Cumbo

I picked up a new Ibanez AEB5E a couple of years ago. Reduced in the store from $180 to $140. Not sure what it would cost in the UK, but it is very playable, has a good neck and tone. Not the flasiest instrument, but it works for me.

Thanks for those who notice the unfortunate typo. Definitely just 2 kids, despite what the 9 / ( mix-up suggested. Also for the record, Mancunian born, but raised in Wales. No sinsister reasons for leaving the country except for the weather.

Hi folks. Just adding my intro as a newbie. I'm a British ex-pat, now living in Florida, and I discovered this site while trying to resarch my old Shaftesbury bass. Apart from a Kay 3/4 scale, this was my first (and only) real bass, as a teenager back in the late 70s. I've seen a few members who, like me, left the bass playing for careers and family, and are just coming back after a couple of decades or more. No danger of GAS here. i'm the kind of guy who won't upgrade until I've squeezed all I can out of my existing gear, and can then justify the investment in order to grow. my original Shaftesbury only shares space with an Ibanez acoustic that I treated myself to a couple of years ago. The justifications for that purchase are that it makes it easier for me to practice regularly, and I that didn't need to buy an amp! My wife and 9grown up) kids are all following musical paths, and I have started "proper" lessons with a tutor at their college. i used to be able to play bass until I started lessons - then I had to unlearn all the bad habits. Mind you, I'm now better than I ever was after just a few tutoring sessions. Still a ways to go, but its a fun journey and quite therapeutic after a day in the office. All the best. Look forward to sharing tips and stories. Cumbo

Tell you what. If/when I get it set up properly I'll let you know how it sounds. i have been told before that they are a pretty good copy, and it certainly has the jangly sound.

Thanks. Satifies my curiousity somewhat. No so bothered about market value. My plan is to hang onto this for sentimental and novelty reasons. (It was my first "real" bass.) However, I am considering putting some money into getting it playable. (It needs re-fretting and a good, professional set-up.)

Hey. I have one of those! Also bought as a nipper around the same time. Cost me 35 quid because it had been stripped-down to the bare wood. I naively took a teenage stab at re-finishing it myself. Not great - but I managed a half-decent brownburst. mine has the original fitted hardshell case. Any info on history, accurate date, etc. would be welcome.