You're absolutely right - it is indeed very tempting - I think you'll find that, like you, many of us "trying to thin the herd"...
I am...well at least in my mind I am.
Lovely bass - I'd love to take it off your hands but I already have far too many 4 string basses which aren't being used.
I don't expect it to hang around TBH.
If he's going for an Old School vibe shouldn't he think about Old School gear? An old Fender/ Squire with maybe an old Fender/ Marshall/ Orange or Ampeg amp?
I was sent the video from a friend noting the similarity to Ms Nicks, which is definitely there.
Not being familiar with Miley Cirus' work I can't comment if it sounds like her - it certainly sounds like Stevie Nicks to me too.
Glad it worked out in the end...
I've had sellers renege on deals when they didn't get what they'd hoped for/ expected - unfortunately that's the nature of auctions.
Welcome to The 5er Club Lozz.
My advice would be to put away all your 4 string basses - the temptation to pick up what you're familiar with will slow you gelling with the 5er. Expect it to take "some time" to become familiar with the 5er - it may feel like you're going backwards for a while but if you persevere you'll get there.