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I might when the wife sees another bass turn up!

You know you won't regret it based on your personal experience.

I'll go as far to suggest that the price difference flatters the US made ones somewhat when you actually consider what you get with the Ray34/5s.

I don't know whether this is irrational, but where most people I've discussed this with tend to rate Japanese Fenders as second only to USA Fenders, I rate modern Mexico-made Fenders (eg vintera, JMJ mustang) higher than Japan-made ones. Having owned several of both, I'm not keen on the non-standard metric hardware of CIJ/MIJ, and the electronic components (no-name mini pots, flimsy output sockets) don't inspire confidence so I always replace them.

You'll make me blush...

Bought a new soldering stations which meant I could do the electronics. I think the black knobs look really good Oddly I had to drill out the control plate but only one hole - they were different sizes.

That's the "trouble" with flatwounds - you don't really need to do anything to make them sound good. Rounds, on the other hand...

I really liked mine. I recently listened to a recording I used it on and it sounded great. I swapped the preamp for a darkglass tone capsule which replaces the treble knob with high mids which I found more useful. I might have to get another one day

Yes, very good basses, a few years back I had a US Stingray with a Sterling by Musicman Ray34 as backup. There was very little in them, the Ray34 being possibly a little sharper on the top end, but only a touch at most. In terms of playability & quality very close indeed.

It has to be said that the straight into the i/face sounds damn good.

Nearly 3 months from the last post. Any updates from the UK lads?

Old Man and the Angel by It Bites on Roch Valley Radio Classic Rock show DJ'd by an old mate from 80's. Never miss the show unless gigging. Dave

I love single cut basses, but have never quite managed to own one apart from an ACG for a short time many years ago. You might find that nothing resonates quite like them. I particularly like the sound of the Cort A5 SC - came very close to buying one last year, but failed to pull the trigger before the cheap offer finished.

Had a wee rehearsal with the Glam band on Wed night after a month off. No real issues and decided to run thru the songs we haven't played in quite a few mths. That was fun. Gigging on 14th Feb at a 60th Birthday party. Not sure why we keep doing these but the money is good. Also the 21st Feb at a short notice one at The Ferry in Glasgow when a friends band had to cancel and we were put forward as a replacement band. Venue and myself eventually agreed on pricing etc and quite looking forward to playing it. Dave

Lucinda Williams. My God, what a trouper! Has to be helped on and off stage, can no longer play guitar - but sings better than ever. She burns with a righteous anti-Trump fury and well deserved her standing ovation in Basingstoke. I have rarely been so moved. Oh, and Doug Pettibone, guitar, was called back to the States so Marc Ford, ex Black Crowes, took on all six-string duties pretty damn well. To top all this, in ten days she’s touring the US as opener for Heart. All power to her…

Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel - Tavares

… Next day delivery from Bass Direct, a YouTube video, a screwdriver and, BOOM, it’s done! Can’t wait to use it in anger now! Thanks all for the pointers 😀 Inspired, I’ve just ordered some new pups and a soldering iron. Feels like the tuner might have been a gateway drug…

I have to agree with this. I've had a few US Stingray 5s in the past and took delivery of a used first gen Ray35 just this week. As far as I'm concerned I now have a Stingray 5 with a different logo and made in Indonesia. Looks feels and sounds JUST like the real thing to me.