bassatnight

Folks, I am considering purchasing a lovely Japanese Jazz from a guy in Japan, the bass is currently £500 with a buy it now about the same price, but I am worried about being ripped off or possible extra charges by way of Import Tax etc. I have mailed the guy as the price he quoted for shipping was just £20 to the UK and when I questioned it he said the actual price for shipping is £89 but he will only charge me £20 of that? Seems to good to be true? I took the liberty of mailing a person from the UK who had previously bought from him and he said the guy is kosher but also questioned the shipping cost to me as it seems very low. Anyone on here bought from Japan before and has an idea of possible pitfalls in terms of extra costs?

Derek Forbes and Mick Karn, loved early eighties late 70's Synth based pop and they always seemed to have LEAD instruments that were the Bass as opposed to the 6 string instruments.

I did think about using 75's but as you say the spacing would be an issue although probably negligible. I am not sure which pups to go for I might just chance my arm with the Di Marzio's.[quote name='LawrenceH' post='1008558' date='Nov 1 2010, 02:21 PM']Regarding pickups, I had a pair of US Fender Vintage 75s via ebay sent from this guy [url="http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/joshmsr/"]http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/joshmsr/[/url] Even with postage (he will combine this for multiple items) it came in pretty cheap and they are the same pups as in the US 75RI. Just in case you're not aware though, part of the sound is the 70s pup spacing which the VM Jazz doesn't have. You'd have to get the body routed and then work out what to do with the hole! (Maybe something a little bit unusual like the Wizard Combo?)[/quote]

The problem is the guy did not put a reserve and is now going to put it back up at more money, E-Bay make it clear you enter into a binding contract, the guy should have pulled it before the end rather than waste the buyers time and money in calling and chasing him.

E-Bay may suspend his ID, particularly if he puts the same item up again!

He clearly won't sell it for what you offered, surely he is bound legally to sell as you won the item, wonder what E-Bay can do about it for you?

Has happened to me before, I simply mailed him and warned him I will be leaving negative feedback unless he explains himself. The guy responded with a tale of woe which was almost certainly bullshit. I certainly wouldn't call him as he didn't give you permission to do so. Mail him, and put it down as a poor experience with a bad eBayer.

Folks, Just for a hobby type thing I have purchased a mint Squire Vintage Modified Jazz (the natural one) my goal is to turn it into a clone of a Fender 75ri Jazz (or even better) for less than £350. I shall take some pics but so far I have done this: Vintage Modified Jazz £150 via Ebay Gotoh 201b Brass Bridge £30 Ebay Genuine Fender 75ri Bass F Tuners £20 Gumtree Genuine Fender Jazz Bass Skirted knob Set Black x3 £9 I have also added a pick guard but I just prefer this looks wise that was £8 Still to source: Top Quality Jazz Pups (DiMarzio Ultra Jazz Bass Pickup Set or Nordstrand NJ4SV's) this is going to be the pricey bit £85 for the DiMarzio's and the Nordys are like £180 so this may blow my budget a bit unless I can source cheaper ones. Still £400 compared to £1500 for a 75 ri still not too bad, I am not going the whole hog and adding a Fender decal as I find that a little precious, its the sound I want. I am a little concerned about the 'painted' block inlays on the neck so I am thinking about adding some form of lacquer to combat this (ideas welcome?)

Duck Dunn on the bay, anyones on here?

Come on guys it was a Christmas gift for his whole family!!!

Cheers for the prompt responses guys, appreciate it. I would love the Nordstrand's but hard to source here and as you say pricey, somone has some 75ri's pups on the bay but second hand may be dodgy. I am convinced I can turn this Squire into a really good Jazz

Recently purchased a VM Squire Jazz for the princely sum of £150 of the bay, its a lovely version with no obvious issues and a lovely neck. Just for something to do I decided to see how far I can upgrade it for as little money as poss, so far I have swapped the bridge with a Gotoh 201B which made an immidiate difference with the sustain and generally feel. I have added a pick up cover ala Marcus Miller. I also intend to swap out the pups with some good high quality ones - I have looked at the Fender custom 60's which are around £100 also the silent version which is a little more but anyone got any advice as to the pups I should put in? looking for the best possible quality for around £100 or less. What else should I look at changing? Ta, Stevo

Ebay used to be great but the charges are now beyond belief! I recently tried to sell an item for £800 it didn't sell but they still charged me £40 various options like me putting a reserve on it!