Hiya! I have an opportunity to buy a custom bass for $350- A friend of a friend wants to help me out since I’m just getting into playing. I’m looking for guidance from those of you know more about this stuff than I do. I’m currently playing a borrowed Hofner. I was planning on the Yamaha TRBX304 reviewed by Josh and Company, but my friend told me about this custom bass. I don’t know what any of the following means, but I’m pasting it in case it’s helpful: “At its simplest it’s a replica of a bass that the musician has been playing but up to their specs. So for example he played punk music and the fender P bass is the go to bass for punk rock. His bass is a modified version of that with better electronics and playability. Just an FYI most basses except the one you’re playing are contoured in the back for more comfort.” 
Also, it comes with a case and a cable.
Looks like a nice P/J. It definitely has good pickups.
Good to know. My friend has been playing for 25 years and says this is a steal, but I wanted to get additional opinions. Are there particular questions I should be asking about it?
It looks great and comes with a case, so $350 may be a good price, @rae_kristine 
If it is a hard shell case, then even better . . . 
But as for ANY bass guitar: new, used, vintage, custom, etc. you really have to try it out in person to see how much you like it, how it sounds, and how well it fits you.
Cheers and good luck, Joe
She looks great, I would just check for excessive fret wear. @rae_kristine
Just re-echoing the sentiment of, if you play it, and it feels right to you, that’s the most important thing.
One thing to note on completely custom basses like that - if you ever want to re-sell it, it can be a little harder to find a buyer, and you have no idea what price someone will even offer. On big brands, it’s easier to see what a market price is by seeing what others sell for on sites like Reverb. If it’s a custom bass made by a known luthier, you can do this too, but, something made by someone completely custom for their own playing style, it’s harder to say. Not a problem though, if you fall in love with it, and keep it forever though!
That’s a really good point, @Vik . . . I should have mentioned that 
Cheers, Joe
Thanks!!!
@rae_kristine I would buy it with a smile as brand names mean nothing. You wont regret it. Just buy it. Be honest you have fallen in love. Hand over the money and have fun.
Here is a link to Dream Studios… https://dreamstudioguitars.com/
Their least expensive bass is more than twice what you’re being charged.
Their stuff is really nice. $350 looks like an absolute steal.
Whenever you pick a bass, always look for three things…
- Do you like the way it looks?
- Do you like the way it feels?
- Do you like the way it sounds?
If you can find all of these things it will make you want to play more. An instrument that doesn’t give you these things just makes you want something else.
If you aren’t sure what you want, buy this bass. It would be a great instrument for you to learn on and to give you a base line for figuring out if you want something else.
Great advice Eric @eric.kiser
I am beyond in love- I’m totally gone.
Thanks, all! I’m gonna get it!
Good choice. The pickups on it alone run about $150 new