TheGreek

Though I'm reluctant to recommend it there's a Kawai Owners group on the Talkbass forum. IIRC someone else asked about dating their K11B so that could answer your query.

So these "scientists " got a grant of several thousands of pounds to put on a rave and ask those attending whether they could hear the additional bass...🤭🤭 That's real science...

I watched the making of Graceland on Sky Arts recently. Lots of references of little known South African bands including Stimela. Good entry track. Second track feels like an 80s track, but it isn't.

Both my regular luthier and tech guy have been taken down with Cancer so I've been forced into finding other local tradesmen. Thing is they're all charging significantly more than my regular guys. What is a fair price for a pickup replacement job?

Not my cup of tea. I'll keep the money.

Take a trip down to The Bass Gallery in Camden and try a few basses. Pop along to Bass Direct and try a few more. You might want to see if there are any local events or open mike nights you can pop along to and try some gear - most bassists won't have an issue. If I had anything which I thought you might like I'd make an open invitation for you to come and try mine - unfortunately I've only got one mass produced 4 string in my collection. See if other local BCers are open to an afternoon of you trying their gear. DON'T hand over any money for experimenting with something you have no knowledge of. There are many here who have done this only to move the bass on weeks/months later - learning nothing other than "that wasn't what I'm after".

Disappointment!! I have a clean BB615 which has issues with the relief on the neck - a concave bow which I can't do anything about. I'm looking for a replacement neck without luck (I managed to find one for a BBG5) so may end up parting this out. It would be an absolute shame to have to do so but AFAIK there is no reliable solution to the bow. It's an otherwise beautiful bass😪😪

Shocking that you are abandoning ship and moving to the Dark Side. Will you be changing your username to "OldStrummer"?

Any idea what a fair price would be for the installation?

So the preamp (?) for the pickups arrived today. I'm still not any wiser but may have found someone locally who can install the new tech. First image is the original pickups which are sealed. A Dremel was required to remove the sealed part. Second image is the new preamp I believe. Final Image is the back of the new bridge pickup.

Ouch...there's a few Bob's worth of gear there but all very distinctive. I think that the thieves will find it more difficult to turn into cash than they originally thought.

Good gadget but I'd hate to have to move it regularly.

Squier Standard P bass. As we all know, just because you spent £400 on upgrades doesn't mean it's worth £400 more. Look at what else you could get for the same money before diving in.

I use YOUTUBE for inspiration...find a lesson by Scott or Mark Smith and use it to expand the repertoire and knowledge base.

Replacement pickups for my Kawai. More photos to follow.

I was forced down the route of replacing the pickups as the output on the bridge unit was significantly lower than the neck. My local tech is unavailable due to a cancer diagnosis, local luthier in recovery so doesn't want to take on anything that isn't straightforward. TBH I feel like I've paid a premium for less tonal range.

I ordered some ACTIVE pickups for my Kawai - the original pickups had 9 (yes 9) wires going to various parts of the existing original preamp. I don't understand the wiring diagram at all. Local luthier found it confusing. Does this look right? The new pickups only have two wires. I can post other photos (pickups themselves) to make more sense if required.

I had one for a while, based on recommendations from the likes of Nick Smith ( @doctor_of_the_bass). Amazing tonal range, great neck but weighed in well above what is acceptable. I considered passing it to @Andyjr1515 and having it chambered to reduce the weight but eventually sold it to a fella in Australia.