Drake Custom Bass Bajo Z

Special Orders

If you do not see what you are looking for in the For Sale section, perhaps we can build an instrument to your specifications.  The first step is to contact Drake Custom at 641-891-6404 (9AM-8PM Mon-Fri) or by email to drakecustom@live.com to let me know that you are wanting to have an instrument built especially for you. Please include a phone number and the best time to reach you along with a brief description of what type of instrument you are wanting.

I need to know:

Type of instrument

Number of strings

Scale length

Set neck, bolt on, etc…

If you have an idea of the body, neck, and fret board woods you want

Any special items such as satin or glossy finish or maybe a custom shape you like.

Please note what type of music you play and type of sound you seek.

And please note your state or country of residence so I can estimate shipping.

There is no obligation by contacting me and I enjoy answering questions about my instruments.

Estimate

After I have the details of what you are looking for I will provide you with an estimate of the costs. Keep in mind that this will be an estimate and that the final price may vary slightly due to the ever changing costs of materials. Insurance, shipping, and handling will be added to the final price. Iowa purchases will be charged applicable state sales tax. Any changes made during the build and or any upgrades requested may affect the final price. Along with the estimate I will also provide you with an estimated time of completion once work begins.  Time of completion is just an estimate and may be longer or shorter in time than stated.  My build times vary depending on the build schedule and how intricate the build is so please be patient.  I will not commit to deadlines as I want the instrument to be as good as it can be.  I do work very hard to complete the instrument within the estimated time.

If your designed instrument is a bit more complicated, do not be alarmed if you see another customer’s instrument (started after yours) completed first.  Chances are that the other instrument was of a less complicated design and therefore, came together faster.  I do not skip over customers to work on other projects.  Sometimes I have to wait on finish to cure or glue to dry.  It is these times that I work on repairs or personal projects.

Deposit

Before I can begin crafting your instrument I require a minimum deposit of half of the total to cover the cost of materials and to secure a position in the build schedule. This deposit is your acknowledgment of my terms and is non-refundable once work begins or materials have been purchased. I will purchase materials in a timely manner so that you are guaranteed the materials agreed upon. I do not begin any work or purchase any materials until the deposit has been made and the payment method has cleared my financial institution. I accept USPS money orders and personal checks (US only). I accept Paypal but there will be an additional fee to cover the Paypal costs.

Final Payment

Final payment is due upon completion and the instrument will not be shipped until final payment has cleared my financial institution. Final payment must be made within 2 months of being notified that your instrument is complete (unless other arrangements are made with Drake Custom) or your instrument may be sold for the difference. All money paid is forfeit at that time and will not be refunded.

When the instrument is complete and final payment has been made, I will carefully package your instrument and ship it with insurance and signature confirmation. I will send an email with tracking information.

Guarantee

I stand behind my instruments and will warranty my instruments against defects due to my workmanship. This guarantee is not transferable and is only valid for the original purchaser. This warranty does not cover damage due to normal use or, worn frets, strings, tuners, bridges, nuts, fading of color, damage from neglect or improper storage, any misuse, nor does it cover any modifications made to the instrument by anyone other than Drake Custom. I do not warranty cases. Instruments returned under warranty will be inspected to determine if the defect is covered under the warranty. If a defect is found to be covered under the warranty, the repair will be completed at no cost to the customer including shipping costs. If the repair is not covered under the warranty, the customer will be given an estimated cost to repair the issue and the customer will be responsible for all shipping charges to and from.

Returns

This return policy is for any Drake Custom instrument purchased through the For Sale section of my website/ Reverb page only.  ALL CUSTOM ORDERED SALES ARE FINAL. Any custom inlay work (on custom orders) is not refundable and the cost may be deducted from any refund.

