Wishbass Club pt. 2

[MJLuke]

Okay, enough of that. We're glad you are getting excited about #1022 and we are all hoping that Wish will mellow out and continue to make a few more customs before he decides it's too much of a hassle (is there a PK in some of our futures?)!

I sent Wish an inquirey about the PK model to maybe get an idea for the price --to tentatively plan setting aside some $$ in the near future... but haven't heard back yet... I'ts only been a day though... so I guess I'll try to curb my enthusiasm a little...

 

[Thunderitter]

Actually that little rant was not written to me or sent in my direction in any way or form. And it was published in a public forum; Wish posted it on his blog.

I appreciate you making that clear. I didn't pick up that point in your original post - my bad.

While you may recognize yourself in that, at least he didn't mention you by name!

Anyway, I'm going to leave this alone now.

Ah, request from now out, particularly as you seem to be warning up to your bass, put this behind you and look forward. We all now know what's happened and there isn't any point IMHO continuing unless you sign up for a Twitter account and start posting update via that!

I for one am looking forward to seeing your re-fin progress and again the offer is there if you need my helps/thoughts/sticker or even a knob or two, although it looks like you need three of those and not just my two!

Peace brother.

 

[LexTron6K]

Thanks for the offer Thunder. I may hit you up on the knob offer in the future here.

I just got back from the local luthier (Hoffman Guitars). They gave me a $810 quote to get everything done, which seemed a bit steep to me. It turns out that they were looking for $200 just to wrap up the electronics, to I took that out of the package and now I'm looking at $610 to get the bass done and ready for me to finish it.

That's still a bit steep, but two factors played into me deciding to go ahead and do it with these guys. First, Conrad (the guy that is working on it) picked up EVERYTHING, many things that I wasn't even aware of. The body is going to have to be re-glued, as the two pieces of wood that it's made of are coming apart (no ****!). He also found a number of problems with the fretboard and the nut. I knew that both of these items would need some work, but I had no idea about the degree of work that they would need. Apparently the fretboard was not cut straight across up on the top where it meets the nut. And the fretboard itself is thick on one end and thin on the other. Again, I guess that Wish isn't known for his consistency.

The second reason why I chose to go with these guys and their price is simply the fact that they're good guys that do good work. Check out their website (http://www.hoffmanguitars.com/index.html) and you'll see what I mean. The guy that is going to do the work even mentioned a luthier school a couple hours away and said that I could name-drop him and get somebody (a student) there to do the work for a fraction of the price. But, ultimately, I decided to go with the more expensive option just to be assured that the work gets done as well as it possibly can.

So, unfortunately I'll have to get the electronics done elsewhere, but I'm sure that I can get it done a lot cheaper than the $200 that they were charging. Also, it will work out better to get that done post-finish anyways.

And unfortunately they will not be able to do anything to hide that damned truss rod. The guy had some traditional comments concerning the Wishbasses, such as:

"Well, the body looks great, I like the design, but that headstock looks like Frankenstein's shoe got tossed on there or something."

I guess that I'll have to begin brainstorming on what to do with the truss rod. Honestly, had I known, the bass would not have been ordered with a truss rod. Oh well.

Does anybody have any ideas on what to do with the truss rod eyesore? Did anybody even read this far into my prolific post?

 

[BillyB_from_LZ]

...Does anybody have any ideas on what to do with the truss rod eyesore? ...

If Wish used his normal neck construction, perhaps the truss rod isn't necessary. Maybe you could put a big wingnut on the end of it or something silly.

 

[MJLuke]

...now I'm looking at $610 to get the bass done and ready for me to finish it.

Wow... that's a lotta dough, LexTron... That puts you at $1060 (including the electronics, right), and then you still need to finish it yourself???

Seems a little ridiculous to me to spend that kinda bread on a Wishbass... just to get it "ready" for you to finnish it?

The more I've read from you, the more I'm convinced that you really had no idea what you were getting into with this purchase... and probably had expectations that were way outta wack from the get go...

In hind sight, you may have been better served throwing your cash at a more "traditional" custom bass builder --and would have ended up spending about the same amount of mulah and a gotten a full on "proffessional" finnish/ setup, etc...

Wow...

 

[Thunderitter]

I just got back from the local luthier (Hoffman Guitars). They gave me a $810 quote to get everything done, which seemed a bit steep to me. It turns out that they were looking for $200 just to wrap up the electronics, to I took that out of the package and now I'm looking at $610 to get the bass done and ready for me to finish it.

I read that quote as a "we don't really want to do this" quote.

What on earth needs to be done to the electronics? Wiring a pre to a pick-up, isn't rocket science! I'd guestimate my local shop would be about $65 - $85 for that, about the same as what they charge for a double humbucker install. Do you have a written quote from them?

IMHO anyone would be mad to spend $810 on this work, particularly as a lot of it can be DIY. If you do go ahead I can't help thinking you're opening a can of worms and I'd make sure you do this fixed cost.

