Custom Bass Guitars. Custom or Not?
Custom bass guitars are more than just instruments. They are an extension and expression of who you are. Sure, there are several companies that build custom basses, and they may even do a really good job. But you want more than just average. You’ve got to find the right builder when you’ve been longing for a custom bass that is truly”customized.” Consider all aspects of what you want in your instrument before making a decision.
The first thing to consider is curb appeal. This is a term used to express how aesthetically appealing something is. If you think a bass is ugly you probably will not appreciate other aspects of it as much as if you had to pick your jaw up off the floor every time you looked at it. One noticed fault leads to others, and we judge with the eyes first. But if you like how your instrument looks, you’ll feel good playing it. There are many things to consider when it comes to curb appeal, such as countless woods, finishes, and hardware to choose from. This is why having an artisan with decades of experience and understanding of woods, electronics, setups, and all other aspects of the building process is so important. One decision will affect others, so it is crucial that your builder knows all the details.
The second thing to think about is action. There is nothing worse that a beautiful bass that is a chore to play. I am going to skip all the relationship analogies to better paint my point, but you come up with your own, if you like. It is imperative that your bass be built by a technically competent bass player. There is no way for someone that cannot play to understand action. So many “custom” bass guitars these days are nothing more than a small production line run by people that have never played bass. A Rybski bass is not intended to be wall art. It is designed and built by a bass player, for bass players. As soon as you start to play a Rybski you will join a long and growing list of 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.
Have a Custom Bass in mind? Rybski has over 3 decades worldwide experience building dream basses for a speechless list of devoted followers. Check out truly Custom Bass Guitars.