Clarky

Thanks Roger and Keith - I won't be terribly upset if it doesn't sell as its so lovely to play. But 18th/21st/50th birthdays in the space of two months, plus summer hols and unanticipated educational spend (A level retakes) have meant I have burned money faster this summer than ... erm putting 50 pound notes on a fire or burn-y type thing

Some DB porn pics to tempt you [attachment=142148:DSCF0586.JPG][attachment=142149:DSCF0587.JPG][attachment=142150:DSCF0588.JPG]

[quote name='PTB' timestamp='1377211810' post='2184988'] I've played this and it's a top piece of kit, great to play, sounds wonderful. Have a bump on me. [/quote] Thanks Paul! Surprisingly there's even a full-page advert for this model of bass in this month's BMG (near the back)! Never seen Kolstein advertise in UK before, I guess it was the front page pic and interview with Lee Rocker that alerted Kolstein to BGM's existence

Hey Geoff I just watched the walking bass Part 1 video - excellent. Would be great if I could download to a portable device (eg iPad) for journeys to/from work etc. Do you have any plans to make this an app or even put the series on instructional DVDs?

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1377009480' post='2182157'] I will be having a good look when I get time! [/quote] +1

Upton is thicker (although its encased in wood and can be shaved down)

if its urgent Keith I can lend mine for a few weeks until one comes up FS? I don't have a gig for a month as band mates off on hols until September

Rufus Reid on a Busetto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yirBB1Q54F4 Miroslav Vitous http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMRkAoGp3H4

More of me, this time with old (1880s) 3/4 German flatback [attachment=141838:480825_458355694176567_1232458545_n.jpg] [attachment=141839:615018_496057363739733_1537590237_o.jpg]

and my turn to mention the wife as Mrs C is also called Jayne with a 'y', so when you say here's a sexy shot of Jayne ...

Back from hols so just speed read this. All I can add is that I have owned two ACs in the past (the Willie Weeks one and an LG4 Jazz-type) and both were stunning instruments. I am also aware that JC has, at least on one occasion, sent out a sub-standard bass when under pressure to produce for a trade show. Its the risk of a small operation which - as the maxim goes - should remind all to try before buying wherever possible. It would be a shame if this were to permanently stain the reputation of a very talented luthier who has hundreds of happy customers

Here's a pic of the bass in action [attachment=141816:Half Moon.jpg] EDIT: for full diclosure, the endpin is very hard to move in and out - I think it may have bent slightly. It can be done, its just requires a bit of effort. I am sure a luthier could sort it in a matter of minutes, I just don't have time to take it to Laurence Dixon right now (just back from hols and in very busy period at work). Also, there is a gigbag which is a bit tatty but 100% functional

Me playing the Kolstein at Half Moon, Putney. Too much hair for a hat! [attachment=141815:Half Moon.jpg]

PS I will put up some photos of my actual bass when back in the country (I am back Sunday night). Various BCers (eg Happy Jack, bluejay and Xilddx) have seen it in action

This stunning bass was originally bought in the US by BCer Greg Cordez direct from Kolstein. Since he (and Mr Bassman) owned it I have had a thicker ebony board added (by top London luthier Laurence Dixon) and strung it with Thomastik Spiro Weichs. It's an amazing convenient downsized double bass, as used by Sting, Lee Rocker and Miroslav Vitous. I don't need three DBs and I have had a very expensive summer so one of them has to go. On balance this is less likely to be used than my 3/4 DB (my choice for recording) or Baby Bass (feedback free and very portable). Comes with travel trunk for overseas gigging. To import new would cost over £5k. I paid £3.5k and have spent a further £200 odd on the thicker ebony board and setup. I would like £3.5k back given its rarity value and quality. I would throw in the Ehrlund pickup system which was about £300 on top. Collection from London only There's a bunch of clips of dudes playing Kolstein travel basses eg this one [url="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m4s-Pa7sAlE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dm4s-Pa7sAlE"]http://m.youtube.com...v%3Dm4s-Pa7sAlE[/url] Neck removal [url="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JN_5Flm5yiI&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJN_5Flm5yiI"]http://m.youtube.com...v%3DJN_5Flm5yiI[/url] Kolstein website blurb [url="http://www.kolstein.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KMI&Product_Code=1LTB12&Category_Code=bass"]http://www.kolstein....egory_Code=bass[/url]