neepheid

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1368451313' post='2077188'] hmm, I don't think it was a "We need to change this" kind of thing, more of an "Oh no, I didn't want to pay that much", which then became a bit of a "Is there a cheaper way to get them?" kind of thing. There wasn't really much debate over the duty/VAT thing I don't think. [/quote] Thanks for the thread synopsis. It doesn't change the fact that inaccuracies were being bandied about and I felt like sticking my oar in because they annoy me. Also, you can apply my comment to the entirety of the forum if you like and not just this thread - the same slack definitions and approximations are bandied about every time the subject is brought up. There shouldn't need to be ANY debate about it, the rules are there in black and white. That's my point.

Just caught the end of this thread and it continues to astound me how much inaccurate (or half true) information is still peddled about whenever the subject of importing from outside the EU comes up. The guides are there, and granted the HMRC's website isn't the most friendly out there, but everything one would ever need to know is probably here: [url="http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document"]http://customs.hmrc....tyType=document[/url] In this case, see section 3.1. I realise that it's pretty moot as we are discussing the sending of commercial goods in this particular thread (and thus carriage costs are factored into the total for VAT calculation purposes, no ifs or buts), but I'm fed up of the needless debate about something that's set in stone.

[quote name='bigthumb' timestamp='1368447515' post='2077108'] I have one arriving this week off ebay. A good few years ago I owned a US L2000 but sold it on due to the crazy narrow neck. (It made a Jazz bass seem fat)! I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. I have no idea if its a MiK or MiI one. Any differences? I did however own a MiI Tribute Jazz type bass for a while and the quality was first class. [/quote] I think the MIK ones had "TRIBUTE" stamped on the bridges instead of the G&L logo and the headstock logo was more prominently labelled TRIBUTE like this: Can't comment on any differences, only ever owned Indonesian made ones, both of which are excellent. Funny how despite the options available, nearly all the US made L-2000s I've seen second hand have that skinny #8 neck. If I was getting a USA G&L made up, I'd go for the recently reissued #12 neck (1 5/8" (41.2mm) at the nut but the same depth/profile as the chunkier necks). My Tribute M-2000 has this neck and it's super comfy, lovely halfway between too skinny and the sheer bulk (which I don't mind) on the Tribute L-2000.

I can't really help, my L-2000 is modified to give me single coil (parallel) operation, but I would say that you could start with all knobs at about 80% of their travel. Experiment with parallel/series to see which you prefer (series is a fatter, louder sound, parallel is a bit more subtle). Try series at about 80% volume then switch to parallel and up the volume knob to match and see what you prefer and to hear the differences at the same perceived volume. I generally favour series when I'm not in single coil mode, often when in a live band context. I rarely use the active switch (the one nearest the bridge), I leave it passive pretty much all the time.

Cheers for the advice folks. Well, I finally got off my butt and made a start. Removed all the middle shelf supports except for the very back one. Cut back the old redundant pipes at the back. Built a wee box around the pipes. This hasn't cost me a bean yet apart from time - everything is reclaimed from what was there (or from when I dismantled the balustrade off the stairs and fitted the handrail with brackets). Next step is the neck support. Quite liking the idea of the massive screws covered in foam. Yes, I know those screws aren't countersunk - I can't find my countersink bit for the life of me, will probably have to go buy another one. Why isn't it with the rest of my drill bits? Agh!

I'm guessing this ought to work wiring-wise, just need to make sure you get the right pot(s). Am I right in thinking that you would have to match the value of your blend pot to the master volume? Or better still, replace 'em all so you know what you're getting? Are the current volume pots 250K or 500K (or the dreaded Gibson oddity - the 300K) [url="http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=jazz_bass_blend"]http://www.seymourduncan.com/support/wiring-diagrams/schematics.php?schematic=jazz_bass_blend[/url]

Assuming it's active - fresh battery installed? Just sayin'...

[quote name='andydye' timestamp='1368383892' post='2076395'] The G&L Tribute JB-2 is a stunning amount of bass for the cash! [/quote] Indeed, but I wouldn't say it looks cheap.

Turned out to be way better than "alright" though

[quote name='4 Strings' timestamp='1368220785' post='2074724'] Does all this apply on second hand goods? The import on a $750 bass is £19, but the VAT £110. Do we pay VAT on importing 2nd hand things? [/quote] Yes

[quote name='BassBus' timestamp='1368185337' post='2074160'] By making mistakes and that's why Graham should take it to a luthier if he doesn't know how to do it. [/quote] I was aiming for the positive aspects of "having a go" rather than dwelling on the (often necessary) negative aspects of the learning process

But how did the luthier/tech learn how to do it?

