inate_hex

Nice! Is that a mark on the F of Fender though?

[quote name='stubass' timestamp='1424850659' post='2701033'] The gap between control plate and scratchplate is what I'm getting when I fit an American profiled guard to a Mexican body. Almost exactly like the picture. A Mexi guard is real difficult to get hold of for a reasonable price so I've ordered a control plate for a tenner that'll fit the guard. Really nice bass though. Bitsa or not. [/quote] cwgp2010 Is a seller on eBay in the Netherlands (custom world guitar parts). I bought a black pickguard from them for my MIM Jazz at a very reasonable price and it was an exact fit with no mods required.

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1424850062' post='2701027'] Pickguards on old Fenders [i][b]do[/b][/i] shrink... but that looks to be a pretty extreme example! Still, it's a lovely looking thing and definitely worth £300 or so [/quote] A Fender pickguard that is that old and has shrunk that much probably wouldn't be such a brilliant white.

The pickguard looks a bit dodgy because of the big gap where it is meant to meet the control plate.

I think it's worth a punt at that price.

Dont forget Xotic, Sandberg.......etc :-)

When I find myself in this situation I usually sleep on it for about 3 months. If I still havent played the bass that Im thinking of getting rid of in this timeframe then I ask myself why? It might be a number of reasons. I Might of gone off the tone. It might be similar but inferior to one of my other basses etc. I then ask myself if I got rid of the bass, would I miss it, both emotionally or tonally. Then I look around for an awesome bass to enhance my arsenal. If I find one that wll add a different flavour then I trade it in or sell it.

If it was me I would go with fretted. I've dabbled with fretless and it was not for me. I didn't like the sound.if you don't try it, then you will never know if you like it or not.

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1423556319' post='2686158'] The Sterling could be worth a look used as well then (although it would have to be a fiver - get completely lost on 4 strings these days). [/quote] They don't do a 5 string version. The squier will probably get you close enough for your needs.

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1423440835' post='2684909'] 99 times out of 100 this would actually be the advice I would normally give myself. In my case however there are 2 mitigating factors: 1. As much as I like the MM tone, I've sadly never been able to get on with the ergonomics of Stingrays - neither the way the body sits against me or the feel of the neck in my hand. 2. Like mattbass6, this wouldn't be my main bass - just another string to my bow that's nice to have available - so justifying that kind of outlay on a bass that might get used for say 2 songs out of our whole set (and then only on nights when the drummer doesn't start us off into that number before I have a chance to swap over guitars) is gonna be pretty difficult. [/quote] Have you tried the EBMM sterling? It has a smaller body than the Stingray and a thin neck like a jazz bass. It also has a 3 way switch for series, parallel and Single coil mode. The Sterling by Musicman do a cheaper version (the SB14). I think they are around £650 new, so probably could be had on the used market for around £400.

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1423397727' post='2684250'] Interesting. A bit disappointing as I really do love the look of it but it's the classic Ray sound that I'm really after. Still might be worth trying one out though if the quality is there as you say. [/quote] When I was chasing the MM tone I found out that the easiest way to obtain it was to save up and buy a musicman. It will save you money in the long run.

[quote name='WhiteNGold' timestamp='1423377219' post='2684016'] Anyone got a nice blingy Sterling they wanna sell me? XD [/quote] There are a couple on eBay.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1423324472' post='2683567'] If the OP spends lots of time playing on a dark stage then it might be a worthwhile mod.... [/quote] Yes, it might be.

[quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1423304335' post='2683236'] What actually is the purpose of LED's on a bass? Do they have a purpose at all ..or are they just bling? They don't seem to be common with pro's or many big name players. I have never even played a bass with any fitted in 35yrs of playing. [/quote] They make your fretboard easier to see on dark stages. I'm not a fan of them myself. Another solution would be to add luminlay markers on the side of the fretboard. It's a much cheaper solution than having L.E.D.s fitted.

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1423249277' post='2682863'] Not if you play a 5 string one [/quote] That is why I said RAY and not RAY5.

I just picked up a Sterling H at the weekend. It's a superb bass. The pickup switch is pure magic. Way more options than a ray. It's the lightest bass ive owned and it is a joy to play. Good look with the gas ;-)

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1423141468' post='2681283'] Yes it's all about balance. A well-balanced bass that is comfortable will always seem lighter than one of the same weight that doesn't balance as well or is less comfortable to play. [/quote] Exactly this.

Stunning finish!

Very nice indeed. Enjoy!