therealting

£8k is a hell of a lot of money. I personally wouldn't spend that on a bass unless I knew EXACTLY what I wanted. £2k on a Sadowsky would be money very well spent IMO.

They can be rewired easily if required. My Super J5 has an East J-Retro Deluxe with a blend control. It does mean I don't have pickups-in-series as an option, but I don't miss it.

Let us know how you get on.

Around the £1k mark depending on condition seems to be about right. I've heard they're pretty substantial basses.

[quote name='EliasMooseblaster' timestamp='1487265132' post='3238505'] I could understand it one way 'round; less so the other. That is to say, I could understand turning down an instrument which sounded good and was a delight to play because you couldn't get on with the appearance. Conversely, investing in an instrument for its looks, even if you knew it sounded terrible, seems like a daft use of money to me. And I speak as someone who is really very shallow when it comes to the appearance of guitars and basses! [/quote] But who says it has to sound terrible (I didn't)? We live in an age where basses are generally pretty well made, set up services are widespread, and pickups and electronics are easily available and replaced. Modern instruments (eg Fender types) are reasonably consistent these days, and if someone wants a reliced one vs a pristine one because they like how it looks then what's the big deal? And that's assuming they sound and play equally well - some people prefer how the aged ones feel and play.

[quote name='Jazzjames' timestamp='1487250090' post='3238354'] I think you need to think carefully about why you want the instrument. Is it to look cool or to make music on? [/quote] Why not both? Most of us have bought instruments because they look cool for one reason or another, and most of us have decided not to buy otherwise fantastic instruments because they didn't like the way they looked. What's wrong with getting a bass because you like the way it looks? Is getting a newer bass that has been reliced to look old any less honest than buying an older bass that has been refinished to look new?

+1 for Newtone. They did custom sets for my 8-string Conklin.

Bassdirect?

[quote name='GuyR' timestamp='1487061755' post='3236565'] I don't like marmite, but I've never thought it worth starting a thread about. [/quote] How can you not like Marmite?!?!

[quote name='Lw.' timestamp='1487056811' post='3236536'] I've played on a few recently & the necks have been incredible - the comfiest I've ever played. The other benefit is it stops you being precious about little knocks & dings - those of us in heavier bands know how easy it is for other people to scratch your gear when playing! [/quote] This would be the main benefit IMO. The aging on the back of the neck is the most important thing. I generally only buy secondhand as I prefer not having to worry too much about the instrument, and I do worry about it with pristine brand new instruments. That said, I'd much prefer a "light relic" with a thin skin to a heavy relic - just enough to be secondhand.

It's not a difficult mod but you're better off upping your budget to £200 IMO

[quote name='mark76' timestamp='1486921660' post='3235544'] Just had a thought (several hours ago). Why not buy another P-bass like the one I have, a J-bass bridge pick up and some other bits, and turn that into a PJ? [/quote] Adds cost, assuming your aim is to keep that down.