Who can build me a custom bass?

[minty fresh death]

Can I get some recommendations of luthiers who can build a bass to my shape and spec?

Many thanks

Edited December 10, 2010 by minty fresh death

[Chris2112]

Alembic.

[minty fresh death]

U.K based would be my preference if possible?

[pantherairsoft]

Many UK Luthiers will. But most would charge a huge surcharge for something truly custom.

Everson comes to mind for one up for custom shapes. Robbie/RIM Basses is worth asking as well

Shep

[minty fresh death]

It's not a truly custom shape, I want a jazz body, a straight through neck with a p-bass profile?

Edited December 10, 2010 by minty fresh death

[ianSB]

shuker ?

[BigRedX]

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

[Grand Wazoo]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='1054491' date='Dec 10 2010, 08:57 PM'][url="http://www.seibass.com/"]Sei[/url][/quote]


I give Sei a +1

I've seen him doing them, and o.m.f.g.!!

[yorks5stringer]

Jim Fleeting, he'll do you a 4 Stringer although lots of people think he only does 9 Stringers!

[Dood]

[quote name='ianSB' post='1054486' date='Dec 10 2010, 08:50 PM']shuker ?[/quote]

+ {a number that is too large to fit on this page}


I'm also a point of contact for Jon Shuker, so if you want to drop me a line I can help a bit!

[niceguyhomer]

+1 for Jon Shuker - a lovely bloke who builds fantastic basses

[Jamesemt]

[quote name='dood' date='Dec 10 2010, 09:27 PM']I'm also a point of contact for Jon Shuker, so if you want to drop me a line I can help a bit![/quote]

I think going direct to Jon is probably best, then if anything goes wrong no one else is to blame...

Jon's really friendly and highly recommended, just take his build times with a huge pinch of salt!

[niceguyhomer]

What I really like about Jon is if I have an issue or want something tweaking on my bass, it's a lovely 45 minute drive through some really picturesque countryside and it's done there and then on the spot by the guy who built it. When I wanted to change the awful Nordstrand pups my bass was fitted with for Wizards, I left the bass with him and nipped into Sheffield for a couple of hours. When I got back, the job was done and he'd converted the series/parallel toggle switch to a preamp bypass for me - cost? £20.

Unbelievable service.

[Noisyjon]

[quote name='minty fresh death' post='1054485' date='Dec 10 2010, 08:47 PM']It's not a truly custom shape, I want a jazz body, a straight through neck with a p-bass profile?[/quote]

I had Jon Shuker build me a Jazz bass with a bolt on P bass profiled neck and it's just beautiful.
He does neck through construction too so shouldn't be a problem for him. Even better still you could do the 'build your own' Shuker course and get it done like that making it a bit more special.

My one:

Edited December 11, 2010 by jonthebass

[JTUK]

[quote name='minty fresh death' post='1054485' date='Dec 10 2010, 08:47 PM']It's not a truly custom shape, I want a jazz body, a straight through neck with a p-bass profile?[/quote]


The neck through might be the problem with a few makers...IMV, and also you become the guinea pig somewhat.
There would probably be a premium for that so I'd stick with the cheaper luthiers, who may be more keen to accomodate this idea.

[BigRedX]

If it was me I'd go with someone who's already makes J-style basses with through necks.

I think the most important thing when picking a luthier to make your bass is that you feel that they understand what it is that you want to achieve with the end result. This really means going a meeting the luthier in person, and spending plenty of time going over what you want for the bass. Also remember that they are there to guide you through making the decisions about what you want and offer advice when you're unsure.

For instance I don't care what wood my bass is made out of so long as it: Looks good if it's visible, is the right weight, and contributes to the sound I want from the bass. As far as the actual piece(s) of wood to use that's what I rely on the luthier for. When I spec up a custom build go with how I want the instrument to look, how I want it to feel/play and how I want it to sound. These are the important things. Everything else is details for the luthier to decide on.

[pete.young]

This is the sort of thing that Ben at Crimson Guitars would be able to do . Start saving!

www.crimsonguitars.co.uk. I've no connection with them, other than an avid reader of the workshop diary and dreamer.

[ian32]

[quote name='minty fresh death' post='1054447' date='Dec 10 2010, 07:53 PM']Can I get some recommendations of luthiers who can build a bass to my shape and spec?

Many thanks[/quote]
Overwater do a J bass and most of their stuff is neck thru.

[FlatEric]

Doug Wilkes.

[url="http://www.wilkesguitars.co.uk/"]Wilkes Guitars[/url]

Not sure how long it would take him but worth a call.

Great bloke - cosy, wacky little workshop - great product.

[simon1964]

Another +1 for Jon Shuker.

[chilievans]

Shuker for me mate.

I'll be having mine next week.

Cant wait

[stingrayPete1977]

[url="http://www.gbguitars.co.uk/gb_rumour_gallery.asp"]http://www.gbguitars.co.uk/gb_rumour_gallery.asp[/url]

Duck egg blue ones are [i]very[/i] nice!

[AttitudeCastle]

[quote name='dood' post='1054515' date='Dec 10 2010, 09:27 PM']+ {a number that is too large to fit on this page}


I'm also a point of contact for Jon Shuker, so if you want to drop me a line I can help a bit![/quote]

Dood! You know better than most here

How much does a Shuker run you? (I know thats vague) But like the 5er and 6er elites?

And how much is a custom? And what would the price on your unbelievely awesome 7 string be if they were made? (just getting an idea on scope)

[henry norton]

There are quite a few individuals on the forum who have the skills to make you a thru necked bass. Maybe you could re-post the thread as "are there any makers on the forum who'll build me a........"

Thru's aren't rocket science to build, just a bit different.

[Porkpie]

Hugh Manson in Devon would be worth a call, or how about Steed basses, Wes is very good.
I have basses built by both these guys and can't fault them. I've owned my Manson for longer than I care to remember!