Marcus Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 (edited) Guys, It's pretty fair to say that over the years i've been a bit fickle with gear...... I've had over 100 Basses through my hands in the last decade a lot of them high end instruments.... My Wife has announced that she'd like to buy me a "Keeper" Bass for my 40th Birthday (September 2010) and this time i'm going to do something i've never done and get one made for me to my spec..... Now that already cuts out another Fodera with god knows how many years waiting time... Most likely also a Jaydee for the same reason..... I guess with the currency impact it's difficult to justify an Alembic these days.... UK builders look like they offer the best "Value" these days...... I'd love to hear your suggestions for a custom instrument, with an idea of build times. Also who's instruments are the most consistently good ? The main reason i've never had a bass made for me is the concern that it might turn out to be a dog ! Look forward to hearing your thoughts.... Mark Edited June 28, 2010 by Marcus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 it's my 40th next year...and my better half has been asking me a similar question. i'm not sure i'll be going 100% custom...i've found myself looking at the overwater site a bit recently ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGit Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 (edited) Oh nice one .. I'd suggest you talk to Jon Shuker (of course) [url="http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/"]http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/[/url] Other luthiers are available but that's who has built mine and many other very happy BC members' basses. Great bases, understanding, quality, conversion of concepts and sounds into an instrument, a great bloke and great prices.... Delivery time's not bad compared to most, too, though generally tends to be longer than his initial estimate Edited May 23, 2009 by OldGit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwbassman Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Get yourself an Overwater - you will not be disappointed. As I already have a 5 String Fretless Progress III and a 5 String fretted Evolution on the way, I'd be looking at an ACG, Shuker or RIM just to see how they compare - probably can't go to far wrong with any of them. If you fancy something a bit different you might want to look at a Gus -[url="http://www.gusguitars.com/product.php?model_id=9"]Gus Website[/url] saw these the other day and thought umm, could be interesting. Whatever you fancy - enjoy the experience and happy birthday - a bit early I know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Marcus' post='496186' date='May 23 2009, 05:52 PM']I've had over 100 Basses through my hands in the last decade a lot of them high end instruments....[/quote] Thats a lot of Basses in ten years... What are you a Termite? If you are going custom, spend time doing a good amount of research.. Woods, pups etc... I did, and my Bass turned out to be my dream. Good luck! and i will keep my eyes open in the Basses for sale section in about a years time. Garry Edited May 23, 2009 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kongo Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 [b]Overwater[/b] 'Nuff said! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eight Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Why have you gone through so many basses? I'd be careful here - this will be a bass you can't ever get rid of (since it's a present from the missus) so are you confident you're someone who can put the right spec together for this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-soar Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 [quote name='Marcus' post='496186' date='May 23 2009, 05:52 PM']Guys, It's pretty fair to say that over the years i've been a bit fickle with gear...... I've had over 100 Basses through my hands in the last decade a lot of them high end instruments.... My Wife has announced that she'd like to buy me a "Keeper" Bass for my 40th Birthday (September 2010) and this time i'm going to do something i've never done and get one made for me to my spec..... Now that already cuts out another Fodera with god knows how many years waiting time... Most likely also a Jaydee for the same reason..... I guess with the currency impact it's difficult to justify an Alembic these days.... UK builders look like they offer the best "Value" these days...... I'd love to hear your suggestions for a custom instrument, with an idea of build times. Also who's instruments are the most consistently good ? The main reason i've never had a bass made for me is the concern that it might turn out to be a dog ! Look forward to hearing your thoughts.... Mark[/quote]That P bass and Aggi stack was just about the pinnicl. Custom basses, you'll only sell it on after a while. But if you are under STRICT instruction from SHMBO not to get rid, what are your specs going to be? Marcus, can you give us a list of your basses (if you haven't done already), so we can have some idea of your habits. I've had two custom builds. A KGB Status replica, built in 1986 (because Rob Green told me that he would never make a lefty, too expensive ) and an ACG Recurve, both totally different and both totally awsome. The KGB has done hundreds of gigs and has been complimented by producers for it's great sound, they said the playing was sh*te but hey ho. The ACG, well haven't you played one? That's a killer bass. Good luck and don't get too stressed. Steve. How about a Spoombung? