I bought a bass case from a guy in Bristol who collects Bean bass guitars - I couldn't believe the weight, it felt like double a 'normal' bass.
I'd love to own one, but feel my chances are slim.
I do like a thick neck, if I remember correctly you are at the opposite end of the country to me as I am in the south west (although we are quite likely to head north later in the year, family homeland and all that)