Jean-Luc Pickguard

The closest Fender got to perfection was in 2017 when the JMJ Mustang bass was launched. If they could now innovate with an identical bass, but with a 'closet classic' level of roadworn, their work would be done and no further innovation will ever be required.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Wasn't the concensus that Status Hotwires were made by Picato?

Let The Good Times (Bog) Roll — The Sonics

If the thickness of the base impedes setting a low action, a card shim at the back of the neck pocket should help. Assuming a bolt-on neck of course!

The reason I like the Fender HiMass is that the saddles cannot wander laterally unlike a BBoT. Also I like how they look.

I'm a big fan of the Fender Hi-Mass bridge — Currently only £35 from Amazon I have these on (at least) six basses. The Brass saddles seem to keep the notes punchy.

I think I've probably posted about my 'Bass of Theseus' elsewhere, but I don't think it has graced this 'bitsa' thread. This started out about 25 years ago as a fretless I put together using a neck & body from brandoni guitars. It wasn't getting played, so last year I bought a bunch of bits & bobs and rebuilt it. The parts used in this incarnation: Brandoni Japanese body (identical to the MIJ '62 reissue I used to own) AliExpress aged pearl pickguard Fender pickguard screws Fender thumbrest EMJ 'Geezer Butler' P bass pickup & loom Puretone output socket to replace the one that came with the EMG Amazon anti-slug tape Fender P to J conversion neck — The neck came fitted with a nut which was subsequently slotted & shaped to perfection by John at the Gallery Hipshot lollipop HB10 tuners & bushings Fender 'Badass style' HiMass bridge with brass saddles Gotoh nickel plated string tree & strap buttons Callaghan heavy knurled machined knobs Ernie Ball 40-95 Cobalt flatwounds Its almost a shame that I love gigging with my JMJ mustangs so much as this really should be getting some action.

Mirò In The Bathroom — The Beat

That'll buff out

Tennessee Williams — The Residents

I ended up a fair amount out of pocket playing at an all-day charity event over a decade ago — whilst I was inside playing for free and having to pay for my own (soft) drinks, some b'stard broke into my car in the pub car park by smashing the window. I was very reluctant to do any more freebies after that.

Satan's Fruit — Pure Retribution

Maxwell's Silver Hamster — Beatles

True Love Leaves No Traces — Leonard Cohen

When I bought my 4003, I immediately invested in a set of labelled knobs as the jazz bass style knobs it came with don't look right on a Ric, and I knew I'd forget which knob is which.

Ant Man Bee — Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band

Wild Is The Wind — David Bowie

This is what a black eagle looks like in all of its fugly glory Krist Novoselic had one that he got modified with a rosewood board

Broadway Freeze — Harvey Scales

Ẇank Williams

In The Air(bus) Tonight — Phil Collins

This magnificent instrument arrived on Tuesday. But I'm still in the challenge as I ordered it on the 29th December so it isn't a 2026 purchase! The red suede strap I ordered at the beginning of the year to go with it is also permitted in the rules of the challenge. Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Firebird in Gibson Garage/ Gibson.com exclusive cherry transparent finish. It does mean though that this (almost as magnificent) instrument will be on its way out once I find a buyer.

Do It If You Wanna — Elmore James

I'm Always Touched By Your Presents Dear — Blondie