Some of you know about Jack Read (www.readcustom.com), who posts on The Bottom Line. I had the great pleasure of visiting Jack last week. He is as friendly and affable in person as he is on-line, and I learned a lot from him. Let me make the following observations....

1. His bass work is beautiful and well done. Having shopped for a handmade bass for a while, I've looked closely at many, and met builders who explained their work. Jack's instruments are first rate, from the laminate necks to body carving to the finish to the electronics. Everything is smooth and clean. Some of the basses I played have seen some years, but appeared to be new. His instruments are also well balanced and lighter than many others I've tried. Their ever-so-slightly smaller body profile doesn't look small, but you feel the difference. He had many different types of neck profiles, which shows his ability to customize for the customer. And as these things go, his prices are very good.

2. Jack is working on a preamp. I played his prototype, which is a little less than a prototype because he is still changing the circuitry. To explain more, he knows how to make the circuitry do what he wants. He just doesn't let success stop him, so he continually trys to improve it. When something new doesn't work, he goes back to what works and rethinks it. "I've had it perfect a dozen times" was the line of the evening. Any of us that like to tinker know this feeling, but it ensures that when he comes to market it will be great. It will be hand assembled with point-to-point construction, tube driven with audiophile quality and sound. I heard it during an experimental phase and it was great. Clean or as dirty as you like. Really versatile...

3. Jack's business involves selling electronics and accessories as well as building guitars and basses (he's been doing about equal amounts of guitar and bass lately). What I hadn't realized was that he has an extensive repair business going. As much as he likes to build new, the repair side has given him the ability to work on some fantastic vintage guitars and basses.

4. Like other luthiers, Jack has been enjoyed sharing techniques and ideas with others in his trade. Apparently the relationship between our high end bass makers is cordial, and we all benefit. I was impressed by his breadth of knowledge on many topics (I know a bit about basses, but I can't keep up with the heavy electronic stuff).

thanks
Tom

great. another luthier to add to my list of "guys to check out when i buy my next bass". thanks a lot, Tom. :rolleyes:

sounds really cool. i'm glad you're making the most of travelling for business.

robb.