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Perhaps business wasn't the right word, I guess! Umm, certainly hobby/pastime would have been a better term. I know that in the literal sense it's just screwing stuff together, but feedback from the work I have done (so far) has been positive. There's no way I could build stuff from scratch; I neither have the time, inclination, machinery or skillset for this. I certainly think it would be possible to turn round a couple a week to supplement my income.

Thanks @Linus27 - I've never been a fan of the MB sound, but it could just be because I've only ever heard their combos or cabs which seem to make everything sound muffled (at least to me). The Nano certainly has the features and portability. The biggest challenge I'm finding when doing youtube amp research is having to listen to a constant stream of slap demos - it gets wearing really quickly!

If it's a hobby through which you can make a few gear tokens, go for it. A business, I think you'd struggle, it's not just the margins on parts versus sold instruments which would be low, but the time costs of all those discussion with interested buyers who eventually decide on a Sire. I've built some bitsas to order here and made a loss each time, and that loss doesn't include the time I spent. OK, I wasn't doing it to make money, but neither did I sell any of the instruments below its value as an instrument. iI guess I'm saying that as a bobby that might wash its face, fine, as a business, no way

Bought a gig bag from Alex. Perfect, hassle free transaction. Speedy postage. Great comms 🙂

Over the last year or so, I've built/customised a handful of parts basses for both myself and a couple of other people; as I've kind of fallen into an early retirement situation, I'm wondering whether it's feasible to actually set up/invest in a business of sorts creating basses. These would largely be Fender-esque, I can source parts easily enough; I have a local paint shop that have said they can pretty much do any type of finished paint job (clear/matte/gloss/metal fake etc.). I'd not be looking to make huge £££ - obviously there'd be a build/labour fee, but it's more just to keep my idle hands busy. I know I'm good at this and it's just a waste of my time doing nothing. Would anyone be interested?

I would also simplify what you are playing. Unless it's a prog-jazz piece of music, stick to root notes / 5th's as much as possible. No need to make life more complicated than it already is/will be. And also, not to diminish your playing, but the audience wont be listening to what you are playing. If it's a cover they'll be listening to that in their head anyway and remembering your brother and thinking how wonderful you are for doing this in the first place.

What track are you playing? I presume you will be playing alongside some of the local Peterborough muso’s, they will be giving you lots of support. I will hopefully be attending on the Sunday.

Bass Direct have just posted they have some in......

Andy bought a MarkBass combo from me and all was hunky dory! Many thanks mate and enjoy

I can't offer any gig-specific advice, but as a mediocre runner I have had to deal with pre-race nerves quite a bit. Don't do anything special or new on the day. Drink plenty, but make sure you have a wee well in advance. Triple check your shoelaces are double-knotted. Don't rush at the start, save something for the finish. And most importantly, you're still doing better than all the other people who didn't even turn up! (which in this case means all those people who, like myself, have spent years playing an instrument but have never actually played with other people or done a gig). Also most importantly, most of the nerves and anxiety come from the unknown - what will it be like, where will I stand on the stage, how many people will be there, what if this or that happens? Focus on what you do know (ie the material), check out the venue in advance if you can, make sure you know how the gig will run (setting-up, song list, etc), do a dry run of the day, make a check list so you don't forget anything. Break a leg, you'll be amazing.

Would something like a MarkBass Nano tick enough boxes? Not sure how silent they are but my Little Mark IV is mega quiet and the sound is very transparent. As another fretless bassist, just throwing a suggestion out there but ignore if no good. Keep us updated on what you do decide on as I would be interested.

Very tempted as well but now need to take the dog to the vets as has become lame in one of her legs so might need to pay for another op! Grr.... Life happens when you’re making plans and all that!

"more old style than modern transparent" not clear enough? Sorry. Walkabout Scout is not remotely transparent but sounds fantastic whatever you plug it into. Better?

It’s all good, I was looking to do a relic type build. If however you decide you don’t need the neck….let me know 😊

No. I can relate. This would have me shaking my fist at the clouds too.