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[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1383563647' post='2265796'] Something I find amusing is that when these pop up they are invariably *not* mentioned on the Shergold forum. Same with other 'specialist' forums, for example the rarer Westone models - often they don't get flagged up on the Westie forum. You can be sure everyone on those forums has spotted them, but maybe the serious collectors are worried they will miss out if they bring the listings to the attention of others! On here there seems to be much more altruism! Says me with a Marathon safely tucked away indoors... [/quote] Ha! Ha! Although the Shergold forum is fairly quiet anyway at the moment. As we speak I'm working on my old Marathon, just setting it up. These are seriously good instruments, the neck construction is superb, if I were closer I'd probably have a bid on this bass....and I do have two already!

[quote name='itsmedunc' timestamp='1383428881' post='2264491'] I think Ash on here bought one off ebay for less than £400, not sure how much exactly. I personally thought he got it quite cheap for a classic... [/quote] You are right I got mine for £315 - the nut was damaged so I made a new one but it was a bit of a bargain. I'm keeping my eye on this one, it's the same era but you can never have enough Shergolds! The prices have gone down recently other than for the really rare ones like the 6 string basses and the double necks. It's also pickup only and that will put many off. This is classic late 70s semi pro gear..... A Linear combo and a Shergold Marathon......bet this was someone's pride and joy.

[quote name='bremen' timestamp='1382949930' post='2258202'] I frequently travel between Cambridge and Morecambe and would be happy to help move stuff, as others have said its always good to meet folk that you only know as an avatar and a witty sig. Must confess I was a bit disappointed that Nigel doesn't look in the least like his avatar though, nor does EBS freak. still have high hopes for Dr Dave, however. I'm sure there are plenty of others willing to do DIY couriering to make boring journeys more interesting. How could we organise this? [/quote] A great idea, I'd rather pay someone I know or at least know via the site - it would be especially useful to me as I live in Lancaster and don't use a car! Daz on here helped me with transporting a double bass a year back and it was just a matter of swapping a few details and petrol/beer money. Certainly took the anxiety out of transporting a valued instrument.

It looks like a bass with a bladder infection

I've been in touch earlier this morning but no reply yet.....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RAM-hand-made-custom-bass-guitar-/251349148317?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a8593a29d Interesting pickup placement on this - look how those pole pieces line up .......

[quote name='LukeFRC' timestamp='1382047070' post='2247377'] If I were a small boutique bass maker, like fodera, or even small scale like Letts or something, I would team up with a local shop for each territory and let them do the customer facing side, they get a few instruments in stock for folk to try and so on. the public get to try your stuff, they're happy. the retailer gets a cut and a sale, they are happy, the builder gets to do less talking to the unwashed public - they are happy. [/quote] Very well put I totally agree.

Gareth bought my Bass VI, great communication and quick payment - hope you enjoy it! Cheers Ash

Here are my three - including the one in question of the OP. It needs a new nut as there is some damage in that area but the neck is good otherwise and it sounds superb, especially in stereo!

These were very cheaply made, plywood jobs and were mainly sold in catalogues and Woolworths! If you want something to stick on your music room wall for nostalgia's sake it's worth whatever you wish to pay for it but as a serious working instrument buyer beware.

I've seen both the reformed Focus and Jan Akkerman - both were excellent although personally I preferred the Akkerman gig as it was a bit more edgy. Akkerman was very mischievous with the band telling the audience of their 'adventures' on the road. He could be seen smoking a ciggy behind his stack during the drum solo despite the smoking ban. Following the gig he chatted with us and signed CDs and was very approachable. Similarly Van Leer set up a kind of Q&A session following the Focus gig and was very much the Prog 'Sage'. It would be great to see them back together as the original lineup.

I shipped a bass neck to Sweden via Parcelforce at a cost of £52. It's been lost at the 'national hub' - appalling service and inflated cost. I used to use Parcelforce all the time but their service has become expensive and inefficient. I'm still waiting for them to get back to me about this. Good luck, I doubt if I will ship outside the UK again unless it's organised by the buyer.

That's brilliant !

Honestly? No preference - the thing about JVs is that they were very consistent and this is what made them make Fender US up their game at the time. I have seen slight differences in weight or grain in the wood but I've never played a bad one and that includes one I bought that had been water damaged! Currently I have a couple of JV basses and it's made me fall in love with the Jazz bass again - the neck is just......well....right. It feels like a Jazz bass should - nice nut width without being too skinny. The Precisions have a wonderfully proportioned neck. If you play one you will know what I mean. I played mine alongside a pre CBS Precision and it had the same 'something' that makes a bass special.

Lots of info here - http://www.21frets.com I've owned both - the early ones are made from Sen which is a form of Ash local to the maker I believe. It's a beautifully grained wood and looks great under a 'burst. Both Squier and Fender logo instruments had this wood initially. The machine heads also had different gearing screws I believe.

Yes I agree with Luke the later Silver Series MIJ Precisions have very slender nut widths the JVs and SQ series had vintage accurate wider widths. These are very nice to play however.