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World's most eccentric builder?

M

millsbass5

Dec 7, 2008
5,214
234
59
Logan,W.V.(not up some holler)
#1
Ken Bebensee. If you know high-end basses, builders (and quirkiness), then you should know this guy. It's been said (and written) that the guy takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r on some builds, but, as few players have said, it's well worth the wait. I dunno about all of that. But, the guy builds some kick-ass basses, without following the "perfectness" of, say a Fodera, or Ritter, that's for damn sure. He kinda seems to come from that Carl Thompson type of mold, as far as his building style goes.

Check out this guy's workshop :eek::eek: below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwxsobplRAs

And, of course, nothing would be complete without that horrid 90's era website of his, would it? He could have so much more success. But.......

Invalid Link Removed
 
#4
I don't take eccentric as meaning slow, although that can be one characteristic in many.

I take it as meaning a head in the clouds, OCD, hermit type.

the guy that makes Dumble guitar amps is a pretty good example of eccentric. builds in extremely limited quantities, says all kinds of crazy metaphysical stuff about why his amps work, and won't even make one for you unless he likes you, and charges insane money.
 
#6
mcarp555 said:
No. If you were going to award a prize for most eccentric builder (and slowest), it would be this guy: Darren Huff.

Warning: if you haven't read this thread, settle in for a long read. Get some snacks and drinks, and perhaps some antacid to combat the rising bile you'll feel in the back of your throat.
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Nah, Darren just straight-up screwed people. As much, or more, as he's screwed in the head, IMHO. Ken? He kinda strikes me as your typical stoner hippie from the Emerald Triangle (Google it) in Northern California. Not that there's anything wrong with that. :D


pklima- "He's got nothing on Krappy when it comes to 90s looking websites and tolerance for imperfections.

http://krappyguitars.com/

IMO, comparing those 2 basses would be an insult to a Bebensee Bass. There's just a few brands on par with his instruments. It's just those occasional long builds that's turned a few eyes away from them. Top-notch basses.
 
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#11
#17
She's twenty years old - Truss rods have never had to be touched - Plays like butter - Growls for days

Ken took a $1000 deposit - He put figured bubinga purpleheart wenge and ebony together at my request - And let his router go wild
He PERSONALLY showed up at my door a few months later (200 miles south of his home at the time) and handed her to me - - - Another $1000 sent him on his way

That was another time in another world - - - Ken: Wherever you are today; THANK YOU!
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#18
All Time Low said:
She's twenty years old - Truss rods have never had to be touched - Plays like butter - Growls for days

Ken took a $1000 deposit - He put figured bubinga purpleheart wenge and ebony together at my request - And let his router go wild
He PERSONALLY showed up at my door a few months later (200 miles south of his home at the time) and handed her to me - - - Another $1000 sent him on his way

That was another time in another world - - - Ken: Wherever you are today; THANK YOU!View attachment 2767914 View attachment 2767917 View attachment 2767918
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That's a sexy beast right there.
 
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#19
millsbass5 said:
He may be. But, we're talkin' a difference of day n' night, as far as the quality of what's being built. With a Ken Bebensee bass, we're talkin Carl Thompson build/playability territory here.
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On quality sure, but Wish is in a separate class when it comes to sheer eccentricity.

Other notable mentions, though possibly in a negative sense: Fatdawg and Ed Roman.
 
#20
All Time Low said:
She's twenty years old - Truss rods have never had to be touched - Plays like butter - Growls for days

Ken took a $1000 deposit - He put figured bubinga purpleheart wenge and ebony together at my request - And let his router go wild
He PERSONALLY showed up at my door a few months later (200 miles south of his home at the time) and handed her to me - - - Another $1000 sent him on his way

That was another time in another world - - - Ken: Wherever you are today; THANK YOU!
Click to expand...

That's HAWT. What are the "holes" in the fingerboard?
 

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