Paul S

I could thoroughly recommend Andy Rogers from this forum, who did an absolutely splendid job with a black refin on my Precision Lyte. He did a kind of diary on it here. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/244071-fender-precision-lyte-body-refinish/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/244071-fender-precision-lyte-body-refinish/[/url]

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Westone-pantera-x790-bass-guitar-/171468674894?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item27ec54574e"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Westone-pantera-x790-bass-guitar-/171468674894?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item27ec54574e[/url] BIN £485 collection only from Bristol. I think that is cheap - I'd be looking for at least £100 over the top of that for mine if ever I sold it. These are *superb* quality and really rare - this being the second I have seen for sale in 5 years (mine being the first)

Just ordered 4 black elephant ears for my latest darling - a mid 80s all black Fender Jazz Bass Special that has been converted to active with Barts and a nice preamp - currently bang on 9lbs, so hopefully it will be nearer 8.5 with these fitted. Cost a few pence under £50 posted. I expect to pay duty as well when they arrive but still good. Thanks Basschat!!

This might help [url="http://www.hipshotproducts.com/files/all/hbtuners.pdf"]http://www.hipshotproducts.com/files/all/hbtuners.pdf[/url]

From the pic it is impossible to tell but - what diameter is the hole in the headstock? Or, if you prefer, what is the diameter of the shaft (ohh er, matron etc). If you don't mind what the back looks like, that is a key issue. If you physically have room for the back plate and lever mechanism, as long as the shaft fits the hole (ooh er etc) then you are in business.

Thanks for those links!

Could either of you be kind enough to link to the seller for these licensed Ultralight copies, please? Sticking that into the search doesn't come up with anything. Ta.

I pull faces, twitch my head round jerkily and make seemingly random movements with the rest of my body. I've stopped worrying about it and just issue a disclaimer when playing with anyone new so they don't call for an ambulance.

I'm not saying they aren't better, just that it doesn't matter.

A lot of my basses cost less than £200, and I would (and do) gladly gig with them. A 'name' headstock decal only really matters to people who judge your playing by sight, not sound.

As a relative newbie and very occasional user in the world of fretless, I would recommend starting with a decent but cheap factory fretless - something like a secondhand Squier VM Jazz or (my preference) Westone Thunder 1A fretless - to see how you get on. You may not get on with a fretless or, indeed, you might take to it. In either case you can move on the bass for very little, if any, loss of cash to either upgrade or forget the idea. But defretting a bass, even if done professionally, will almost certainly devalue it. IMO etc.

Still here....

The duty is calculated after the shipping cost, as well. So, for example, your bass costs £200, shipping £50, duty calculated on £250 plus Parcel Force charge a handling fee - around £13 iirc.

Someone, don't know who, said it is similar to the type of 'present' that a cat gives you when it leaves it's latest rodent kill in the middle of your kitchen floor.

I would vote for a fretless Westone Thunder 1A. Unlined board, gorgeous tone. I replaced my Squier VM fretless with this as I think it is a better made, better sounding bass that goes for much the same, or less, money secondhand. Status black nylon flats, yum yum. Not me, but gives a good demo of the sound. http://youtu.be/WrzEzczWgCo

I can't make this one ...

That's the problem - you won't stay away. [i]Can't [/i]stay away.

You could do a lot worse than look on the classified here... say, for example....shameless plug alert... a mid 80s Aria Pro II Laser Classic for £125, which would see off your Squier Jag any day of the week and leave you change [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/242042-aria-pro-ii-leb-laser-electric-classic-l125/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/242042-aria-pro-ii-leb-laser-electric-classic-l125/[/url]