geoffbyrne

Big pickup looks like a DiMarzio Model 1. If the mini switch is wired for 'bucker/single coil, it might be worth considering rewiring for 'bucker/parallel as this keeps pretty much the same sound but maintains humbucking in parallel mode. [url="http://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/bass/standard-bass/model-one"]http://www.dimarzio....-bass/model-one[/url] G.

<Cough>Ahem<Cough> Shameless plug.... If you'd like to stick a toe in the water.... http://basschat.co.uk/topic/271676-tradeselldeko-harley-benton-b35fl-nt-5-string-acoustic-fretless-bass-bits/page__fromsearch__1 G.

Washburn is much better than given credit for in this country. G.

Hohner B Bass Pro. Not too expensive. Pretty decent bass. G.

I had a BXP - nicest neck I ever played. G.

It wasn't a Schaller - see link in Post #1. However, it looks like it might fit, so I've ardered one - thanks for drawing my attention to it. I got a pair of Dunlop straplocks & put them on. No screws on those to go slack (except the muckle screw that goes into the guitar, but as it's slightly bigger, it stays in!). G.

Fitted the strings, Fender trem & shimmed the neck with a bit of plastic credit card. Tensioned up the spring in the trem & locked it off, adjusted bridge up & saddles (Staytrem) for intonation, and left overnight to settle. Plays like a dream. Pics in next few days. G.

I'd be looking at the bottom 4 of a lightweight 5-er set if I was going to keep this tuning. It would also entail work to broaden the slots of the nut and possibly a tweak to tighten the trussrod as there would be less tension with strings in this configuration. Maybe try the solution suggested above first, and if you like it, you can then go the whole hog. (You'll maybe need to adjust the trussrod with the above solution too, as the tension will be markedly reduced.) G.

@RogerStodge: Thanks, I'll bear it in mind you have a chrome one, but continue searching for the gold. @Brensabre79: Doesn't help with the current situation. First time in 15 years this has happened. @pete.young: This particular strap is a hand-made Buffalo Hide item cut to particular dimensions and has a round hole each end to fit the lock mechanism. The hole does not have a split coming off it and therefore will not slip over the nut onto the peg. I tried it. But thanks for the suggestion. G.

I wouldn't class any TRB as a 'cheap' bass - you may have done very well - PICS!!! G.

I'll let you know how it's gone once I get the strings. G.

I'll give an old credit card a go. When I'm changing the strings (it means I'll have a pretty new (6 months lightly played) *heavy* set of LaBella Custom roundwounds available) I can have the neck off & I've also got the genuine Fender trem unit to swap in. G.

@EssentialTension: What did you use to shim the neck? And did you do a 'flat shim' or just shim the bridge-end to provide a tilt? G.

Just ordered a standard set of flats from Stringbusters. G.

Anyone tried the black or white nylon wound? - approx $20 cheaper. G.

I have a pair of straplocks on the fretless as shown in the following Ebay link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STRAP-LOCK-NEW-GUITAR-OR-BASS-SUPER-SAFE-LOCK-GOLD-/361450242721?hash=item54281d02a1:g:PRgAAOSwQTVWBxW1 Yes, they are gold! Last night the central nut came loose and fell off as did the large washer beneath which sits on top of the strap. We found the nut no bother, but there is no sign of the washer. If anyone has a suitable washer (or complete assembly) that they don't want/need, please let me know & we'll come to some arrangement. G.

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1452672175' post='2952157'] I don't think La Bella market a custom set but if you email them they will tell you what they can do. I have always found them helpful. But what's wrong with the stock flats? [/quote] The price! I was hoping they did a 'cheap' custom set of flats as they do with the rounds. It's a custom set I have on (.108 Bottom E). G,

I'm looking for a flatwound set for my VI but I can only see the LaBella stock flats - don't they do a Custom Set in flats? G.