OliverBlackman

It’d be less murky if the retailer/ dealer disclosed themselves as such through a commercial account, which I know did exist previously, and then it is up to the seller if they’re happy to sell to a retailer. But you’d be relying on honesty and I guess most would just setup a free account and use that instead.

It looks tidy IMO. I’d be very happy with it if it sounded good.

Ticks a lot of boxes to my novice eyes

Must have gone to the same luthier school as Letts Basses

I thought this. Wasn't uncommon for pickups to be replaced in that era and some will need the extra space.

It’s definitely a 2 piece body and those pieces don’t match in the slightest 😂

Ive done both of these exercises on bass with Joe Hubbard. You learn the notes very quickly. Even now I’m still practicing similar variations.

Probably should have just used the existing thread rather than creating a new one IMO. Then those who like to critique BB have already done so 😆

Of course it’s all in the fingers, and I think your light touch helps for the pinoesque tone in the first vid. The low action probably helps with the late 70s/ early 80s focussed disco vibes of the other tunes. Yet I’m still blown away by the bass. Put me out of my GAS misery, do you think it is the 50/60 year old woods, the PUP combo, or a combination of both that gets that warm fat sound?

I’ve never played a short scale but I’m stunned how well that could pass for a really good P or J tone! Loverly stuff

Never tried a Rickenbacker and have no intention to! I think they look okay but I’d be very surprised if it fit in with my style or technique

When I was around 18 I ’needed’ similar basses to what big names used - I was not a big name When I was at uni I ‘needed’ a ‘pro’ level instrument - I was no pro Now that I’m just a hobby bassist I finally have what I need to learn what I want; Sire V5 5 string, mex Fender P bass with flats, and a nice fretless 4 string. When I get a bit more cash I may buy to solves a problems I don’t have (other than the cure GAS) but for now I’m covered.

Moral of the story is hold on to your basses folks! Never know when it will come back in handy.

They should sound very different to each other so I’d say you’ve done the right thing.

That’s the same with any graduate of any industry. You can be shown the tools but only experience teaches how and when to use them.

Can’t stop and by the way we’re huge hits when I was a teenager and I enjoyed listening to them up to stadium Arcadium. My brother also used to have the live at Slane castle DVD which I thought was an unreal performance and have watched 100x over. My overriding feeling though seeing them at the London Stadium a few years ago was they’ve past it and only flea still had the energy.

The VB bass was designed to be zingy at the top end, hence the wood combination. The pickups and pres of that Fender era were known to be poor, my Am Dlx was too. Given how rare the VBs are I would give it a go with the mods made and then change only if you don’t like it but note the woods will have some impact on the sound.

I hope you’re right but fear you’re not.

There’s very little opportunity for ‘new’ left. That’s why we see bands/ artists/ performers pushing ‘music’ to extreme limits where it no longer resembles music for most audiences*. Plus you now need to be able to make your product as cheaply as possible to make any sort of living. *although pretty sure many people were saying the same about Metallica when they started.

Lots of music about these days, some good some bad and some indifferent. Some will try to emulate people of the past and others will try and find their voice in an industry where nearly everything has been done at least once. That’s why I think we’re seeing extremes of technique or a musical idea. As ever collaboration is the key to innovation and that’s easier now than ever!

IMO refinish is a repair. The bass isn’t currently as the factory intended so putting a finish on it is getting it back to a state that it was to begin with.

I think the rules were that if it is a like for like parts replacement you’re fine.

Plenty of people out there that earn that in a day. Only takes one to be a fan and think why not.

The wear on it is utter perfection

It faintly looks like 72 stamped at one point. Would be good to see more pics! I think the 3 bolt tilt came in around 74