SpondonBassed

Welcome Bassalarky. I'm surprised you haven't already dipped your toe, so to speak. As a hobby bassist I am very glad to read that as it suggests that you coped very well without pedals so far. Although I'd love to get into them myself, I resist because it is unlikely that any pedal would improve my playing. I'd have to have a specific reason to try one. On reflection I might benefit from a looping pedal of some description but I'd only end up playing with myself when what I really need is a lickle band of my very own.

@Andyjr1515 uses a method called 'slurry and buff' to apply some of his oil finishes. It seems to do away with the need for a separate grain filler. Andy might link you up to where he's detailed the process better than I can but in any case I'd recommend any of his build topics for reference. He uses lay-man's terms and as he is on a journey of exploration himself there is much to be learned by following his builds. Other UK builders that I would recommend following are @Norris and @Jabba_the_gut. These are just three of the superb craftsmen who are members here. I only mention them specifically because I am acquainted with them.

Import duty on mine (Ibanez shaped) was about fifty quid. That made the package around £250 before buying the bits and pieces for finishing, replacement screws, input socket, etc.

For the most part yes. The wiring instructions had the output socket wired in reverse for the socket supplied and when it was wired correctly it was crackly and nasty so I replaced it. Other than that the electrics are fine. There was a drilling for the bridge earth wire on mine. It also has humbuckers that allow you to tap the coils but, like yourself, I decided to leave those sort of modifications for another time. I'd recommend you buy better screws though. I wouldn't take a chance on a neck or a bridge screw breaking so I didn't use the ones supplied for the most part. It's all in the link anyway.

Good luck with the build Andy. I used Danish oil with mine (See link in signature)

Welcome Peter.

Welcome Balrog. You will find the Basschat Build Diaries of interest no doubt.

Welcome Louis. Many years ago I lived in Swords and then in Santry. Great city.

Smart and simple. I like it.

Welcome Citizen3rased

That must have made your eyes water a bit...?

Welcome John.

Welcome Nirolf.

Welcome Rich.

Welcome Josh.

Welcome Did_bassman.

I think that might work to your advantage if you can lock in with your drummer early on. He'll help bring you on.

That really is pleasing to the eye.

Do you slacken off the strings before you adjust the truss rods?

I wish you every success with this. You'll get great satisfaction from this build if my experience of cab builds is anything to go by.

Welcome GhettoShred.

Welcome Basselfman. You should find everything you need in the Basschat Marketplace.

Welcome Horrorhiker.

Welcome Musicbass-man.

Welcome Hazza, I'd recommend you look at @Jabba_the_gut's build. I saw it at a Bass Bash last year and it's a beaut! Old Front Door and a Shelf... Your budget should allow you get a decent starter kit though. I echo the suggestion that you modify a kit body rather than make one from ply. I spent about £350 building my Ibanez tribute bass. The link is in my signature. I liked it so much I had to buy the real thing after so beware. Well done for jumping right in though. Respect.