Author Topic: Your first custom, what was it like? (Read 261 times)

hendixclarke · « **on:** April 10, 2009, 11:17:15 AM »

As some of you know, I am hoping to own a custom bass.

What went through your heads while on the verge (edge of decisions).

Please share...

s_wood · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2009, 01:25:29 PM »

Great question!

I've been through this a few times, and for me the most nerve-wracking part of the experience was the choice of woods. I am pretty picky about the appearance of the wood, especially the top, and given the killer quality of the stuff in Alembic's stash and the infinite variability of the appearance of wood, I really agonize over the choice. Some of the other choices we have to make were easy for me. I love the standard Europa body shape, and to my ears Series electronics are perfect, so at least I didn't have to sweat those details!

jazzyvee · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2009, 02:00:26 PM »

I have that agony to look forward to as I'm considering a custom build.

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2009, 02:15:29 PM »

When I had a guitar built (by another company), the biggest surprise was how much I missed thinking about it when it was finished. It was agonizing to wait, but it is also exciting. I spent time fantasizing about wood and electronics combinations, drawing sketches of bodies, and just generally being absorbed in the process. The guitar turned out incredible, but almost immediately I started thinking about what I would do next. It was an incredibly addictive experience for me.

briant · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2009, 03:44:12 PM »

I waited 3 years before finally ordering a custom job. I visited the custom quote page more times than I'd care to admit to.

When the time was finally drawing near I called The Mothership and spoke with Susan for probably close to an hour the first time. Then had a few follow up calls with Susan/Mica to work on final details/issues. I already knew what I wanted I just had to be sure what I was ordering was going to give me the desired effect.

After pulling the trigger and starting the wheels in motion time seemed to crawl. It was the longest 6 months of my life and I am well aware that some people wait years. I can't even imagine.

FC Bass · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2009, 02:11:09 AM »

The wait has just started for me :-)

I can tell it feels good to have pulled the trigger and to be a poor guy again :-)

If it's going to be 6 months for me, I'll be an extremely happy guy.
But I'm guessing she will be here at the end of the year or early next year.

If this thread is still active then, I can give a more on topic answer :-)

hendixclarke · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2009, 04:39:13 AM »

Today, I pulled the trigger on my dream bass. I was talking to Susan about my Birthday this Summer. And I was wishful thinking hoping my bass would be ready for me to pickup around or befor my birthday.

Susan didn't think my bass would be ready by my birth day. Now I am thinking the bass will be ready by winter-time. It really doesn't matter, because good things takes awhile to complete.

FC Bass · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2009, 05:04:36 AM »

You could aim for your 2010 birthday :-)

Congrats!

olieoliver · « **Reply #8 on:** April 18, 2009, 06:26:57 AM »

Great question. I did a LOT of looking here, playing the basses I already had and talking with Val originally and Susan & Mica after he left.
Vals one big suggestion was a custom body shape, which you obviousley have Hal. WHile I didn't opt for a custom shape I did go with a more non-standard Alembic shape, A 3/4 Heart Omega, not sure if that's been done before or if mine was the first. Good question for Mica.
My only piece of advice for anyone that does take the plunge is patience. You can't rush perfection and anything that is worthwhile is worth waiting for.

OO

lbpesq · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2009, 08:43:35 AM »

I'll strongly second that, Olie. Mine took about 2 1/2 years from pulling the trigger to completion. It was an exciting journey with some unexpected excursions along the way as a few things were changed and Alembic experimented to figure out the best way to do some things they'd never done before. During the wait I made many new friends, both here in cyberspace and at the mothership. Not everyone waits that long, obviously, but you should accept that this is art and each peice is different. Each one takes as long as it takes. Enjoy the ride.

Bill, tgo

bsee · « **Reply #10 on:** April 18, 2009, 11:06:32 AM »

Over the years it seems a custom can take anything from a few months to over a year. Once the order is placed, the most critical thing is to be at peace with your design. Don't start second-guessing decisions, continually ask for updates, or try to make design changes. Only bad things will happen if you do.

briant · « **Reply #11 on:** April 18, 2009, 11:25:07 AM »

Don't start second-guessing decisions, continually ask for updates, or try to make design changes. Only bad things will happen if you do.

Which is precisely why one should never rush into a custom. Do your research. Think long and hard about what you want out of the instrument. Once you think you have your mind made up you should talk to Susan or Mica about it. They are both very patient and extremely knowledgable.

If you find yourself second guessing something the time probably isn't right - or you're going to cut a corner somewhere to save money only to regret it later.