To customize or not to customize

[NorM]

Funny I was talking with some people tonight about that issue.
Upshots were:
Bass players seem to like completely stock instruments. And then from time to time when some one does "customize" their instrument they are given flack for it. Flack may be to strong a word. Please keep in mind that this is just an observation. Please pardon the stereotyping.

There is a thread on the guitar side right now asking for customized EBMM's. Most (if not all) the comments are complimentary.

The Bongo works as a bass and not a guitar. Due in one part I recall from BP saying that Bass players were more adapt to change than guitar players were.

Interesting?
Please feel free to compare and contrast.

 

[ashiin]

I think that they can do whatever they want to with their bass. I mean they bought it after all. I myself wouldn't customize an EBMM, but if it was a F**d**r i probably would have.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[midopa]

FWIW, Dudley has said guitarists are generally more receptive of new stuff than bassists (link to article, "Guitar vs. Bass" section).

But yes, there has been some flack in the past about customizing instruments. In the end, though, owners can do whatever they want to their guitars.

I myself have no clue as to which side (bassists/guitarists) is more open to new stuff.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I try to buy stuff that already has everything I want to begin with. Not that I think there is anything wrong with altering your property. But when I buy a car I order it with everything I want, I’ve never put on a set of wheels or custom paint after the purchase.

The most radical thing I ever did to a Ball was have my Mother’s name inlayed in the neck and I had that done by a master… still worried me a bit. But the biggest reason I fell in love with EBMM basses was that they felt, looked and sounded great to me right out of the box. Then of course I discovered this place and fell in love with you people.

 

[strummer]

I trhink it's as simple as "to each his/her own". Personally, if I want custom I order custom, I don't take a production instrument and "improve" on it

 

[Big Poppa]

Actually DUdley meant that Bass players are more open to new stuff than guitarists...Steinberger, BOngo, etc

Customize is to alter a product to better fit an individual. As long as it works for you Great! Realize that 90% chance that others wont see your customization as a great thing. Henc the reduced re sale ability and price

My advice to alterations is the best ones can be reversed without anybody knowing.

 

[KennethB]

If I had only one EBMM I wouldn't touch it. Now that I have three basses, I'm thinking of fitting a tremolo to the SUB. Craaaazzzy!

 

[bassmonkeee]

It depends on the instrument, to me.

I had no problem doing this:

this:

or, this:

to my original 2003 HHp Bongo. It's never going anywhere, so resale isn't a factor. The recessed straplocks are great, and the BassMute has become a big part of my sound.


But, I wouldn't ever dream of doing that stuff to the Dargie Delight. The most I'll be doing to that is putting some EB straplocks on there once they are available. I already have my order in with DuBaldo.

 

[AnthonyD]

Customization is a personal thing - nothing wrong with modding your instrument for your personal satisfaction.

 

[KennethB]

Anyone tried fitting a Kahler trem to a SR or Sterling?

 

[petruccirocks02]

For me, as far as customization goes, the only thing I've done so far to one of my EBMM's was change a pickguard, and that's because I think the acrylic guard looks amazing on my blue dawn sterling. As far as graphics or anything of that nature go, I'd only do it if I never planned on getting rid of the instrument. For example, I want to get green hot rod flames painted on my desert gold bongo, and I'm not selling it, but for right now I think it looks fine how it is. I guess its just a different strokes for different folks kinda thing.

-Phil

 

[oddjob]

Customized the hell out of my off brand bass (changed the pups, added a kahler, hipshot, new tuners, etc)... with the Bongos, no mods necessary (ok I added hip shots and strap locks but those don't count do they???)

 

[phatduckk]

ive actually customized every instrument i've owned except my Gretsch and my MM's. I happen to like my MMs exactly how they are... thats why its my fav brand of instrument.

however ive customized the hell out of every fender & gibson ive had. they've left me desiring differnet things than come stock... however w/ my MMs ive been happy w/ em right out of the box

generally tho - i have no problem w/ customizations. i figure people can do whatever they want to their stuff. its their property after all

 

[mrpackerguy]

If by customize you mean perhaps changing up pgs and strap locks, I'm all for it.

 

[silverburst]

I don't usually customize stuff very much, but I was playing a different brand of bass on Monday for just a few minutes, and it sounded like crap. Then I plugged in a 30th, and it was like heaven.

Maybe I'll try a different set of PU's in the other bass. I played them unmodified for years and never realized how thin and noisy the pickups are.

 

[paranoid70]

Interesting. I was entertaining the idea of "customizing" my SUB1 guitar. The only thing I really don't like about the SUB1 is the lack of contour for your right fore-arm. I was debating about having that edge sanded down and beveled to be more comfortable. The major drawback would be that it would be impossible to match the paint job. If I ever decide to do it, I would definitely post some pics.

 

[paranoid70]

Interesting. I was entertaining the idea of "customizing" my SUB1 guitar. The only thing I really don't like about the SUB1 is the lack of contour for your right fore-arm. I was debating about having that edge sanded down and beveled to be more comfortable. The major drawback would be that it would be impossible to match the paint job. If I ever decide to do it, I would definitely post some pics.

 

[Caca de Kick]

No I don't customize anything, I leave em bone stock because that is the sound and feel I fell in love with in the first place. Simply put...if it ain't got it, it's going down the road.

In my early years I did modify things til I finally realized the point I heard from others; meaning, they modified it til they didn't like it anymore.

 

[SquidLizard]

I've customized some basses in my time. Hot rodded electronics, upgraded hardware, a great paint job (flip paint green to purple anyone?). These changes are either easily reversible (electronics) or made on basses that were so dismal and horrid to begin with I felt like I was doing the world a favor to upgrade them .

Many popular manufacturers have a wide range of quality in their lines. An MIM F****r, depending on the type, may be a good bass of surprising quality or it may be a crummy buzzing P.I.T.A. Upgrading a CBPITA can be a real pleasure -- from less than zero you can get something really cool. I don't mean to pick on F****r, but that is an example of a bass I've felt the urge to modify. And of course if I get a bass that's already been modified I may be inclined to take it further.

In my experience EBMM basses have consistent and exemplary quality. The fact that the electronics are great and designed for the basses they go into contributes to this. Because of the solid design and engineering team I think the whole package works together and for me there's not much opportunity for improvement. I have to admit that my Dargie Sterling is at the shop getting a polyester finish on the back of the neck. That's a preference of mine and probably not hard to reverse. I've also added strap locks to almost all of my basses.

I do feel that some stock vintage instruments should be enjoyed as they are. To me there's something sad about making irreversible changes to a bass that's rare and unique. But I also agree that it's a person's right and privilege as the owner.

 

[Paul_C]

I've made new pickguards for my Bongo, settling on this one which I've added a ramp to, but there's nothing about the pickups/preamp/neck that I'd change so that's as far as it goes for this bass.