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Yeah, they were just customs, many many different finishes, but as you say, no actual signature model. Mark

Hi Team BassChat! I’m looking for some insight on how worthwhile a Hipshot xtender (or other drop d tuning head) would be… Current band includes 25-30 songs, and a couple (literally 2!) require drop-d tuning. I currently quickly tune down before and then up after each song (x2). Questions: Am I going to prematurely wear out my machineheads/cogs if I keep doing what I’m doing? Will an xtender really just automatically stay in tune and not require “fine tuning” once dropped or reinstated back to E? Is it a mod a n00b could do, or best to have it done by a pro at same time as a set up? (Assume I know a fair bit about theory, but have zero practical practice with any modifications… I can change strings and use a screwdriver, but that’s about it) Any good/bad/indifferent experiences or recommendations? I play a 2015 fender P-bass special, p-bass body with jazz neck, and Pj pups if that makes a difference…

Mike grabbed a few bits and bobs from my spare draw, quick to pay and quick to confirm receipt, no complaints here, cheers mate!

I always loved the Chaparral Hamers he used. Hamers are such cool basses.

Maximum fret-age.

A couple of dangerously pretty new bits of timber have snuck into the workshop today, so I thought I’d share before I start inventing excuses to keep them for myself. First up: ziricote. Because apparently what my life was missing was wood that looks like it’s been hand-drawn by a slightly unhinged tattoo artist. Dark, dramatic, and absolutely screaming “don’t you dare paint me solid”. Then there’s some curly ambrosia maple, which looks all innocent from a distance and then up close goes full jazz hands with spalting, curl, and insect-assisted chaos. Nature understood the brief. Both are earmarked to be paired with sapele(ziricote) and Lebanese cedar(curly ambrosia) for future builds, which should be a nice mix of sensible fundamentals underneath and absolute nonsense on top. Like a good rhythm section supporting an overconfident lead guitarist. I also have a set of custom USA Bartolini radius shaped soapbar pickups from a prestige Ibanez to use up, Also did a quick headstock branding test while I was at it. No big announcement, no polished marketing spiel — just a “let’s see what happens if I apply heat to wood and hope for the best” moment. Happy to report: the headstock did not catch fire, I quite like the scorching coming out from the brand and the logo is still legible. Always a win. I used shellac on the back and headstock of this neck and after sanding the back it feels gorgeous. The headstock isn’t sanded yet. As usual, this will all be very much warts-and-all when it turns into actual instruments. There will be learning moments, mild swearing, and at least one point where I wonder why I didn’t just take up knitting. Anyway — thought some of you might enjoy a bit of timber-based temptation. More to follow once these stop staring at me every time I walk into the workshop… 😅

I bought straps and leads from Kev. Very quick, well packed, good communications. I'd be pleased to deal with him again. Thanks Kev

What's to explain?

That's the programme's schtick. It's about the people not the objects. Sometimes the 'restorations' are risible.

He looks really well and healthy in that picture. nice.

I'm all over this story.

And anovver fing. That TV show, The Repair Shop. Why are they all so nice? They're definitely up to something. And why does everyone who goes on to get their tat fixed have to have a cry? Why won't they fix things for people whose parents are alive and healthy? Why do they insist the parents must be dead? "Can you fix my mums old egg whisk?" "Is she dead" "No, she's alright. I dropped her off at Ethels on my way here" "Im afraid we can't fix it if she's alive" "Thats a shame, I wanted it fixed" "Then the old bat has to go. We can deal with her if you're not up to it"

Looks like you need another week on that sick-note……

Well if we’re on stuff in the business world: Blue sky thinking Following our north star Have an honest conversation

Just checked the starting post - fretless (my short term memory is a slight casualty of a recent event). Being fretless there is even more reason to go ahead. If the board breaks get an ebony board fitted as a bonus.