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 What about a 1 off Fender CS Masterbuilt jobbie to your [i]exact[/i] spec's? That would be very special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted May 23, 2009 Author Share Posted May 23, 2009 OK..... here's a list of my basses (the ones I can remember anyway) Worth noting I only have one Bass just now Sadowsky ! To address some of the points made.... why have I owned so many basses ? Simply because I could Am I the sort to stick to an instrument...... evidence to suggest no, but good intentions to... If my missus buys me a Bass as a 40th present...... i'll have to hand my hat on it won't I ? Thanks Manufacturer Model Strings Fret / Fretless Fretboard Scale Colour Notes Alembic Series II 1989 4 Fretted Ebony 34 Cocobola Ex Mark King Alembic Series I 1982 4 Fretted Ebony 34 Alembic Mark King 1989 4 Fretted Ebony 34 Cocobola Green Led's Alembic Series II 1992 4 Fretted Ebony 32 Cocobola Red F&S Leds Alembic Series II 1999 4 Fretted Ebony 34 Spalted Maple Yellow Leds Alembic Stanley Clarke 4 Fretted Ebony 30 Cocobola Bravewood (Fender Jazz 1960 Stack Pot) Fretted Rosewood 34 Custom Build Jazz 4 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Sadowsky Pups Badass Custom Build P/J 4 fretted Rosewood 34 Natural Epiphone EB3 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Cherry Epiphone EB3 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Cherry Fender Jazz USA 22 fret 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Black Fender Jazz Jap 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz 78 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Antigua Burst Fitted with Early J Retro Fender Marcus Miller Sig 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Jazz Jap 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Black Fender Custom Shop Classic 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 natural Active Custom shop Fender Jazz 1970 C/S 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Custom Shop Ltd Ed Fender Jazz 1970 C/S 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Custom Shop Ltd Ed Fender Jazz 66 Master Build 4 fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Custom Shop Master Build Fender Jaco Custom Shop 4 Fretted Rosewood / Epoxy 34 Sunburst Jaco Relic Fender Precision 58 Ltd Ed 4 Fretted Maple 34 Sunburst Fender Namm Demo Bass Fender Precision 1972 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Added Jazz Pickup Fender Precision 1978 4 Fretted Maple 34 Burgandy Mist Added Jazz Pickup Fender Precision 62 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Fullerton Re-Issue from 83 Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Rosewood / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Black Fender Jazz USA 75 Reissue 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Gold Fender Jazz 62 USA Reissue 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 White Fender Jazz 62 USA Reissue 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz 1972 4 Fretted Maple (Black Blocks) 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz S1 4 Fretted Maple 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz S1 4 Fretted Maple 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz S1 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Fender Jazz FMT 4 Fretted Rosewood Flame Maple Caramel Burst Fender Precision 4 Fretted Maple 34 Buterscotch Fender Marcus Miller Sig 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Natural Fender Marcus Miller Sig 5 USA 5 Fretted Maple / Blocks 35 Natural Fender Marcus Miller Sig 4 Fretted Maple / Blocks 34 Sunburst Fender Precision 69 4 Fretted Maple 34 Candy Apple Red Fender Jazz 1999 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Fiesta Red Status Graphite Neck Fender Jass 1992 Longhorn 4 Fretted 34 (custom tulipwood body) Fodera Monarch 83 Reissue 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Buckeye Burl Fodera Monarch 4 Fretted Pale Moon Ebony 34 Spalted Maple Ibanez Musician 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Cherry Very Early Musician GB Spitfire 4 Fretted Roswood 34 Sunburst JD Mark King 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Cherry JD 25th Anniversary 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Burl Walnut JD 25th Anniversary Bass JD GA 24 Custom 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Quilted Maple One Off Body Shape Jedson Precision 4 Fretless Ebony 34 Sunburst 1st Bass Jedson Jazz 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Lakland 4-94 (USA) 4 Fretted Maple Sunburst Lakland Bob Glaub Precision 4 Fretted Maple Black (Villex Pickup & Tone Boost) Modulus FleaBass 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Green Sparkle Only Green Sparkle Ever Modulus FleaBass 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Blue Sparkle Modulus FleaBass 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Blue Sparkle Modulus FleaBass 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Black (1997 Lane Poor Pup made with Flea's Basses) Modulus FleaBass 4 Fretted Graphite 34 2008 model Sunburst Moon Jazz 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Blue Ex Mark Egan Music Man Stingray Pre EB 4 Fretted Maple 34 Sunburst Music Man Stingray 2005 4 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Music Man Stingray 3 Band 4 Fretted Maple 34 Trans Red Pietzo Pickup Music Man Stingray 2 Band 4 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Music Man Stingray 3 Band 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Sunburst Music Man Stingray 3 Band 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Black OLP Stingray 5 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Overwater SG Style 4 Fretted Rosewood 32 Cherry Early Overwater Bass Overwater Progress III DLX 5 Fretted Rosewood 36 Overwater Perception 5 Fretted Rosewood 35 Ricenbacker 2003 BLUE BOY 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Blue Sadowsky Jazz Modern NYC 4 Fretted CocoBola 34 Cherry Burst Had Fretted Sadowsky Jazz Ultra Vintage Metro 4 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Sadowsky Jazz RS4 Metro 4 Fretted 34 Rosewood Sadowsky Jazz Ultra Vintage Metro 4 Fretted Maple 34 Natural Spector Euro 4 LX 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Natural Spector NS5 CR 5 Fretted Rosewood 35 Black Cherry Status S2 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Maple Status S2 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Chestnut Status Empathy Headed 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Maple Status Empathy Headed 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Walnut Status Stealth 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Natural Graphite Status Kingbass Black Beauty 4 Fretted Graphite 32 Black Ex Mark King Red Led's Status Kingbass 4 Fretted Graphite 32 Maple Blue Led's Status Kingbass 4 Fretted Graphite 32 Maple Green Led's Status Strata No 16 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Maple Strata No 16 Status 2000 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Natural graphite Early No 32 