Musicman20

Just standard MIM pickups on a 1399 bass immediately puts me off. Too expensive.

It has, but Mesa are a different breed and these are all built in the USA (not that it is a big deal really as any country can make a great amp). For 999, I think that is reasonable. I expected more. I am interested in this.

I am not sure of the noisefloor/fan situation, but the Genz Benz Shuttle/max amps and then the Genzler amps are VERY precise and clean. https://www.thomann.co.uk/genzler_magellan_mg800.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1581403900&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImovYv4i6jwMVQJdQBh0_lQG_EAQYASABEgL87PD_BwE A Markbass amp would probably get you there as well. LM4?

To be honest I don't think bass amps have moved on THAT much since the RH450/750. Same with the later Genz Benz amps. Just new models by various companies with some refinements. We have probably peaked with a good class D powerful amp combined with a great cab. That or modelling with a high end powered cab.

Agree with this. Back then they were really cutting edge and had great service. I've kept mine and I love the cabs. The only issues are the buttons.

Sounds and looks fantastic! Nice playing as well.

Oh I totally agree it's damn difficult in the USA, I was just curious really. The only reason I mentioned NI contributions is when I was looking for a breakdown of NI, there are many references similar to this: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/nhs-budget-nutshell#:~:text=the money go%3F-,How is the NHS funded%3F,as prescriptions and dental treatment. 'The vast majority of public NHS funding comes from general taxation and National Insurance contributions' I've no idea to be honest. I've bought many USA instruments in the past, but from now on, due to the extreme prices we are seeing, I will be less tempted. I do have two full fat USA Bongos though (on topic!) and personally I'd advise going for one if you can.

I'd be intrigued to know the average salary deductions from say 50k in England (and it's equivalent) in USA. When I say deductions I mean the mandatory deductions only....and then a comparison to USA deductions for med insurance vs the tax/NI element here for healthcare. I imagine the USA still works out ludicrously expensive. I have noticed how insanely priced some 'USA' products are in the UK...(are Sterling instrument checked in a USA facility?)

https://www.andertons.co.uk/sterling-by-music-man-bongo-5-bass-in-firemist-purple-satin/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20740064305&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqebEBhD9ARIsAFZMbfzluWZstvyIdzYnPqDNx6l7fI3In8OhC-FjCSDIYJ7fkQSrM-QdHFQaAvZVEALw_wcB Wow! I’m sure you can get a second hand USA model for £1500-1700.

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2025/08/03/nofxs-barcelona-how-the-unlikely-combination-of-fat-mike-and-david-pastorius-created-a-genre-bending-bass-gem/ I heard the song a few weeks back, and I did wonder if Mike had suddenly got into bass tapping. This is a great combination!

That IS a nice Fender.

These were sadly discontinued before the Specials. Quite a niche but cool instrument.

That was absolutely lovely. IMO, the modern Fender American P bass 5 string is actually a really nice instrument. The P pickup will always bring a certain tone to a B string, and often it's nice to have the bridge pickup to get it to sound a little 'tighter', but I'd go for a Fender P5 if I wanted a passive 5 string P bass. I've tried many types of 5 string, and still, despite different scale lengths, I absolutely love the Musicman tight and aggressive B string 5 string basses.

Yep, and you get what you get!

Dealer as in the distributor, not the shops. It adds another layer of profit.