andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1329310313' post='1540374'] Really?? I don't mean to be critical as I have no idea what set up the workshop has and how many staff are there, but that sounds like an off the shelf build rather than a custom build. [/quote] Back to around post 13 matey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='Hutton' timestamp='1329310383' post='1540377'] After having been over at Osprey Guitars yesterday I know where my money would go if I could afford a custom build! Rich makes a beautiful bass - note the word 'makes' and not 'puts together'! [/quote] Any ballpark figures for a passive Jazz bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1329310434' post='1540378'] Back to around post 13 matey [/quote] Hehe! Yeah, I know...late to the party yet again! Using my iPhone and it doesn't let me know if there have been any other posts whilst I am typing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) [quote name='Hutton' timestamp='1329310383' post='1540377'] After having been over at Osprey Guitars yesterday I know where my money would go if I could afford a custom build! Rich makes a beautiful bass - note the word 'makes' and not 'puts together'! [/quote] Did Rich show you the natural p he got? Nice beasty that. [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1329310470' post='1540379'] Any ballpark figures for a passive Jazz bass? [/quote] PM Ou7shined. He'd give you a ball park depending on your requirements (Woods/Pickups etc) Edited February 15, 2012 by woodyratm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) What are the practical advantages of making say, a neck from scratch as opposed to buying a top-quality neck that looks and plays how you want it to? If the latter is acceptable then is there any good reason why you shouldn't go down that road (without taking cost into consideration)? Edited February 15, 2012 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1329310926' post='1540394'] Hehe! Yeah, I know...late to the party yet again! Using my iPhone and it doesn't let me know if there have been any other posts whilst I am typing [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 (edited) [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1329315882' post='1540509'] What are the practical advantages of making say, a neck from scratch as opposed to buying a top-quality neck that looks and plays how you want it to? If the latter is acceptable then is there any good reason why you shouldn't go down that road (without taking cost into consideration)? [/quote] If either way means you end up with a neck that feels good and marries up with the bass body then the main differences would be cost and convenience wouldn't they? Edited February 15, 2012 by andydye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1329315882' post='1540509'] What are the practical advantages of making say, a neck from scratch as opposed to buying a top-quality neck that looks and plays how you want it to? If the latter is acceptable then is there any good reason why you shouldn't go down that road (without taking cost into consideration)? [/quote] nope, some really good 'makers' like valenti and nash do this. I had a valenti for a bit and it was very very good- it didn't matter to me that the parts were made by someone else (to order) - what you pay for I guess is that they know how to do it really well. (and mess the finish up too in bill nash's case) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1329307811' post='1540299'] I'm not certain. [/quote] Will your certainty improve if they offer checkerboard scratchplates as an option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Dave's latset newsletter does a comparison to a US fender which you may find helpful... [url="http://www.certainbass.com/news/nl021212.html"]http://www.certainbass.com/news/nl021212.html[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NJE Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 It depends what you want. Many builders use third party necks and bodies like Sadowsky, Nash, Valenti and I think even Lakland now?? and people love them and I wont knock the quality ever. From a personal perspective though there is no way I would invest £1200 or more in a bass made from off the shelf parts that anyone can buy (warmoth and Martin Sims for example)when I can get something hand made by a good uk builder. I hate to throw Sadowsky into the mix (but I will anyway) but that has always been my 'issue' with them. Amazing basses and the Metros, but I would never spend over 3k on a bass that the company didnt really 'make' in the traditional sense of the word. I would put my money into a GB or Overwater both way better than any Sadwosky I have played or go secondhand and get one of Carey Nordstrands stunning Nordy basses. I have seen Martin Sims bodies and necks and they are amazing quality if you want a parts bass. He build his own range of vintage style basses even with relicing and they look amazing if thats what your after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='Johnston' timestamp='1329321519' post='1540633'] So how can you be certain that if you order a certain bass you will get the certain bass and not just any old bass with a certain sticker on it? [/quote] I think my brain just melted. i'm certain of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1329321003' post='1540612'] Dave's latest newsletter does a comparison to a US fender which you may find helpful... [url="http://www.certainbass.com/news/nl021212.html"]http://www.certainba...s/nl021212.html[/url] [/quote] That's very interesting... particularly the stuff about Varitone... [url="http://www.certainbass.com/varitone.html"]http://www.certainbass.com/varitone.html[/url] I have to admit I've not come across this before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1329323137' post='1540665'] That's very interesting... particularly the stuff about Varitone... [url="http://www.certainbass.com/varitone.html"]http://www.certainba...m/varitone.html[/url] I have to admit I've not come across this before. [/quote] I don't have a varitone but I've heard them and they do sound rather nice... the sample that plays on their website is him on his varitone'd bass... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 General comment...It's funny the way loads of folks have opinions (rather strong at times) without actually having met the item in question. I can say that my Certainbass p is loads better than the fender p's I've had and possibly the vintage p's I've tried too...and cost about the same for what is (Fender at least) a mass produced item Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 I'd like to have a look at/play a Certain for sure, but I'm completely open minded about it atm. I've been a Fender man for decades, and have been looking at the alternatives only recently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Rich Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1329308820' post='1540335'] A little too quick... for full custom builds methinks. edit : Ah there ^ you go. [/quote] I spoke to a well known British bass builder a while back and asked how long it takes him to a build a bass from scratch including neck, body, custom active circuit and winding the pickups and he said 2 weeks I asked if that included letting the paint harden and polishing time and he said sure, 2 weeks from start to finish. But he made it clear that he never gets the chance to focus purely on building only one bass, he's always got urgent repairs and