Marc S

Sending some pics to Fender is a good idea - I wonder what their response would be? Keep us posted on such matters, and what you decide to do.

Wow - that looks extreme.... Sorry to hear this has happened, and that it's so bad. As others have said - strip it and refinish. Professional re-spraying might be expensive, or tricky and time-consuming for you to undertake (if you fancy that?). The suggestions on here for a natural finish seem the best option, and I think that's what I'd be doing. Best of luck with it.

Mexican stand-off - Elbow

In 100% agreement here 😀

I'd never heard of these. Always worth knowing of such rarities. Thanks for sharing

Love that dark fretboard, and the colourful, contrasty sunburst finish. Looks absolutely lush! Happy NBD

I have one, and I'm really really pleased with it. Re the mid range control, I find it's very good. I know what you mean about having a high and low mids control - but I find it quite controllable with what it has. The mid shift button can work well too, depending on the venue. I've got 3 different cabs, and choose which one, or which pair to use, depending on size of venue, and what set-up I need. I play in 5 different bands (and sometimes a folk club "jam") and play either bass guitar or upright or electric upright through it, and I can always get the sound I want, with the controls it has. It's plenty loud enough, the low end is particularly impressive, in that it is well defined, and clear. I'm using 10" speakers with it, as I find these work well with upright. I was happy with my MB Evo1 dual channel head - but now I choose the Peavey every time. For doubling up gigs, I now use the Peavey and my Stanley Clarke acoustic A,B Y pedal. Not sure where you're based, but you'd be welcome to try mine. Yes, the fan is a tad noisy - but I never hear it when I'm playing. My only regret is that I wish I'd discovered it sooner. Is it worth the money? Hell yes. Is it worth twice the money? Hell yes. I can't understand why it's as inexpensive as it is.

Oh no! Sorry to hear this @bubinga5 I really hope your financial situation resolves itself asap. Years ago, I stopped playing bass for almost 25 years (work, marriage, moving/ doing up house, having a kid, band members doing the same etc) But even when I wasn't playing, I had a bass in its case, under the bed - and I'm so glad I did! Because one day, I just picked it up again. A short break from playing may not be the worst thing of all... but I hope you can get something again soon - maybe something second hand and cheapish... If you lived closer, I could loan you one for a bit.... Keep your chin up, look after yourself and hopefully, "normality" will be restored soon. Marc

Having thought some more about this thread, and having read some more comments, I just thought I'd add another one of those "take a break from playing bass" suggestions. A note of caution though - don't take too long a break, or you may lose a bit more "mojo". To anyone feeling like they've hit a dead end, or had enough of a particular band... just take a short while off. Maybe play a different instrument? Perhaps a Ukulele, or that guitar you have gathering dust? Or perhaps seek out some other musicians you haven't played with before? When you pick up a bass again - maybe learn that bassline you always liked, but never had chance to nail? There are loads of these for me, as I'm always busy learning songs for one of the bands I'm in. Another thing I quite like doing, is look at some of the excellent lessons on YouTube - perhaps even try playing a song you hadn't considered before..... Most of all though, stick in there. I think music is a great therapy, and a great release from the other things in life - the things we have to do. As @miles'tone notes in the post above, time away from playing music can have a detrimental effect on mental health.

Yes, that was my first thought too. What a great and interesting find. Only thing is, if you track him down and he says "Thanks for returning the bass.... here's your £20 reward" 😉

Am I ready to give up? No way. I'll tell you why this is, and bearing in mind, like everyone else, I've had the usual run of let-downs, other musicians unreliability, bad venues / venue owners etc.... I started playing in the early 80's and grew to love playing the bass. I was in a couple of bands - we were all young and had dreams of a future where we would enjoy some unspecified level of "success". But after just a few years, myself and bandmates had moved away, got married, had kids and put our instruments down..... Years on, and by chance, my ex wife gave my teenage son a bass for Christmas. That sparked something in me. I picked up the bass I'd kept in a case under the bed. I couldn't remember much or get my fingers working properly - but it was fun to work out baselines again, and do so with my son. Years later, and I rediscovered the buzz I get from playing music and see and hear people dancing, singing along and just enjoying live music. I love live music myself, and I have rediscovered the joy of playing.... after an absence of almost 25 years. I've had lots of good gigs, and many brilliant gigs. I've met loads of great friends through live music, and since I started my second musical journey, I have never looked back. I cannot now ever envisage a time when I no longer play. And I continue to really enjoy playing.... and long may that continue. Apologies for the long reply - but that's how I feel, and I hope that everyone thinking of quitting, or has a change of heart - maybe even take a short break and try a different style or genre?

Lights out - UFO