TheGreek

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Skjold-Whaleback-5-String-Bass-Guitar-Custom-USA-Boutique-WORLDWIDE-SHIPNG/373203302232?hash=item56e4a67758:g:kJYAAOSwcUJfWWLV

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Status-Bass-Hard-Case/164381822964?hash=item2645eb8ff4:g:fAIAAOSwdVBfXkXQ

I was given a set by Andy (formerly with D'Addario) at the first Herts Bash but for the life of me I can't remember what I used them on or whether I liked them. What you should remember is that they have a membership here - @D'Addario UK - and are happy to engage in any discussion about their products. I've never had any reason to complain about any of their products and the CS has always been excellent - there are a number of threads confirming this.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Friday-Cyber-Monday-KAM-Mini-Bass-Solid-body-Ukulele-Bass-SUB-Satin-Black/223771878931?hash=item3419d7e613:g:ZFsAAOSw0JpV4eLA https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KAM-Mini-Bass-high-output-Solid-body-Ukulele-Bass-SUB-Satin-Black/381379608704?hash=item58cbff0080:g:ZFsAAOSw0JpV4eLA

Add KAM and Kala to the list. I looked at the Mayones Cali - certainly look the part but I can't justify £1500 on an impulse buy.

There are a lot of things that I like about this bass however the misaligned bridge pick up would drive me mental...

Who said anything about "need"? If I only bought what I "needed" I'd only have one bass and one amp...I have significantly more because I "want" them. I don't think I'm alone.😉😉

I don't get the Hate for Scott and SBL. I've met Scott a few times - LBGS - and he's a really nice bloke - he even remembered me the second time we met. He's giving you free access to his time, his knowledge and experience - nobody's forcing you to sit and watch his videos - and most of us benefit from watching them. IMO He's a great tutor and makes learning easy and enjoyable. I wish that there was a resource like him/SBL when I started playing. Some people here need to give him a break.

Area 51??

I had a similar experience a few years ago - not Ibanez but the same oily residue you describe - have you tried wiping the strings off with something like methylated spirits?

I often use masonry or paving slabs. Sit yourself down for 30 seconds and rub your nails over the aforementioned. Best bit of emery board you'll find.

I bought one based on the recommendations on here. Hated it! I couldn't get a tone that I liked - The built in effects had no use whatsoever - as stated, they're probably more suited to metallists/ proggists that somebody after a phat, funky tone.

There's an Ashdown 800 on ebay at the moment for £215 - not mine but I posted the details in the "Weird & Wonderful" thread. I used one in a local studio - very impressed.

Somebody should steal this at this price https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ashdown-Retroglide-800-bass-amplifier-And-Bag-800watts-Trace-Elliot-Style-Amp/174424436425?hash=item289c81aec9:g:0FgAAOSwfYpfJnm-

You can see that he's not a real Bassist - timing is well off (by 12 years)

I emailed Newtone last night - Neil replied first thing this morning. Proper customer service.

Sometimes because the gear didn't live up to expectations, sometimes because I was too precious about my (high end normally) gear.

I'd like to see some sketches before committing to anything.

I've been looking at a mini bass since playing one of Jezza's ( @Jabba_the_gut ) at a Herts Bash. The choice is somewhat limited and I'm looking at possibly going for the Squier. https://www.mannsmusic.co.uk/guitars/fender-squier-mini-precision-bass-black-laurel.htm?opt=24087&gclid=CjwKCAjwnef6BRAgEiwAgv8mQZgMNWOZCitbO0zwe8iIKtWqzwhjXS9igjXdE7KJN92tWi9YzTVnaxoCldcQAvD_BwE Before jumping in I'm looking at the choice of strings which I suspect will be limited - I know about Newtone but does anybody know of what others may be available - preferably in a .30 or .35 gauge. How good are the pups, tuners and bridge??