Finding the perfect instrument can sometimes feel like an impossible quest. For me, the goal was a fretless version of the Squier Bass VI, a unique guitar that blends bass and guitar characteristics. Surprisingly, despite the vast landscape of guitar manufacturers, mass-produced fretless Bass VI guitars are practically non-existent. This realization led me down the path of exploring Custom Guitar options, hoping to bring my vision to life.
Initially, the journey into the world of custom guitars was discouraging. Many companies seemed hesitant about fretless instruments, often relegating such requests to vague “special instructions.” Price transparency was another significant hurdle. It felt like navigating a minefield to find a builder that openly displayed pricing and offered the desired fretless option without breaking the bank. The quotes I received were often astronomical, with some reaching upwards of $13,000. While I was prepared to invest a reasonable sum – around $4,500 being my personal limit – the exorbitant prices felt detached from reality, especially considering my focus was on functionality and sound quality, not extravagant aesthetics.
My priority was a guitar with a strong direct signal, leading me to invest in high-quality pickups, versatile switching, and even a killswitch. Features like the zero fret were crucial for playability and intonation. While the visual appeal was secondary, I still desired a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing instrument. I wasn’t looking for a showpiece to hang on a wall; I needed a diverse sound source for my music production. If a custom guitar was the only way to achieve this, I was determined to find the right builder.
Fortunately, my search led me to Halo Custom Guitars, and they proved to be the ideal solution. Halo stood out immediately because they offered fretless options as a standard choice, not a special request. Their pricing was transparent and automatically calculated based on selected options, a refreshing contrast to the vague and inflated quotes from other companies. While the components and customizations were certainly priced appropriately for quality, the overall cost remained within realistic and justifiable boundaries. The “double-necked guitar for $13,000 or single neck for $9,000” approach, without clear justification for the price, was a major turn-off with other builders.
Halo’s approach allowed me to explore both fretted and fretless versions of Baritone Bass VI and standard basses, catering to a wide spectrum of sonic possibilities. Although I own an acoustic Bass VI, a fretless acoustic version remains a distant dream for now. However, my custom guitar from Halo, with its semi-hollow body, already possesses a near-acoustic resonance, effectively bridging that gap.
In essence, I am incredibly satisfied with my custom guitar. It fulfills a specific need that a standard fretted guitar simply cannot. The unique timbre and resonant character of a fretless instrument, especially the way the string’s tone shifts during slides, is captivating. While mastering intonation on a fretless instrument, particularly for chords, is undeniably challenging without a reference point, the reward of a perfectly executed take is immeasurable.
As a producer, not a stage performer, this custom guitar is an invaluable tool in my studio. It provides a distinct sonic texture that sets it apart from my other instruments. This unique instrument wouldn’t have been possible without Halo Custom Guitars and their dedicated team. Specifically, Jeff Lee and Brandon Benedict provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. If their supervisors are reading this, a raise or at least some well-deserved recognition is in order for their outstanding work! Thank you!
