Hutton

Welcome from up here in the North East. I lived in Glasgow for 16 years and there is no other city in the world that I would want to live in. I'm going down to the southside next week for a couple of days and you've just helped me look forward to the trip!

Is all the fuss being perpetuated by the fanboys?

I'm just about to take delivery of a Corvette with the Ocean Blue oil finish. Am I correct in saying that beeswax should not be applied to this finish and that normal guitar polish is the way to go?

After having been over at Osprey Guitars yesterday I know where my money would go if I could afford a custom build! Rich makes a beautiful bass - note the word 'makes' and not 'puts together'!

Rich sorted out a problem with my MM SUB. Expertise coupled with the fact that Rich is a nice guy means you can't go wrong if you want a repair or a new bass built from scratch.

All is now well with my SUB after calling in on Rich (Ou7shined). Rich really knows his stuff and the suspect jack socket was sorted out in no time. However, it was Rich's bass building operation that really impressed. Rich had a couple of basses in mid-build which look as if they are going to be really tasty. There was also a completed bass in the style of a G&L but with Rich's own take on things the bass looks fantastic and plays beautifully. If I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a custom build in the future I know who's going to build it for me!

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1328825519' post='1533465'] Its about the same for a custom shop instrument. My '58 Precision Relic, when released in 2005, had a RRP of $3999, which at the time was about £3300, I'm sure no-one ever paid that much for one, even brand new though. I'm now struggling to sell it for £1400!!! Most things depreciate massively in the first 12-24 months, then stay the same. AVRI's have been around the same price for a few years now, and CS Relics have also been around the £1500 mark for a few years. Likewise Made In Japan Jazz basses or P's have been the same price for 10 years now. [/quote] Thanks for this.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1328818520' post='1533284'] I don't know what the current retail price is for one (Someone suggested £1500 earlier in the thread), but a used one, sold privately, normally go's for around £700 for a late 80's or newer issue, you do the Math! (An '82 V00 serial version will be much more of course, as people will always pay more for a very early Fullerton reissue with a couple, or even three 0's in the number!) [/quote] The current retail price is in the region of £1700. So if I understand the market correctly and used AV resissues go for £700 then a seller is expected to take a 60% hit give or take a couple of percentage points. Now I know after having done the maths. Thankyou.

Sorry to still disagree and be the lone voice here. If a basschatter, or anyone for that matter, has a mint example of an AV reissue, how much of a percentage hit are they expected to take if they wish to sell? The answer to this will perhaps help me to come in line with current thinking.

[quote name='Rick's Fine '52' timestamp='1328741072' post='1532124'] £1200 for an AVRI, to me is silly money.[/quote] Sorry to disagree here. I know values of guitars and basses is a subjective thing but £1200 is £500 less than the brand new price. If the bass is in excellent nick then I don't think £1200 is unreasonable. I would always pay £1200 for a good used AV reissue than the crazy prices that vintage basses go for. I know there is no right and definite argument to be made here as it depends on whether you are playing or collecting but surely £500 off the new price is not unreasonable.

[quote name='Ou7shined' timestamp='1328655113' post='1530883'] You think it inconceivable that someone from Keith might visit Aberdeen? [/quote] A big thankyou on this. I'll have a look at what I've got on and give you a shout.

Great posts here. You really are a knowledgable lot!

Thanks chaps!

Yep. It's active. Is there an obvious place to check for earthing issues?

My cherished SUB has started to make a horrible loud hum. I've changed leads. Tried other basses. Put it through another amp. All points to the problem being with the bass. I've changed the battery to no avail. I think that it has possibly something to do with the jack socket as when I wiggle the jack in the socket it can bring on the hum. I was wondering if anyone with a Ray/SUB/other MM bass has experienced this.

I think you should go out to the shops and play both and then you'll know which one you like the best.

I just want to say that I have three Fender USA Precisions. I never played any of them before they came into my possession. All three are superb basses. They are well made. They sound fantastic. They will last a long, long time. That's all.