Custom Build Suggestions **Updated**

[lozbass]

We're blessed with some fantastic luthiers in the UK just now so it makes the decision that much more difficult. I had a look at your list (absolutely incredible - I've been through a few basses but my efforts are pathetic by comparison) and didn't see a Wal. This could be because you don't like them. If that's not the case, maybe you'd consider a Paul Herman Wal (I've a feeling these are going to be pretty special, but the build time could be an issue). Alternatively - and given your long-standing relationship with Fender - another Masterbuilt? Some are gorgeous but I'd be a bit careful here. I have one: I didn't commission it but the guy that did wasn't presented with what he expected! Beyond these, I'd have a serious look at a Sei - for me, on aesthetics alone, Martin builds some of the world's most beautiful basses. Then there's also another Sadowsky - the stained top model that just sold on BC was an instrument or rare and special beauty

[Marcus]

Ha Ha..... my list !!

It is big...... but it's not clever !!!!

I've been close to buying a Wal twice and ended up with something else..... regretted it too especially the one I passed up at a grand 2 years ago !!

I thought my 66 Masterbuild was a poor instrument for the price, wouldn't go down the CS route again... my Sadowsky Metro UV70 is a far better instrument than both of the CS 1970 LTD Ed's i've owned (100 in the world and I bought 2 - how daft is that)

I've played a couple of Sei Basses and they disn't float my boat at the time..... but I went to the Gallery to buy a coco Alembic so was on a mission !!

[ashevans09]

[url="http://www.mcintyreguitars.com/about.htm"]http://www.mcintyreguitars.com/about.htm[/url]

or

[url="http://www.seibass.com/"]http://www.seibass.com/[/url]

?

Might be worth going down to the gallery as well because that "keeper" bass might just be lurking there in the form of an Fbass or the like

[OldGit]

[quote name='Marcus' post='496271' date='May 23 2009, 07:56 PM']Thanks Guys....

I have to admit that the Shuker and ACG options are stirring some interest.... but i'm a creature of habbit (as you'll have seen from my list of Fenders)

Wood wise.... i'm a sucker for Ash / Maple done it for years and it just hits the spot, does that mean I should look at an Ash / Maple custom or look at something that's different.... tough one.

My Ash Maple fix is satisfied (and then some) by my Sadowsky

I've got a Hankering for Graphite again and i'm considering a Status S2, but (sorry Rob) a Status doesn't feel "special enough" for the occasion.

I've only had 1 GB and it was OK..... I've played a couple more and one was Bril and one wasn't that good (or let's say I didn't get on with it) I like the idea of a nice spec Rumour but not 100% sure that's what I want (added to the fact that i've emailed GB a couple of times and got nothing back)

I love Overwater..... but I think this bass will be a 4 and when I think of Overwater I think of 5's & 6's

Not much further forward in my thinking but it's good to talk this through with you lads, so thanks..... and keep the suggestions / comments coming

Mark[/quote]


I can't tell from your list if you've had these but I'd suggest you include side LED's in the spec. They are a real bonus on a real gigging bass..

[Flanker]

Easy

Celinder or Alleva Coppolo

[Marcus]

[quote name='Flanker' post='496575' date='May 24 2009, 01:03 PM']Easy

Celinder or Alleva Coppolo[/quote]

Hi Steve have you had your hands on a Coppolo ?

I played Kiwi's Celinders (I think one used to be yours ?) very very nice indeed - but I believe the waiting time would take it beyond my 40th Birthday party where my wife has the very romantic notion of presenting me with the bass !!

[Marcus]

[quote name='OldGit' post='496566' date='May 24 2009, 12:42 PM']I can't tell from your list if you've had these but I'd suggest you include side LED's in the spec. They are a real bonus on a real gigging bass..[/quote]

Yeah i've had LED's they're great, i'll certainly consider them in my build spec

[Flanker]

[quote]I played Kiwi's Celinders (I think one used to be yours ?)[/quote]

The black jazz and the red precision were mine - both great basses.

I've played a Coppolo Precision and was very impressed. Weight has become a bit of an issue for mw and I've never played a light Celinder 5.(Say under 9lbs) Not to say they don't exist?

Personally I'd be slow to order a new bass again from just about anyone but with well over a year to your D-day maybe you could build in a huge penalty clause? :brow:

Either way with these two I think you would end up with as good a bass as money can buy IMO.

