Machines

To be fair, the bass was £89.

I don't think i've posted my BBG here yet. Sniped on eBay around November for absolutely stupid money, since upgraded with Seymour Duncan SPB-3s which were mispriced (sorry PMT). Stock is was fine, but the pickups were lacking a bit of heft and I struggled with the lack of bottom end compared to my other basses. This BBG has cost me under £175 including adding the pickups. It plays like butter, sounds amazing - it is my go to 4 string.

I'll save you the £8. It's a shadow of the former store. Stock is boring, expensive and uninspiring for a bassist. Fender/Squier/Jackson Ibanez Yamaha Sandberg Musicman/Sterling That's it.

Reflection.

Probably : Dingwall D-Roc 5 Dingwall NG-3 Warwick Gnome 280w + Ashdown RM210

Unashamed duo shot. Recorded with the NG last week, sounded IMMENSE.

I have made a purchase but think it's permissible. I've bought a 3/4 Ibanez Mikro for my lad's birthday next month, he doesn't play yet but has shown enough of an interest so far and I found this cheap enough for it to be worth a shot.

Part of the allure of vintage instruments in my mind is that they DON'T look new. I want to see a bit of wear and tear, patina and a story behind it. Being sat in a case for 45+ years (maple neck looks like it's seen zero UV) just makes it look like a newish P bass that's really bloody expensive.

I bought one of these new for £199 from Dawsons Manchester (probably served by @AndyTravis) in 2005. Unlined was a bad choice for me as a new player but it played well enough. Found a pic:

My current situation is everything I have is bloody good. I don't even know what i'd WANT to have that could add to the repertoire in a practical manner, but that doesn't mean I can resist a bargain to tinker with and flip. Temptation has been low in the last few weeks, but that may be more indicative of a quiet market post Xmas. I still check the usual places a few times a day however.

I've just had fitted the Delano Sonar preamp to my RBX6JM but this was purchased in December. Selling one on Facebook currently which seems to be attracting attention but no actual offers, I don't have space for anything else currently so appear to be GAS Safe for now.

What type ?

It was actually me, he doesn't play much anymore as he has arthritis. Yes, you are supposed to hit the strings, but i've never had that happen on any other guitar i've played in 20 years - suggesting those other 50+ guitars were not made from a perishable material, on a £1800 instrument I found that shocking. My point is that I think this is not a pickup any player who should get if they are a 'physical' player. Home plodders/wall art collectors go ahead.

I agree, but basically the pickup cover is paper.

My Dad has gold foil pickups on a Rarities Stratocaster. Had to get them replaced under warranty as this was from a 20 min strumming session with a heavy pick. Can't tell if they've improved the design on that one, but be warned ! It is now kept in a case and never gets played for fear of damaging it.

Remember not to listen to this on anything without good bass response, forget any laptop/phone speakers. My AKG headphones can't handle the fundamentals so i'll grab my Sony later and fully expect my brain to melt.

This exact bass (99% sure) was at the BassGallery for around 12 months then mystery appeared online at BassDirect and sold immediately (same price). I had eyed it up but I knew it was a bit steep for me currently.

So it's an early Euro ? If so, that seems a fair price. Newer ones go for a bit more I would say.

Hmm, so £300ish ? I would opt for 2nd hand and then you effectively buy a £550+ instrument with a few miles on it. As you said HBs are not renowned for their electronics, but I haven't had one to comment. Cort with Bartolinis should be reliably decent, even if the tone can be a little bland. The Sires are also well respected, but I haven't played anything below a 5 series.

What's your budget ?

They did the After Eight, Perfect Ten and Five Fifteen.

Jan 2023 update:

Fun fact, I just bought this.