Paul S

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1409425294' post='2539636'] So that's why they're yellow. [/quote] Could just peel them, maybe?

Here's a thought - should I ask Andy to do the headstock to match? It should have a matching headstock, really, but I changed it to natural when I made my clumsy attempt at a re-fin.

Just finished putting it back together. It really looks the mutts! And, with a bit of judicious soldering, I managed to cure the slight grounding problem it had always had before - this is fitted with a U Retro preamp and I have found the East preamps need the extra mile with grounding. 7lbs of Fender's finest now looking as it should. Sounds amazing, too! Thanks for a brilliant job, Andy. Literally! [attachment=171050:lyte1.jpg][attachment=171051:lyte2.jpg][attachment=171052:lyte3.jpg][attachment=171053:lyte4.jpg][attachment=171054:lyte5.jpg][attachment=171055:lyte6.jpg][attachment=171056:lyte7.jpg] Edit - I also managed to put my first dink in the paint, carrying it back upstairs after taking the pics! Nothing serious, but nice to get that out the way now

I use spit (preferably mine), a J cloth and my thumb nail to de-gunk, then lemon oil.

I have a 90s MIJ Fender Precison with a MM maple Jazz neck. It is absolutely lovely, with no issues whatsoever. Straight into the pocket, good fit, no need to shim or do anything excessive on the bridge, even.

[quote name='Bassassin' timestamp='1409958637' post='2545081'] MIJ Vantages were Matsumoku - not seen this model before but it's clearly got Aria Pro CSB, Washburn Scavenger & Westbury Track 2 DNA. Interesting how so many Mat basses were variatioins on one design. J. [/quote] I like the look of it a lot. Difficult to know whether it is the top end of the scale or nearer the bottom - I know a lot of Vantage basses are well thought of. Possibly a bit dear for me to get on a whim but I did sleep on it!

Be rude not to - see you there, Warren.

Massive talent. He does a fantastic cover of Hall and Oates' 'Sarah Smile' http://youtu.be/xk5H95iw-5g And here 'Tobacco Road' http://youtu.be/gntud-iURr4

Another interesting looking bass - Vantage. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Vintage-Vantage-Standard-II-Bass-Guitar-Matsumoku-Japan-amp-/151401763620?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item23403f9324"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980s-Vintage-Vantage-Standard-II-Bass-Guitar-Matsumoku-Japan-amp-/151401763620?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item23403f9324[/url] Same questions to the panel - anyone know anything about them?

I think there are more than a few. For me the woody tone of a Precision is the nicest of all. Tone control full on or rolled off, it just seems right to me.

I saw them at Hyde Park in summer. I'd never really paid them much attention before then but they really blew me away with one of the crispest, sharpest, edgiest live performances I have seen. The singer, whose name escapes me at the moment (see, I told you I wasn't a fan) was tremendous, real power and control in his voice.

Well, Andy, as with the headstock, I couldn't be more pleased with the job. I am almost ashamed to stick the old hardware back on as it will make the bass look a bit shabby compared to the paint finish, which is a deep piano black gloss. When I do, I'll stick some pics on the thread just to complete the circle. Thanks again, Andy - I really can't praise your work highly enough.

MIJ jazz of some sort - headstock will probably give it away. any good? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261578676967?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261578676967?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url]

Ah, the X750.... Cheap rubbish... Actually, it isn't, it is very very nice. But not quite the X790. (he says, smugly)

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1409219380' post='2537563'] I have to say that I absolutely respect any artist who refuses to rely on their old hits. Any fan of Kate Bush knows that her approach to her art is based on a very personal concept of integrity and is not led by the idea of 'giving the people what they want'. Jazz artist who continually regurgitate their old hits are given pretty short shrift and playing the solos 'as on the record' woudl see them laughed out of a theatre. I believe you should expect what the artist is prepared to give. If you want the hits, play the cd. [/quote] Conversely I have to say that I absolutely respect any artist who plays their old hits year after year, even if they are sick to death of them. The fans who turn up to gigs generally want to hear the music that they have bought and enjoyed; the very stuff that made the artist famous and put them in a position where they can tour. To my way of thinking, ignoring a back catalogue of hits is, to a degree, thumbing your nose at those fans. Had she been touring the hits for the past 25 years and was on the brink of releasing new material, this might have been an opportunity for self-indulgence. But after such a long break I am sure an awful lot of people would have been disappointed not to hear the hits. Have to say I am fairly ambivalent about her as an artist - not a fan but no axe to grind, either.

You've seen another X790? Where is that one? The logo on the headstock of this is inlaid, rather than decal.

Can't wait for the next installment... wait - it's my bass! [size=4] [/size][size=4] Great to see the full diary.[/size]

As far as I have been able to work out 'budget' and 'lightweight' are not two words that go together - at least, not with 'worth using' added into the equation. The quality of the materials, engineering and construction have to be top notch in order for them to be lightweight. Using a trolley isn't a viable option if you have issues with your back (depending upon the actual problem, of course). At some point whatever cab you have is going to have to be lifted into and out of your car and, inevitably, with no help available at some point. So it has to be lightweight. I am another Barefaced Cab user - Compact and Midget. I couldn't be happier with them. I've just seen your latest post - £200 won't get you anything lightweight worth using.

I've had both VM and Deluxe and would say, out of the case, the Deluxe is better. Mine was the black, no pickguard and painted headstock and I really liked the stealth look of it. The active eq and controls really gave a great tonal palette and it was pretty lightweight and comfy to wear for long periods. Fretless is a difficult call as each of us carry a different sound in our heads as to what we seek. I've had two VM fretless basses at periods when I thought I might use them - they were both fine but not brilliant. I fitted one with a J retro on board preamp and it sounded immense but the rest of the bass kind of let it down a bit. But now have a Westone Thunder 1A fretless as I prefer the tone, build quality and unlined board of the Westone. Plus the 1A version 3 is lighter in weight than a VM Jazz, which suits my brittle lumbar region.

Hi Andy - you won't have to wait long for the feedback. I really couldn't be more pleased. The pictures don't actually go anywhere doing the finish on the headstock justice - it really looks brand new. And all the other 'extras' - the set up is perfect - I used it at rehearsal last night and it felt just right, almost plays itself. The body and neck are looking absolutely great, too. Apart from the lacquer on the headstock I didn't really consider the bass to be bad nick for a 28 yr old but now it is pretty nearly showroom condition again. Exactly what a bass of this quality and rarity deserves, i reckon. Brilliant job