Skybone

Only ever done it once, but it was exactly as I wanted it. IMO, you need to be 100% certain on your specification. Knowing what you like and what you don't like is a key factor in the decision making process. Pickups, electronics (passive or active), body shape, neck shape, colour, finish, types of timber used, etc. There is a lot to consider, and a lot to mull over before committing yourself, especially if you have ever bought something and if it's not quite right, you've sold it on. Is it worthwhile looking at a high spec instrument from one of the "boutique" makers? Also had a valve amp and some pedals built, but their specs were set, and it was just the cosmetics that were customised.

The Changing Man - Paul Weller

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

Tonehenge - class Missing out on a great deal on an amp head that promises to be awesome. Gutted. Good catch.

I crumbled and ordered a Tourtech Pro case. Made some enquiries about them, and whether a 4003 would fit, and took a chance. Finally arrived (story in itself! 😀), the 4003 and the Walnut Faker fit nicely, though there is a little bit of space between the lower bout and sides of the case, though it's not a problem when you close the case, just need to be careful when putting the bass away and make sure the neck is sitting in the channel properly. Overall, the case seems sturdy enough, light, comfy handle, and the clasps are cool, though there's only 1 with a lock. How it would withstand being thrown about as luggage, I don't know. The Thomann ABS case is a little bit narrower.

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepson

Thank Christ for the Bomb - The Groundhogs

Changes - Black Sabbath

They look great

3am Eternal - The KLF

Just another puppet

Age of Greed - Killing Joke

Looks good. Still no headphone out though.

Anyway, @ProfJames, try a Ric out, especially if you have a friend/acquaintance who has one and you can spend a bit more time with it than in a shop.

Unfortunately, there do seem to be a larger number of "flag waving patriotic citizens" who play Ric's, especially those of the "internet warrior" persuasion. Foxtrot Romeo Oscar to the lot of them.

Suffragette City - David Bowie

The Wind Cries Mary - The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Wanted one for years, but always ended up with something else Fender-esque. Finally bought one, and never looked back (even when I had to sell it - bought a Faker or three). Finally managed to pick up another one last year, and loving it (as well as the walnut Faker in the pic). Some love them, most hate them, think Marmite or Harley Davidson. My advice: definitely "try before you buy", and consider adapting your technique to suit it (i.e. play between the pickups).

The Final Countdown - Europe

Between the Wheels - Those Three Canadian Chaps Again

One Little Victory - Rush

Always loved the look of the JayDee's, made an enquiry about getting one built a few years back, but the build time put me off. Still want one though.

The Jean Genie - David Bowie