Custom UK build - where to spend my cash

[Chris2112]

Afternoon all.

Before I get into the nitty gritty with this thread, allow me to set out my stall and explain where I'm coming from...

Recently, I had a bass related epiphany when I discovered ACG basses; you can read about this here:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600[/url]



It struck me that this was where I wanted to go with my bass collection. I have had many fantastic basses over the years but nothing with this level of craftsmanship. I have had many "handmade" basses (Alembic, Kubicki, Status) but this struck me above all else as being a beautiful, handcrafted instrument. It was also my first singlecut, something else new to my collection. The quality of the ACG has further inspired me, as I looked at British made basses as a whole, and it was not hard to reach to the conclusion that I did:

That here in Britain today, we have the best bass builders in the world. Think about it: ACG, Overwater, Status Graphite, Wal, Shuker, Sei and Jaydee, to name but a few. The fact that some of these builders are no more than a couple of hours drive from my house makes me realise that legendary basses are being crafted practically on my doorstep. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this - not only could I have bespoke basses made without paying excessive customs charges, I could have the luthier's customer service too.

Alan at ACG guitars has been fantastic, I must take my hat off to him. After finding that I had bought an ACG bass secondhand he emailed me out of the blue with a manual for the preamp and an invitation to the Moffat bass bash. Since then we've talked about the bass and the possiblity of a custom order. I've spoken to Jon Shuker this week about a bass I liked off his website, and he was more than happy to give me more detailed information about it and comes across as a real enthusiast about what he makes. Similarly, Rob and Dawn at Status have always been fantastically accomodating via telephone or email.





Which leads me to where I am now. Having decided to collect my "best of British" stable, I really want to order new where I can and get the spec I want. I would primarily do this around January of each year - place an order with a builder and enjoy my bass a few weeks or months later with the joys of spring or summer.


I have been thinking of some ideas for a while now, although I'm not sure where to start. I'll list the sort of specs I've been thinking of below. I will obviously look for different wood choices in different basses but the other things are generally "my thing" and I'd like them wherever possible (eg headless design):



*4 string, probably fretted.
*34" scale
*Thru neck wherever possible
*headless where possible
*singlecut where possible
*Maple body
*flamed maple or lacewood top
*maple or ebony fretboard
*black hardware
*wenge or ebony stringers in the neck
*matching or black headstock






for the ACG I have considered ordering this type of thing with my wood choices:








Over the next few weeks I'll be giving the specs some more thought and seeing where I end up. I'm fairly sure I'll go to ACG for the order, although I'm still considering Status and Shuker as possibles. What do you think?

[Soliloquy]

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1026084' date='Nov 16 2010, 05:18 PM']Afternoon all.

Before I get into the nitty gritty with this thread, allow me to set out my stall and explain where I'm coming from...

Recently, I had a bass related epiphany when I discovered ACG basses; you can read about this here:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600[/url]



It struck me that this was where I wanted to go with my bass collection. I have had many fantastic basses over the years but nothing with this level of craftsmanship. I have had many "handmade" basses (Alembic, Kubicki, Status) but this struck me above all else as being a beautiful, handcrafted instrument. It was also my first singlecut, something else new to my collection. The quality of the ACG has further inspired me, as I looked at British made basses as a whole, and it was not hard to reach to the conclusion that I did:

That here in Britain today, we have the best bass builders in the world. Think about it: ACG, Overwater, Status Graphite, Wal, Shuker, Sei and Jaydee, to name but a few. The fact that some of these builders are no more than a couple of hours drive from my house makes me realise that legendary basses are being crafted practically on my doorstep. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this - not only could I have bespoke basses made without paying excessive customs charges, I could have the luthier's customer service too.

Alan at ACG guitars has been fantastic, I must take my hat off to him. After finding that I had bought an ACG bass secondhand he emailed me out of the blue with a manual for the preamp and an invitation to the Moffat bass bash. Since then we've talked about the bass and the possiblity of a custom order. I've spoken to Jon Shuker this week about a bass I liked off his website, and he was more than happy to give me more detailed information about it and comes across as a real enthusiast about what he makes. Similarly, Rob and Dawn at Status have always been fantastically accomodating via telephone or email.





