Bass Builder

McGrath Guitars Bass Builder

Design your bass without the years-long wait. We pair premium components with rock-solid construction to deliver an exceptional instrument fast. Every Bass Builder order is hand painted by Madelyn McGrath. Once your order is placed, we will contact you personally to confirm all specifications and details before we begin the build.

Key Features

Playability Roasted flame maple necks and stainless steel frets for a fast, smooth, and incredible feel.

Stability Carbon reinforced necks with 2-way truss rods for rock-solid reliability.

Sound Cavity shielding standard on all models for pristine, noise-free tone.

Active Power Optional 18V electronics with 3-band EQs for powerful tonal command and maximum headroom.

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Smart Control Configurations

The layout of your bass is fully customizable. While we offer tactical switches and sliders, they are entirely optional. We can configure your control plate using traditional knobs, blend circuits, or space-saving stacked pots.

1. Passive Electronics

Tactical (Preferred) This is our recommended setup for quick adjustments. It includes a Master Volume, Master Tone, and Sliders or Switches for instant pickup toggling.

Independent Volume This layout features a dedicated Volume for each pickup and a Master Tone. It is the best choice for players who want to dial in an exact, organic mix of two signals.

Blend and Master Volume Available for 2-Pickup Models Only. This configuration uses one Master Volume and one Blend knob to sweep between pickups.

Note All Master Volume knobs feature a Push/Pull Mute.

2. Active Electronics (18V)

Powerful tonal command without the cluttered look. You are no longer restricted to sliders for active builds.

Dual Concentric (Stacked) Pots We can use knob-on-knob configurations to stack your Bass and Treble or Mid and Sweep controls, keeping your layout clean and compact.

Blend Control Available for 2-Pickup Models Only. A high-quality blend pot for precise mixing of your active signal.

Standard Layout Includes a Master Volume, 3-Band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble), and your choice of a Blend knob or Pickup Selectors.

Note Active Master Volumes include a Push/Pull Active/Passive switch to ensure you never lose your signal.

3. Total Control Freedom

Whether you want a minimalist single-knob setup or a 4-pickup powerhouse, we adapt the hardware to you. If you have a specific vision for specialized pot values or unique spacing, we will finalize those details with you during our one-on-one confirmation call.

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Models and Custom Layouts

Our models serve as the perfect starting point for your build. Each can be configured with any electronics or hardware you choose.

The Thunderhorse A high-performance powerhouse designed for modern punch.

The Thumper Built for deep, resonant soul and classic thump.

The Rebel A versatile, boundary-pushing design built for the player who refuses to be boxed into a single genre.

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Total Pickup Freedom

Don't feel limited by standard configurations. Our Bass Builder allows you to add or remove pickup positions to create your ideal setup.

Classic P Select a single split-coil in the middle position.

Versatile PJ Combine a middle split-coil with a bridge J-pickup.

Minimalist Strip it down to just a single neck pickup for a unique, warm tone.

Custom Arrays Choose 1, 2, 3, or even 4 pickups to find your signature sound. We can move any pickup to your preferred location upon request.

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Timeline and Shipping

Build Time Right now most custom basses will be ready to ship in just 3 months.

Pickup Lead Times If you order Nordstrand or DiMarzio pickups, the leadtime for us to receive them is 14 weeks. If you choose Lindy Fralin pickups, they can be custom-ordered with under or over winds. We will contact you after your order is placed to confirm your specific winding preferences.

Shipping All basses ship safely protected in a Gator gig bag.

Custom Features Looking for a specific feature not listed? Email us at info@mcgrathguitars.com.