Budget custom bass

J

JB_24

Mar 18, 2022
35
20
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#1
I’m in the market for a new bass and wanting something a little higher end. I could go buy a 1500 dollar Ibanez or fender, but everyone has one, and I’m not that kind of guy. I figure if I’m dropping that much on one, I’d like to get something more “custom”. Not 100% maybe, but something I can say is mine and just mine.

my criteria would be:
- 6 string
- active EQ
- bolt on neck most likely, as I owned a through body and just wasn’t crazy about it
- natural wood look. I want to appreciate the wood, not the paint
- budget under $2k if possible?

maybe I’m nuts, but I figure it’s worth asking
 
#3
JB_24 said:
maybe I’m nuts, but I figure it’s worth asking
Click to expand...
You're not nuts , it's a low budget but doable.

Heck you could put one together yourself from Warmoth. Picking the costliest Gecko options you'd be $700 for the body , $500 for the neck. Then $360 for Duncan preamp + pickups. $145 on Hipshot bridge. $80 Gotoh tuners.

Total $1705.

Plenty left over for neck screw inserts ($7.20), neck screws ($18), shielding tape ($8) and strap buttons ($5)
 
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#8
JB_24 said:
I’m in the market for a new bass and wanting something a little higher end. I could go buy a 1500 dollar Ibanez or fender, but everyone has one, and I’m not that kind of guy. I figure if I’m dropping that much on one, I’d like to get something more “custom”. Not 100% maybe, but something I can say is mine and just mine.

my criteria would be:
- 6 string
- active EQ
- bolt on neck most likely, as I owned a through body and just wasn’t crazy about it
- natural wood look. I want to appreciate the wood, not the paint
- budget under $2k if possible?

maybe I’m nuts, but I figure it’s worth asking
Click to expand...
Something like this?

upload_2022-3-21_12-54-55.png


Elwood L - Electronics | Public Peace Customshop
 
#13
Home

I don't own one, but have been in contact with him concerning a custom baritone build. He is very flexible as to components and specifications. Also, a good dude (no pun intended). It is worth contacting him via the website or his online store via Reverb. The above link is for his website. I believe he also has a presence on YouTube and Facebook, including build videos.

Also consider that you could have a much more broad range of options if you also embrace the used market. There are plenty of very nice basses used from the custom side of things around you price range.
 
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#14
Discount Bassy said:
Home

I don't own one, but have been in contact with him concerning a custom baritone build. He is very flexible as to components and specifications. Also, a good dude (no pun intended). It is worth contacting him via the website or his online store via Reverb. The above link is for his website. I believe he also has a presence on YouTube and Facebook, including build videos.

Also consider that you could have a much more broad range of options if you also embrace the used market. There are plenty of very nice basses used from the custom side of things around you price range.
Click to expand...
Depending on how my search goes, I will likely look to the used market. I’m not dead set on a purely custom to me instrument. Just the idea of having something unique and a lot of fun to play and own. I will check this guy out though. Thanks
 
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#15
I'm planning a build from Zoot Bass after seeing a few instruments of his that were very close to what I wanted and hearing praise from other customers. For what I want I was quoted ballpark $1800-2250k with a nice paintjob for a passive bass. I find that very reasonable considering it's all custom. I gather a natural finish with active electronics will come out about the same, give or take.
 
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#17
Crawforde said:
I would check out a Bruce Johnson bass.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the support, but I don't build custom basses (any more). Nor do I do 6-strings or active systems. And only one of my standard production basses is under $2000. For the moment.

I can tell you that most Luthiers can't build a custom 6-string active bass for under $3K. Not if they are doing the work themselves in their own shop, with normal small business overhead.
 
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#18
Oops I forgot about the 6 string part, and wasn’t sure about the active component.
I consider everything you build as closer to custom than standard production.
Maybe not “ custom built to order” but I think your “standard production” and what is normally thought of as standard production are different. At least in my mind.
 
#19
Bruce Johnson said:
I appreciate the support, but I don't build custom basses (any more). Nor do I do 6-strings or active systems. And only one of my standard production basses is under $2000. For the moment.

I can tell you that most Luthiers can't build a custom 6-string active bass for under $3K. Not if they are doing the work themselves in their own shop, with normal small business overhead.
Click to expand...
What is the time it takes an average luthier to make a solid bodied instrument? I know an acoustic is probably average of 100 hours. I always consider that when making low ball offers. Even at a lousy $20/hr, 100 hours is $2000 in labor. Not even considering materials or overhead. No wonder they cost $4500 on the low end of the spectrum.
 
#20
James Collins said:
What is the time it takes an average luthier to make a solid bodied instrument? I know an acoustic is probably average of 100 hours. I always consider that when making low ball offers. Even at a lousy $20/hr, 100 hours is $2000 in labor. Not even considering materials or overhead. No wonder they cost $4500 on the low end of the spectrum.
Click to expand...
Interesting insight. Honestly my 2000 was just to keep guys from suggesting 8-10k basses. Figured if I said 2, I’d get a lot of 3-3500 lol which mostly held true and has been very helpful! Currently, I am talking to a local fella I found. His proximity to me is extremely intriguing
 
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