Status 2000 4 Fretted Graphite 34 Green Tint Squier 60's Vibe Jazz 4 Fretted Rosewood White (Active EMG's Fitted) Vintage 4 Fretless 34 Natural Wilkinson Hardware Warwick Corvette 4 Fretless Rosewood 34 Blue Warwick Streamer Stage II 34 Natural Warwick Corvette 4 Freted Natural 34 Blue Yamaha RB350 4 Fretless Ebony 34 Black Yamaha RB350 4 Fretted Rosewood 34 Yellow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 [quote name='Marcus' post='496186' date='May 23 2009, 05:52 PM']The main reason i've never had a bass made for me is the concern that it might turn out to be a dog ![/quote] Me Too I always thought I'd go for a Sei Flanboyant headless. Specced one out a few times but never pulled the trigger - too frightened it wouldn't be exactly what I wanted and it might have rubbish resale value. Knowing your current faves - how about a really nice Sadowsky with some sort of custom finish & inlays? So long as it doesn't end up being 'too' personal on the inly front then it'll hold value pretty well compared to a lot of Brit custom builds (which is a hsame but jsut a fact of life these days). Nick (oldhorsemurphy) has a nice little touch on his Shuker that references his better half, that might be an idea if you're genuine about a real 'keeper' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 [quote name='Marcus' post='496186' date='May 23 2009, 05:52 PM']Guys, My Wife has announced that she'd like to buy me a "Keeper" Bass for my 40th Birthday (September 2010) and this time i'm going to do something i've never done and get one made for me to my spec.....[/quote] I am going through exactly that process as we speak. When my 60th birthday was looming, (Jan 06 09), my wife gave me 3 options. A - A Party - No thanks, I would probably end up inviting the same people who came to my 40th and 50th and i've spent enough on them B - A Cruise - Great idea until we got got some lucrative gigs over Xmas and New Year C - Have a BASS BUILT - It took exactly 1 nano-second to decide. Having bought and sold Basses over the years I had a pretty good idea of what my ideal Bass is. I thought it would be easy, but being faced with WOOD WOOD and WOOD and having to pick the bits I wanted, that was an awesome challenge. Fortunately Mr D Perry and Greeneking arrived when I was choosing and re-inforced my decision. Then it was pick-ups, hardware etc. etc. I reckon if you have played a number of Basses over the years you will have liked certain points from each of them. Now you can have all of that built into your ideal instrument. I can tell you the anticipation is fantastic and being involved in picking the organic components is awesome. All the luthiers mentioned are excellent, but I would put my weight behind ACG, because I asked Alan to build my "Dream Machine". Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted May 23, 2009 Author Share Posted May 23, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Obviously, I'd also join the queue to be complimenting Mr Jon Shuker here. His J and P style basses are actually exceptional, if that's the kind of thing you go for aesthetically. He's more than happy to take that classic design and add your touch to it. The only changes he makes to them are all improvements as far as I'm concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted May 23, 2009 Author Share Posted May 23, 2009 Hmmmm..... he's not that far away either..... & most of the Luthiers in the UK are Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Platypus Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Don't know what to suggest Marcus - still reeling from your list of previous basses P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARGH Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Go to Ripon,and meet this guy [url="http://luthiery.co.uk/"]http://luthiery.co.uk/[/url] Nice Bloke...He's called Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johngh Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 I know this might sound boring, but I'd recomend Shuker as well. You get an awful amount of Bass for your money. This is my Shuker 6 headless. Its brilliant. Built to my exact spec, it sounds and plays way beyond what I expected. [url="http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/hlelite.htm"]http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/hlelite.htm[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeefChief Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 Get your missus to build it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 [quote name='Marcus' post='496271' date='May 23 2009, 07:56 PM']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.[/quote] If you want "Special" & "Graphite" seriously consider a Zon Legacy. (You need a "Z" in your list anyway..... ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I'm guessing the best thing that I can suggest is actually go and visit all the luthiers that are in the running and see who's instruments you feel most comfortable with. You only have to look at my signature to see who's basses float my boat but I can appreciate that they may not be everybody's cup of tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceguyhomer Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I'd be on a plane to NYC right now Marcus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHRISDABASS Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 I know what I'd do mate!! I'd give roger sadowsky or jimmy coppollo a call! The Alleva coppollo basses look fantastic! Plus the build times for both would fit in great with your time scale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted May 24, 2009 Share Posted May 24, 2009 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Posted May 24, 2009 Author Share Posted May 24, 2009 [quote name='CHRISDABASS' post='496470' date='May 24 2009, 08:47 AM']I know what I'd do mate!! I'd give roger sadowsky or jimmy coppollo a call! The Alleva coppollo basses look fantastic! Plus the build times for both would fit in great with your time scale [/quote] A mate of mine has a Coppollo on order..... looking forward to seeing it when it comes Mate..... that UV70 is so good now Dave Wilson has breathed his magic on it that I can't imagine a NYC would be anything other than a disappointment ! (at the price) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.