Bridgehouse

See, that wasn’t a denial of the inevitable, was it?

That's the stuff! I do like Black Limba and you don't see so many basses in it. I just had to go with it for a custom build.

I don't think it's much of a gamble at all to be honest. I'd say the reports suggest reliability is absolutely fine. There's a "?" on the wattage rating - but as I've said before, it's how the player feels about it in action that counts. Yeah, it might be a bit naughty of them to suggest 2000W in big letters everywhere without really qualifying that (apart from in the manual) and even then there's some "?" over whether it really is 2000w peak.. but unless you need some sort of monster amp the (probable) 500-700w output will be fine for most players. And that's what the reviews and user comments suggest so all good. Now, if they could get their distributors not to put the spec in RMS then we'd be motoring...

You'd be surprised.. I have my Preamp/DI on a Pedaltrain nano - with a Korg tuner and a wireless receiver. It's all powered by a Cioks DC5. (I know that won't work for Stomp, but their new one will..) All up, it fits in a Mono Tic, so I can attach it to my Mono bag for a single carry in.

Next up is the top. There was a lot more choice here. Alan suggested a choice from the following: and the one I finally selected - this one: I went for this one as it's got a nice balance between grain, light and dark, and figuring generally. Here's the reverse side of it: Alan will now do some wizardry on it and take a cut from it to deliver a few options for the final piece.. He also has a neck blank in my chosen wood combo ready to go - so here it is:

First up in the process is picking some wood. Alan found a nice light piece of Black Limba for the body - I didn't want it to be too heavy, so he advised a less figured piece as the figuring and darkness can make it very heavy.. Here's the piece he selected: Looks like a nice piece! And it's a good balance between figuring and plainness to keep the weight down.

I thought it might be useful for some (mainly those that have never done a custom build) to see what's involved and what the process is like. Plus it's a good excuse to post lots of pics of stuff I have to say, of course, that this is the process with Alan, and not necessarily representative of every builder, but I think it would be good to share just how interesting and exciting it can be working with a builder like Alan. I also know this is old hat for some of you - just look at the pics instead 😁 First stage is the Spec Sheet. Essentially it's a big list of options that you work through - with advice, to get the final solution. Here's my final spec sheet so you can see the various options: The RetroB is the core body shape - and Modern means it's a 24 fret (as opposed to a classic 22)

Yes - and a brilliant guy to work with/chat to

I have been really impressed with John’s stuff - both the uni pre and the p-retro

Ah, the traditional "current build resting in a Poang" shot... 😁

If you hang around here long enough you'll be after more than just a Pedulla 😁

They are available in Short, Medium, and Long, they have multiple lower bout sizes, and they do a really nice paisley print one. I find the playability a bit off due to the way they cut their gussets, and the stitching on the frets is variable in quality.

So it's a Korgenbacker? Or is it a Rickenorg?

As a full fat helix owner I'm in two minds on this one. I'm seriously considering a Stomp (Mrs B has her eyes on it as xmas pressie for me) but I doubt I'd pick it exclusively over the full fat. I use my helix at home, for recording, mic input, multiple outs, and all sorts of other stuff. It's on the floor under my desk and gets used every day. A Stomp wouldn't cut it. That said, I'd use it live all the time....

I did, but decided to stick with the uni pre - I have one on the shuker and it’s just what I was looking for. I guess I’m sticking with what I know for this one. Course, I could always swap it out for a DFM later on

Having recently heard the cracking sound of a neck splitting, I can feel your anxiety.. I think that sound will haunt me for a long time!

Would a Stellartone Tone Styler do the job you are looking for but without the requirement for two pots and a switch?

Welcome! Some great sounding basses you have there!

Is that her ginger wig?

To be honest it’s laziness. Well, laziness and ease of chucking in the car. Well, that and forgetting speaker leads. Of course, I’ve never done that *honest*

@Al Krow as an on topic aside - I’m tempted to say the veyron would really suit the barefaced Compact I have as a backup. I’d like a combo for convenience, but I do need a head for the barefaced that isn’t valve based entirely

Indeed! Still tempted by a veyron tho!!!

I clearly had an “eh?” One. I made up for it with a stunning songwriter deluxe, which was exceptional. I sold it cos I’m a d1ck

Well well - that’s interesting to know. I particularly liked the VLE control. Damnit I need to look out for a used one otherwise I’ll have the spill the full beans on a new one!

J-200. Had one. Was really disappointing.