Rowley Birkin QC

I sympathise with your plight as I've experienced both side of this. Posted an ad wanting a Status last year, had cash waiting, Offered a seller £1100 which they declined, then later went on to reduce the asking price (cos' it wasn't selling) to £1100, but refused to sell it to me???? Was selling the Markbass Combo earlier this year and agreed a lower price with someone who made me an offer, guess what, they didn't go through with the deal. That said though, I have successfully bought and sold through the forum, but I hate time wasters too.

I've just read this thread in its entirety, and I get the mental picture of boys competing for who can p1$$ further up the wall! At the end of it all, they're ALL just personal opinions, and in mine, this type of "point proving" doesn't do the forum any favours, and repeating the same argument/opinion over and over doesn't make it any more valid than anyone else's. Th OP asked a fair question and wanted a considered opinion......did he get it? Off to bed now.

Tickets bought and hotel booked, looking forward to it.

I hope you manage to sand off all the black topcoat without damaging too much of the original green, but you may experience difficulties in the tight curves and angled corners. If you can though, I would then suggest getting yourself a flexible rubber sanding block and "flatting" the original lacquer with soap and water & 1000 grade wet & dry paper until it all looks "grey". This will give you a couple of benefits. It will help to get the lacquer nice and "flat" and remove any scratches. Then get yourself some polishing compound from Halfords and polish away the "grey", preferably with a slow running electric polishing mop and a little water. This should give you a finish like glass. But........be prepared to devote a lot of time to it!

To be fair, the combination of the 12, the 2x10 and the East Pre, I seem to have found a setup which cuts through throughout the range.

I've applied a couple of coats of clear lacquer to the body to seal the wood, and, unfortunately, there are hints of the original red stain used to colour the wood deep within parts of the grain which the lacquering has highlighted. Some of which is in "endgrain" in the inner radii of the horns near the neck. I'm now, in order to achieve a the quality finish that I was aiming for, contemplating reverting back to my original plan of refinishing it in white. As much as I would HATE to bury the beautiful grain on the front I'd be severely disappointed if the final job was marred by the red tinge within the lighter woods which I seem to be unable to get rid of.

Got into the beers and forgot the pics last night! Polished hardware now ready for a wipe with white spirit and a few coats of clear lacquer, then onto flatting the lacquer on the body and building up the depth of shine on that. Pics of the body to follow when an acceptable finish is achieved. Hoping the get the whole project completed by the end of the month, then deciding whether to sell it or not? [attachment=105182:PICT1599.JPG]

Doesn't really cause me an issue as I always prefer (in the larger venues) to di the rig anyway, so the PA more than compensates, and anyone that thinks a classic 450 hasn't got enough volume for a small venue is clearly deranged!

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1334426431' post='1616142'] ....the TCs have taken a bit of a bashing with their power ratings lately. [/quote]

[quote name='Stag' timestamp='1334426650' post='1616146'] Im thinking about getting an RS112 to add to mine... would you recommend that then? [/quote] It's always fraught with danger making recommendations (like recommending your favourite restaurant to someone, who then doesn't like it), but for me there were several considerations. I've always used a 2x10 with a 1x15 before, but they were always heavy, bulky cabs and I needed something smaller and lighter (due to age and lots of things beginning to hurt now) but without sacrificing sound quality. I took a bit of a punt on this rig but had done some research which, for me, made it less of a risk. I tried Northwing's pair of RS 2x10's before I purchased and they sounded terrific, however, I took the plunge and only took one of the 2x10's as DV247 had got a 1x12 RS cab on offer (a customer return which, to be honest, could have passed for an unopened one in every way) for £248 delivered. Now, it could be a lot to do with the Jazz bass I was putting through it and the setting I had on the East J-Retro 1, but I was able to get some fantastically clear highs combined with a bottom end that I felt through the floor, without any hint of distortion, and all that at nowhere near full volume. I haven't finished "tweaking" the sound yet, but, for the sound I was looking for, the combination appears to be ideal.

Just had my first proper try out of a new (to me) rig. First time I've played it "in anger" since I picked it up of "Northwing" bc'er last weekend. TC Electronics classic 450 head, RS 2x10 cab & RS 1x12 cab. Gobsmacked! I'm absolutely delighted with the sound of this rig. More than enough volume to cut through and the 1x12 certainly gives it some bottom end along with plenty of clarity. Plus, it's the first time I've carried, with ease, both bass cabs to and from the car at the same time. All in all, a stunning sound from such a compact rig. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm over the moon with it. Just thought I'd share this for anyone considering buying similar equipment.

Jesus! I thought I'd taken on a lot of work with my Washburn Status refinish.......you obviously relish a challenge! Keep posting the updates, should be good. Oh, and when you've done with the neck, my bathroom tiles could do with the grout removing when you've honed the skills.

[quote name='daveybass' timestamp='1334269260' post='1613737'] can't wait to see the new pics,good luck [/quote] Pics to follow this evening (over a few beers). Got a rehearsal this morning with 3 other people who have not played together before, all been learning the songs at home and will be putting them together for the first time. Hope it works out as I'm missing playing live since leaving my previous ban in January.

[quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' timestamp='1334312143' post='1614192'] That should've said tube strike.(poxy predictive text)!! [/quote] "tune" strike might be more fitting if you'd heard my playing!

[quote name='Lorne' timestamp='1334278277' post='1613855'] Mmmm, not saying this IS the same bass, but I once repaired on in this colour for a friend, the fingerboard had lifted from the neck, and his dad (a cabinet maker) had simply shoved some glue in the gap, leaving the fretboard humped over the glue. [/quote] This particular one didn't have a "hump" on the fretboard but the "glue" was at the rear of the neck by the body, but was "bridging" the joint between the neck and the fretboard. Not sure why this was done, but it all sanded off with no ill effect or signs that it was ever there and the joint between the two is perfect.????

Haven't posted any further updates yet as "work" is getting in the way at the moment. However, got the hardware back from the polishers this week......nice finish! Will post some pics at the weekend then get them lacquered up. The body now has 2/3 coats of acrylic lacquer applied which will be getting flatted back this weekend and more added. Again when I've got an acceptable finish on it I'll post some pics before the rebuild. Getting closer now!