2 hours ago, Petey said:

As you can see the top pic is the original s/p screwed to some wood to help stop the shrinkage( with the crack close to the input hole)

The second pic is with a Spitfire aged s/p 

First, what an absolutely lovely old Precision - I'm not really a Fender player but I can appreciate the vintage class here - stunning.  The Spitfire plate looks truly amazing too - particularly against the Oly White - I hope that you're pleased, I was certainly delighted with my Spitfire guard.  I'm not sure which I prefer but either the original or Spitfire is suitably beautiful to grace such a bass

On 23/01/2021 at 13:38, Petey said:

I forgot about this  thread - i'll take pics in the next few days and put up the 61-P with the Spitfire plate on and the original screwed down on a piece of wood - fitted but local luthier Dave Walsh (Eternal Guitars).

I look forward to this - the Spitfire plate that I had was superb in every detail.  The price of a decent and playable modern bass but the closest to real old celluloid tort I've seen 

thanks and wow, that really is quite something!

That koa is beautiful - do you have an image of the back of the bass? 

The SKB iSeries Universal Bass Case is by far the best case that I've seen in the past few years - Bax appear to have them at £247.  Not cheap obviously, but the protection appears to be superb and everything about the case just looks and feels premium.  They're not a light case either but the wheels are impressive and there are twin handles to ensure that moving the case around is relatively hassle free.  The only downside for me is that they won't take a wider bodied bass - Fender types, Spectors etc. are fine but if you have anything with an unusually wide upper bout, it's unlikely to fit.  They're worth having just to admire - really a fabulous case in every respect and a real step-up from anything else that I've used.  These probably offer similar protection (better in some respects) to a full flight case - Anvil etc. - with a much reduced weight

54 minutes ago, Ricky Rioli said:

I got a delivery from UPS yesterday. The shop hadn't bothered to add anything to the manufacturers packaging, just stuck the label on it, and it arrived absolutely pristine.

Related to this, I was wondering what cheap hard cases like this £50 one sold by gear4music are like - are they actually any better than lots of bubble wrap and cardboard? And would it make the parcel insurable?

£50 hard case

I've bought two of these cases specifically for shipping nice basses (though I think I ordered the tweed version).  The cases are very decent for the price - perhaps surprisingly so - reasonably protective and delivered in a cardboard outer that is suitable for onward shipping with the bass/case inside.  I always insert additional packing (bubble-wrap/corrugated card or similar) into the case and around it in the carton - this to prevent movement and provide an additional layer of protection.  For £50 plus shipping it's a decent deal - good for buyer-seller reassurance and the buyer receives the bass in a very useable hard case

PMd

Wow, absolute bargain for a stunning bass (IMO). I’d certainly go for the re-fin and have all the brass gold plated (about £150). The tone out of these is biblical

I sold a very high-end bass to Mark around four weeks ago.  Fantastic communications throughout - Mark paid a large deposit upfront and kept me informed all the way through as he raised the remainder of the agreed price.  Great conversations too as Mark came to view and then collect the bass.  Really trustworthy, communicative and friendly - a pleasure and an honour to do business.  Most highly recommended. 

On 06/01/2021 at 16:48, MJJS said:

I have no evidence, but the previous owner told me it appeared on Trent d’Arby’s second album.

It’s an ‘84 I believe.

I'd think the date is about right (or possibly '83).  I ordered mine in late '84 and it was delivered in '85.  By the delivery date the GMT pickups no longer had exposed pole-pieces.  The serial number might be some indication of build date?  Whatever, great to see one of these early SIIs.  Absolutely fantastic basses (and what a lovely find).  Do you know what the facing timber might be?  Possibly Padauk but it looks quite a bit lighter than mine - I can't remember what facings were on offer at the time (beyond Maple and Padauk) 

3 hours ago, hiram.k.hackenbacker said:

I would be interested to hear @three's thoughts on the differences between the USA and Skyline basses. The USA I bought from him is just stunningly good, clearly better in fit and finish than the couple of Skyline's I've tried since, but I'm aware that's only a couple of comparisons so I don't think I'm in a position to judge.

