Custom basses cost more than factory basses, and it's fair to ask why. Here's an honest look at what you pay for in a handmade bass, what's worth the money, and what our own builds cost.
What drives the price of a custom bass
- Labor: the biggest cost. A handmade bass is shaped, fretted, painted, wired and set up by people, not a production line. At our shop that's two of us, from raw wood to final setup.
- The neck: a stable, comfortable neck matters more than anything. Ours are roasted flame maple with dual carbon fiber reinforcement and stainless steel frets, which stay smooth and level for decades.
- Finish: a solid color is quicker than hand-painted art. Every McGrath art finish is hand-painted by Madelyn McGrath, so no two are the same.
- Pickups and electronics: premium pickups from makers like Lindy Fralin, Nordstrand, DiMarzio or EMG cost more than stock pickups. Active preamps and switching systems add to that.
- Hardware: lightweight tuners and quality bridges from Hipshot and Badass improve tuning stability, sustain and balance.
- Setup and testing: a proper setup and full electronics test before shipping is part of what you're buying.
What's worth paying for
Worth it: a great neck, a professional setup, pickups you love, and a weight and balance that suits you. These are the things you feel every time you play.
Optional: exotic woods and elaborate options. They can be beautiful, but they don't make a bass play better. Spend there only if it matters to you.
What a McGrath costs
Our Bass Builder shows the exact price as you design, so there are no surprises. Right now custom builds start at $1,999, and every custom bass includes a McGrath x Protec hybrid case.
Our prices are going up. The base price rises by $500, to $2,499, on January 1. Place a 25% deposit before then to lock in today's price. Your deposit is fully refundable until we've confirmed every detail of your build with you.
Prefer something ready now? Our in-stock basses are finished, set up and ready to ship.
Custom vs off the shelf
A factory bass is a great choice if one already has the neck, weight and sound you want. A custom bass makes sense when you keep changing parts to get there, need a specific scale length or layout, or simply want an instrument nobody else has.
Common questions
How long does a custom bass take? Ours currently take about four months, because every bass is built to order.
Do you need to pay in full up front? No. A 25% deposit reserves your build slot, and the balance is due when your bass is finished, before it ships.
Is a custom bass a good investment? Buy one to play, not to resell. That said, a well-made instrument from a known builder holds its value far better than a mass-produced one.
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