Which leads me to where I am now. Having decided to collect my "best of British" stable, I really want to order new where I can and get the spec I want. I would primarily do this around January of each year - place an order with a builder and enjoy my bass a few weeks or months later with the joys of spring or summer.


I have been thinking of some ideas for a while now, although I'm not sure where to start. I'll list the sort of specs I've been thinking of below. I will obviously look for different wood choices in different basses but the other things are generally "my thing" and I'd like them wherever possible (eg headless design):



*4 string, probably fretted.
*34" scale
*Thru neck wherever possible
*headless where possible
*singlecut where possible
*Maple body
*flamed maple or lacewood top
*maple or ebony fretboard
*black hardware
*wenge or ebony stringers in the neck
*matching or black headstock






for the ACG I have considered ordering this type of thing with my wood choices:








Over the next few weeks I'll be giving the specs some more thought and seeing where I end up. I'm fairly sure I'll go to ACG for the order, although I'm still considering Status and Shuker as possibles. What do you think?[/quote]

Have a look at my new thread here [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=111168"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=111168[/url]

[Chris2112]

I've just had a look at it there - to be fair, I think Jaydee is the only bass there where I wouldn't really want to buy a new, simply because I know what I want - a Mark King series I or II and there are a few about. They're not high up my list but as a huge Mark King fan I think I really have to own one at some point!

[tino]

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1026084' date='Nov 16 2010, 05:18 PM']Afternoon all.

Before I get into the nitty gritty with this thread, allow me to set out my stall and explain where I'm coming from...

Recently, I had a bass related epiphany when I discovered ACG basses; you can read about this here:

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=107600[/url]



It struck me that this was where I wanted to go with my bass collection. I have had many fantastic basses over the years but nothing with this level of craftsmanship. I have had many "handmade" basses (Alembic, Kubicki, Status) but this struck me above all else as being a beautiful, handcrafted instrument. It was also my first singlecut, something else new to my collection. The quality of the ACG has further inspired me, as I looked at British made basses as a whole, and it was not hard to reach to the conclusion that I did:

That here in Britain today, we have the best bass builders in the world. Think about it: ACG, Overwater, Status Graphite, Wal, Shuker, Sei and Jaydee, to name but a few. The fact that some of these builders are no more than a couple of hours drive from my house makes me realise that legendary basses are being crafted practically on my doorstep. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of this - not only could I have bespoke basses made without paying excessive customs charges, I could have the luthier's customer service too.

Alan at ACG guitars has been fantastic, I must take my hat off to him. After finding that I had bought an ACG bass secondhand he emailed me out of the blue with a manual for the preamp and an invitation to the Moffat bass bash. Since then we've talked about the bass and the possiblity of a custom order. I've spoken to Jon Shuker this week about a bass I liked off his website, and he was more than happy to give me more detailed information about it and comes across as a real enthusiast about what he makes. Similarly, Rob and Dawn at Status have always been fantastically accomodating via telephone or email.





Which leads me to where I am now. Having decided to collect my "best of British" stable, I really want to order new where I can and get the spec I want. I would primarily do this around January of each year - place an order with a builder and enjoy my bass a few weeks or months later with the joys of spring or summer.


I have been thinking of some ideas for a while now, although I'm not sure where to start. I'll list the sort of specs I've been thinking of below. I will obviously look for different wood choices in different basses but the other things are generally "my thing" and I'd like them wherever possible (eg headless design):



*4 string, probably fretted.
*34" scale
*Thru neck wherever possible
*headless where possible
*singlecut where possible
*Maple body
*flamed maple or lacewood top
*maple or ebony fretboard
*black hardware
*wenge or ebony stringers in the neck
*matching or black headstock






for the ACG I have considered ordering this type of thing with my wood choices:








Over the next few weeks I'll be giving the specs some more thought and seeing where I end up. I'm fairly sure I'll go to ACG for the order, although I'm still considering Status and Shuker as possibles. What do you think?[/quote]

Try Martin Clarke
Superb Luthier & a very accomplished bass player to boot...well worth a chat with the fella real nice bloke,...I have used many builders over the years,today I would not use anyone else for my new builds or restorations..