setups, sourcing of figured wood, hardware, accounts, phone and emails to answer, shows to attend. Plus a waiting list for new builds. As a result it can take up to 12 months to get a bass from him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1329325463' post='1540722'] I spoke to a well known British bass builder a while back and asked how long it takes him to a build a bass from scratch including neck, body, custom active circuit and winding the pickups and he said 2 weeks I asked if that included letting the paint harden and polishing time and he said sure, 2 weeks from start to finish. But he made it clear that he never gets the chance to focus purely on building only one bass, he's always got urgent repairs and setups, sourcing of figured wood, hardware, accounts, phone and emails to answer, shows to attend. Plus a waiting list for new builds. As a result it can take up to 12 months to get a bass from him. [/quote] a good insight, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Based solely on the strength of my experiences with Rich Lewis re-finishing my jazz, the second I have disposable cash, Im PM'ing him to get a quote for a new bass. He has a ridiculous eye for detail! Anyway, back on topic: I think that Certain basses are amazing. An American Fender, but without running the risk of a dud. Great idea! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1329321003' post='1540612'] Dave's latset newsletter does a comparison to a US fender which you may find helpful... [url="http://www.certainbass.com/news/nl021212.html"]http://www.certainba...s/nl021212.html[/url] [/quote] you know, I quite like the idea behind the business model. I would be tempted by one of those atkinson basses. And I should go on the record of saying I've never found a new/modern american fender bass i've liked.... but after reading that article i would not go anywhere near a certain bass. Rich Lewis however...... damn need money Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='Fat Rich' timestamp='1329325463' post='1540722'] I spoke to a well known British bass builder a while back and asked how long it takes him to a build a bass from scratch including neck, body, custom active circuit and winding the pickups and he said 2 weeks I asked if that included letting the paint harden and polishing time and he said sure, 2 weeks from start to finish. But he made it clear that he never gets the chance to focus purely on building only one bass, he's always got urgent repairs and setups, sourcing of figured wood, hardware, accounts, phone and emails to answer, shows to attend. Plus a waiting list for new builds. As a result it can take up to 12 months to get a bass from him. [/quote] Yep that's closer to the mark (although you need at least 2 weeks for your final paint/finish to gas off)... but some of us can come in quite a bit sooner than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ou7shined Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 BTW, cheers for the kind words guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidCertain Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1329323650' post='1540679'] General comment...It's funny the way loads of folks have opinions (rather strong at times) without actually having met the item in question. I can say that my Certainbass p is loads better than the fender p's I've had and possibly the vintage p's I've tried too...and cost about the same for what is (Fender at least) a mass produced item [/quote] Hey guys, thanks for letting me know about this forum and this thread. There are quite a few CertainBasses banging around the UK. I thought I'd make myself available for any question you may have. People rendering uninformed opinions is a staple of forums such as this, but this one doesn't have that affliction nearly as badly as others. You all seem like very nice, authentic musicians. I remember when the little mini SVT's came out (by the way, I'm in St. Louis, and this is where most USA made SVT's were made), I looked at TalkBass. I waded through six pages of innuendo and predictions until I found the first person to have heard one of these amps, and he heard it at a distance in a Guitar Center, didn't even play through it himself. A few more pages, some one who actually owned one. Yup, 9 pages of hot air and negativity. The guys who had them loved them, and they are pretty good little amps. I don't mind getting a load of crap from someone who hasn't played my basses. It's like someone saying, "Your stupid." With the bad grammar it becomes a compliment! It's tough to find someone who has played one of my basses not like it. Sure, in retail you'll always have one or two who won't be happy with anything, but we don't know what their parents did to them, so we forgive them. Another affliction is we have the folks who try to define nomenclature. Parts basses, custom basses... what do these mean? I always say a parts bass is what you have when you build a bass. When a luthier does it, it's a musical instrument. The classic example of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Build techniques and set-up are the differences that make the difference. Someone was batting around the phrase "real custom" which I think is supposed to mean we start out with a tree. The big boys here in the States like Sadowsky, Mike Lull and Lakland all subcontract their necks and bodies to specialists who have CNC machines. USAGuitars make Lull's. But, they are made to our specs, and some add some hand shaping. The burning question I have is why would the parts of a Fender style bass have to be handmade? Vintage Fenders weren't. They were production basses. You're not going to find too many luthiers who go out in the woods and start their bass with a tree pricing anything for less than $5000 or so USD. Alembic is a good example. And this brings me to yet another affliction of musical instrument forums: instruments are a means to and end, not an end in and of itself. I don't have a bass so I can look at it, trade it, out-snob others with it, talk about it and brag about it. I play music with my bass. The music is the most important part of this equation. I love it when people talk about my basses, but I love it much better when people play them. You'll hear CertainBasses on pianist Bob James' latest release as well as Ben E. King's. The Grammy-winning bassist Mark Peterson plays my basses exclusively. Want a sponsorship? Don't ask. All CertainBassists pay for the basses. That way they're real endorsements. Sure I could give away basses to rock stars, get a photo to put on my website, but if you go see them play, and they're not playing my bass, what good is it? Happens all the time in this industry, and I believe it's unethical. I tell people if you can out-play me and prove you make less money than me, then I'll give you a bass. Giving basses to the needy is much more attractive to me than giving basses to the wealthy. The next member from this forum to get a CertainBass gets a free Varitone! Peace, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 Nice response/post. Welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted February 15, 2012 Author Share Posted February 15, 2012 [quote name='DavidCertain' timestamp='1329339007' post='1541003'] The burning question I have is why would the parts of a Fender style bass have to be handmade? Vintage Fenders weren't. They were production basses. [/quote] This is a very valid point - and welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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