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[quote name='BetaFunk' timestamp='1367961722' post='2071775'] I think you're right. Each of us have to make up our own minds as we're the ones that have to live with whatever we buy. It great to listen to different peoples opinions but ultimately we have to make up our own minds. It does amuse me though on a lot of forums where some people seem to be on some sort of crusade in what we should or shouldn't buy. Never quite worked that one out. [/quote] Yep agreed - music should reflect a diversity of style, technique, instrumentation ..... and GAS . I play bass but not always 4 string bass guitar - I use upright bass, Moog synth, tea chest bass, even a jug and of course the Bass VI. It is about finding your own voice. That's what makes Hooky as musically valid as Jaco, or Macca, or Barry Adamson, or Mark King, or Entwhistle ......(add any musician to the list). I've owned many high end basses but always go back to my bashed in Gibson Grabber and my Precisions because to my ears they sound 'right' - but that doesn't mean they are right for everyone ....

and this from Jack Bruce - http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=c56a_Jd5aPI Believe me its a BASS! I have a 'made in Japan' one for sale on here as I've got the chance to own a vintage one. They are great for a diverse range of styles. I've played bass with one and although its tight spacing I played with my fingers rather than a pick. These are great for all kinds of music - yes they do have a place in Indie music so just go and get one.....if it doesn't work for you sell it on.

The pickup is very like the type used on Ibanez, Aria Diamond, CMI etc. I think they were by a company called Maxon. There were many basses out there with this type of pickup however and the neck looks like its a laminate of some kind. There would have been a chromed metal truss rod cover on at some stage. Is there evidence of any small holes where a logo badge could have been attached on the fascia? Some early MIJ instruments had a raised plastic logo including Top Twenty, Audition even Ibanez.

I got a nice old US made Peavey Minx 35 watt 10" combo for £4.46 off eBay and its brilliant! I got it as a practice amp but it works well with double bass and I intend to use it in my bluegrass trio - no drummer Anyone have experience of these?

Perhaps in a few more years! Lovely basses though.

Yes the nut is certainly a replacement. Would be a fun project at the right price - wonder whats under that massive scratchplate?

The machineheads are correct for an early 60s as is the bridge and 'bell' truss rod cover but that nut?

Yes I agree it looks odd, it looks like its been stained and the pickup cover looks too large - although the pickup itself and ground plate and rout look fine. Perhaps its the angle? A bit of a mistake missing the obvious headstock picture - hmmm, curiouser and curiouser. Its not too far from me and I asked for pics too - we will see.

I have played several recent MIM basses and have had no complaints - the QC of some of the earlier ones may have been inconsistent however look at the roadworn and vintage series - I reckon the early roadworns will become the JVs of the next decade. I agree that the Pawnshop VI and the MIJ VIs are of different price points and there may be some compromises in terms of materials used however they are a similar animal and we all know how 'off the peg' Fenders differ in quality and appeal. We've all heard stories about 'those Japanese Squiers' that blow some USA Fenders out of the water.....no this is not an urban myth I own one that cost a sixth of what I paid for my '74 P. Bass and equals it in terms of quality I'd like to compare the necks - for example I've heard the Pawnshop has a flatter profile with a slightly wider string spacing and jumbo frets, I believe this is to appeal more to established bassists since the Bass VI has been regarded as a 'guitarist's bass/bassist's guitar' by its critics. My Bass VI is a beautiful instrument and top spec, one piece body, quality construction and materials yet the setup and stock strings were awful. I like the pickup configuration and switching options - very different with the Pawnshop version. I'm really looking forward to playing one!