FYI, the luthiers I've shown my Wishbasses to have gone about their analysis the same way as it sounds yours did and that is "what would we do to build it better or how would we have built it?".

I can't help feeling these guys are trying to reinvent the wheel too. It's a Wishbass not a Fodera as much as you'd like it to be. Don't keep missing that point!

Does anybody have any ideas on what to do with the truss rod eyesore? Did anybody even read this far into my prolific post?

Personally I'd live with it (IMHO it's a good talking point!) but if you can't live with how it looks I'd take it out. However, as it is probably securely anchored at the bridge end, I'd think about loosening it and cutting it off at the nut end. That does mean that it will be lose in the bass, so you may want to pour some sealer around it (or similar) to anchor it.

Also, if indeed the body is coming apart, as opposed to some gaps here and there (which is another trademark) do yourself the favour and do it yourself. Is the body unstable at all in your opinion?

On my fretboard I spent a lot of time with a block and sandpaper to even things up. It's not perfect but there's no buzz and I've got a reasonable action.

As for the nut, doesn't sound like anything that affect the playability. Remember these basses are about tone and the playability, don't get bent out of shape on esthetics - it's a $300 bass after all.

My advice is don't put good money after bad. Better off to see if you can sell to someone for the $250 you are in for already and then use all those expensive add-ons for some other project. If I didn't have so much many projects right now, I'd seriously consider fixing this one up.

Life's a learning process and it sounds like you've got an MBA out of this one.

 

[Jeff Roller]

Thanks for the offer Thunder. I may hit you up on the knob offer in the future here.

I just got back from the local luthier (Hoffman Guitars). They gave me a $810 quote to get everything done, which seemed a bit steep to me. It turns out that they were looking for $200 just to wrap up the electronics, to I took that out of the package and now I'm looking at $610 to get the bass done and ready for me to finish it.

That's still a bit steep, but two factors played into me deciding to go ahead and do it with these guys. First, Conrad (the guy that is working on it) picked up EVERYTHING, many things that I wasn't even aware of. The body is going to have to be re-glued, as the two pieces of wood that it's made of are coming apart (no ****!). He also found a number of problems with the fretboard and the nut. I knew that both of these items would need some work, but I had no idea about the degree of work that they would need. Apparently the fretboard was not cut straight across up on the top where it meets the nut. And the fretboard itself is thick on one end and thin on the other. Again, I guess that Wish isn't known for his consistency.

The second reason why I chose to go with these guys and their price is simply the fact that they're good guys that do good work. Check out their website (http://www.hoffmanguitars.com/index.html) and you'll see what I mean. The guy that is going to do the work even mentioned a luthier school a couple hours away and said that I could name-drop him and get somebody (a student) there to do the work for a fraction of the price. But, ultimately, I decided to go with the more expensive option just to be assured that the work gets done as well as it possibly can.

So, unfortunately I'll have to get the electronics done elsewhere, but I'm sure that I can get it done a lot cheaper than the $200 that they were charging. Also, it will work out better to get that done post-finish anyways.

And unfortunately they will not be able to do anything to hide that damned truss rod. The guy had some traditional comments concerning the Wishbasses, such as:

"Well, the body looks great, I like the design, but that headstock looks like Frankenstein's shoe got tossed on there or something."

I guess that I'll have to begin brainstorming on what to do with the truss rod. Honestly, had I known, the bass would not have been ordered with a truss rod. Oh well.

Does anybody have any ideas on what to do with the truss rod eyesore? Did anybody even read this far into my prolific post?

I've followed this conversation avidly, and have some free advice and it's worth exactly what it costs you (nothing).

If I were in your shoes,

1) After your experience, if you found someone to finish the bass at ANY price, where is the pride in ownership? You're going to look at this thing every time you get it out of the case and be reminded of the bad experience, so no matter what it eventually winds up sounding like, it's a bitter reminder of a "bad" transaction.

2) Take your electronics off of it, post the bass on the for sale forum for what you have in it (your deposit) and I'm sure someone will take it off your hands. I'd buy it myself, but I've got too many projects going already.

3) Take your electronics, buy a Warmoth body and neck, Hipshot hardware, sandpaper, stain, oil finish, and make your own bass. It's not that hard, and based on what has happened to you during this build, you will be much prouder of the results.

4) Go to Rondo music, pick out a nice SX, rip the guts out, sell the guts on TB, route the bass for your electronics and have a killer looking, sounding bass for not much scratch. I don't know about the guys quoting these mind boggling prices to solder a jack plate, but if you PM me I'll put you in touch with the guys who custom wired my last complicated project, and it was 45 bucks including shipping. Mind you, this was some COMPLICATED (for me) custom wiring, and it was nothing to these guys, they do it every day, and don't rape their customers.

My 2 cents.

 

[Thunderitter]

2) Take your electronics off of it, post the bass on the for sale forum for what you have in it (your deposit)

Don't forget to become a supporting member in order to sell, actually why don't you just consider becoming a supporting member! The bills need to be paid some how! Look at all the good advice you get here!

