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Note to Past Clients: The old email address, brent (at) nortoncustoms (dot) com is no longer a working address. Please see the contact page for the new address.
Norton Customs: 2003-2006
Clients and Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Norton Customs has officially ceased operations.
I founded Norton Customs in late 2003, launching it full-time in early 2004. With virtually no startup capital and very little advertising, I strived to create an entity highly regarded for its focus on quality, honesty and customer service. Clients and interested parties from all over the globe have contacted NC, and I have furnished basses to folks from all over the United States , Canada , and Europe . All said and done, I have executed 31 unique custom instruments tailored specifically to their owners in addition to the meticulously set-up stock basses to those who preferred a more traditional look. I sincerely thank ALL of you who placed your faith in Norton Customs over the past few years.
The primary reason for closure is a lack of profitability. Despite all efforts, day-to-day reality sometimes shapes up to be quite different from forecasts on paper. After continuously fine-tuning operations and gaining awareness, interest and orders from customers, I still found myself struggling to stay afloat, even as I began building a reputation that allowed me to raise prices. While I considered raising them further, I’m also well aware that it can be tough enough to close a deal on a $1300 plywood, let alone one that costs $3000+. The “big box” music stores, no-name Ebay basses and a handful of ruthless, unethical undercutters have also driven prices on stock basses and accessories artificially low – to a point where margins are reduced from slim to virtually nonexistent for small shops like mine. Essentially, as I neared reaching full productivity in the shop, it finally became clear that I simply can’t do enough of what I do at fair enough prices to make ends meet.
As you can imagine, I am accepting no more bass orders, custom or stock, or orders for accessories, strings, etc. Norton Customs is closed for business.
Current and past NC clients can rest assured that service for your basses will remain readily available. For more info on warranties and service, click here.
Meanwhile, NC’s web site will remain active for at least another couple of months. I have posted the final customs in the gallery, and have pared down the site, removing all former sales-related pages.
Moving forward, I strongly urge those of you looking to purchase a bass to do business with local shops wherever possible. Consider shops who can service what they sell and perhaps most importantly, shops who are honest in their product representation and in their dealings with customers and colleagues alike - frankly, there's a LOT of snake oil out there, including from some of the so-called 'reputable' shops. Newbies, ask lots of questions at shops, of other players, and on message boards. Play everything you can get your hands on. Beware of shops that put down their colleagues – if their quality really stands up, then they shouldn’t have to knock someone else down. Work with retailers who are sensitive to your needs, and who directly address your concerns and questions. Ask them where the bass was made (if they won’t tell you, you should probably look elsewhere), and whether they understand and can execute the kind of setup you’ll need for your playing style. THEN make your purchase decision. And, oh yeah – get a teacher, even if just for a few lessons to get going. It’s much easier to learn a few proper points of technique than unlearn a boatload of bad habits.
Again, many thanks to all who have supported Norton Customs. To my clients, I obviously couldn’t have done this without you – thank you. To friends, family, admirers and tire-kickers, I thank you for your support, ideas, suggestions and praise. To my colleagues and suppliers - especially Tom Murray, Nick Lloyd, Mike Pecanic, John Sprague and Cindie Zhou – thanks for your steadfast encouragement, willingness to share what you know and willingness to work my ideas into production. A very special thanks to my wife, Mandy, without whom NONE of this would be possible. This has been a remarkable experience, and everyone I’ve met along the way has been remarkable to know. Now is as good a time as any to be a bassist. There’s a lot out there for us in the way of product, service and innovation. While I can only hope that I contributed in some way, I am certainly glad I could be a part of it.
Many thanks and take care, guys –
-Brent Norton
Rockabillybass.com:
Though once a boon to slappers all over the world (and once my very favorite upright-related site), I can no longer recommend Rockabillybass.com or its message board. The board was taken over by a commercial user (in fact a good NINE MONTHS before they bothered to inform the board's users of the change), and a number of its moderators are customers and vocal proponents of the board's commercial owner - far from the impartial voice that is the cornerstone of moderation itself. There are still some great people, ideas and conversation left over there, but the site's current slant is clear. If you're looking for objective opinion and debate, approach with caution.
Current and past NC clients: Any remaining instrument warranty time will remain intact. All NC basses are warranted by their manufacturer, just as their stock counterparts are. Since NC used instruments assembled using traditional materials and techniques, service will remain readily available to you through any reputable luthier or repair shop. My luthier partner, Tom Murray, will continue to provide service to local greater Detroit-area bassists. If you are an existing NC client and you would like additional service information, please contact me via email.
Warranty contact info:
- Concord International (Christopher basses and Norton “Series” customs):
- Samuel Shen / CSC Products (Shen basses and a number of early Norton Customs):
- Engelhardt-Link (Another number of early Norton Customs were based on Engelhardts):
- String / pickup / accessory warranties are the responsibility of each respective manufacturer.