[funkypenguin]

The makes id hedge my bets with are as follows

Shuker
ACG
Jim Fleeting

All are absolutely top class builders, willing to incorporate your ideas (especially shuker)

enjoy buying your bass!

[thepurpleblob]

I know it sounds stupid... but if you're ordering a custom instrument how do you know what you want. I've been playing for quite a while and been through quite a few instruments and am still struggling with the idea of 5 string vs. 4 never mind all the other niceties! Surely you'd be scared that you ended up with something you didn't really like.

[xilddx]

Erm, I think this is bad idea.

You are plainly not the sort of chap who would find a "keeper" in any bass.

1. Some bassists still use the first good bass they bought as their main instrument,
2. some buy and sell basses on an endless quest for perfection,
3. some just like a change and enjoy the process of buying and selling gear with the aim of getting closer to what you hear in your head at the time.

I reckon you are mostly No.3 with a good chunk of No.2 thrown in. I'm the same, I don't think perfection will ever happen for me because my opinions change constantly as a result of new ideas, new technology, new inspirations, etc. I reckon a lot of us think there is a perfect bass out there that we'll keep forever. For some of us that will never be true, because unlike human partners, a bass will not evolve with you, will not adapt with you.

[Marcus]

....... It's a fair observation you make !

However..... my Missus has never bought me a bass, i've never been 40 before and i've never had any sentimentality towards an instrument !!

ATB

[xilddx]

I think in that case, unless your obviously very understanding missus won't mind you selling it on in 18 months, you should be very bloody nervous

You need to think about this very carefully every day for a while. This bass will need to be your closest friend for the rest of your natural, the bass you go to whatever your emotion. The WifeBass.

You will need to DREAD that day after you've lived with WifeBass for a while and you start GASing for a SpaltBass or a '64 Jazz, or a Ritter ..

I think for a man your kind, you may wish to consider a bass that belonged to a famous bassist you like or respect. I hear Stuart Zender may sell off more of his collection ..

Edited May 24, 2009 by silddx

[thepurpleblob]

[quote name='silddx' post='496741' date='May 24 2009, 06:42 PM']You need to think about this very carefully every day for a while. This bass will need to be your closest friend for the rest of your natural, the bass you go to whatever your emotion. The WifeBass.

You will need to DREAD that day after you've lived with WifeBass for a while and you start GASing for a SpaltBass or a '64 Jazz, or a Ritter ..[/quote]

What about the "TartyNineteenYearOldMistressBass"?? Ok, I'm going.......

[Marcus]

[quote name='silddx' post='496741' date='May 24 2009, 06:42 PM']I think in that case, unless your obviously very understanding missus won't mind you selling it on in 18 months, you should be very bloody nervous

You need to think about this very carefully every day for a while. This bass will need to be your closest friend for the rest of your natural, the bass you go to whatever your emotion. The WifeBass.

You will need to DREAD that day after you've lived with WifeBass for a while and you start GASing for a SpaltBass or a '64 Jazz, or a Ritter ..

I think for a man your kind, you may wish to consider a bass that belonged to a famous bassist you like or respect. I hear Stuart Zender may sell off more of his collection .. [/quote]

Er, yeah..... thanks !!

I've already had 2 Ex Mark King Basses and one owned by Mark Egan, didn't keep them 5 mins !!!

Worst case scenario is I hate it (whatever bass I go for) and hang it on the wall forever...... it doesn't have to end with me selling it !

[Delberthot]

From what you have owned, I would suggest some kind of super Jazz with a graphite neck. Passive but with a preamp you can switch on or bypass completely. Ash body, maple neck with block markers.

With the exception of the graphite, I think I've just described your current bass.

[elom]

[quote name='pete.young' post='496474' date='May 24 2009, 09:13 AM']I have been following Elom's custom bass build, by Ben of Crimson Guitars, with keen interest. It'll be very interesting to see how it turns out. There's a thread somewhere in the build forum.[/quote]

Yeah, I've been following that thread too...

This is also a 40th birthday bass (though sadly not one that my wife is paying for) and so far it's all going great. One thing worth mentioning is that I was very clear in terms of when I wanted the bass to be ready by and that has all gone according to plan. Would have hated to have not had my birthday bass in time for my birthday!

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=30097"]New pics added today[/url]

If you do want to go custom its worth taking your time and talking to a few luthiers, draw up a shortlist etc.

