benh

I tried some Nordstrand Big Splits as a replacement for Bart MK1s, if aggressive is what you're looking for I think they fit the bill. Weren't my cup of tea but they did sound great, somewhere between a high output P and a J.

Also, if the pickups aren't to your liking (they weren't to mine) there are a fair few drop in replacements - Bartolini P2 shape fits straight in.

I have an A5 and it's great. Only letdown really are the preamps - the MK1 electronics leave a lot to be desired.

Not had any story-worthy bad customer service in recent memory (luckily), but the last bass I ordered from Kenny's Music came via FedEx and looked like it had been through WW2. The body was full of cracks and splits, the box had boot prints all over it. However, within 2 minutes of speaking to a very helpful and apologetic chap at Kenny's Music (even though it wasn't their fault), a courier was booked with a replacement which arrived the next day and swapped the basses over. Wouldn't hesitate to order from them again.

Cheers - I have a bit of a thing for second hand tools so won't be a problem. The Japanese pull saws are beautiful, fancied one or two of those for a while. Got my eye on a few bits on eBay so you never know!

Thanks, will check it out!

Thanks for all the replies. Fortunately most of the hand tools in that list I own, apart from a Shinto rasp - they look awesome. The router and bandsaw may be the two that I'll have to wait a while for - I've learned the hard way in the past that buying cheap is rarely a cheap option, if you know what I mean!

Thanks. I wasn't sure whether to post there as this isn't a build diary (although you never know - it could turn into one).

Had a niggling idea for some time now about building my own bass, for the experience of it and to play myself (rather than any grandiose illusions of making something desirable, or possibly playable for that matter!). However, I'm a bit stumped as to where to start with collecting the required tools for building, without wasting money on things that turn out to be useless. I have some bits and bobs and am generally quite handy when it comes to woodworking/manual tasks. Is there a definitive list anywhere to point me in the right direction?

Great so far! Looking forward to seeing how the top looks with a few coats of finish on.

Lovely! Cort make some cracking basses. Love my A5. Lots of options for changing pickups with Bart P2 shape being compatible too.

I like the Ken Smith strings, I believe they are made by GHS - amusingly I've never liked any of the self branded GHS strings. Currently using the Rock Master set, about £30 from Bass Direct and last ages.

Looking fantastic already!

Blue for me, love the matching headstock

Good shout. I've ordered from Kenny's Music before, although FedEx destroyed my parcel they sent another one straight away, really excellent customer service, and good prices.

Dug my copy of this out too - bought a while ago and never opened. Been going through Ariane Cap's Music Theory for the Bass Player too, highly recommended!

I agree!

I nearly ordered a new mat. But to be honest the best thing I've found (that I use regularly for any bass/guitar related stuff) is a non slip cushioned table protector, about 10 quid off eBay - does the job just fine!

I think I would be rather out of my depth with an acoustic, in kit form or otherwise! Sorry for the thread derail @Andyjr1515, looking forward to seeing the next steps.

Had my eye on one of the Thomann kits for a while, may well have a go one of these days!

Sold some EMG pickups to Paul - quick payment, great communication. Recommended! Cheers

Go on then... 🙂 I like the tube they sent to keep the leveling beam in too. The steel rule was a freebie.

Decided to treat myself to a new fret rocker and leveling beam this week from Hellfire tools, and retire the one I fashioned out of an old spirit level. Ordered Monday, arrived this afternoon - haven't had chance to use it yet, but very impressed by the build quality and, importantly, the value for money - so I thought I'd share. Never fancied shelling out £50+ from StewMac for what is basically a bit of straight bar with some Emery cloth stuck on it. Overlooking the somewhat cheesy marketing ("Forged in Hell" *cringe*) they certainly seem to be quality bits of kit, made in the UK too. Oh, and dead straight - unlike the cheapo Chinese eBay jobbies I've bought and thrown away soon after. Thought I'd share if anyone else is looking for some decent kit.

The craftsmanship on display in most of these build diaries on here is remarkable. It's been a bit of a pipe dream for me to build my own instrument one day, then I see a thread like this and realise my skills are sadly lacking. Lovely work!

https://forbassplayersonly.com/scott-ambush/