Good Luck
T

www.martinsguitars.co.uk

[Soliloquy]

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1026120' date='Nov 16 2010, 05:48 PM']I've just had a look at it there - to be fair, I think Jaydee is the only bass there where I wouldn't really want to buy a new, simply because I know what I want - a Mark King series I or II and there are a few about. They're not high up my list but as a huge Mark King fan I think I really have to own one at some point![/quote]

John's new prices are really very, very good. My next bass will probably be a 5 string GA24.

I think really, I'd prefer to buy any of the basses you mention used, as opposed to new. Though I did buy buy my Sei new.

You can get some really good bargains if you're prepared to wait. There are a couple of nice looking Overwaters for sale at the moment in the sale section. Status basses come up for sale quite frequently. And Sei's come up now and again.

The only bass I wouldn't buy is a Shuker, I've owned two, and played a couple of others, and really don't like them.

[Soliloquy]

I can totally understand you wanting custom instruments though. I've had MM's, Fenders, Ibanezes etc, and they're not a patch on the custom basses that I own.

[Chris2112]

[quote name='Soliloquy' post='1026134' date='Nov 16 2010, 05:57 PM']The only bass I wouldn't buy is a Shuker, I've owned two, and played a couple of others, and really don't like them.[/quote]


I can't recall John's extact prices but I do recall looking at them when they were online and thinking "hmm, thats very good for what you get". It's the same with ACG, the prices are very good.

With Sei, they do seem on the pricey side and so they're not too high up my list yet. If I were to see the right one (headless) I might well buy that. Whats been up with the Shuker basses you've had? I've never played one but I do like the look of them, particularly if I could get one with Bartolini pickups...

[Soliloquy]

That's why I'd buy used, you can get a lot of Sei for not that much, here's a headless one -

[url="http://www.thebassgallery.com/product_details.cfm?ID=1610&type=Bass%20Guitar"]http://www.thebassgallery.com/product_deta...e=Bass%20Guitar[/url]

I don't know really, about Shukers, they just seem 'stiff' and unresponsive somehow.

[Chris2112]

That Sei is beautiful...if it were a 4 string I might have well been on the phone about that!

[BigRedX]

I could never imagine buying a Sei second hand. You'd have to be lucky to find one that suited because IMO they are simply too individual.

While I was waiting for Martin to do the final set-up tweaks to mine, I had the opportunity to play another Sei. Like mine it was a 5-string fretless and immaculately built, but in every other respect - looks, feel and sound it had nothing in common with the bass that had been made for me.


And if you're looking at great British luthiers you've got to at least check out a [url="http://www.gusguitars.com/"]Gus Bass[/url].

[bubinga5]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='1026301' date='Nov 16 2010, 08:01 PM']I could never imagine buying a Sei second hand. You'd have to be lucky to find one that suited because IMO they are simply too individual.

While I was waiting for Martin to do the final set-up tweaks to mine, I had the opportunity to play another Sei. Like mine it was a 5-string fretless and immaculately built, but in every other respect - looks, feel and sound it had nothing in common with the bass that had been made for me.


And if you're looking at great British luthiers you've got to at least check out a [url="http://www.gusguitars.com/"]Gus Bass[/url].[/quote]
i totally agree with this..Sei are very specific to the customer..so to buy second hand (although i did) is a gamble.. if i was to buy a new UK custom bass it would be Sei though...ive played GB's, Status, but the Sei i had (that wasnt even built for me) was incredible.... just something about it that oozed quality and attention to detail....i cant really put my finger on it..just something very special...i miss it dearly..... i would buy a Sei over any bass in the world... Ok maybe Sukop would get a look in...



a master bass builder indeed...

Edited November 16, 2010 by bubinga5

[Chris2112]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='1026301' date='Nov 16 2010, 08:01 PM']And if you're looking at great British luthiers you've got to at least check out a [url="http://www.gusguitars.com/"]Gus Bass[/url].[/quote]


I've never liked those, they just look odd and lack that cool, handmade look I love so much.

Going to the point of basses that have been made for you and whatnot, I can quite easily get on with a bass that hasn't been crafted to my exact specifications; I think a lot of people get hung up unneccesarily over measurements etc etc. Like seeing a bass with 18mm string spacing rather than 19mm and saying you're not having it. It just seems silly to me, every bass feels different and I can quite easily adapt to them without getting upset over these tiny measurements. So I think if I saw a Sei made with the woods and pickups I liked I'd probably be quite happy with it!

