Hand crafting fine instruments for me is a way of bridging functionality, art and soul. I have played many fine instruments on my way to this crossroad. As players we usually don't think of our instruments as
mere tools; they are an extension of our soul, a vehicle which can transmit our deepest emotions and yet each with its own unique
personality blended in. We find ourselves on a seemingly endless journey for the right relationship of player and instrument. My journey ended in 2000, when I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I am Joe Ferrara. As a bass player for over 27 years, I've made my way through a lot of amazing instruments. I have played the best production line instruments as well as handbuilt higher-end pieces. I have also had instruments built for me. I don't knock any of them. I have great respect for all of the innovaters of the instrument, Leo
Fender being the originator. As far as bass tone is concerned, you'll find that most of the sounds that we are looking for are from the "Fender school" of tone: Precision bass, Jazz bass and the MusicMan. These are the most recorded and copied formulas of all time. How do you deny that? I can tell you that this search for the ultimate voice is a personal quest for each player. We all have our own expectations and demands on our guitars. I'd like to build you the instrument you've been searching for.
At the core of my instruments are tried-and-true wood combinations and sound building practices. This, combined with your choice of exotic tonewood and electronic compliments, will be sure to yield a life-time piece. Each instrument is completely hand-built. I like my instruments to look and feel organic, at home with nature. Each instrument has fluid body contours and feels very natural against your body. My personal neck contour allows the players hand to relax with full access to all 24 frets. Hand-rubbed oil finishes assure a natural feel that gets better with age. Name brand electronics are by Seymour Duncan, Aguilar, Lindey Fralin and Bartolini.
Models available include:
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The Pisan'
Base price $1,995 includes:
- 34 inch scale
- 24 medium-medium jumbo frets
- 1-1/2 inch neck width at nut
- 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 inch neck width at body joint depending on scale
- Brass, Abalone or Mother-of-Pearl dot markers
- Brass side markers
- Figured Rock Maple or 3-5 piece multi-laminate neck
- Rolled neck edges for that 'broken in' feel
- 5 bolt neck joint
- 2-piece Mahogany body with laminated exotic top
- Rosewood, Pupleheart or Cocobolo fingerboard
- Passive Seymour Duncan pickups
- Shaller Roller bridge
- Gotoh tuning keys
- Zero fret and/or bone nut
- 2 way trussrod
- 12" radius fingerboard
- Hand-rubbed Oil finish
- Chrome hardware
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 | Bellisima
Base price of $1,995 includes:
Same spec as above except 30 inch scale;
Can be set up with custom wound Lindy Fralin pickups for Piccolo Bass- add $250;
Can also be set up as Tenor Bass at no extra cost- tuned: A,D,G,C |
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The Don (add $500)
Same spec as the Pisan' except: includes 2 ceramic Seymour Duncan MusicMan pickups;
3 way switch for each pickup enabling series/parallel/single coil options;
Seymour Duncan 3-band Active EQ or Aguilar OBP-1
Other options:
- Higher grade exotic wood tops with separating veneer - (price will vary depending on wood)
- Black or gold hardware- add $60-$120
- 5 piece neck thru body- add $500
- Fretless (no extra charge)
- Wood-lined Fretless - add $80
- Unique commissions considered and priced accordingly
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Handmade in the USA by a true craftsman, Joe Ferrara guitars and basses are, quite simply, stunning examples of the luthier's art. Using only the finest tone woods and completely handmade utilizing the best quality components, they are made to be played. Top-notch workmanship and exquisite attention to detail ensure that this will be an instrument you cherish for a lifetime. Completely made-to-order, each guitar or bass will be built especially for you just the way that you want it! No copycat Strat / LP / Jazz or P-bass designs allowed; each instrument has the signature look of a JF original - but you can specify the scale-length, radius, pickups and ornamentation you desire. Guitar, Bass and Lap-steel designs available. Call us for more information or to place your order.
