TheGreek

They have them at DV247 https://www.dv247.com/en_GB/GBP/Ibanez-XXX-Artcore-Vintage-AFBV200A-Tobacco-Low-Gloss/art-BAS0008311-000

I've seen these with several different names on the headstock. They all seem to be well built. If it's a freebie the most it will cost you is petrol money.

A few years ago a friend of mine came into an inheritance - straight up to Denmark St looking for a Les Paul. He recounted going into one of the shops where the salesperson was astute enough to literally do a blind fold test - kept handing him different models of LP by different manufacturers without telling him the make or cost. He eventually bought a quite low end model ( I forget which) because "it felt and played better" even though he had the cash for the real thing.

Knowing what sound/ tone that you're after and what gear is being used to create that sound - for me, even though I've tried loads (and loads) of gear what I was really after was that distinctive 80s Trace Elliot tone package. As Lozz says, your ears tell you what you like - Vanderkley and Ashdown, for me, are the closest tone package from "modern gear".

With most basses you can see where the inspiration for the design came from (usually a P/J) With this it's harder to see, even though it hints at a lot of basses. Not sure yet if I like it.

I'm not normally a fan of (faux) relicing but IMO it was the only way to go with this. Too much "character" to try to renovate. Natural finish is the way to go - I linked to a vintage finish (vinegar & wire wool) in another thread - could be the way to go. Found it:

Trying to let friends know so we all go together.

They're in Harpenden on 24th September!!! https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/the-brand-new-heavies-harpenden-public-halls-tickets/10437615?REFERRAL_ID=tmfeed

Sorry, you're (well we actually) have to wait till Tuesday. Here's a teaser..

If anybody likes their strings really zingy and bright for a long time can I suggest EBS Titaniums - available in 40s and 45s - on ebay for about £15 IIRC. https://ebssweden.com/content2/accessories/ebs-northern-light-bass-strings/ I had them on a bass for several months - still too bright so took them off.

GAS got the better of me...I know I shouldn't have...no excuses... I'm a bad person.

Ooops....I really shouldn't have done it. I know, I know....but I am human... No more, I promise...

I've had a few...always sold them on as they don't get a lot of use.

My experience with Behringer pedals is that they are good value for money. OK they don't particularly excel in any way but I've found they do the job OK. So why is it that used examples sell for next to nothing - if they sell at all??

I got all excited... https://www.andertons.co.uk/bass-dept/bass-guitars/5-string-basses?#facet:3074457345616676675713876327111710511697114115&productBeginIndex:0&facetLimit:&orderBy:&pageView:grid&minPrice:&maxPrice:&pageSize:&

I traded with Martin on a couple of occasions - always friendly and honest transactions. Sad loss to the forum - a greater loss, I'm sure, to friends and family. RIP sir...

"Guitarist wanted" at the local music shops, rehearsal and gig venues? You can advertise on sites like bandmix.com but I've found there are loads of dreamers and time wasters.

I have the standard white rubber strings on mine. The trick seems to be to tune it and then leave it to settle for a while. The white ones cost around a fiver on Ebay, everything else is expensive in comparison.

This!!! Just under an hour of wicked phatt grooves...

I love the sound of a harp - this is just sacrilege

I thought you meant the plastic/ bone/ brass ones

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274907004174?hash=item4001bbfd0e:g:ttQAAOSwOTRhGYci Mesa Boogie M180 Power Amp Vintage 1982 120V US Tube Valve 600W ***THIS IS A USA MODEL 120V, PLEASE DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO USE A TRANSFORMER WITH IT FOR UK USE. I DO NOT HAVE A TRANSFORMER SO SUGGEST YOU BRING ONE ON COLLECTION IF YOU NEED TO TEST IT.***