I wish I could help here but, as far as I remember, I've only played US Laklands.  My interest in Lakland DJs was piqued this week as I learned (on here) that they have a slightly scaled-down body.  Something that would interest me as I don't get on well with full size J bodies (I should seek one out and the vast majority seem to be Skylines).  The US mentioned above is an amazing bass in every respect.  I like a really (truly really) low action and the PJ was able to take this without a murmur - fabulous craft-work, fit, finish and playability!  

3 hours ago, BritBass 2 said:

 

NCD : Spector NS flight case, many thanks to the team at Bass Central , Florida. Sadly these are not available via the UK distributers although they tried but it wasn’t financially viable. The original TKL Kramer/Spector tolex case is still as new but the Gator version is definitely a step up from it , very surprised that these are not shipped as standard with US models.

 

I was taking a look at these for my Spector (I'm not really impressed with Spector's standard tolex cases), though as you say BritBass, not easy to source in the UK.  Fortunately, I have a lot of colleagues/contacts in the US and shipping is reasonably straightforward.  In the end, I went for the SKB iSeries - a very formidable case indeed, though without the Spector logo.  Good to have adequate protection for such beautiful instruments!  

11 hours ago, Woody1957 said:

Is this now sold? Cheers Steve

Apologies - I should have marked this as ‘sold’ earlier. The case has now been delivered to its new owner

I've been enjoying this in the past few months.  It isn't going to replace my Shorty for gigging, though it's a staggeringly beautiful instrument in every way and plays superbly well.  I haven't tried to record it yet but should have that pleasure in the coming weeks.  I'd only really played a Shorty 'til this came along but I can honestly say that it's as good as any bass that I've ever owned or played, and far superior to nearly all (and it's an embarrassingly long list).  The craftwork, fit and finish are up there with the world's very best (but then, so are the prices).  The solid maple wings alone are a thing of beauty.  I'd waited for a long time for a Spector in ultra amber or ultra violet and the finish doesn't disappoint in any way   

I have a set of Elixir strings (either 40-100 or 45-105 I think) if of any use to anybody.  These came off a Spector and are cut for 2+2 34" scale.  I was told that they are Elixirs when I bought the bass, and that they had been fitted for the sale.  I took them straight off when the bass arrived.  They sounded and look bright and very little used, they're just too heavy for me.  I've included a couple of images.  I've no reason to believe the strings aren't Elixirs and somebody here may be able to confirm.  They're in very good condition too - this should be obvious from the images.  I can ship within the UK for £10 inclusive of postage.

I had a Dano longhorn re-issue and it could produce that kind of tone fairly readily with very light rounds (the kind of strings I use all the time).  I miss it.

Thanks for the video.  I’ve been looking at these though interest wanes a little each time the delivery date is pushed back by Andertons - probably 5th or 6th time now and looking at 10th Feb 2021 (not Andertons’ fault of course).  I have a number of connections in the US and thinking of getting a tt shipped directly, despite attendant potential problems

Absolutely lovely.  Lots of little nods to Alembic (never a bad thing in my view) though with a distinctive twist.  Construction and finish look superb and the timbers appear to be very well selected.  A very impressive bass - good luck with the sale - this can't be easy.

I have a couple of US Spectors and they're up there with any bass I've ever played.  Preferable to me to the Fodera and Wals I've owned in the past (a personal preference, of course) with a build quality and fit and finish that is absolutely superb.  Attention to detail is staggeringly good - QC at the US custom shop is extraordinary and I hope it will stay this way now that Stuart Spector is no longer involved.  This looks like a beautiful example with a gorgeous top.  I'd agree with the comment above re: price - it's worth taking a look at Bass Direct's prices on this sort of spec.  Wonderful and good luck with the sale!

