Sean

I love using open strings in this sense too, especially for pull-offs and duplicating the main guitar riff. I shan't reveal the songs in case that blows my cover. It's early stages. I think that it's really do-able on an Eb Standard as the songs in their original keys are very root note straight eighth type lines.

I've done this before with BEAD/CFA#D# tuning. It works but I honestly feel like a compete Bell-ender from Bremen using a capo. Especially on a Spector I'm going to experiment with it, though. Thanks for reminding me. 🙂

After searching for ages, a decent band has approached me and I'm going to a rehearsal with them to see how we gel. Most of their songs are down a semitone (half-step) from the originals and there are 2 or 3 that are in the original key. It seems a bit unusual to me. All songs are typical rock songs Although, the first meeting will be all songs played on an Eb Standard tuned bass, how would you approach this for a gig situation? I see my options as: 1. One Eb standard, one E standard tuned bass. If one is needed as backup there's a tuning delay involved. 2. A B standard 5-string. Loses all the open string "opportunities" of many of the songs. Backup bass is same config. No real low-B requirements in the set. 3. An Eb Standard bass but learn the original pitch songs up a semi-tone and get used to it. Backup bass is same config. What would you do?

I'm intrigued. Please tell us more.

Well, there’s 2 down 8 to go? I think we know where a 3rd would go 😉 I’m just not that fussy with necks, as long as a bass isn’t ultra skinny, like some Ibanez models of the past that give me cramp or like the barge Valenti I had shaved, that made my finger joints hurt, I’m happy.

Now that I’ve had a good look, I’m smitten. To save people searching, the spec is: Model Number: NS-2 Weight: 8.78 Pounds Serial Number: #1527 Signed: May 17, 2023 Specifications: 4-String Bass Scale: 34" Narrow Nut Width: 1.5" Solid Maple Wings (Plain Maple) Blue to Purple Colorshift High Gloss Ebony Fingerboard Black Mother of Pearl Crown Inlays Blue Luminlay Side Dots EMG PJ-X Pickups Spector 9v HAZ Spector Lightweight Aluminum Locking Bridge w/ Brass Saddles Dunlop Dual Design StrapLok System Black Hardware Spector Tolex Case The bold ones are the bits that get me extra smitten. Importing that would come in about £5750 by my rough estimate with VAT, Duty, Insured Shipping, handling. Can’t be far off a new one.

Agreed. Good point raised there re CSTs, @Eldon Tyrell I must say that the birdseye one currently at BD is outrageous.

Is it a lead sled, though?

Not a huge job. It depends a bit on how crushed the wood is and what it is. I did some steaming on that Euro LX 5 of mine last week. I used an iron and a wet microfiber cloth. It's much more forgiving and leaves more safety factor than a soldering iron and cotton buds. It was more dents than indentations in that case, though. The lads at BD should be able to to it.

Bass weevils?

I’m available to do some basic mods to lighten it if anyone’s interested 😉.

Done.

https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/overwater-inspiration-5-string-custom-deluxe-2013-pre-owned/ That’s a banger. And it’s <£1100. And it’s a proper UK-Made bass. It’s got a lot of what looks like jewellery damage or something but that’s fillable.

Do we have a winner yet? I’m still waiting for the winner of that working 5 string thread. 🤔

I was going to suggest similar with big valvery (I'm bringing 3) so maybe we could think of some way to do it with various heads. I'm sure someone will have some sensible ideas.

I've had a few headless Status basses, including a couple of Streamliners that I sold on. I never really took to Status basses as lifelong instruments, just not me, as much as I tried, but I always found Dawn to be one of life's absolute gems and a total pleasure to deal with. I really admire the decision they've made and wish them all the best. It's an Institution and it's part of British Bass History without a doubt. The flatwound strings they used to sell were the best I've ever used and I still have a set I bought on my Valenti P. God bless, Status Bass and The Greens. I only just spotted this thread.

The greatest bass player of all time (no discussion) is playing a Schecter here.... Obviously ditched Lakland?

Anyway, back on topic for a moment and probably the most important bit of Spector advice for @W1_Pro, be careful, as you could end up obsessed, as you've witnessed here 😀

That's £2787 landed + £335 for EMGs and LHZ - £200 resale of Barts and pre = £2922. And then you have a limited edition that isn't original 🤔

...which is much more niche than what we're thinking here...

Those of you that have been hanging around Bassworld Basschat as long as me will probably remember those Lakland Dudepit specials. There was a minimum order quantity of 30 IIRC. There was some flex as I remember paying a bit extra for Chisonic pickups that had a different rout. I think there were rosewood/maple options as the necks were modular to other models etc etc. Someone here will remember the ins and outs. I seem to remember a "yellow" 5 string P with blocks being one that never came to fruition... Anyway, surely if a few of us here agree a spec with BD, we can understand variables, get price confirmation, specify the variables and pay a deposit? That way, at least @Bass Direct gets a clear indication or steer of what's commercially viable and derisks a minimum order by having x punters already committed? Obviously, no glitter-pink 6-strings but some arrangement or consensus must be possible? What are parameters and constraints of minimum orders? I'm guessing NBE is more flexible than whoever was making those Skylines back in the day, it's only a small shop. And as @Eldon Tyrell implied, some of those signature models are tiny volumes.

Thanks. Done.

RST models with EMGs would be winner too. Everyone wants a bit of roasted nowadays but those pickups put me off totally.