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I think that for many of us there are ebbs and flows in interest, and these don't always coincide with episodes or periods wherein other priorities require time away from playing (or at least, permit insufficient time for anything more than the odd noodle). Over the years - very many of them - I've gigged and recorded intensively, sometimes simply messed around with basses, or drifted into other interests and obligations where bass has taken a back-seat. I've realised in the past decade that I simply enjoy playing bass for its own reward in terms of relaxation. There's something about the feel of fingers on strings and board that helps me to just drift away - not concentrating, practising or composing, merely sensation, sentience and disengagement from a cacophony of inconsequential trivia. Andy, you were gifted with an incredible talent, one that has brought (and will bring) pleasure to those that are sufficiently fortunate to hear you play - and in a reasonable world, that would be hordes. I'd say, just don't force it - you'll sense if and when it's time. In the interim, just fiddle around and relax - and in your household, the cacophony of inconsequence must be a joyous one

I'm afraid I can't - more than twelve years of perseverance and I've now given-up. As above, I'm working on a solution and met with a renowned design engineer this week. I do love working with designers - full of smart ideas and solutions

I've sort of given-up on perseverance with neck diving shorties. Some seem to be much worse than others (Alembic small-bodied shorties for example). I suspect the OP is right re: body dimensions with the Mustangs. I used to love Mustangs and learned on one as a much younger man - the dive didn't bother me then. If there's a chance, try a Wilcock or Spector Bantam/Shorty - I haven't experienced any dive with either. So in short, and to answer directly, I stuck with it, didn't get used to it, and made changes to non-diving alternatives.

Every Fender or Fender clone I’ve owned. I love the look - incredibly cool. However, in my hands they sound dull and feel uncomfortable. In the hands of others, they can sound beautiful. Inevitably, I will buy more and again, sell at a loss

Manchester - plenty of events, venues and festivals, and even more eager bands (I saw a very decent and enthusiastic young band in a town square last evening). I haven’t gigged seriously for years - a combination of lack of will, demanding job, poorly paid gigs, and poor treatment. I sort of enjoy playing for relaxation by myself (and find it potentially more stretching - I’m a fan of atonal composition). A lot of my mates are still (older!) pros and won’t touch local gigs - some will only work in Europe - good money, great venues, excellent treatment (apparently). The idea has been floated that I pick-up a few dates with them. Interest piqued - maybe a warm-up in Manchester but that’s it. I find most of the city’s venues pretty scuzzy and unappealing (age?)

If that’s the neck I once owned - and it could well be - it’s the finest long-scale fretless neck I’ve ever played (and that includes Wals, Fender Masterbuilt and plenty of other premium brands). Absolute stunner Chris. Pleased to see you’ve settled with that gorgeous Enfield body

I’ve used Tinytone - they have a lot of choice and stock. I’m fairly close so can call-in to select. An image below - celluloid and fairly red. A chat with Jack prior to purchase might be a good idea

Hahaha! Possibly not. Scrumpmike on here came-up with a lovely idea a few years ago and it will be a variation on that. I can see that Bernard's does the job (and the Gallery did something similar for a famous session giant) but I'm looking for something a bit more elegant

Ahh…I’d forgotten that one! I should have been more specific. A smaller-bodied short-scale with an extended horn. I love the Darling shape - it’s getting closer but one doesn’t see many in Series configurations. I’m working with a design engineer on solutions for my sbss basses. Incidentally, that Rogue looks lovely!

Wayne Jones also offers bass-specific powered cabs in 1x10 and 2x10 versions. The 1x10 has two 500 watt power amps, one to power the internal drivers and one to power an external cab (either mono or stereo). Superb build quality and very pokey. Very flat too. The boast that these can be used as monitors is not an idle one either (WJ appears to have been focusing more on high-end studio monitoring recently). Around £1k each imported so not nuts for the quality and functionality

Alembic - body shape with horn and strap pin that extend to around the 12th fret

I answered my own question - these extended stem HB1s are available directly from Hipshot in the US at around $44 each. A very prompt and polite response from the company

Sennheiser HD25

You have some dream amps there! I’m not sure this is much help but my first (of three!) DB750s was a US import. Aguilar were happy to provide a new power module/switch for a very modest fee - a quick install and easy solution. This was a very long time ago and Agi were extremely responsive back then. I’d try agi customer service as Bassmanpaul suggests. There may be a direct number too somewhere - I remember getting direct communications from Dave and Alex back in the day (not sure that will happen in the Korg era). Good luck - a massively impressive power amp

I absolutely love the look of the HB1s but love lollipops too, especially with dots and bound. I’ve always thought the stems on (US) Lakland’s HB1s might be a little longer and more elegant than standard HB1 (see below). Does anybody know if this is the case? I’ve owned a couple of US Laklands and really liked everything about them other than the rather square-edged body shaping. BassAgent, please drop me a note if you make a change and are thinking of selling the Lakland HB1s