Beedster

I imagine it is and always has been a largely commercial decision. I guess it's a manufacturers job to estimate the cost:benefit ratio of every new model, either in terms of sale of that model or in wider brand awareness/status (I'm sure some if not many signature models are exercises in PR as opposed to product line extension), and if that estimate suggests that putting Flea or whoever's name on the model is going to tilt it in favour of benefit, then they'd be foolish not to? BUT I really wouldn't want to be the person who rubber stamps any of them

Yep, these guys are not today’s Jacos

I'm with you mate, the old saying (think it was Lily Tomlin) "The problem with the rat race is that even if you win it you're still a rat" seems relevant? The whole space seems to be full of adults acting like children when sweets are being handed out at a party, trying to shout "Me, me, me" louder than all the other kids, the whole thing pretty much an absence of style over an absence of substance. If I've got time to kill I play music or listen to recordings of people who play music 👍

Easy @FlyStraight99, modding quickly becomes addictive! Nice work 👍

We live and learn 🙏

That's good advice 👍

Pick, fretless (flats), sublime 👍

Funny you should say that mate, come back in about 6 months.......... It's actually a really nice Allparts body, lovely grain on the back suggesting the same would be true of the top. It was originally routed for a '51/SC PUP so the odd gold finish covers some wood work that looks like it's OK but of course may not be. Time will tell 👍

It was rather nice, although using the rehearsal room rig I missed the top end my Mesa rig gives me, and given this was a new FL I struggled at a couple of points to get the pitch spot on (I need to do a little more work on the bridge setup, it was running slightly sharp by comparison with my other FLs). Either way, the bass ticks most of my boxes, retro/slightly unusual style, single PUP, fat neck, and really solid, so I think it's going to stay as it is at least through this gig. The neck - which is new, is sublime. Re playing fretless for a whole set, I found the easiest way is to simply play exactly what I'd have played on a fretted bass as opposed to trying to make the bass parts 'fretless' if that makes sense. It's not always possible, but I was surprised how easy it was. Having said that, you do need to be able to hear yourself very well at least for the first few rehearsals, and the other instruments (including voice) need to be in pretty much in tune or it can be a rather emotional experience, and not in a good way..... 🤔

They really sing on this bass 👍

Must admit Uke idea alone didn’t grab me but Uke/ABG combined would be good I think, it might not only allow those already playing them a space, but encourage others to give them a go 👍