[Marcus]

Guys,

after much scratching of Nuts...... I've decided on my Custom 40th Birthday Bass

I'm going to have a "Dave Wilson"

Dave has looked after my Instruments for the last decade and has "fettled" my Basses from Alembic, Fodera, GB, Sadowsky, Jaydee, Fender CS Modulus ..... etc etc His work is outstanding and it will mean a lot that a mate has built my 40th Birthday present to my Spec.... certainly much more than having a Butterfly or a Cloud on my headstock !!!

Spec as follows :

Neck Through Construction with Jazz Shape Body & Headstock
34 inch Scale
Maple Neck thru construction 5 piece with 2 Purple heart stringers
Ebony Fretboard
Chambered Swamp Ash body wings
Bookmatched cocobola top & headstock laminate
Nordstrand Big Singles
Aguilar OBP1 preamp
Gold Harware
Hipshot Ultra light machine heads
Hipshot Bridge

The Bass will be constructed slowly over the next 16 months beginning with the Neck Blank which will be started very soon giving plenty of time for the wood to settle together as it's constructed.

I may do a Build Diary even !!

Thanks for all the great suggestions Guys

Mark

[urb]

Cool choice man, I had a fretless made by Brighton luthier Jeff Chapman, who's a pretty obscure but highly skilled luthier, and he made me my ideal fretless, no question! In other words a big name luthier isn't always the best option...

At the end of the day (cliche, cliche) it's not the bass you play it's what/how you play (on) it... gear is gear, i.e. driving a Ferrari doesn't make you a great driver, right?

I only chose Sei basses for my other one after a long period of consideration, right now I'd happily own an MTD, Marleaux and or Sadowsky but hey life's short, I've got gigs to play and I have some great gear, just as long as you have the bass for the job just get out there and use the damn thing!

Make sure you start a build diary thread in the er, Build Diary forum, be great to see how this baby shapes up.... speaking of which my Sei Jazz will be ready in a couple of weeks

Mike

[JTUK]

Mark...sounds great.

Have you seen all this put togther before... and heard it..?

MY custom has a very thin neck...which I wanted on a 5... the only thing I would think about again, in hindsight, is graphite rods in the neck to give it more stability. Even now, the neck moves when not used for a while, so I guess it is temperature sensitive. Not a problem, but I just need some set-up time before a gig. I never expect the bass to come straight out of the case without some work..
so I might just tinker with the action, thats all....

Woods take a while to season once put together.

I'd make the maple neck birds-eye as well, from a cosmetic POV..

And finally... the AAA facings should be back and front, IMV... and pick the facings that will stand out from 20 yds away under decent lighting... too dark and the colouring gets buried.

Sasowsky face-work can do this quite well, so look at that...but the AAA options from a good wood supply are far superior, IME..or rather more interesting, but thats subjective..

PM me or call me for a chat if you want.....

Edited June 1, 2009 by JTUK

[woodster]

It's also my 40th next year and the mrs has made me a similar suggestion...

When I was a kid, I had a poster of Madness on my wall featuring a Top of The Pops performance from the early days.
In the picture, Mark Bedford plays a blck and maple Precision and I always promised myself that one day I'd have one.

I don't mind if it's MIM or MIJ or USA but that's gonna be my dream bass as it's the one I dreamed about all those years ago.

[Marcus]

Thanks Guys,

I think we're going to use quarter sawn maple fo the centre core of the neck. I actially like the look of a maple body with just a dark cap on the front face only...... just personal I guess

Bedders..... class bass player loved his Precision tone back in the day

I'm going to throw my deposit down this weekend to get the ball rolling...... great when it's not your money isn't it !?


ATB

Mark

[cd_david]

[quote name='Marcus' post='503083' date='Jun 1 2009, 05:22 PM']I'm going to have a "Dave Wilson"[/quote]

Enough said!

Its going to be a stunner, play beautifully and sound stunning.

Dave is not only a brilliant luthier and repairer but a great bloke.


Dave

[4000]

Glad to hear you've decided, and best of luck.

FWIW, these sort of threads baffle me. How does anyone manage to find a missus who would buy them a bass at all, let alone a custom build? My missus would sooner have root canal than even see another bass in the house (I only have 3, not as if they're overflowing). I don't think she'd buy me a bass, even a cheapy, if she won the bloody lottery. Something tells me I really took a wrong turn somewhere....

Edited June 6, 2009 by 4000

[Marcus]

Guys.....

long overdue update to this thread as my 40th Birthday bass is nearing completion

Well.... where do I start with this.... certainly the build process has taken a few evolutionary developments since I first engaged Dave Wilson for my Bass to end all basses !

