steverickwood

Guys - knew I could rely upon the close-knit bass fraternity:) Yeah the guy sounds cool - he posted pics for me and sent me vid clips demoing the bass. I asked if I could pick up at airport hotel in USA as the cost of a return flight is only about 100 quid less than postage (and stress pills!) and he's fine with that too. At least that way I don't have to wait and worry for the post, or pay parcelfarce any extra dosh. Yeah, I guess import tax is just how it is. Really appreciate your thoughts and experiences - Steve R

Cheers guys - well I'm confident I've researched a lot of info regarding the instrument itself and the owner and there are no alarm bells ringing (compared to previous interests where I've spotted 'lifted' photos and had the seller not reply anymore one I offer to collect in person) but having never shiiped in I just want thougts/experiences. Some people seem to import on a regular basis. Any recommended postal services? Oh and the gift thing was mrely a question that someone had said was a means of avoiding high fees - I thought I'd see if anyone had successfully tried that.

Hello all - much as I'd like to think of myself as computer savvy and perceptive to the crafty sods in the world, I cannot be complacent - here's my situation: Checking a bass from America. The owner will only accept paypal, would prefer me to get more expensive shipping (as it fully insures instrument), has added a couple of specific pics at my request and it currently sorting a video demonstration of the tonal capabilities of the instrument in question (also at my request). Checking the name of the owner he is findable on the internet as a USA Sgt of the airforce who returned last year from Iraq, and also has a profile on 'Talkbass'. All the ID check point to INdianapolis which is where his ebay ID also suggests. He hasnt avoided my emails, the pics don't appear to be lifted, and he has been compliant to my requests. Is it possible someone would go to the lengths of finding and researching someones elses ID and pretending to be them in order to set up scams? I'd like to think not but maybe I could fall for what everyone else would consider the most obvious trick in the book! Or maybe I'm hugely paranoid. I'm assured by a friend that paypal covers loss but again, I'm skeptical - how can they do that? And are they easy to deal with as I don't like the online factor of not being able to speak/meet companies directly when faced with situations like such. Also (more?!!!) - on the note of shipping a bass from the USA, what sort of customs fees are expected? And can this be avoided by the means of the item being sent as a 'gift'? Hopefully someone out there has dealt with all this and is willing to give me some wonderful advice...pleeeeeease!

I have sold things both ways - I actually chose to ask for PMs recently not to be 'un-man' (man...) or 'underhand' but because previous posts encouraged arrays of general comments 'ooh thats nice' etc or someone telling me they could get it cheaper elsewhere and other such time-slaughtering comments. I figure if you're really interested in an item then you'll approach the person. Or is this a complaint from bargain hunters? Ultimately the difference between a PM or not is a matter of seconds - do you want to ask or not? It doesn't have to be 'underhand' and if it is, well, don't buy. I know if I used to see gear advertised as POA I'd be inclined to do my research first, but I'd shy away mostly as it was music sales staff who I'd be dealing with, trying to sell sell sell, whereas on forums its usually just a direct sale. Also, many is the time someone has something advertised with price, and the following reply says 'PM'd!!!' - is there a difference therefore? I mean if you pmd them to make an alternative offer it's little difference from asking the price in the first place and making an offer after. Shall I run for cover now?

I'd say save the extra and buy the full on Sheehan model if yu want this sort of bass. Great for rock stuff.

You're all geniuses! Thank you!

[quote name='bobbass4k' post='560611' date='Aug 4 2009, 08:55 PM']Had a similar problem with my 715, guy in whitstable fixed it in under a week, he also picks up stuff from music ground in canterbury and drops it back there if you can't get to whitstable, cost £50, but I went through musicground so he might do it cheaper if you go direct, I can PM you his number if you want[/quote] Yes please pm me as Im only 20 min drive from whitstable. Thank you.

Thank you guys - much appreciated:)

Wondering if anyone knows someone who can repair TRace Elliot stuff? I have a 715 combo kicking around that blew a component on the circuit board - but I dont know where to get the parts or of an amp repair person that won't be costing more than the amps worth! Any thoughts? S.

Years ago I was asked by a guy (I believe his name was Hamid) in the "if I had 'Status' money?" when I wanted to try one out. "as if I carry that sort of money in my jeans in central London..." was the reply from myself. They also had this uncanny knack of putting the bass you wanted to check out through a rig which was eq'd to sound impressive and would do the standard territorial pissing slap licks. Hilarious really. I took my trade to The Bass Centre who have been superb service to me for 15 years now. And they used to make a mean cuppa.

Yeah I spoke to him once about wiring for a bass I building for my gcse - he launched into details and concepts of handwiring and I think I lost track about 2 sentences in! I think they may be manufactured in Japan now? Sid Poole also had a great rep - PRS were praising his guitars...

From Medway there WERE Zematis, and Sid Poole (both sadly passed away).

Basslines aside ladies and gentlemen, those songs were superb! ANd it was bizarre to say the least to see the drummer in King Crimson years later - who would have thought?!