Marc S

As Lewis says, the non original case won't devalue the bass much. The re-fret will indeed devalue it a bit. Although, as long as it's a decent job, done by a decent luthier, and there are no scars from the de-fretting, it shouldn't devalue it too much. My own thinking is a 40 year old instrument is bound to have had some wear & tear, and I'd rather buy one that's had a decent re-fret, than one that badly needs a re-fret.... Lewis's values are in the right ball-park too, I think. Do you have any photos? - That might also help, because some colours and finishes are also more sought after than others. Post some good pics, with a few close-up details and someone might be able to give you a more comprehensive answer Also, this year might be a good time to sell, as it's someone's Y.O.B. 40th birthday bass Obviously, in 2027, it should be worth more - as that's a 50th birthday YOB for someone

Following a link from some friendly BC'er - I ordered 3 sets of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ashdown-Strings-ASH-STRING-ST-5ML-/292018352121?hash=item43fda66ff9:g:zuUAAOSwyQtVksOk Because I was buying several sets, I got them cheaper than 6 quid a set too! Although I've not tried them yet, I gave a set to my son, who's always going through bass strings And I'll be putting a set on my Jazz bass in the next month or so But at under £6 a set - I thought these were worth a try

Really nice work here! Love the grain of that spalted beech too. How do you manage to keep everything so neat & tidy? If this had been done by me, there'd be trickles & splashes of glue everywhere Will be keeping an eye on this - great work Jabba

The VM Telecaster basses have been out of production for some time now. Not sure about other basses in the VM series. I haven't seen so many recently. Although I have seen the VM P/J Precision - the price has shot up mind you. Not seen a VM Jazz for some time (at least, not new, in a guitar shop) Re Squier's output - The Classic Vibe series have been absolutely stunning. Although the VM's are / have been great, the CV's are a couple of notches up again. My CV Fiesta Red P is absolutely amazing - these are now discontinued, as are the highly rated Matt Freeman P basses. The CV's and Freemans being made in a different factory in China to the new Affinity series. I've heard a few players, and guitar shop staff say that the CV's were actually "too good" i.e. too close in quality for Fenders' liking EDIT: I meant to say, maybe the model in question didn't sell that many numbers when new? But if they were also good quality instruments - owners won't want to part with them. This in turn, becomes a circular argument; not many come up 2nd hand, so I'd better not sell mine, therefore, not many come up 2nd hand..... etc

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1489052512' post='3253947'] I don't know why, but I just cannot listen to Ed at all, not any of it. Something really grates me about it. I've got no problem with pop music, but I just don't like his songs at all. I must have poor taste as everyone else seems to praise him. [/quote] Fair enough - taste is just a personal thing. There are no rights & wrongs - just our own individual likes & dislikes. I like Ed Sheeran personally. Not everything he does, but quite a bit of it. Great to know that Pino was in his "ideal band". A pop star who recognises (a) a great bass player and (b ) what bass can bring to a song So many singer / guitarists I have met really don't understand bass at all.......

I've never measured the height of action, and the thing is, having several basses, I quite like a different action for different basses. I tend to set the action to what feels right for each bass. I also don't like the action to be set too low - but each to their own of course. What suits one may not suit another.... I'm really with you on the playing lighter though. My background being mainly in punk and rock - I had a few lessons a while back, with excellent Cardiff based tutor Jon Caulfield. He kept telling me to lighten my touch, and yes, I think it's definitely more "controlled". Plus, if you really want to belt a few notes out, and dig in more for a short while - it gives you that ability and the dynamics of playing lighter, then more aggressive, then lighter again. Whereas if you're constantly playing heavily - there's nowhere else to go. It takes time to adapt your style of play, and it's great to hear that the lower action has helped you do this

[quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1488875352' post='3252469'] Unfortunately I can't help you with your question but please post pics of your Fender Urge when it arrives [/quote] Yes indeed. I'd love to have a try of a couple of Medium Scale Fenders

[quote name='JPJ' timestamp='1488798612' post='3251787'] Well the clamps came off and the fingerboard stayed attached, so I'm calling that a result. A little bit of fine filler in one or two spots where I may have been a little enthusiastic with the glue removal and a lick of lacquer and she'll be as good as new. I have some enamel paint inbound too to touch up the chips on the body, so hopefully by next weekend she'll be back together and looking good. [/quote] Ah, glad to hear this news. It does look like you've done a proper repair

Yes, string height depends on the personal preference of the player, but also on the type of strings being used. I've recently started playing more of a slap style on DB, and I find I can't do that if the strings are too low.... However, when playing more Pizz style - this is too high for me personally. I'm just glad I have an adjustable bridge on both my DB and my EUB. It means I can adjust either to suit what band / outfit and style I'm playing. Though obviously, not between songs! Definitely pay the extra few quid and get an adjustable bridge! EDIT: As the above post (Marty) says; make sure you use a DB luthier, and yes, get them to check position of your soundpost, and depth of nut slots. Incidentally, Danny Thompson said he deliberately had the nut slots not too deep - as he preferred the strings to be some way off the fingerboard, so he could develop his left hand grip strength....

Sorry to hear of this awful event.... Good luck in getting it sorted - hope that Parcel Farce are ashamed of themselves It may well be that for legal & insurance purposes, they state that instruments should be in a flight case But can't they read the label stating "Fragile" ???