[charic]

The sei's I've tried have all been too polite for my liking imo. I still need to try some shukers though!

[bubinga5]

[quote name='charic' post='1026420' date='Nov 16 2010, 09:53 PM']The sei's I've tried have all been too polite for my liking imo. I still need to try some shukers though![/quote]
thats because he didnt build it for you..

[zigmondo]

Hi Chris: what a delightful predicament you are in; my heart bleeds!
Alan Cringean.
Now, though I do realise it's not possible to praise too highly most of your shortlist, I would say that AC would always have the ability within his vision to surprise you in terms of build and aesthetic in a major way. I've read several reactions by clients to ongoing builds, where Alan has come up with something so very left-field, it actually extended the result beyond the initial vision of the client.
As an example, I remember there was much surprise at single-cuts: sort of, "very nice, but SCs are not my thing,"...however, the client would often end at a postion that totally embraced this. I don't have a personal example of this, though I do own an ACG 5-string Harlot singlecut. Not only visually stunning and with impeccable sound quality, this bass looks like a surrealist painting. It looks as if it "won't go", as if proportions are exciting but somewhat impractical. The bizarrely fulfilling thing is, though, that when one puts the bass on(!), the proportions to the player all suddenly make sense...and the anticipated neck-dive is replaced by a perfection of balance.
Thus, no disrespect to any of the other names you mention(er actually, apart from one...and I'm too much a of a gentleman to mention which!): it's just that I think your epiphany has only just begun if you go with Alan C. Not only that, but the journey you will have through the build will be above and beyond the best of what you expect.
Personally, I'm delighted for you..and I'll follow your decision with great interest!

[pantherairsoft]

Buy a RIM.

I've had a RIM, GB & Overwater built for me. I love the GB sound and feel, but it's not for everyone. By far the best build process and quality of result award goes to Robbie @ RIM Basses. Very reasonably priced compared to more UK builders as well!

[eude]

+1 for ACG.
Go with your gut feeling dude

Eude

[Chris2112]

[quote name='zigmondo' post='1026458' date='Nov 16 2010, 10:24 PM']Hi Chris: what a delightful predicament you are in; my heart bleeds![/quote]



Funny you should mention the Harlot singlecut as I am the proud owner of the very first one made!




Alan tells me there are three Harlot SC's in existence, mine, yours and another 5 string somewhere. Yours look very nice indeed, and you've taken some stunning photos of it! When I first saw the Harlot in the photographs attached to the "for sale" thread here I liked the look of it but I thought it appeared a bit "elongated" and funny looking. I still went for it, on the basis that it sounded like it would be a hoot. Only when I met Peter, the previous owner and he opened the case up did I "get" it. What looked slightly long in the pictures suddenly made great sense! The proportions are excellent, and despite being a single cut, it is small, light and balances beautifully. Now when I look at it, I smile and think "that is how you make a bass". It's a dream to play, effortless. The way the bridge sits further forward than say, a Jazz bass creates the impression that you're playing something incredible small and comfortable.

I could rant and rave all day about various aspects of the Harlot and why its so good, suffice to say as I have said before, that I believe Alan is [i]the[/i] best builder in the UK today, save for the specialist products of Status Graphite...but then we're talking apples and oranges!

I am so impressed with Alan's vision that I want to get in on the ground floor with a bass and have his input and skills bringing it together. I often like to sit and scroll through the gallery on the site, and I wonder where you get inspiration like that from; to feel compelled to rip up the rulebook like Alan has and create something that is utterly unlike anything else and as far from a boring old Fender as you could get!

[zigmondo]

Lyrically put.
My..
I could waffle on but would be in danger of hijacking...!

[JTUK]

I've bought 2 second hand Sei's and they both work for me... and are my staple gigging basses. They are Jazz basses though
so I might agree that the 'Orignals' and 'Flamboyant' range are more customised.and individual.

Really can't argue with his quality and styling though, IMV.
If I was to commision a new bass, I know exactly what I would spec and who would build it.

[charic]

[quote name='bubinga5' post='1026424' date='Nov 16 2010, 09:57 PM']thats because he didnt build it for you..[/quote]

Granted