Machines

http://www.fbass.com/

Thanks @bartelby saved me the hassle 😊

Pretty much, they usually have same pickups/preamp etc (unsure about pickup spacing) so you'd probably get a similar sound from either assuming those variables are the same.

It was a good enough price for me not to ponder more than 2 min.

Before the extinction of OLP by Ernie Ball just before the introduction of the new Sterling by Musicman range, OLP briefly produced the OLP MM22 and 32 basses. These were effectively a Stingray HH with 3 band EQ and 5 position switching. I remember trying one out in a shop in 2008 and being quite impressed by it, but not in the position to buy at the time. They were about £300. I saw this pop up on eBay recently for a decent price, but it didn't look in great condition. Took a risk on it as it was a cash converts type place with 30 day return policy, so it seemed a decent risk. Got it delivered to the local Argos in about 25 miles of bubble wrap which took me around 3 days to open, but the bass was intact so no big deal (recycling bin is full though). It had beyond dead strings, so I didn't even plug it in at first. Snipped them off as I had some DRs Sunbeams on standby. The fretboard was disgusting and there was a lot of dust everywhere. Some lemon oil, a toothbrush and much scrubbing later - all was well. Plugged in there was issues with the switch, it would cut out in any neck position, a few squirts of WD40 contact cleaner saw to that. In the end however, we have quite a serviceable bass. The EQ is good and the switching really opens up some possibilities. Bridge pickup is obvious, but position 4 is quite hollow (EB-0 ?), position 3 reminded me of my old Bongo HH, position 2 is very Jazz like and position 1 is a nice P like thump. Impressive stuff. Is it a keeper ? Yes, but so were the other 20+ basses I said that about.

Different body shape, different neck profiles, different string spacing.

Oh god.

Only user reporting it.

Wow you got the Strat done in a matching sofa paintjob.

https://www.thomann.de/gb/5_string_p_basses.html?sw=Marcus Miller P7&smuuid=5cc176ca-1550-46f7-8469-80728489e326

I'm far too fickle to assume i'll keep what ever i'd order from a custom luthier, and the depreciation on them is shocking (and the marketplace is flooded with boutique customs currently). I'd get a couple of £1500 ones instead, if not 3 x 2nd hand good ones.

Update: Fender Precision, Dingwall NG-3, Fender Marcus Miller Jazz, Yamaha RBX775.

This is equally hideous: https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/181108334549003--fender-custom-shop-post-modern-p-bass-black-burst-spalted-maple And the price 🤔

Uhoh.

If you sell on commision you have to pay it all up front and recover the cost as it sells, but will get more money back than a pure trade.

Because capitalism is what is driving the demand for the highly priced instruments.

I'm not a massive economics scholar, but Hegel's Thesis/Antithesis/Synthesis does suggest it is inevitable, as well as circular.

Ok i'll bite. What happens next then ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminishing_returns

I'd have them on all my basses but just too expensive for me for the benefit.