Bass Builder

McGrath Guitars Bass Builder

Design your dream 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.

We offer left handed models and 5 string basses can be ordered with a 34 inch scale or a 32 inch medium scale. If you are looking for an instrument sooner please take a look at our In Stock inventory or visit our Dealers and Showrooms pages.

Key Features

Our basses feature roasted flame maple necks and stainless steel frets for a fast smooth and incredible feel. We provide rock solid reliability through carbon reinforced necks with 2 way truss rods. Cavity shielding is standard on all models for a pristine noise free tone and you can opt for 18V electronics with 3 band EQs for powerful tonal command and maximum headroom.

Smart Control Configurations

Your bass layout 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.

Passive electronics options include our preferred tactical setup for quick adjustments featuring a master volume master tone and sliders or switches for instant pickup toggling. Alternatively choose an independent volume layout with a dedicated volume for each pickup and a master tone for players who want to dial in an exact organic mix of signals. All master volume knobs feature a push pull mute. On passive 2 pickup basses you can now also order a series or parallel switch to further expand your tonal palette.

For active 18V electronics we offer powerful tonal command without the cluttered look. You are not restricted to sliders. Choose a standard layout with a master volume 3 band EQ and your choice of a blend knob or pickup selectors. We can also use dual concentric stacked pots to keep your layout clean and compact. Active master volumes include a push pull active passive switch to ensure you never lose your signal. On some 3 band preamps we can even configure a treble pot that doubles as a tone pot for extra flexibility.

We also offer total control freedom. You can now order our custom 12 way rotary switch for unparalleled tonal options. 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. We encourage you to ask about our hidden menu items as there are many specialized components and configurations we offer to help you find your perfect signature sound.

Models and Custom Layouts

Our models serve as the perfect starting point for your build. The Thunderhorse is a high performance powerhouse designed for modern punch. The Thumper is built for deep resonant soul and classic thump. The Rebel is a versatile boundary pushing design built for the player who refuses to be boxed into a single genre.

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. You can select a classic P setup with a single split coil in the middle position or a versatile PJ which combines a middle split coil with a bridge J pickup. For a unique warm tone try a minimalist single neck pickup. You can also choose custom arrays with 1 2 3 or even 4 pickups to find your signature sound. We can move any pickup to your preferred location upon request.

Timeline and Shipping

Most custom basses will be ready to ship in 3 months. If you order Nordstrand or DiMarzio pickups the lead time for us to receive them is 14 weeks. If you choose Lindy Fralin pickups they can be custom ordered with under or over winds and we will contact you after your order is placed to confirm your specific winding preferences. All basses ship safely protected in a Gator gig bag. For any specific features not listed please email us at info@mcgrathguitars.com.