I have enjoyed the inestimable pleasure of having handled and played this bass.  It possesses that almost magical feel of a really good (really, really good), vintage Fender, one played, loved and admired over more than five decades.  Whilst I don't deny that there are some fantastic relicers around, there is something about the real thing that simply defies replication.  When I took this bass from its case, its history and class was evident immediately.  It is everything that the seller says.  Authentic, authoritative, sweet, mature and perfectly mellowed by years of play.  Clearly an instrument that has been, and will continue to be treasured.  It's a fairly light bass too, and of course, perfectly balanced.  Playability is superb - low action but enough relief to ensure that every note sings.

The work by Jimmy Moon is exemplary, and in my view, something that adds a unique and classy twist to a very desirable bass.  The dark ebony board and dots are beautiful and the binding is brilliantly well-executed.  It's worth having look at Jimmy's current production (and his prices) - a true star in the luthiery firmament. 

I'm a big fan of Fender's '66-'69 period and some of my favourite Fenders derive from this time - and this J is certainly one of my favourites (I genuinely prefer many instruments from this period to their pre-CBS counterparts).  I wanted this bass last time it became available.  Alas, extremely poor timing for me this time around and I'll miss out... though if I did ever have the chance, I'd be getting some lollipops for that dots, bound '66 look - 'weak at the knees!  GLWTS, though I doubt that luck is a factor here.    

This bass is now on-hold pending payment.  Mensinger Cazpar fretless short-scale bass (4P) - hollow body, eye poplar top - stunning looks and in as new condition.  I bought this from Scrumpmike on here a few months ago (see advert below - I hope this is OK Mike).  Fantastic player with super-low action and a full but very articulate voice.  Very nicely constructed and super-light at around 3.2kg. Balance is superb given extended top horn.  Really fun and easy to play but with very high-end tone and sustain.  Currently strung with d'Addario light nickels (40-95) but will also be supplied with the labella flats that were on it when it arrived (very nice but I just tend to use rounds on fretless).  Also supplied with Mensinger padded gig-bag and original documentation.  Built in May 2017 and appears to be have used very little.  I bought it to fill-in whilst waiting for the return of another bass and that bass is now ready.  Main details:

Poplar eye top on mahogany body

Hollow-body in high gloss poly finish 

Maple neck with plain and unmarked ebony board (small edge of board fret marker lines and dots)

Satinated finish on back of neck

30" scale

40mm nut

weight: 3.2kg

Domanski pickup in eye poplar cover

Passive with volume, tone and coil tap

Mensinger bridge 

Tuners are very positive (but not sure of maker - look like Gotoh)

Original ad from Scrumpymike:

Collection in Manchester would be ideal but I can ship in the UK for around £15 (excluding insurance).  Shipping at the buyers risk - I don't have a hard case for the bass.  No trades thanks and I'm firm on price - I think this is a significant bargain at £820.  Any questions, please just ask

As above, part of the Gator Pro range - roto-moulded mil-spec - looks almost new. These appear to retail at around £140. Front and rear rack strip, rubber feet on bottom. Supplied with 7 fixing bolts and washers. This is the deep version. A really nice, solid case. Collection would be great but I can ship in the uk for around £5. Amp shown for size purpose only!

1 hour ago, LukeFRC said:

As a rule I don’t like white basses - but that is rather nice looking on on the left! 

Thank you and it is an absolutely lovely bass - gorgeous looks and a fabulous player.  Unfortunately, not mine any longer - now residing with one of Basschat's finest!

12 hours ago, cigir said:

Is it adjustable? For ex; 18 or 17 mm

I'm sure that the seller will come along with a definitive answer.  I sold this bass around 6 or 7 years ago and I'm pretty sure that the spacing is adjustable.  My decision to sell was based partially on the width of the board, though it's all down to personal preference, of course.  I prefer skinny, narrow, (and more recently) short-scale necks

19 hours ago, Rondoggy said:

Lovely bass.

Has it been sold?

Thanks Rondoggy, deposit paid and collection due - I'll update if any changes occur