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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.

Yes - Coldplay

Whoever you pick make sure that their standard rate business cards are the normal size of 85 x 55 mm. IIRC one of the major budget printers of business cards has/had a different standard size which doesn't fit in the typical business card pocket in a wallet rendering them less useful. These days unless you want something fancy in terms of material or finishing, all the budget suppliers will be much of a muchness since all the cards will be digitally printed on similar digital presses and it's very difficult to get this wrong. I'd pick someone local and arrange a discount for collecting them in person. Otherwise if you don't want the hassle of picking them up yourself have a look at Flexpress who are usually very competitive for printing.

As a fan of both Sushi Box and Mike Watt, this looks awesome!

I'm not an expert but I owned one for a while. Possibly the most incredible bass tone I've heard (they're utterly unique) but ergonomically a nightmare. I really found the bass to be unplayable either standing or sitting. A real shame as the L2s are such an iconic bass. Images really would be helpful here and good to know if you have any specific questions.