Rayman

So I'm working on a cool old P bass project. I'm upgrading various parts, KiOgon loom etc.... the question is, will the original, cool but budget looking pickup, with very thin wires work fine with the loom? Does the thickness of the wires matter? Would a replacement pickup really make a difference, as I'm going for the old school vibe, with tapewound strings etc...

I guess I love the album so much, partly because my girls loved it so much, it was on in the car permanently. Plus the gig was my eldest daughters first gig, so it has special memories. I just think it's a catchy album, maybe a bit lightweight, but its still my favourite

Am I the only one who preferred Josh Klinghoffers guitar work? I just can't get on with John Fruscante at all, soz. "I'm With You" is my favourite album by a mile..... They were SO good live on that tour. FYI, my Mrs disagrees with me vehemently on this.

That's wicked

I’ve been driving bangers for the last few years. Started a new job in November which came with a BMW. I honestly feel like a total fraud AND that everyone is looking at me thinking “knob”, just like I used to. I reckon if I turned up to a gig with a 5k bass, instead of my usual £200 beaters, I’d get the same reaction 😆

I guess having sold beloved gear to pay the rent, I've avoided getting attached to them. Hopefully those days are gone, but, everything has its price.

I actually like the idea of one bass, you really know and love…. unfortunately my ADD makes that impossible. I change my mind SO often, even in one day, it’s ridiculous. I’ve probably changed my mind in the time it took to type this…. in fact I think the one bass idea is stupid….. no I don’t….. etc

+1 to all of the above Where’s the Whore and Trumpet? I really want to go there.

Contrary to what I've said previously, and having spent time with it, I'm going to say this one. For 200 quid its head and shoulders above anything I've had in a long time, it puts a massive smile on my face, it plays itself and it's just an absolute all around belter. I'd be insane to ever let it go, and in fact I want more of them. It's all the bass I've ever wanted and more. *I have said all this in the past, the Kinal, the Overwater etc... but its always been financial difficulties that have forced me to sell previously. Hopefully that won't be an issue again.... but I've learnt to never say never.

Give me a collection of modest but decent basses over a couple of amazing ones all day long. My mood changes daily. One night I'm into flats, the next the brighter zing of active, the next passive honk.... etc. I want access to a choice of sounds and feels to cater for my mood that night. I definitely don't have a clue what my ideal bass is, not a clue.

Some great comments, and I agree with all of them. Let's just be clear, it was a hypothetical question and I'm definitely not in a position to buy a Fodera or similar, yet. I love hunting for more affordable but decent quality gear. I'm still hoping to get my hands on a couple more Hohner B basses, a Tune Maniac and a semi of some description, but certainly down the line I'll be looking for that expensive purchase, regardless of whether I'm worthy or not 😉 Don't get me started on amps.

I happen to know that you are good

I guess I'm just playing Devils advocate..... I'm a reasonable player, but as much as I enjoy my Arias, Hohners etc... I intend to lash out on something really posh, because I remember how I felt playing my Kinal when I had it.... it was SO comfortable, and probably made me play better too. I guess that answers my original question.... but, I would still feel a bit if a fraud with a boutique bass in my hands I think.

Here's a question..... Have you ever felt guilty, or that you're really not good enough to own that expensive bass? I mean, I'm ok, I'm a decent player, but I'm no vertuosso.... and currently, after a handful of years away from playing anything at all, I've started to re-accumulate a modest collection of decent gear, but in the past I've owned Sadowsky, Overwaters etc, and wondered if A: Do I really need a 2K bass? Or B: Am I good enough to justify it? Am I really only worthy of sub 1K basses? Am I destined to stick with the Corts, Ibanez and Yamahas of this world? Or balls to it, I'll have what I want? Thoughts?

Samick makes everything for everybody. It's the only guitar factory in the world. Everyone else is lying.

No such thing as best under any circumstances, but if it were me right now, I'd buy used. That opens up your £400 to more options. If I were buying new, there's a sunburst Sire V7 on Andertons for 399.

Once you have a 5, you'll start learning songs that are pretty hard to play without one, and there's no way back, in my opinion. For example at home, I play along with a ton of jazz and trip hop stuff, which needs a low B. There's no way I could do without a 5er in my collection now.

Yeah lobster and bully both disliked it, BUT you can't judge a bass with someone else's ears, you might love the Pre. I was told my Hohner B Bass would sound weak..... no chance, it sounds fabulous to me.

I think the M5/7 is maybe a better bet. It seems like a total all rounder. But yes the Charvel is a looker, I love the colours available, but again, apparently the Pre is a bit weak.

Fretted version https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334308194433?hash=item4dd6523881%3Ag%3At1cAAOSwK0ph7dEo&LH_ItemCondition=3000

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224815384625?hash=item34580a8831%3Ag%3AX1QAAOSwbbZh9r~d&LH_ItemCondition=3000 Not mine...... but, I'd be all over this if I had the spare cash *EDIT It's fretless...... I'd still buy it though