three

The celluloid nitrate tort guard has arrived from SIMS - very fast turnaround and an excellent job of producing a guard with perfect fit. This was a custom job and I was required to provide the original plate as a template - the original was returned with the new guard. The quality is excellent - there's a fairly clear difference when comparing modern plastic and celluloid side-by-side. Much greater depth and complexity in the colour of the latter - an almost 3D effect. The guard has a 30 degree bevel and looks much more authentic on the CS '59. It wasn't cheap at over £90 but was worth the effort and looks sublime. The original was OK but the CN is a massive improvement. Ironically, now the bass has a new plate, I may sell. I bought the CS for a group of gigs that needed an older style Fender. The gigs are done and the bass is much less useful to me (though lovely to have around, especially in its current livery)

The plate is now on order from SIMS - I'll get some images up when it arrives - thanks all for the suggestions and help!

Try a large Hiscox bass case - there's one in the ads at £50 at the moment. They'll fit a Ripper so you should be ok

Hi all, thanks for the advice - I've been working away so no decisions yet. Cheers, L

If you're considering investing a major wedge, the Spector Shorty is likely to be of interest - dark punch and superbly designed and playable. If you're considering parting with an obscene wedge, an Alembic brown bass punches like little else. Balance is weird but construction and tone are incomparable

Brilliant - thanks all, I think I'm getting there! Cheers!

Ahh, maybe - think I bought them on bc ages ago but can't remember. Thank you! Any other opinions? Cheers!

Hi all, can anybody assist with identification of strings in the image - they're DBE on a Status - light gauge and feel like nickel but could be SS. The silks are purple-blue. Lovely strings indeed - possibly Status hot wires but I didn't think these were silked? Any opinions gratefully received

Gentlemen, thanks very much for this information - very useful indeed! I live fairly close to Manchester and have heard good things about Jack. I've also seen some of Sims work - amazing finishes. Very good advice, I'll pick this up - cheers!

Hi all, I have a 60 'CS P with a nice plate but it's just not quite right. Does anybody know of a source of excellent quality celluloid type scratchplates (with that lovely early '60s look)? I've had a Spitfire in the past and they're beautiful but massively expensive (£200+). I'd rather avoid the spitfire route if I can find something of near quality at a reasonable price. Thanks in advance for any advice

I've played loads and owned two or three (a Mk2 and Mk3 at least - ridiculous that I can't remember). They're a bass that I've always wanted to love, then when I get one, I don't. I used to play a lot of the Pro models (I lived near the distributor) and remember a pronounced v profile to the neck - I liked it a lot, many years ago, maybe not so much now. Possibly my technique, but I manage to make Wals sound much thinner than they sound in my memory.