BadHands

Thanks, will check his stuff out!

Hi all! Long time lurker. I'm looking for recommendations for luthiers for a custom bass that I designed 12 years ago and am finally in a position to look into seriously. I've seen the sticky-luthier-list, but out of the 6 or 7 I've clicked on, none actually build instruments, and those that do only seem to offer variations on their own designs. Originally my plan was to get hold of a 4 string Pedulla Rapture bass (I adore the design and a "Fast" neck), and change almost everything about it apart from the shape of the bass and the neck. I'm talking new pickups + preamp (and routing), changing the bridge to string through (and drilling), complete respray of the body and headstock, and depending on what I could source, probably a new pickguard. I realised that if I can find a luthier I can trust, I can probably have it built from scratch perfectly to my spec for a similar price, so.. Who would you recommend that offers a range of different options for building that you would recommend? I'm willing to have work done from different places if needsbe(Such as neck and body made by one luthier, and finished and wired elsewhere), but would this be considered disrespectful? I don't want to waste anyone's time; but I've got a bunch of specs that I don't want to compromise on, but have to think of the price. Also, location is a big one as I'm based near Birmingham, and would have to think of getting there to try whatever instruments they have, and shipping/collecting factoring in to the total price. ANY advice/help/sarcastic remarks would be appreciated!