 

[49sfine]

Lextron; Sounds like you have have already committed yourself to the Hoffman group? Either way, keep in mind that you will never get your money back out of this project at those prices. Wishbasses are meant to be worked on by the owners - that's the whole point! I bought an Ebay walnut Stude last year for about $260 (from Wish, including shipping -a sweet deal) and then proceeded to put about 26 -28 hours of finish time into it. I also leveled the FB, lowered the action, put on flatwounds and made a cool thumbrest out of Brazilian ebony. I sold it on Ebay recently for only about $100 more than I paid for it!!! - and that was with all the nice work that I put into it! And it was sweet, sweet, sweet. Granted, I probably should have held out for more money, but there is only so much a Wishbass will bring, especially in this economy. If you spend the amounts you are talking about, be prepared to hang on to #1022 for a long, long time. - just a heads-up, brother ...

 

[YammerHammer]

Well, i just got home from visiting Mr. Wishnevsky and picking up my new Swirl. I gotta say, hes one of the coolest old guys ive ever met. Seems like the kind of guy you'd really have to push to get him rattled. we annoyed him for an hour or so and he was a great host. He showed us his shop and everything he's working on including the #1000 hipper thats in for some work. We sat around and plucked a few basses and a his personal "Wishguitar." It was a long drive but worth it to hang out with Mr. Wish and see where my new bass started its life and came together. i know... not a big deal to most people... but its cool to me.

Im really going to enjoy this instrument. Its not perfect, but i knew that going in and as my friend said the imperfections really make the instrument what it is. I had big plans to refinish this one and make it nice... but im going to save that for the next Wish i buy and keep this one just like it is.

 

[49sfine]

YH; Well, it would be a big deal to me too! I would love to get a shop tour. If I am ever on the east coast, I am going to ask if I could visit. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm sure it makes your Swirl that more special to you. Way to go ...

 

[MJLuke]

not a big deal to most people... but its cool to me.

Very Cool Yammer... it's like meeting a grumpy old santa clause!

 

[3stringpete]

MJL: I remembered the name of Gubna's hybrid incorrectly, sorry. It's not a "JP" as I said! (Where did I come up with that?) - 'PK, PK. PK' ......

Named using my initials (Pete K.)

It was my idea...combining the Lobe's upper half with the Stude's lower half. Gubna's Lobe has the longer lower horn design from the Peanut. Very cool!

 

[3stringpete]

Well, i just got home from visiting Mr. Wishnevsky and picking up my new Swirl. I gotta say, hes one of the coolest old guys ive ever met. Seems like the kind of guy you'd really have to push to get him rattled. we annoyed him for an hour or so and he was a great host. He showed us his shop and everything he's working on including the #1000 hipper thats in for some work. We sat around and plucked a few basses and a his personal "Wishguitar." It was a long drive but worth it to hang out with Mr. Wish and see where my new bass started its life and came together. i know... not a big deal to most people... but its cool to me.

Im really going to enjoy this instrument. Its not perfect, but i knew that going in and as my friend said the imperfections really make the instrument what it is. I had big plans to refinish this one and make it nice... but im going to save that for the next Wish i buy and keep this one just like it is.

Thanks for sharing! Wish is indeed a GREAT guy, and I really miss hanging out at his shop and smelling the wood chips, saw dust and burning incense. I recently moved to VA, so I only catch up with him via email. I do miss that redneck Polish hippie.

 

[sofnlo]

(cough,cough)#335(cough,cough)want to buy it back if any body has it,thanks

 

[49sfine]

(cough,cough)#335(cough,cough)want to buy it back if any body has it,thanks

I'm curious - can you tell us more about it? Do you have any photos? Thanx ...

 

[sofnlo]

sold it to a guy in california i think.it was on ebay.it was m first bass and regret selling it

 

[49sfine]

Sofnlo; No wonder you miss it! Very, very nice Hyper - love the slanted FB end and PUP. I own Hyper #808 and love it - most comfortable thing ... Good luck on your search and thanks for the photo - very kool ....

 

[Gubna]

I really miss hanging out at his shop and smelling the wood chips, saw dust and burning incense.

such a nice picture you paint!

since there hasn't been enough pics of wishbasses on this page... here are the first three I had, (and sold).

first one I got on ebay from BassDudeSA, a peanut model with upgraded SD basslines pickup,
2nd one is a lobe I got direct from wish via the bay, a sweet burl maple, and I put in a vintage dimarzio model j (not shown)
and the first custom, which was ambrosia maple, purpleheart fingerboard, kent armstrong and both volume and tone (shown but barely visible due to the amboyna knobs I had made) - should've kept this one...

 

[MJLuke]

and the first custom, which was ambrosia maple, purpleheart fingerboard, kent armstrong and both volume and tone (shown but barely visible due to the amboyna knobs I had made) - should've kept this one...

Yeah... you should've... I'm sure it's new owner is enjoying the heck outta that beauty...