TheGreek

TBH I think that Squier represent better VFM that many of the top of the range gear basses - in recent years I've been pleasantly surprised with the build quality. You don't need to change any parts - machine heads are perfectly adequate, change the settings on your amp rather than buy new pickups - probably won't stop anybody doing this though. If I could have bought a bass of this quality for £189 when I started playing I would have been well chuffed.

My over-riding memory of mine was the weight...

Mini - Corduroy

I like highly figured timber but I think that your price range will limit your market and clientele. There are luthiers here who would build me anything I wanted for less than you state and that would be custom built rather than "mass produced".

That was my experience with a fretless Hohner B2 back in the late 80s.

Me and you and a dog named boo - Lobo

I don't listen to Oasis but I'm told that Champagne Supernova is also a load of bolllocks.

Love purpleheart...comes up a treat.

@Lozz196 has a few for sale currently. Take your bass round to his and buy the one you like.

IIRC the laminated neck on my Silk bass contains Oak.

PM @KiOgon

Get a semi acoustic - it will have some use. IME bass acoustics are a waste of time and money.

Squier VM fretless are about the same money used (£200?)

State of independence - Donna Summer

Stored in a garage? Doesn't inspire confidence.

We've only had chrome for a decade??? My memory isn't that bad...

Space cowboy - jamiriquai

I saw a documentary with David Bowie doing that.

Apollo 9 - Adam Ant

😱😱

Time (clock of the heart) - Culture Club

After my recent 51 "build" I was considering another, somewhat more complicated and challenging build. Your comments about only getting one chance of getting it right gave me a reality check...leave it to those who have the tools and the ability.