A custom bass guitar is more than just an instrument, it's both an extension and expression of the artist that plays it. There are many companies building custom basses now and each of them seem to do well in at least one area. Choosing the right options to make your custom bass more "you," and finding the right builder are important things to consider when looking for a custom bass. Look at all aspects of your instrument before making a decision.
First, you have to consider "curb appeal." In other words, how do you your bass to look? If a bass is flat ugly you're not going to appreciate its other qualities like if you had to pick your jaw up off the floor every time you laid eyes on it. One flaw that you notice leads to another. We judge with our eyes first. Let's face it, when you like how your instrument looks you flat feel good playing it. You've got so many options to pick from when it comes to giving your bass that curb appeal. There are incredible woods, finishes, and hardware to choose from. This is why it is so important to hire a craftsman with decades of experience and knowledge of woods, electronics, setups and all other aspects of the building process. Each decision affects another one. It is vital that your builder knows all options available to you.
Secondly, think about the action of the instrument. There is nothing worse that a gorgeous bass that is a pain to play. I am going to pass on all the relationship analogies to better paint my point. You know where I'm coming from. When you hire a builder, it is imperative that he is a technically competent bass player. How can someone who doesn't play the instrument understand the action you're looking for? So many "custom" bass guitars companies are nothing more than a small production line run by people that have no skill playing the instrument. A Rybski bass is not intended to be wall art. It is designed and built by a skilled bass player, for skilled bass players. The moment your fingers begin to play a Rybski you will enter into a long and growing relationship with it just like other believers.
Thirdly, consider the electronics. How can anyone claim that a bass is "custom" when it's pickups are ordered from a supplier? It just blows my mind. Custom instruments require custom electronics. I will spare you all the technical jargon and cut to the common sense: There is nothing custom about standardized, stock electronics. The pairing of playing styles, woods, and electronics is something that a true luthier takes great pride in. There are scant few builders in the world that are not only able to grasp, but excel at all areas of instrument building.
There are still a few builders like Rybski that make truly custom basses. A Rybski bass is a perfect example of what bass players are looking for when they want a custom bass. Rybski is a one man shop with in house custom electronics. Timeless designs and eye popping finishes aside, Rybski is most known by musicians around the world for their playability. Good luck in your search for your custom bass guitar.
Don's Custom 7 String
First, you have to consider "curb appeal." In other words, how do you your bass to look? If a bass is flat ugly you're not going to appreciate its other qualities like if you had to pick your jaw up off the floor every time you laid eyes on it. One flaw that you notice leads to another. We judge with our eyes first. Let's face it, when you like how your instrument looks you flat feel good playing it. You've got so many options to pick from when it comes to giving your bass that curb appeal. There are incredible woods, finishes, and hardware to choose from. This is why it is so important to hire a craftsman with decades of experience and knowledge of woods, electronics, setups and all other aspects of the building process. Each decision affects another one. It is vital that your builder knows all options available to you.
Secondly, think about the action of the instrument. There is nothing worse that a gorgeous bass that is a pain to play. I am going to pass on all the relationship analogies to better paint my point. You know where I'm coming from. When you hire a builder, it is imperative that he is a technically competent bass player. How can someone who doesn't play the instrument understand the action you're looking for? So many "custom" bass guitars companies are nothing more than a small production line run by people that have no skill playing the instrument. A Rybski bass is not intended to be wall art. It is designed and built by a skilled bass player, for skilled bass players. The moment your fingers begin to play a Rybski you will enter into a long and growing relationship with it just like other believers.
Thirdly, consider the electronics. How can anyone claim that a bass is "custom" when it's pickups are ordered from a supplier? It just blows my mind. Custom instruments require custom electronics. I will spare you all the technical jargon and cut to the common sense: There is nothing custom about standardized, stock electronics. The pairing of playing styles, woods, and electronics is something that a true luthier takes great pride in. There are scant few builders in the world that are not only able to grasp, but excel at all areas of instrument building.
There are still a few builders like Rybski that make truly custom basses. A Rybski bass is a perfect example of what bass players are looking for when they want a custom bass. Rybski is a one man shop with in house custom electronics. Timeless designs and eye popping finishes aside, Rybski is most known by musicians around the world for their playability. Good luck in your search for your custom bass guitar.
About the Author:
Have a Custom Bass in mind? Rybski has over thirty years worldwide experience building dream basses for a speechless list of cult followers. Experience truly Custom Bass Guitars.