If you are not satisfied with your Drake Custom, a refund (less shipping charges from purchase unless other arrangements are authorized by Drake Custom) will be paid as long as the instrument is returned in 100% the same condition as it was sent and notification of intent to return is sent within 7 days of the receipt of the instrument.  The buyer must pay return shipping and insurance (USPS Priority Mail with insurance required unless other arrangements have been authorized by Drake Custom). Return of an instrument that has been altered or damaged may result in deductions from the refund.  Return of an instrument that has been damaged in transit, and was not insured, will not be refunded.  Get insurance.  Again, this return policy is for any Drake Custom instrument purchased through the For Sale section of my website/ Reverb page. ALL CUSTOM ORDERED SALES ARE FINAL. Any custom inlay work (on custom orders) is not refundable and the cost may be deducted from any refund.

DON Bass 9 016
2040 013

Maintaining Your Drake

Please follow this advice for the care of your instrument.

Thank you for you purchase of a fine crafted Drake Custom Bass guitar. This unique beauty is handcrafted by me, in my little shop in Nevada, Iowa. Each unique instrument is made with sound, play-ability, and durability in mind. Quality is paramount to me and I will stand by my craftsmanship. If any issues or problems occur please let me know.

1. Drake Custom basses are finished in a variety of finishes.  Please determine the finish you have and use the proper product to maintain the finish.

Polyurethane:  I use catalyzed polyurethane in matte sheen on many instruments made after 2020.  These finishes can be cleaned by simple damp cloth, but Music Nomad's guitar detailer works rather well and does not seem to harm the finish.  https://www.musicnomadcare.com/Products/Guitar-Detailer-12-oz/

Nitro or water based lacquer finishes: These finishes are often colored finishes.  I recommend Music Nomad's "Guitar One" polish.  Safe for use on most finishes.  Follow directions on the bottle. https://www.musicnomadcare.com/Products/The-Guitar-ONE-12-oz/
Oil/wax finishes:  Many of my current builds are finished in a hard wax oil finish.  This is a finish made with natural ingregients and is used for hardwood floors.  It has a long wear life and feels good in the hands.  This type of finish is treated with Howard's Feed N' Wax product or Zymol Bridge wax paste.  https://zymol.com/products/music-studio-kit  Howard's is available in most DIY stores like Menard's.  Hard oil wax finish repairs are rather easy, and can be done by the consumer.  The player can have a Like new bass every year if they chose to.  The product is Osmo brand Polyx gloss sheen.  They do sell this product in small quantities, perfect for simple repairs.
Necks:
The back of the necks on most Drake instruments since 2019 have the hard wax oil finish.  I use Howard's Feed N' Wax to clean and revive the backs of necks when needed.  Howard's Feed N' Wax is available at most DIY stores.
For Wenge necks, or any woods with open pores, Use the Howard's Feed N' Wax as paste waxes can oxidize and leave white spots down in the deep pores.

Fretboards: Fretboards get treated with the Howard's Feed N' Wax product.  There is enough oil in the wax to moisturize the wood.  Wipe on, let sit for 5 minutes, wipe it all off.  Fretboards need to be treated twice a year.

2. Remember to use the proper wrench (included) for the truss rod when adjusting it. Right Tight, Left Loose. To counter a up-bow turn right. Back-bow, go Left. A quarter of a turn should fix any issue. If you need to turn it more or if you are worried about using the truss call me or take it to your local shop. Adjust your neck at least twice a year to accommodate the changes of the seasons.

3. Wooden parts. Your Drake instrument most likely has some wooden cover plates or knobs. If your instrument has wooden knobs installed, please do not over tighten the set screw when adjusting, as the extra tension may cause the wood to split. Do not over tighten truss rod covers or control cavity cover screws as damage could occur.

4. If your bass is active (has a battery in the electronics) Unplug the instrument at the bass when not in use to keep the battery life long.

5. You instrument has been crafted with top grade fret board woods that have been kiln dried, however, during the first cold/dry winter, the fret ends may stick out of the fret boards due to the shrinking of the wood. The fret ends can be very sharp and could result in an injury. If you find that your frets are sticking out, please have your local shop address the issue right away. Do not play the instrument if you find this has occurred. Once the fret ends have been dressed you should not have that issue again.

6. Store your instrument in an environment that you yourself would be comfortable in. Extreme hot or cold, extreme dry or humid conditions, or a quick transition from one to the other, can cause damage to your instrument and will not be covered by any warranty.