discreet

Not sonic red, then?

Replacement.

Been looking at that extensively, Lozz. Just trying to work out a payment plan that won't result in a firm kick to the clockweights.

Just thinking the very same thing. In fact I already have a pair of P Bass cream pickup covers and cream top-hat volume and treble controls... maybe go for gold hardware and complete the early-80s vibe...

Ha! Something tells me that's not going to happen...

That's my favourite kind of white!

The Player Series is supposedly meant to replace the MIM Standard series, thus I'm guessing they'll be made in Ensenada.

Thing is, when they do rip up the rule book everyone hates it and accuses them of ignoring their 'core values' and 'traditional customer base'. So they're damned if they do and damned if they don't. I say if you want something that looks really radical - don't buy a Fender. In fact, if you want something a little bit off-the-wall that plays like a dream, is hugely versatile, built to the highest standards and sounds absolutely amazing... buy a Spector.

Oh dear, sorry. Have a crap salami sandwich instead...

Would have to be a really nice tort, though. Probably costing about a third of the value of the bass. Yer typical modern 'shitty corned beef' or 'slice of crap salami' tort just won't cut it... in my humble opinion, of course.

New Player Series Buttercream P Bass! Just when I thought I had bass GAS under control, Fender release this... Buttercream, Maple... OMG, GAS! GAS! GAS! I'd stick a black guard on it (of course) but even so it's unlike Fender to produce a colour combo that I actually like. Dammit! They're £649 or thereabouts, too... https://shop.fender.com/en-GB/electric-basses/precision-bass/player-precision-bass/0149802534.html#start=1

Yeah, that Bilbo and FinnDave. Tsk!

Wouldn't you need two gloves, anyway..? String life - or lack of it - isn't a consideration for me since I started using flats. Fit 'em and forget 'em, they just sound better and better the longer you leave them on. The only reason I change them is if I'm doing some work to a bass and end up damaging the strings through muppetry and/or banana-fingered oafishness. A set of well-broken in La Bellas is one of the finer things in life...

I've only dealt with Bass Direct online and have had nothing but good service. I had a problem with some strings and Mark liaised with the manufacturer to get me replacements... took a while but they're based in the USA, so not much to be done about that. Generally I order stuff from their website and it arrives in very good time, job done. I'd buy a bass from them online, if it came to that. But then I can decide whether or not I'm going to like a bass as soon as I get it in my hands. Mostly.

...and unhygenic.

Profanity filter. It's shitty.

Bwa-ha-ha-hah! People will do almost anything to avoid working.

Dammit, I missed all the fish puns. I'm gutted.

Ultimately you can play whatever you like. You'll know if it's right or not, because you'll either be lauded as a genius or kicked firmly in the scrotum.

I don't think there's any need for that kind of language. Get out!!

Yes indeed. Pity it's still going to be played by a hideously deformed oaf.

Great point. I've been on the GAS merry-go-round for so long it's not even funny any more. Though it would probably have been easier to find something had I been into narrower nut widths. The trend for slimmer and narrower necks, even on P Basses, really restricts one's choices. Try finding an affordable 1.75" nut width, 7.25" radius one-piece maple neck that's not attached to a Fender Classic 50s or a Road Worn.

Well... I've got this far, I think I'm going to go all the way. The HB neck is 14" radius (or more accurately 350mm), which is a little flat for me. Also I'm getting a bit OCD about the headstock, as I was a bit too, er... enthusiastic in the reshaping. The whole thing is about 1mm too small all round... This isn't about budget basses any more - if I replace the neck it really won't be a Harley Benton. I think I may go for a Northwest Guitars one-piece maple neck (9.5" radius), they seem to be great value... and take the opportunity to change the finish... again. Stand by for 'Modding A Bass That Has Already Been Modded TWICE!' I thank you.

I don't want to be a bore, but what springs to mind is, you're a bell end. That's the key...