Burns-bass

Not if its been used for 3 months. In this case, the shop would accept the guitar back as faulty and expect a refund from the manufacturer.

I’m trusting that the OP has kept the phone up to date. If it’s a simple comparability issue, then fair play. But it seems that the software won’t work depute an OS being the latest version. Maybe there’s a simple explanation here…

You can return it if it doesn’t function as it should. This isn’t the same as not having a cable or suitable device, it has ceased to operate and is faulty. Record everything and continue as you are. If you get nothing back from then consider a small claim. Trust me, Andertons won’t want this and it may “encourage” them to do the right thing. That being said, I’ve only ever had good service from them and I’m sure it will get sorted.

Probably only a few instruments a year sell for that price but that’s a fraction of what a top-end violin would cost you.

Yes, I think this is the gold-standard of testing (that you'd expect on a bass of this value). If you're spending £100k on a double bass, it's normally supported by an independent valuation from an authority like the Martins. In the vintage world, you can get this from Gruhns I believe, but I'm sure there are others out there that offer this. My question is why you'd overspray it and who would do it? Is it something normal people did in the past to protect a degrading finish or a duplicitous trick by rascally vintage dealers?

How does this work and who would have done it? I'm just curious at what point someone would choose to remove a clear coat and then apply an overspray. Was this regularly happening in the 80s or something?

Totally get it. What's fascinating – and reassuring – is the way that the group here can provide insights, experience and opinions that I'd hope any buyer would find useful if they were interested in buying the bass. I've hd ots of help from people on here about basses, double basses, amps and powered speakers that have really helped me.

Yeah but it looks like the screw heard have been snapped off. Crazy time the 60s I guess.

I'm not sure I buy this idea of Fender as some sort of mad professor., or penny pinching stooge. Anyone who has worked in factories or with factories (my dad's job was work flow management and production process design, so I have heard a lot about it) you're going to tool up for specific jobs. It would make no sense to have two concurrent processes in place. I'm sure there are anomalies out there, but this was a professional factory knocking out a lot of instruments not an artisan workshop (despite what the myth makers would tell you!).

And this is what I don’t have the vintage bass fever anymore.

Excellent advice, thanks. I used to be a teacher so I’m trying to both remember my advice and follow it myself.

I wouldn’t buy anything of that value without absolute certainty of its originality, so I completely agree! In the end, I could never justify this for an instrument like this. But it doesn’t stop me looking.

I had the same experience. They’re a successful shop that knows what they’re doing. Be good if they were all as forensic as Andy Baxter I guess but they have a much larger stock and faster turnaround

I think he’s just excited about getting new bass. Ive owned one of these and I really liked it. I know Simon who does the setups and I’ve played a few at his place. Really like then.

Dunno. Maybe they’re an old school shop that actually wants you to go in. If I was nearby I would, but I’d probably be destitute.

Yeah that’s is how it was done at this point. The stick method came later. In the Fender book you can see how the bodies were held in place like that as they moved through. At this price I’d expect it to be black lit and come with a large amount of provenance. I don’t know the Gallery if I’m honest but you don’t stay in business that long unless you do things properly.

Ask @Hellzero Guess we're in the transitional period between stackers and the 3 knob versions.

See if the'll let you take some pictures. On any objective measure, £18k for a mass produced instrument is bonkers. But if I had the cash to spare (lottery win, tour with Pink Floyd etc.) I probably would.

Everyone can see how miserable I am, but even I can't fail to be impressed by this. https://reverb.com/uk/item/86596651-fender-jazz-bass-1960-1961-sunburst

I agree, the virtuoso stuff is cool m, up to a point, but it starts to grate in the end. Possibly because once he’d nailed his tone and tricks he never really moved on musically. If never stick on a Jaco record in a million years, but I’d listen to a Joni Mitchell one (and do!).

Agreed. Sanding it won’t break it and it’s a stopgap. If you paid for it to be refinished it wouldn’t be all original so anyone holding out for that would be put off anyway. With all respect, 1992 Stingrays aren’t commanding a huge premium, so I say crack on. I had a funny conversation when I got the jack socket changed on a 1966 fender. The tech joked that the swap probably knocked £500 off the value as it was no longer 100% original.

It’s very hard to get a good sound and I’m working hard to improve my technique. My tendency is to do too much and so I’m doing 2 x 20 minute practices a day which is helping me to reduce (but not remove) potential frustration.

I see this as a response to your post in the FS section and I agree. One would assume someone would have undergone some form of structured training or apprenticeship, but people can call themselves whatever they want. In my sector (copywriting, content and journalism) people can call themselves whatever they want - and they very often do.