pickup is used and no matter where the pickup is located. So all of the adjectives in the foregoing paragraph are relative.
Hello!
I've been doing some research lately, and I'm really considering having Ol' Man Wish build a bass for me. I've got some questions though. I've already contacted Wish, and he's answered most of them. However, I'd like to get a third-party opinion from y'all, too.
First, what's the most y'all would pay for a custom Wishbass? I know many of you buy the finished ones off ebay, but I know some of you have ordered directly through Wish himself. Would it even be worth custom ordering a Wish now considering his increasing "forgetfulness" about many (custom as well as standard) details? His seeming inability to drill string holes in a straight line?
I've been GASsing lately for a 6-string Striped Peanut (like the one in page 2 of the gallery). Possible options I'm considering are a truss rod and the Hipshot bridges (and a Kent Armstrong pickup). Now, I know that everyone says that Wishbasses don't need truss rods, but I'm a bit hesitant to get a bass without one. I think the biggest reason is because I've never gotten a bass without one... It's amazing how people will stick to something just because it's what they're used to. However, with my luck, if I *ever* try to cut corners, I always pay for it (dearly) in the end. I'm also considering slimming the neck down a lot due to tendinitis in my fingertips that makes it hard to fret/play sometimes. I actually prefer larger neck profiles, but now it's a health issue more than one of preference. I've seen the pictures, and the exposed nut honestly doesn't bother me at all. I guess in the end, whether it needs a truss or not, it couldn't hurt to put one in, right?
Also, the single piece floating bridge makes me a bit anxious. I have a knack for messing everything up, and I seem to be a magnet for trouble... And having something that isn't very adjustable on the fly (that needs to be adjusted every time you change strings) makes me nervous. If I want to mod it, I have to permanently remove parts of it by sanding it down. I'm afraid that I'll knock it out of whack and mess up intonation or break it completely. So in lieu of the Corian bridge, I was considering the Hipshot Triple Lock bridges. However, I've seen the difficulty Wish seems to have with drilling straight lines. So... now I'm stuck. Should I pay for an expensive bridge system that may be installed all cock-ass, or do I get the regular system... and then possibly have to replace it with the same expensive system (which will cost more in the long run)? Either way, if he messes it up, I'll have to fill/redrill holes in the bass. Opinions here? I've seen pictures of him installing either system correctly, and I've conversely seen pictures of him botching both.
Here's ideally what I'm imagining:
I'd also like a smaller neck (nut-width) due to the aforementioned health problems. This is something I'm afraid he might "forget" when making the bass. I've included 2 pictures of 6 strings made by him to show how different the radius sizes are.
Here's what I'm thinking of:
Here's what I don't want:
So all of the options combined would look like this:
6-String Striped Peanut w/ Kent Armstrong, truss rod, Hipshot bridge, & slim nut
I know Wish doesn't like overly complicated orders, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable. I bounced these ideas off him, and he doesn't seemed to be bothered by any of the mods. He seemed nice enough and always responded very quickly.
What do y'all think? Is it worth the hit-or-miss craftsmanship? I have no problem sanding her down, re-shaping some parts, applying a finish, etc. However, I don't have a whole lot of tools, so I'm somewhat limited in how much I can modify the instrument once it gets to me. I'm mostly worried about the bridge, I guess...
I've been doing some research lately, and I'm really considering having Ol' Man Wish build a bass for me. I've got some questions though. I've already contacted Wish, and he's answered most of them. However, I'd like to get a third-party opinion from y'all, too.
First, what's the most y'all would pay for a custom Wishbass? I know many of you buy the finished ones off ebay, but I know some of you have ordered directly through Wish himself. Would it even be worth custom ordering a Wish now considering his increasing "forgetfulness" about many (custom as well as standard) details? His seeming inability to drill string holes in a straight line?
I've been GASsing lately for a 6-string Striped Peanut (like the one in page 2 of the gallery). Possible options I'm considering are a truss rod and the Hipshot bridges (and a Kent Armstrong pickup). Now, I know that everyone says that Wishbasses don't need truss rods, but I'm a bit hesitant to get a bass without one. I think the biggest reason is because I've never gotten a bass without one... It's amazing how people will stick to something just because it's what they're used to. However, with my luck, if I *ever* try to cut corners, I always pay for it (dearly) in the end. I'm also considering slimming the neck down a lot due to tendinitis in my fingertips that makes it hard to fret/play sometimes. I actually prefer larger neck profiles, but now it's a health issue more than one of preference. I've seen the pictures, and the exposed nut honestly doesn't bother me at all. I guess in the end, whether it needs a truss or not, it couldn't hurt to put one in, right?
