While perusing CallowHill Basses site, looking into a bass I came across a rather relevant statement regarding custom orders. The whole site is interesting and the builder is very matter of fact. Here he's explaining how a custom order from Tim Lefevbre happened. It's worthy of a complete read IMO.
It's here http://www.callowhillbass.com/lafave
" [i] The initial request was that it be a vintage ’51 that cuts more, and maybe fiesta red or something. That was it. That’s all that was asked for.
On its own, that request doesn’t really warrant any attention and it certainly doesn’t require a new model. Buy a cheap ’51 reissue and stick a pickup in it that has a little extra midrange character. Problem solved.
I should point out that THAT is actually how all of the top level professional’s order stuff from me. “Uh, I want a five string and uh – I don’t know, maybe blue? Just make it cool.” There are no laundry lists of garbage with agonizing details about nut material and exact pickup placements and magnets. I swear half the guys who order like that just want content to cut and paste for when they sell it at a loss on TB a few days after they get it. [/i] "