That's how we kicked off in the Inevitable Teaspoons. For reference I guess we're like an R&B/Rock/Blues band. We sat round the table and asked each member for a song that they'd like to do in the band - anything goes sort of thing. The list: Me: Gary Numan, "Cars" Drummer: U2, "Angel of Harlem" Trombonist: Kiss, "Crazy Crazy Nights" Saxophonist: The Isley Brothers, "Harvest for the World" Keys: Joe Cocker, "Delta Lady" In the end only Delta Lady stuck and has remained in the set list. Admittedly we haven't made much of a change from the original, horn section stabs instead of backing vocals and the drumming's a bit more energetic. We messed about with Cars, played it in swing time and all sorts of nonsense but at the end of the day there just wasn't enough in the song to work with. We had fun messing about with it though, and we might return to it one day, if I can graft some kind of middle bit into it. Maybe a mashup with something else. Hmmm. We do a cover of Cream, "White Room" with no guitars. That's quite different I suppose. Overdriven bass, drums, keys (with phasers set to stun), sax and the secret weapon - wah wah trombone. Whether it's change of genre or just wilful weirdness is another question, but we like it

[quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1368049395' post='2072658'] Agree - they have to make a call as to whether the goods are worth more than £135, which isn't always clear if they're not labelled up; also, if the amount of duty, once calculated, is under £9 they will waive it. It's a lot more certain with the big ticket items. [/quote] +1, they can't inspect everything. In general the smaller the item, the more likely it will pass through undetected. Import duty is one thing, but remember that if your item gets intercepted you can rarely dodge the VAT, the allowances are quite paltry (£18 for commercial goods and £36 for gifts if memory serves).

[quote name='NancyJohnson' timestamp='1368022943' post='2072154'] Have you not got those pots yet? I posted them from work on Friday. P [/quote] Not yet, was hoping they might arrive today - bank holiday on Monday probably messed things up a bit.

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1368022096' post='2072133'] What has that got to do with asking about basses being so low? [/quote] Err, nothing, it was offered as part of an explanation as to why prices on the whole are low rather than taking exception to the question. Or did I read it wrong?

[quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1368019465' post='2072099'] I've found 3 black speed knobs among my spares if you want them. I reckon they are to fit oriental splined pots however rather than USA types. [/quote] Sounds like those might not work then, I believe my incoming 250K pots are from a USA Gibson and the 300K pot that I have yet to get will almost certainly be this one from Thomann - [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/gibson_potentiometer_300kohm.htm"]Gibson Poti 300kO Linear Taper Short - Thomann UK[/url] and again will be the USA splined pot, which means I might as well get these and hopefully ensure a happy and harmonious fit - [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/gibson_gisk010_potiknoepfe.htm"]Gibson PRSK-010 Potiknobs - Thomann UK[/url] Cheers for the offer though, it is appreciated

Not much happening at the moment - drumming my fingers waiting for exciting, project advancing items to arrive in the post. Don't suppose the bank holiday helped much. Stuff incoming: Pickguard/screws 1 pickup Machine heads and ferrules (from different sources, stars aligned with mere hours to spare) Pots Chicken head knob TRC Laser waterslide paper Got some household expenses to take care of this month, so I think that's all the acquisitions I can handle for now. Will hopefully get lacquer sorted out next month. Are you listening, eBay? NO RIPPER PICKUPS FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH, PLEASE.

Someone in Aberdeen is selling a T40 for what seems like a reasonable price. I am not affiliated in any way with the seller (although could go run the rule over it if needs be) and have no idea if the seller will ship it (again I could assist with this), but if you don't ask you don't get... [url="http://www.aberdeen-music.com/topic/52966-peavey-t40-bass-for-sale/"]http://www.aberdeen-music.com/topic/52966-peavey-t40-bass-for-sale/[/url]

I owned an Ashdown ABM 4x10 cab for a few years, used it with a Hartke 3500 head, that combination sounded really good to me, weight got to me in the end and I went neodymium and micro head.

Basswood is a relative of pine? How?

I have one: I don't give much care to a pan pot - I use them like a switch anyway. What does it sound like? A more modern L-2000 would be the glib response. Lots of mids available on the EQ if you want it - and more pertinently it's controllable - that's the crucial difference for me over the L-2000, not the pan pot. Speaking of the EQ, the frequencies at which it operates complement the MFD pickups beautifully and there's virtually no hiss even if you turn the treble right up and it sounds way better to my ears than the treble boost option on the L-2000, less scratchy and finger squeaky. It's nice and simple to use. The pickups are perma-wired in series, but a little less hot than the L-2000. And the neck is lovely - slightly thinner than the Tribute L-2000 all round (but still not too thin - 41.2mm at the nut and a nice profile). Don't get me wrong, I've got no issues with the Tribute L-2000 neck, but this one I can fairly zip around on. Sometimes I like the tone of the L-2000 with it being basically a passive bass (the "active" thing being a simple signal boost), but sometimes this more hi-fi sounding one hits the spot. Found another vid: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PWtOM84V9c"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PWtOM84V9c[/url]