To say this build has had some thought during the 15 month project would be an understatement !!

The process started with the Neck blank.... Bit of a twist here so bear with me !

I wanted a 5 piece construction with purple heart stringers, some very old wood stock was sourced for this, centre section of quarter sawn flame maple 2 purple heart stringers and 2 flat sawn pieces to finish off the sandwich, the blank was glued up and left to settle for 6 months while I forgot all about it.... Until one day I had an idea !

I like the sound of bolt on basses.... sometimes Thru necks can just be thin and nasal (Alembic Warwick etc - controversial or what) and 50% of the basses i've owned have been jazz basses, one of the potential issues with bolt on instruments is a mis match between body & neck. Here's an idea, I'd get dave to cut the neck blank to make a bolt on neck and a centre section for a jazz body !!

To my knowledge I don't know of another bass built in this way..... it's like if you build a full length neck/body blank why the hell would you cut it in half ?

This intrigued me..... my counter argument was.... why wouldn't you ? I mean, it settles the issue of neck & body not like eachother doesn't it ? it would be the same bit of wood(s)

So I had a build concept...... Dave loved the idea and typically got more fired up for the project than me (which is saying something)

Initially I wanted the bass finished in white with a rosewood board, propper old fender look !

I never wanted the bass to be a fender clone but the temptation to have it look like a fender from the front and something a bit special from the back was too much to resist. My idea was to have it painted white but to mask off the 3 piece laminate centre section so you have a lovely neck/body continuity.

Dave wanted to cap the body with a nice maple top (even though it was going to be painted..... on you go bonny lad !!

A few weeks later I had a body and a neck. Dave located some beautiful (really old chocolate rosewood - Yes expensive but not the $1000 upgrade Mr coppolo charged) The headstock was veneered to match the body top. It was all glued up and left for 4 months just to sit and live and breath and grow together !

With the skeleton complete....Time to consider some of the details, I thought, What do I like in a Fender ? I'm going to put the dream fender Jazz spec together....

Neck Dot & Bound (ala 66) MOP Inlays (Half way between Jazz & Precision at the nut)
Elephant Ear tuners
Vintage 60's Jazz pickups
Stack Knob controls
Marcus Neck Pickup cover
60's "threaded" bridge

Perhaps a bit of a hotch potch..... but It's not a fender so what the heck, I was tempted to go pucka 66 spec, tempted to go 70's spec and also very tempted to go 60's stack knob !!

Instead I mixed it all together and went for MY Spec !!!!

Dave told me he had some lovely aged white binding with a faint stripe in it.... deal done !!

I got some custom shop pickups, Hipshot ovals and a propper fender bridge..... time to forget all about it for a while til I got the call from Dave !


Time for a bit more thinking...... Dave asked me if I'd ever want a circuit in the bass, he wanted to know if I wanted a battery compartment routing into the back.... I love the Aguilar OBP1 and I knew i'd most likely end up with one in there at some point so I said yes. After which the body would be finished and the multiple coats of sealer, sanding undertaken - anyone who know's Dave will know he finished Stefan Sobell's wonderful instruments, so the finish was going to be a bit special.

I got the call from Dave...... "Mark you've got to see this top befor I finish it in white"

Dave sent me some photo's within 5 mins and I really had to agree..... I love Natural Jazz basses - Bring it on !!!

Next brain wave..... wouldn't it be fantastic to have a stack knob control plate but active !! VOL/PAN BASS/TREBLE

Paging John East...... quite a few emails later it was a reality (I think John may end up marketing this - you heard it here first)

I think you'll agree...... an interesting project and one very near completion. I've played the bass and it fits me like a glove, the acoustic sound is phenomenal, really loud and radiates tone like nothing i've heard, plugged in (just passive Pickups wired straight to a jack) it's immense, massive sound, firm, tight and focussed with huge thump and attack. It plays like butter, the fretwork is totally amazing, with Dave spending masses of time on the fret dressing. The neck is solid as a rock (Very Alembic like from that point of view)

The last pice of the jigsaw is the circuit, should be ready mid July when i'll be going over for a final set up afternoon and handover of the bass from Dave.


Mr Wilson..... I had high expectations of your work, but the end result has surpassed even my highest hopes !!

I just need an amp now !!!!


Photo's to follow....... If anyone interested that is !!

ATB
Mark

Edited June 29, 2010 by Marcus