pjmuck wrote:
Well, to be perfectly honest, the only one that would appeal to me is the '51 P bass/Tele bass style because that is the only style not readily available to us lefties. I have no doubt that your components and basses would be high quality and tops, but I just can't get excited about yet another P or J knockoff, let alone one that's in the $1750 range, even if it ends up being superior to a standard Fender.
+1.
For Jazz basses, there used to be a huge gap: it was either an MIM, or whatever CIJ you could find (they seem plentyfull now on eBay) or customs. Most "established" builders, say Lull, Sadowsky, etc. all have product in the $3000-$4000 range. You can get a Modulus VJ for around $2000, but those are not very good IMHO.
So there wasn't anything in the $1000 to $2000 range. But this new Standard MIAs make it really hard to spend any more than $1149 for a quality Jazz, unless you want something very specific or a certain color, etc.
$1750 is right in the Valenti neighborhood, and I think he uses US Custom Guitars parts (he used to use more Warmoth before), and his basses seem very nice and solid.
Nash is right around that price also.
So, if somehow you can come up with something like a Valenti, who has a reputation already, at either a better price, or more features for the same price, then I could see the appeal.
I personally would try to deviate from the Fender formula a little and try to come up with a few models that are somewhat a signature of your work, or have more of a custom or hand-made vibe.
Say, lightweight mahogany bodies with a figured tops, some type of very nice fretboard wood, Nordstrands, Hipshot, etc. Something like what Devon Guitars is doing, or even Hotwire with some models.
For example, I project bass I've always think about is:
-Jazz body and neck
-Mahogany or alder chambered body
-Koa, Walnut, or any figured dark wood
-Oil finish
-Maple neck, ebony board
-No pickguard
-Cool electronics, like Big Singles and soapbards, and even Darkstars. And even GHOST piezo bridge pickups. I always wanted a fretless with those.
-Fretless with lines (tinted lines, so they don't looks so white).
Of course, that project would be more than $1750. I'm just saying an example of something that is not readily available in the market for lefties.
One thing that has keep me from ordering a custom from less than famous builders/luthier is the drop in value as soon as you buy it. That's why I think you must offer something unique for somebody to take the plunge. Study the market and find out what niche you can develop.
Regarding Fender-type instruments, I'd have to agree with Peter that a '51/Tele bass would be appealing, since you can't get those other than from Nash or building it yourself.
far away from low cost instrument!!
