Ever since I started playing I wanted an early Warwick Thumb bass - the first proper bass I tried was a friends 5 string thumb and it is just a beautiful bass. My 30th present came a year early as bass and finances collided and I got my dream bass - a stunning 1985 Warwick thumb with a few ‘custom shop’ factory features...
it then spent 4-5 years on my wall not being played. Ergonomics were ok but the tone and how it played never was first of second choice for the things I was doing. At meet ups with other bassists the Thumb was always popular and people enjoyed playing it but I just didn’t click with it.
I recently traded it for a bass I was expecting to like but not love that I would try for half a year or so and move on. But from first play I realised it was a special instrument for me and my technique- I’ve tottaly clicked with it and it gets most the playing time now.
my thoughts...
Follow your GAS if you can afford, don’t hoard but try out things that you want to try out
some things can’t be done off the shelf - if you know what you want, go custom.
some makers build on a custom basis, if you like their work find s way to try it then that’s a good idea if you know and like the builder.
Custom instruments don’t hold their value, either be prepared for the loss in value if you end up selling it on, or really really know what you’re after.
I still think some instruments come together and seem to have some magic. Personally I would rather have a great instrument that is 90% what I want than a 100% my spec and wants that is a competent but not a great instrument - my temptation given £3k to spend would either be to try something I had Gas for (secondhand so I wouldn’t loose too much if it didn’t click) or try lots to find something that is great - someone local to me has an early stingray. On spec it’s ok, in your hands,even with corroded strings on it absolutely sings.