Also, the single piece floating bridge makes me a bit anxious. I have a knack for messing everything up, and I seem to be a magnet for trouble... And having something that isn't very adjustable on the fly (that needs to be adjusted every time you change strings) makes me nervous. If I want to mod it, I have to permanently remove parts of it by sanding it down. I'm afraid that I'll knock it out of whack and mess up intonation or break it completely. So in lieu of the Corian bridge, I was considering the Hipshot Triple Lock bridges. However, I've seen the difficulty Wish seems to have with drilling straight lines. So... now I'm stuck. Should I pay for an expensive bridge system that may be installed all cock-ass, or do I get the regular system... and then possibly have to replace it with the same expensive system (which will cost more in the long run)? Either way, if he messes it up, I'll have to fill/redrill holes in the bass. Opinions here? I've seen pictures of him installing either system correctly, and I've conversely seen pictures of him botching both.
Here's ideally what I'm imagining:
I'd also like a smaller neck (nut-width) due to the aforementioned health problems. This is something I'm afraid he might "forget" when making the bass. I've included 2 pictures of 6 strings made by him to show how different the radius sizes are.
Here's what I'm thinking of:
Here's what I don't want:
So all of the options combined would look like this:
6-String Striped Peanut w/ Kent Armstrong, truss rod, Hipshot bridge, & slim nut
I know Wish doesn't like overly complicated orders, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable. I bounced these ideas off him, and he doesn't seemed to be bothered by any of the mods. He seemed nice enough and always responded very quickly.
What do y'all think? Is it worth the hit-or-miss craftsmanship? I have no problem sanding her down, re-shaping some parts, applying a finish, etc. However, I don't have a whole lot of tools, so I'm somewhat limited in how much I can modify the instrument once it gets to me. I'm mostly worried about the bridge, I guess...
Hello!
I've been doing some research lately, and I'm really considering having Ol' Man Wish build a bass for me. I've got some questions though. I've already contacted Wish, and he's answered most of them. However, I'd like to get a third-party opinion from y'all, too.
First, what's the most y'all would pay for a custom Wishbass? I know many of you buy the finished ones off ebay, but I know some of you have ordered directly through Wish himself. Would it even be worth custom ordering a Wish now considering his increasing "forgetfulness" about many (custom as well as standard) details? His seeming inability to drill string holes in a straight line?
I've been GASsing lately for a 6-string Striped Peanut (like the one in page 2 of the gallery). Possible options I'm considering are a truss rod and the Hipshot bridges (and a Kent Armstrong pickup). Now, I know that everyone says that Wishbasses don't need truss rods, but I'm a bit hesitant to get a bass without one. I think the biggest reason is because I've never gotten a bass without one... It's amazing how people will stick to something just because it's what they're used to. However, with my luck, if I *ever* try to cut corners, I always pay for it (dearly) in the end. I'm also considering slimming the neck down a lot due to tendinitis in my fingertips that makes it hard to fret/play sometimes. I actually prefer larger neck profiles, but now it's a health issue more than one of preference. I've seen the pictures, and the exposed nut honestly doesn't bother me at all. I guess in the end, whether it needs a truss or not, it couldn't hurt to put one in, right?
Also, the single piece floating bridge makes me a bit anxious. I have a knack for messing everything up, and I seem to be a magnet for trouble... And having something that isn't very adjustable on the fly (that needs to be adjusted every time you change strings) makes me nervous. If I want to mod it, I have to permanently remove parts of it by sanding it down. I'm afraid that I'll knock it out of whack and mess up intonation or break it completely. So in lieu of the Corian bridge, I was considering the Hipshot Triple Lock bridges. However, I've seen the difficulty Wish seems to have with drilling straight lines. So... now I'm stuck. Should I pay for an expensive bridge system that may be installed all cock-ass, or do I get the regular system... and then possibly have to replace it with the same expensive system (which will cost more in the long run)? Either way, if he messes it up, I'll have to fill/redrill holes in the bass. Opinions here? I've seen pictures of him installing either system correctly, and I've conversely seen pictures of him botching both.
