Kev

[quote name='lemmywinks' timestamp='1459290717' post='3015274'] There's some cheap clearance Cort B5 basses on eBay at the moment. £238 for the open pore mahogany: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Bass-5-strings-Cort-B5-OPM-Open-Pore-Mahogany-/391419316633?hash=item5b2268c999:g:hgwAAOSwvgdW6IyM"]http://www.ebay.co.u...gwAAOSwvgdW6IyM[/url] £228 for the Sunburst: [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Bass-5-strings-Cort-B5-Tobacco-Burst-/391407674559?hash=item5b21b724bf:g:jK8AAOSwyjBW6JyD"]http://www.ebay.co.u...K8AAOSwyjBW6JyD[/url] Nice spec basses - licensed Hipshot ultralite tuners with Cort factory Bartolini pickups and preamp. I've ordered the mahogany one as I need a new 5 string and I love the C5P I have, the B5 is the same bass as the C5 but with better wood, electronics and hardware. The company is actually Proel, the bass usually goes for around £400 and is basically a different version of the Ibanez SR505 (also from the Indonesian Cort factory). [/quote] They look nice, interested to see what the tuners are like. Sadly the licensed barts get poor write-ups, but I haven't really heard of license Hipshot hardware?

[quote name='ColinB' timestamp='1459173993' post='3014088'] So why not a Fender Mex one? [/quote] [quote name='isteen' timestamp='1459173494' post='3014082'] Good sound and quality built are my requirements [/quote] I would grab a Squier Classic Vibe over a MIM (or USA, for that matter) Fender any day. Great basses for the money, and QC seems to be on point, in that I have not played a bad one.

[quote name='DiMarco' timestamp='1458826339' post='3011279'] Having small hands is of no consequence whatsoever so have no fear for big necks. There's people playing broadneck 6, 7 or even up to 11 strings or whatever. The trick is in the thumb sitting at the back of the neck at the right position (somewhere in between your index and middle finger) Wrong hand positioning means a painful experience on any five stringer imho. [/quote] This post needs more attention here. Providing your technique is good with your thumb on the back of the neck, most 5 stringers should be absolutely fine for people with small hands. I have small hands and up until recently I had a Warwick Broadneck 5 string, which is like navigating an airport runway. I sold the bass because I preferred narrower spacing, not because I couldn't cope with the wider spacing. Its all about preference, but if your technique involves wrapping your thumb around the edge of the fingerboard then you are restricted more. Personally, I find 5 strings with 18mm spacing much easier and more comfortable to play than some 4 strings with 20mm spacing. If you think about it, on a 5 string you generally have to stretch your fingers a much shorter distance to reach the E string than on a 4, with a slightly bigger reach needed to reach the B. Both of my 5 strings are 45mm at the nut. I would find a 4 string with anything like a 42mm nut and above (P Bass, Wal e.t.c.) difficult to play by comparison.

[quote name='keefbaker' timestamp='1459269561' post='3014970'] Ok, it's here, not doing an NBD yet as it wouldn't be fair. It seems to have arrived with a bit of a back bow as it's choking like crazy and buzzing like an angry bee, and the action is way too low but the bridge Saddles seem ok. So, I need to figure out the whole truss rod thing. If its a bottom of neck truss rod which way do you turn it to raise the strings? First pickup test is good but difficult to say for sure cos of the buzzing. [/quote] I wouldn't touch the truss rod so soon after unpacking. The relief is nil I take it, i.e. touching the frets? Give it time to adjust and warm up, if there is still any issue I would contact them to ask why it has been set up how it has. Shouldn't have to worry about back bow or any other issues on a brand new freshly setup bass.

Suns out! So a couple more

I use one for B to A, no problems

Just sold a pedaltrain to Rory. Couldn't post for a week as I was on holiday, but he still proceeded to pay immediately and was happy to wait patiently until my return. Ideal buyer really, cheers bud!

[quote name='bassmayhem' timestamp='1458680526' post='3009865'] The Purple Menace has arrived: I like... [/quote] Nice Seems we have both had purply menacy bass arrivals, only I have christened her the Cadbury Bass Apologise for the attempted arty Instagram picture of it, another in natural light

Another great deal with Jon, this time it was a bass that will now be known as the Cadbury bass Cheers bud, deal with confidence folks!

[quote name='cocco' timestamp='1458593105' post='3008978'] Nope, all built from scratch. Hes just really good and very fairly priced [/quote] That a surprise! How many guys work on the basses? That workshop has 100's of basses, has he just built up a large collection of stock over the years? Its rather impressive, but I'm also struggling to get how its possible!

Some of these are looking really nice, especially the all black ones. So what is the deal with this builder? Those showroom pics are insane, does he have the body/neck mass produced, buys them in and customises them to spec?

[quote name='LayDownThaFunk' timestamp='1458565883' post='3008588'] How can you compare nickles and steels? Apples and oranges. These are good strings but I wouldn't say they're twice as good over standard XLs... so not worth twice the price. I order all my strings from the US now and never get stung for customs. £25 a set anyone? [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DADDARIO-NYXL45105-NICKEL-PLATED-STEEL-BASS-STRINGS-LIGHT-MED-GAUGE-4s-45-105-/121924793543?hash=item1c6348b4c7:g:Af0AAOSwoudW5zZ0"]http://www.ebay.co.u...f0AAOSwoudW5zZ0[/url] [/quote] I compared the two as they are a similar build

As far as basses that are not built to play is concerned, the first I thought of was Rickenbacker. Or anything with pickup covers. Or any that restrict access to the upper frets. Or anything with neck dive. I name these as these literally inhibit playing in favour of aesthetics, or at least for my technique they do. Id like to hope most basses are built to play!

[quote name='Chienmortbb' timestamp='1458488622' post='3007974'] £36 a set on Strings Direct. Pass especially when they are $26 [/quote] I have to say, I will not be purchasing a set at that price point. They are clearly quality strings, but they are not worth coated string money. I'd much sooner have the Flex Steels, which are about £22 a set on Amazon right now. They have more character, nice tension and tons of zing. I am not sure exactly what market they are trying to tap into with these?

I still prefer oil finishes, but I must admit the back and headstock are looking pretty classy

Congrats! Certainly borrows the Wal shape, albeit seemingly more bloated on the short horn side. Pickups are interesting! LEDs a little unnecessary but plenty of tonal options going on.