FAQ
Everything you need to know about ordering, building, and receiving your RKM bass.
The Instruments
What's the difference between Custom Shop and DS Series?
The Custom Shop is our most open platform — you choose the model, scale, string count, orientation (right- or left-handed), body wood, neck wood, fingerboard, pickup configuration, hardware finish, body finish, and more. Almost every detail is yours to define. The DS Series works within a more structured set of options: fixed body shapes, EMG electronics, and a curated list of configurations. You still get to personalize it, but within a clearer framework. Both are built to order by the same team, with the same level of care.
Do you build left-handed and 6-string basses?
Yes. Left-handed: available in both lines. In the DS Series you choose left-handed in the Bass Builder — a fully mirrored build of body, neck, hardware and electronics, available on every shape and configuration. For the Custom Shop, just ask for it when we quote your bass. 6-string: Custom Shop only, available across all six base models. The DS Series is offered in 4 strings (DS4) and 5 strings (DS5) only.
Does every RKM bass have an Apple AirTag compartment?
Yes. Every RKM bass — Custom Shop and DS Series — ships with a precision-routed cavity on the back body designed to hold an Apple AirTag. It was built with touring musicians in mind: track your instrument from stage to cargo hold, anywhere in the world. The fit is tight and secure — zero rattle, zero interference with your signal, tested live. The AirTag itself is not included; the compartment is standard on every build. Very few manufacturers offer this. We made it the baseline.
Can you help me design a bass from scratch?
No. We work exclusively with our own designs. The process of developing a completely new instrument — with new geometry, new structural logic, new ergonomics — is not a service we offer to the general public. What we do offer is a very wide range of choices within proven, refined designs that we stand behind completely.
Can I send my own components for you to use?
No. Every RKM instrument is built entirely in our workshop using components sourced directly from our trusted partners and suppliers. We don't accept external materials or components of any kind, and we don't work with secondhand parts. This is how we maintain full control over quality and consistency in every build.
How much can I modify the instrument design?
Our models have defined shapes, geometry, and structural proportions that we don't change. They've been refined over time for ergonomics, balance, and structural integrity. That said, the range of choices within those parameters is very broad: woods, pickups, electronics, hardware, finish, scale, string count, neck profile, and more. In our experience, there's no need to change the underlying geometry to get exactly the instrument you're looking for.
Ordering & Deposits
How much is the deposit, and is it refundable?
For the Custom Shop, we ask for a 50% deposit. For the DS Series, the deposit is a fixed $2,000 USD; if you use a discount code, the discount is deducted from the deposit. Only one discount applies per order: discount codes, artist discounts and other offers cannot be combined. In both cases the balance is paid when your instrument is finished. Custom Shop and DS Series orders can be cancelled within 5 business days of paying the deposit for a 100% refund of the deposit paid. After that, deposits are not refundable: for DS Series orders, production is scheduled and materials are allocated to your order; for Custom Shop orders, the materials for your specification are purchased. The only exception is where a mandatory legal right applies. Full details in our Terms of service and Refund policy.
How do I use the discount code RKMBB15?
Configure your DS Series bass in the Bass Builder and continue to checkout. On the checkout page, type RKMBB15 in the discount code field and apply it. The code takes a fixed $450 USD off the instrument price and is deducted from the $2,000 USD deposit, so you pay $1,550 USD today; the balance due on completion stays the same. It applies only to the DS Series deposit, does not apply to shipping or duties, and is valid for the DS Series first run. The RKMBB15 code can be used once per customer and does not expire. If an order placed with the code is cancelled, the use is released and the customer can use the code again. Only one discount applies per order: discount codes, artist discounts and other offers cannot be combined. Full details in our Terms of service.
Can I change my mind once the build has started?
It depends on the line. DS Series: you can cancel within 5 business days of paying the deposit for a full refund of the deposit. Specification changes are requested by email before production starts (7 calendar days after your order) and may change the price; once production has started your specification is final and no changes can be made. Custom Shop: you can cancel within 5 business days of paying the deposit for a full refund. Specification changes are requested by email before the build starts and may change the price. Minor adjustments may be made during the build for tonal or structural reasons, always with your prior approval. This is why we confirm every detail in writing before we start.
How long does a build take?
It depends on the line. Custom Shop: about the build time stated in your written quote, counted from the deposit date; this includes consultation, material sourcing, build time, setup and quality check. DS Series: about 4 months from the deposit date; production starts 7 calendar days after your order. Both are good-faith estimates, not guaranteed dates, and shipping follows once the balance and shipping are paid. We give you an estimated timeline at the start and communicate proactively if anything changes.
Can I order a bass like an artist collaboration?
In most cases, yes — as a Custom Shop order built to the same specifications. The exception is when a collaboration was released as a strictly limited batch with a fixed number of units, in which case production is closed once the run is complete. Contact us and we'll tell you exactly what's possible.
Shipping & Partners
Do you ship internationally? How?
Yes. We ship to any country via DHL and UPS, fully insured and with complete tracking. México and the USA: no import duties apply under current rules, and RKM pays the customs broker charges. All other countries, including Canada: import duties, taxes, customs fees and customs broker charges are the buyer's responsibility. For other destinations, import duties may apply — we'll walk you through what to expect for your country during the consultation.
Do your instruments have a warranty?
Yes. Every instrument sold on this store, custom or in stock, is covered by our Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for no less than 90 days from delivery, or longer where the law requires. Normal wear, accidents, modifications and humidity or temperature damage are excluded. To make a claim, write to info@rkmbasses.com within the warranty period with your order number, a description and photos or video. RKM pays for the warranty repair; shipping to our workshop and back to you is at your expense, except where a mandatory legal right provides otherwise. This Limited Warranty does not limit your mandatory legal rights. Full details in section 6 of our Terms of service.
What pickup and hardware brands do you work with?
We work exclusively with premium brands whose quality we stand behind: Hipshot, Aguilar, EMG, Nordstrand, Fralin, Lollar, La Bella, and more. See the full list on our Partners page.
Visits & Artist Relations
Can I visit the workshop?
Yes, by appointment. We're based in Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. If you're in the area and want to see the workshop, try instruments in person, or discuss your project face to face — reach out and we'll set something up.
I'm an artist — can I request a discount or endorsement?
It's possible, as long as certain requirements are met. We evaluate artist relationships case by case. Send us a message through our contact form or via Instagram DM and we'll get back to you with the details. Only one discount applies per order: discount codes, artist discounts and other offers cannot be combined.