Here's ideally what I'm imagining:
I'd also like a smaller neck (nut-width) due to the aforementioned health problems. This is something I'm afraid he might "forget" when making the bass. I've included 2 pictures of 6 strings made by him to show how different the radius sizes are.
Here's what I'm thinking of:
Here's what I don't want:
So all of the options combined would look like this:
6-String Striped Peanut w/ Kent Armstrong, truss rod, Hipshot bridge, & slim nut
I know Wish doesn't like overly complicated orders, but I don't think I'm being unreasonable. I bounced these ideas off him, and he doesn't seemed to be bothered by any of the mods. He seemed nice enough and always responded very quickly.
What do y'all think? Is it worth the hit-or-miss craftsmanship? I have no problem sanding her down, re-shaping some parts, applying a finish, etc. However, I don't have a whole lot of tools, so I'm somewhat limited in how much I can modify the instrument once it gets to me. I'm mostly worried about the bridge, I guess...
After my own experiences getting custom work from Wish I would never do it again, without a doubt. Wish is "forgetful," and "remembering" details is very detrimental to what you're describing.
I can also say, from my own experience, that Wish can lose patience with his customers VERY quickly. Combine that with the fact that he is also "forgetful," and, well, you can see where this train has the potential to wreck very easily.
Basically, if you do decide to do custom work with him you've got to give him your specs, cross your fingers, leave the guy alone lest he decide that the bass is too much work and he's sick of you, and then hope that the "forgetfulness" and mistakes are minimal in quantity and in impact.
Don't think I haven't read about your situation, which is very unfortunate. It's actually the reason why I posted in the first place rather than pulling the trigger. I don't mean to insult the guy, but realistically, it's undeniable that his work can be something of a "crap shoot."
If you've spoken with him, and he's good with the extras, go for it. I would recommend either considering - A) get it unfinished or B) consider that his finish is just a first coat and plan to do a bit of work on it yourself. don't expect it to be exactly what you picture it to be.
Regards to the corian bridge, well, functionally it works. it's ugly, but does the job. you could mark where it's supposed to go, and even glue it down if need be. maybe you could have a wood one made? it might look nicer.
my shortscale was around $600, unfinished. but I wanted an ebony fingerboard, so that was $100 extra, and then the Kent Armstrong was extra too... probably have another $100 if you include the cost of the materials to finish it myself, oh, yeah, and the HAS varitone... not even including my time working on it.
could I get what I paid for it back - probably never.
but it's a nice little thing:
walnut body, ebony board, volume, HAS varitone (I installed)
If I ever wanted another Wishbass, I'd wait for a cool looking one on ebay, and do a bunch of work on it myself. a
ctually, I kinda wish I hadn't sold the first custom he did for me, so I could've done a refin on it:
Ambrosia maple, purpleheart board
From what I've heard and seen on this board, I think you're going into this with your eyes wide open, and that's good.
And it sounds like your order isn't so crazy complex that it's in huge danger of being completely screwed up.
The thing I believe you need to do is give *dimensions* of the nut (like 2"? that's how wide Ibanez and Carvin 6's are) and the string spacing at the bridge (like 3", ditto Ibanez and Carvin) or whatever your requirements are. Words like "narrow", "tight", and "wide" definitely mean different things to different people, but everybody knows what 2" means.
BUT, after that, you need to be prepared for things like uneven string spacing at the nut, less-than-straight fingerboard, rough edges, and the like -- everything that makes a Wish a Wish. I do agree that unfinished is the way to go.
I believe that what you get out of Wish is a very well-constructed core instrument (which is where all the sound comes from anyway) at a better than reasonable price. I think it is pushing it to expect more than that. The details beyond that are mostly things an average handy person can correct (or customize) with a few special tools. I figure: I can file, I can sand, I can drill, I can tweak. What I can't do is find a good source of woods, glue up plies straight and solid, or rout pickup and control cavities. So basically I pay Wish to do what he does best, and expect to do some "around the edges" stuff to my liking. Basically spend my time instead of my money. As long as you know what to expect, i don't think you can be disappointed. And who knows, it's at least even odds that you'll be pleasantly surprised.
P.S.: make sure your original order is *exactly* what you want, and don't send him pictures of what you DON'T want... that's just asking for trouble.
