Skybone

Moon Dance - Some Miserable Old Bloke

Used to love Aenima, but it's getting a bit dated IMO now, though probably a bit more accessible than some others. Definitely Lateralus, and definitely Fear Inoculum. I'd recommend starting there. 10,000 Days has it's moments, but is one you need to have an appreciation of Tool first before listening to it.

Dream On Dreamer - Brand New Heavies

Fabulous looking basses, would definitely love one, but more than likely they'll be way, way, way, way out of my price range. Never thought that they would reissue them, but it's great that they have. Remember trying a white one in a shop in the late 80's/early 90's, IIRC, it wasn't that expensive, but again, more than I could afford at the time.

They must have reinstated them for the 2022 model.

The '77 Burgundyglo will definitely have a skunk stripe, however, the 4003W does not, because it is a more recent model. Though I have noticed that it is now a feature of the 2023 on models of 4003, at least the one's that I've seen online.

Children of the Sea - Black Sabbath

The Camera Eye - Rush

Currys / PC World - their "Sale" prices are usually everyone else's everyday prices. Hotpoint / Whirlpool / Indesit / Candy / any other white goods manufacturer within the group - After having a washing machine, tumble drier & fridge freezer need major repair work after owning them for a few months, and then repeated work a few months later, any confidence in the group was non-existent. Music related, unfortunately, Rotosound strings will be avoided because of too many dead strings in new packs.

Very interesting watch.

I've bought a couple from Ricky sounds, and they've both been the Tubeampology ones.

Play with other people. If you know any guitarists, see if you can join them for a jam. Maybe try a jam night or an open mic night.

I Need A Dollar - Aloe Blacc

The skunk stripe in the 4003 is only a very recent addition.

Witch's Promise - Jethro Tull

Looks like a 4003W, like Simon C's, but with a nice mirror 'plate.

Just had a quick look at the Hipshot site, and it doesn't look like they make the HB5 anymore. I knew they'd discontinued the BT5 Xtender some time ago.

TBH, I'd second @NikNik. Bridge: Have a Hipshot on No.2 (4003 though), does a grand job, but IMO, doesn't look the best. Function over form. Not tried the AllParts replica bridge, but it certainly looks the part. The other option is the Babicz "drop in" bridge/saddles, which uses the original Ric bridge/tail. Scratchplate: www.rickysounds.co.uk. Not the cheapest, but certainly have a great selection of age specific 'plates. Tuners: Pass. Rickysounds again may be a good place to start looking? All the best getting it up & running again.

I had a blonde, late 80's 2EQ Ray that was quite plain to look at, but played brilliantly, sounded half decent too. Sold it as I couldn't justify having an "expensive" bass. Later bought a mid 90's 2EQ Ray, no mutes, fabulous birds eye maple neck, rosewood board, again, played brilliantly, but I could not get a decent sound out of it no matter what I tried. Sold it and went back to passive basses.

Czech On It - Beyonce

That sounds like the best, and only course of action. You said you're involved in other bands, so more time for them.

Always thought it was Geezer

Difficult one, as there's so many. My favourite album is Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, but I still think the bass intro to N.I.B. is still superb, and the bass sound captured is brilliant (IMO). Notable mention for the song "No More Tears".

Joe Le Taxi - Vanessa Paradis

I suppose it depends on the definition of being a "Professional Musician". Some of us would consider it being in a signed originals band, touring, recording, playing gigs etc. The reality is being in Wedding / Function / Lounge / Cruise / Theatre settings, playing any one of thousands of cover songs on request, playing shows daily, sacrificing evenings & weekends, travelling all over the place. I had a chance to audition for a signed band in the 90's, but turned it down as I didn't think I was good enough.