Grangur

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1483623289' post='3208741'] If it's new from a shop, I'd get them to fix it. Unless I really liked the bass. All it likely needs is a tiny tiny shim. I notice some here think that's a problem, but I disagree. It's a very effective and common way to fine tune the neck angle on mass-produced bolt-on neck instruments. Many include a shim from factory, which you only find out when you remove the neck, and I'm not talking about budget instruments exactly. So... if that were my bass and all I didn't like was that, I'd keep it and address it myself. You can get the shop to take care of it but either you'll have to wait, or you'll have to wait AND receive a new instrument which you may like more or less than this one you have in your hands: so if I really like it, I'd keep it... and depending on how impatient I feel I'd either do it myself or talk the shop into sorting it out. [/quote] The point against a shim is that it's simply a bodge to make up for poor manufacturing standards. If you pay for good standards you should get good standards. Other makers manage to do it.

[quote name='tom1946' timestamp='1483609934' post='3208589'] Didn't Jimi Hendrix use lighter fluid on his strat? [/quote] Exactly. So, what could be better?

The only solution I can think of is shim the neck or rout a cavity for the bridge. I don't like either of these solutions. If the ever want to change the bridge the rout will be the wrong shape and, as the OP says, it's wrong having a shim in a bass of this value. I'd return it to them.

What if you need to have the frets leveled and dressed again in the future? You'll need the bridge even lower. I wouldn't be happy.

So, it seems to me the answer is strip it down, wash with bicarb of soda, dry it and get it refinished. There, nice and tidy. Follow this and you'll soon have it looking and smelling as good as new.

[quote name='pmjos' timestamp='1483538574' post='3208026'] Errr,..... Don't use bicarb it is mildly abrasive. Unless of course you want to T cut your bass. Smells come from bacteria or chemical agents. Just give it a damp wipe with mild soapy water, dry it. Get a neuradol type air freshener or febreeze a cloth pit it in a plastic bag which you have made lots of pinholes in. Place that in the case[u] not in contact with the bass[/u]. leave it in the case for a week or two. I had a bass that smelled of old socks and damp clothes just from being in some old guy's wardrobe for 20 years. The smell will go away on its own eventually. Please don't put anything on the finish of the bass. Any oil will go in through cracks in the lacquer and could lift it, anything abrasive will cut the surface. [/quote] Good point that about bi-carb. I wasn't proposing the OP scours the surface, simply to gently wipe it over. And pmjos is also right that Lemon Oil will either float across the top, like and oil-slick on water, or do damage to a lacquered finish. The look of the bear wood becoming oiled-finish will also look odd. Funny that nobody here has suggested lighter fluid. I know some folk swear by that for cleaning basses. I've not tried that, but it might lift of a load of old dirt and help a bit.

Bi-carbonate of soda was what my old Ma used to recon on for washing stuff down with to get rid of smells. Mix it in water and wipe it over everything with the damp cloth. I know theres a limit to how much water you can use to wash it down. It might be worth a try though.

Jon Liebman's Blues Bass the complete method

I know you're in a rush to get strings, but strings direct.Co.uk are much cheaper than most shops. They will also offer a better selection. Your numb fingers could be you getting calouses through the use of rough strings. The rust won't help. Choice of strings is very subjective. If you're after round wound strings some that are good are 'Legacy' strings. They are the budget range by Rotosound. They last well IMHO. Fender strings are also good value. I also use Elixirs as they last forever. Well, it seems like ages anyway. Hope this helps.

Hey! Welcome Sir. If you find a full sized bass a bit large, you can always go for a short-scale. Many folk love them. Good luck.

Hey! Welcome Joe. There are loads of online learning resources these days for bass, so you shouldn't be short of info. Youtube and studybass.com are great starting places. All I have to say after that is "Good luck" and be prepared to be put to shame by your daughter; they have so much more time than we parents and they soak it up like a sponge..

Nahh.. no good for me as I have small hands

You mean this one? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1997-Warwick-Fortress-MasterMan-Made-In-Germany-/142232664972?hash=item211dba3b8c:g:6qoAAOSwa~BYaxCa or this one? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Warwick-1996-Fortress-Masterman-Bass-Amber-Stain-Birds-Eye-Maple-/262780964987?hash=item3d2ef7507b:g:7xsAAOSwZQRYYtfw I like the latter one. Nice natural(ish) colour.

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1483391632' post='3206837'] Insurance companies employ teams of people to stick their noses into claimant's business in the hope of finding them engaged in some kind of activity for which they are not insured in order to avoid paying out. [/quote] This is also more true for the cheapest companies too. Small, cheap insurance policies are often false economy. I'd insure with a good, major company and don't declare it as an occupation. It's a hobby unless you make a real income from it. Get on the phone and discuss it with them. Then confirm it in writing to them.

[quote name='Andyjr1515' timestamp='1483369485' post='3206578'] I know where you're coming from, Mick, but actually you lose most of it that way round, including the starburst (the fretboard would cover the centre of the burst): [/quote] I'd keep it natural colour if it were me. But I'm not a lover of Technicolour wood. But it's not my bass. Good luck. Actually, if that's the veneer, I'd do some tests first. I can imagine that if you colour thst veneer you might not see much detail. There's not a lot of contrast. The beauty is in the subtle shades.

[quote name='Harryburke14' timestamp='1483281651' post='3205864'] I believe the body is ash (according to Thomann listing) but it is heavy as anything. Weighed today to be about 11.5lbs, which in my opinion is heavy. [/quote] Ash may look ok stripped and oiled. It may look a bit bland though, and be prepared to see knots and 'interesting' grain. The benefit in Andy's veneer proposal is it would cover all ills in the look of the wood. The down side is its adding back all the wood thickness you may have sanded off; adding back the weight.

I use a floating thumb. I've tried anchoring but just can't get it to work for me.

[quote name='Harryburke14' timestamp='1483231009' post='3205609'] Very tempted at the minute but the weight of them is a real killer [/quote] Something to consider is if the whole bass is weighty, if you get a new light weight body, will the heavy neck give it neck dive? FWIW my take would be to grin and bear it while you save up for a better bass. Cheap basses are a,good starter but they are cheap for a reason. Good luck with the search and the sale.

Just how bad is the body? Maybe we can suggest ways to fix it up and there could be ways to fix the weight issues.

Love that track. That was EJ at his best. It brings back memories of being back home, after the pub and listening to it at high volume through headphones. Good times!