Q. Do you build neck-thru basses?

A. I build mostly bolt on construction as I favor the tone, response, and dynamic range; however, I will build any model in neck-thru as an option with the exception of the "Studio Series."

Q. How long will the build time be for my bass?

A. Build time can range from approximately six to twelve months.

Q. What is involved with getting my custom bass started?

A. To get started simply email me with a request for any specific model (i.e. Cremona, Concert, Deep Jazz), number of strings , and some basic options you may want on the instrument. In your email feel free to ask any questions and state any concerns you may have regarding your custom NYBW. Once I know what it is you need I can quote a price for you. Minimum down payment is 25% of cost. Balance is due on completion.

Q. I noticed on your home page that it says, "High Performance Bass Guitars." What exactly does this mean?

A. I feel that the words "High End" or "Boutique" are often used to describe my instruments. This is not a bad thing, but I have always built basses for performance on the highest order. In my opinion a "High Performance Bass Guitar" must be be rich with tone, quick and responsive, effortlessly playable, mechanically reliable, ergonomically correct, and continuously inspiring to the player. This is what New York Bass Works is all about.

Q. I am interested in your basses . Is possible to build a 7 string as a fretless?

A. Yes it is possible and I have done it with great success. New York Bass Works is a custom shop. Everything here starts with the raw materials. It's all done with my two hands and my old tools. There is virtually no limit .

Q. I really dig the Bona model, soundwise and looks, but I don't like having a signature model. Is it possible , for example to give it a different finish ? I wonder how it would look in a sunburst....yeah !!

A. The "Richard Bona Cremona signature series" is my "Cremona Series" with options that Richard specified when he ordered his bass. If a bass player says "give me what Richard got" , then it just makes the specs, and pricing very straight forward. My suggestion is to order it as a stock Cremona, sunburst, no top ,and standard headstock configuration. I have included my options list with a current price guide.

Q. What onboard preamps do you offer?

A. The Aguilar OBP-3 is in my experience the best so it is my recommended on-board preamp option followed by the OBP-2 , and OBP-1 depending on application. Other preamps are available by request.

Q. I am not a fan of the super long scale instruments. I read somewhere that your basses are all 36 inch scale. I have small hands and this just scares me. can I get a six string with a 34 inch scale?

A. You have been completely misinformed. What scares me is how much false information is being circulated online. My basses are built hand made by me to order. That means you can specify your scale length along with any other custom requirement you may have.

Q. Can I choose any wood that I like for the neck and body?

A. To a point yes. Keep in mind that classic tone-woods that have known qualities are best. For example: Bodies; Alder, Ash (mid-weight), Mahogany ( Honduras, African), Black Walnut (mid-weight), Korina (Black Limba) Necks; Maple (Hard, Rock ,Sugar)
Fingerboards; Rosewood( many species) Maple( Hard, Rock, Sugar) Ebony (many species). Tops ; All of the figured maples, Walnuts, Koa , and some of the harder exotic burl woods. here is a little room to play with some ideas.

Q. Do you make Ash necks?

A. I have not yet made a neck of Ash. If I were to do this It would be of the heavier northern variety.

Q. I don't really like the high gloss finishes on basses. Can I get an oil finish on my bass? I think it lets the bass breathe.

A. I don't actually do an oil finish. What you see on my site is actually a hand applied varnish. It is only microns thick above the surface of the wood. It takes many thin coats to build to this level then hand polished to a satin sheen. It cures hard but flexible so it will protect the instrument while allowing it to breathe (resonate) as you said. The afore mentioned gloss finishes are polyester. This finish is thicker so it does offer more protection, but it is applied as thin as humanly possible. I have found nothing negative , tone-wise about this finish.

Q. Do you offer nitro finishes? Also, what custom colors are available?

A. As of right now, yes, however the laws regarding the use of Nitrocelulose laquer in many states are making it more difficult than ever to offer this classic finish. All of the custom colors are available. ( Note: All custom colors are available in polyester gloss finish as well)