Sean

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='131090' date='Jan 31 2008, 02:51 AM']Why? You have got a pukka bass so why string it with sh*t?[/quote] Read the OP. [quote name='john_the_bass' post='131095' date='Jan 31 2008, 06:58 AM']spend the extra on a set of strings that will feel better, sound better and last longer - you won't replace them as often either, i bet.[/quote] If you read the OP you'll see what I use and I've a big pile of DRs, enough to last me a couple of years. I was just asking out of interest and thought that people on a budget or beginners might be interested also. Just trying to be helpful and surely the "hidden gems" phrase might have given a clue to the fact that I think that most of those brands [i]are[/i] sh*t but remain optimistic that maybe some are not.

As someone that is pretty much sold on DR Extra Life and Thomastik Flats I was looking through ebay and saw strings there on sale at prices of between £2.99 and 7.99 a set, things branded DADI, Olympia, King Lion etc. Does anyone have any experience of any of these and are they any good. I bought some Roberts strings back last year and they were absolutely sh*te and a complete waste of my time so I'm really not interested in them at all but any advice on some hidden gem cheapos would be greatly appreciated.

I did question the way they operated in a thread months back and wondered why they had a manager that didn't work peak hours and why they toof so damn long to deliver everything and why they never ever once called back after promising to - I really felt that once they had your order and your money they couldn't care less. Major high street retailers might be able to get away with rude or indifferent staff but niche businesses like bass shops need engaging people who are enthusiastic and I never saw this in my dealings with them.

[quote name='King Tut' post='128992' date='Jan 27 2008, 11:15 PM']Not sure but I think the USA one is a little older than 3 years - isn't Z1 = 2001?[/quote] Yep, sure is.

[quote name='Sean' post='127687' date='Jan 25 2008, 12:51 PM']Just come back from Aldi in Cheltenham and they haven't got any. [/quote] Just come back from Aldi in Quedgeley and they haven't got any.

[quote name='noisedude' post='128660' date='Jan 27 2008, 01:14 PM']Failing that, you can always hang on to it for a bit, take some proper photos and make a better listing, and then stick it bay on Ebay and turn a few quid profit![/quote] I've got a feeling that I'll be hanging on to it for the foreseeable. When the day does come, though it should make up a tiny bit for all the cash I've lost in depreciation over the years with other instruments! I just hope the seller packs it properly and the courier doesn't jump up and down on the box - there's no case with it.

[quote name='WarPig' post='128521' date='Jan 27 2008, 01:47 AM']Post pics and a review! [/quote] It'll be interesting to compare it against my Lakland Skyline 44-02 which has the same pup config and same style construction.

Cheers for the heads up on that one, Jon. I've just bought it. £95 + £15 for shipping? It has to be worth a look. It's worth double that all day long with a decent listing and nice photos. An educated guess says it's one of the older Japanese ones as the new ones don't come in that finish or pick up config from what I can see on the Ibanez web site. It's a lovely looking piece of wood. Once it arrives I shall investigate and report back.

I think we need some help from Stingrayfan. My answer: hold on to it.

[quote name='Pedro1020' post='127944' date='Jan 25 2008, 06:41 PM']That price is just taking the piss [/quote] I couldn't agree more. You can a brand new one for a tenth of the price.

[quote name='sk8' post='127871' date='Jan 25 2008, 04:52 PM']odd, i asked a query on a previous email and nothing was mentioned[/quote] When was this? It looks like their decision to stop exporting is very recent.

I've looked at it a few times and with my previous experience of Gary Willis stuff I decided to dodge it. I've always been taught to pick intervals that relate to songs that you know - I'll dig out my list tonight (when I get home) and post the examples, I find that they are very useful.

Just come back from Aldi in Cheltenham and they haven't got any.

And now I have another reply my friend got from a different member of Ishibashi's staff:- "Thank you for your e-mail. This is Tomonori from Ishibashi WEB SHOP. I am taking to you on behalf of Koichi. I am afraid to say that we can not sell Fender Japan products for overseas right now. we received this notification from Fender Japan. We are very sorry for inconvenience. Your full understanding of this matter would be greatly appreciated. If you have a question,please let me know. Thank you very much. Best regards," It looks like it's all over! Oh well, I'm off to find a used Lakland Skyline Bob Glaub and some sushi instead. Saying that though, surely Ishi aren't the only source for these?

There are loads of threads here about Laklands and how good they are. I used to have USA Fenders and made the switch to Lakland Skylines over time just because they are so good and IMO better than the Fenders I had. There are some great Fenders out there but the quality of Laklands tends to be more consistent and their design takes a classic idea forward rather than just replicating it. I have no experience of Sandberg but as far as Laklands go, and I think there are a few people on this forum that would agree with me, I would order a Lakland unseen whereas I would always insist on having a go on a US Fender before ordering. Another alternative is a Japanese Fender and there are a couple of active threads on MIJ/CIJ Fenders on this part of Basschat at the moment that are very informative. Fender is a huge brand and is the default and original bass for millions but there are alternatives out there that are too good to overlook. What I will say about Lakland and Sandberg is that they have so much of their own personality and feel that they aren't "copies" at all.

It's fab. Managed to buy a copy for £6 somewhere - bargain of the year. I grew up loving The Police and Stew is my absolute fave drummer no question.

I'm getting a friend of mine to email and see if he gets a different response. Maybe certain staff overlook such things where others reinforce the rule - who knows? Really gutted now and my bonus is burning a hole...

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='123254' date='Jan 19 2008, 08:48 AM']I've just emailed Jeff at Ishi and he has given me a price inc shipping to UK. So, they are selling to UK[/quote] I just had a reply from Ishi: Dear Sean, ******************************** Thank you for your inquiry. We are very sorry to say, we do not ship any new Fender Japan product internationally. Sales of new Fender Japan merchandise outside of Japan are restricted. We appreciate your understanding. Best regards,************************ International Sales Manager Any ideas?

PB70-93US is a stunner. Might just have to...

This is great... [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Japan"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Japan[/url] You can also see if you go to... [url="http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/web/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ishibashi.co.jp%2Fwebshop%2Fguitar%2Findex.htm&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2"]http://www.excite.co.jp/world/english/web/...EN&wb_dis=2[/url] and have a browse through the different models that there are two distinctly different logos, one red and the other brown and curvy. These different logos correspond to the two different distributors.

Try this iste, they'll do a custom pick guard for you.

You'll be able to pick these up for peanuts in ten years time. I reckon they'll date horrendously. Saying that though, I really like them and it's good to see something really new out there.

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='123254' date='Jan 19 2008, 08:48 AM']I've just emailed Jeff at Ishi and he has given me a price inc shipping to UK. So, they are selling to UK[/quote] Oh, that's good news. How do they take your card details now? When I bought a Fender Telecaster from them about five years ago they made me send a load of separate emails with the 16 digit number on it.