And I've definitely decided on getting the bass unfinished.
Thanks for the tip on giving the exact dimensions for the nut. Again, the main thing I'm worried about is the bridge. From what I'm seeing here, I should just get the Corian and install a different bridge myself if I want a different one.
Thanks for the tip on giving the exact dimensions for the nut. Again, the main thing I'm worried about is the bridge. From what I'm seeing here, I should just get the Corian and install a different bridge myself if I want a different one.
If you're going fretless then the floating bridge is not a worry at all IMHO. I'd consider something else if I were going with a fretted bass where intonation needs to be exact on. These days I've been making my own bridges with ebony pen blanks to replace the Corian and I'm always within what I'd say was an exceptable range on my Peterson (plus or minus a few cents).
+1 on Eli's tip to detail the dimensions. As per another suggestion (3stringpete) write out a spec sheet and send it to him with your order. Finally don't bug the guy! Sounds obvious and it's the same advice for anyone doing a custom bass with any luthier. Finally don't think you can change him, he's not going to make you a Fodera based on a few extra suggestions from you.
So in order: Spec-sheet, deposit, sit back and wait would be my suggestion with maybe a 'how's it going 4 or weeks into the build.
Good luck!
ps: Sounds obvious, but make sure the model you choose has the room for a 'aftermarket' bridge if you chose to go that way! For example the JB and Fantasy are very limited in real estate for anything other than a thin floating bridge.
Good evening Mr. Pants,
Here is something else you may want to consider, have it delivered without any bridge or string through holes, and have the hipshots installed by a local luthier. While you are at it, have him leave off the fret markers as well.
The thing that I always find interesting, after 7 Wishbasses with varying levels of craftsmanship, is that his ebay rating is over 500 and 100% positive. Some of those have come from me. So he must be getting something right, most of the time.
Spanky; Besides everything you've read in this thread, there is a "list" of things to never do when ordering a Wishbass. It's in Part III, but I cannot remember what page or post number (sorry). If you have not seen it, do yourself a favor and read it. It was written by Wish in response to the whole Lextron frustration. It should put you in the correct frame of mind to make a special order from him.
I had a good experience with a custom order Fantasy I had made for my birthday in July of '07, but I was very specific without being demanding (or unrealistic) and left Wish alone during the build pretty much (I also pretty much ordered a typical Wishbass). The bass is a 4 string fretless, with KA pup, zebrawood fronts/backs, wenge FB, double purpleheart neck stringers, 30" scale and rear-mounted controls. No finish, of course. Cost was just under $550 with shipping. Build time was 3 months (+/-). Wish commented that he had fun building it for me!
Good luck with whatever route you choose to go.
Here's the post 49sfine is talking about, actually from Part II:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7112663&postcount=982
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7112663&postcount=982
TR: Thanks for finding that! No wonder I couldn't find it easily in Part III - duhhh ... I knew someone would trigger it.
Wish actually told me that he was NOT enjoying the building of my bass. And that's exactly what you need to worry about; if the guy isn't enjoying what he's doing than his attention isn't there, and he may just go ahead and ship it out before he's done, as I experienced.
I would be wary of specifying numbers (2" nut, etc) and expecting him to go with them; if he doesn't take the time to measure for the string through holes what makes you think that he's going to go digging around for a spec sheet with dirty hands while he's in the middle of working? He'd just as quickly "forget" about the spec sheet IMO.
I agree with one of the previous posts; go ahead and get the bass done unfinished, with not holes drilled and no fret markers. In doing that you'll remove many of the issues completely that you'd likely be correcting down the road.
Point taken, and I suppose I'd agree with this for the usual bass player... but Spanky has a physical condition requiring a narrow neck, so with a neck wider than he can physically tolerate, the bass becomes useless.
Others may chime in here on the advisability of this move, but: Spanky, I would suggest that you actually call Wish and ask him if a 2" (or even narrower!) nut for a 6-string is something he will do, in light of your physical constraints. (He does build guitars, so this shouldn't be anything he's never handled before.) And in the interest of NOT getting him tired of you, be sure you have ALL questions ready to ask in one conversation. That way the whole build will be fresh in his mind, all in one piece, all issues will be resolved beforehand, and you can submit a clean build order that you will not change along the way.
Wish has his issues (as he points out!) but he seems to be a reasonable fellow, as long as everything is laid out clean to start.
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