tegs07

55 minutes ago, EBS_freak said:

But it doesn't help when you have people chucking around phrases like "the china virus" - there's a worrying amount of Americans that hate anything that is built outside the USA. And that's based on prejudice as opposed to do anything to do with the goods themselves.

Possibly true but there may be an equal amount that just want to support American companies and I have no beef with that. I can’t help but admire the pride the French have for their own products    and the enjoyment they take in consuming them ...

Probably the best anecdote I have is MusicMan Stingray.

I first saw/heard one of these live when Simon Gallup from The Cure played one in the mid ‘80’s. It sounded great and looked it too and I wanted one. No budget then so was stuck with a Marlin clone P bass.

Fast forward a decade or so and I still couldn’t really afford one!

The Indonesian made Ray’s were a possibility though. Comparing the Sub to the real deal in the shop the gulf was massive, Nothing wrong with it but nothing brilliant either.

The Ray34 on the other hand well that was getting harder to distinguish but that cost a grand for an Indonesian made bass. However the money had definitely been used wisely.. in the end I got a deal on the display model and used it for years without changing a thing and it still looked and sounded great when I eventually sold it.

That is indeed worthy of a frame

17 minutes ago, binky_bass said:

much like a good piece of art I can happily stare at these basses for long periods of time and admire the work behind the build. 

And that is where some of the cost creeps in .. nothing wrong with a Ply or composite body unless you’re interested in grain, finish and weight. 
 

Cheaper machine heads and bridge are fine too if you don’t mind the finish peeling off after a year or two.

Cheap pickups and electrics .. don’t know how many folks I know that have bought £300 ish pounds bass then over a year is so swapped out all of the above and added £200 to the cost... when £500 or so on the second hand market would have got them a far better bass.

9 hours ago, bubinga5 said:

in my mind the brand doesn't carry that much worth. only my opinion of course

I feel the same way about Harley Davidson Motorcycles. I guess this is where concepts of heritage, aesthetics and iconography kick in. 

Personally I don’t have the funds nor do I particularly want a custom shop Fender but if I was a highly paid banker looking for some pretty object to hang in the entrance hall that epitomised rock and roll then the custom shop Fender would do that better than a Spector ...

48 minutes ago, TheLowDown said:

Well if you think you're getting a better bass, then that's all that matters, eh. If you're more than happy with it, then there is no issue for you.

There’s no issue other than the fact that you’re just putting down sweeping blanket statements as fact. 
 

Edit: Don’t mean to sound as harsh as it reads. That is the trouble with written word., no tone or subtly.. that said standing by the essence of the text. Not everything Fender makes is mediocre, ash and alder are nicer than chipboard and sometimes you really do get better value when you pay more.

4 minutes ago, TheLowDown said:

Often it's about perception regarding how much people paid for their item. "Nicer to play" "and "better made" are highly subjective.

Scientists have have many times conducted real world experiments and found that people consistently perceive a higher priced item as being "better", even when it was the same.

You must be right then if scientists say so.

Bloody scientists there always sneaking in and meddling with my basses.

I 

10 minutes ago, TheLowDown said:

If a bass costs you above £400 and isn't diamond studded or laced with gold, you should question what you're getting for your money.

I have a couple of basses that cost over £400 and can honestly say they are better made and nicer to play than the cheaper ones that I own. One is a Fender and is a lovely instrument both aesthetically and build quality.

1 minute ago, Maude said:

Again, I agree, to a degree. If £5.5k (Rick 4005xc) was a reasonable recompense for the labour and materials involved then why don't all their guitars and basses start at that price. They obviously feel £2.5k is fair for a 4003 so why double it for the 4005, unless cashing in on the vintage values, which they're entitled to, it's theirs after all. 

Again this goes back to something only being worth whatever someone else is willing to pay. If the 4005’s sell then that’s what they are worth. If they don’t sell they will be discontinued and/or come down in price.

!

Something is only “worth” what someone else is willing to pay for it.

Neck sold elsewhere...

Decided to keep the pickups and electrics in this so for sale:

Modded Schecter Omen body £40

Modded Hondo2 neck £25

Buyer may have to do some work to get the items compatible with their projects so priced accordingly 

Sure no problems 

will take neck off first and send both together with Parcelforce 

Go on it’s better than watching Netflix....

I even have a set of fret pulling pliers brand new that I can throw in for £10 extra 

Body Crimson stains and oiled to give the light basswood a heavier grained appearance.

Pmd

Certainly generated some heated discussion in this thread!
I suspect supply and distribution issues are at the heart of the price increase. There may be a bit of the “Apple Tax” as well... when a brand has a devoted following they are willing and able to pay more.

The similarities with Rickenbacker have been made... personally I think they are a bit bling and overpriced but would still love a 4001 same with Land Rover Defenders. Just because they cost a fortune and a shed load of them go nowhere near a field and are driven by City types doesn’t detract from the fact they are fantastic vehicles.

Aerodyne bought from Dave. As described, well packaged and good comms ... Cheers 

Mods please could you end this listing 

Sorry I don’t know the year. I have owned it for over 4years...

Would prefer collection .. fully insured postage to NI would be around £35 with a decent courier.

This has been my go to favourite bass for a long time now and is a reluctant sale. Very good condition with just a few small scratches on pick guard. It’s a joy to play.

Socially distanced collection from Bristol preferred but can courier at buyers risk.

Would like to buy @Daveyboyrooster aerodyne so happy to part this bass out or take offers if anyone is interested?

7 minutes ago, Henrythe8 said:

OOooOOOooh... what is the nut width, please ? 

Is it still possible to fit a Jazz Pup in the Neck position ? (with a change of pickguard, of course) ? 

Hi

Will measure for you once work done for day... yep J pickup could be slotted back in.

Feeler/Trades. Have added a random price but no idea what it is worth - would rather Trade with me pay a bit extra if required for a PJ with Jazz width neck.

Fender Aerodyne, Lakland etc.

I tend to undersell things on here so this is focus’s on all the negatives - if I pop bass on eBay it will be far more of a modified USA made Jazz pitch!

USA Jazz body but routed for PJ. Neat job and shielded (not copper).

Roadworn 90’s USA P neck.
Has been extensively used and gigged by previous owner. I have also had it for a while now. It’s a bit battered but is a joy to play.
Low action and frets have plenty of life.

Neck has been on several different bodies over the years so had several screw holes. A friend who is pretty handy drilled out holes and plugged them and then applied inserts/machine screws.

Really secure fit though neck has a slight overhang (about 1mm) in pocket being a 90’s P on a 2000’s J body.

Original pickups replaced with passive EMG Geezer Butlers.

Babicz string through high mass bridge.

No idea what this bitsa is worth but I love it, particularly the neck despite all its flaws. Sadly the old school (I guess it’s a C profile rather than the more modern D) aggravates my RSI. I have hung on for 9 months now but just find J necks much easier.

Just testing the waters to see if there would be any interest in this bass. 
 

Note photos are old and show bass  dismantled and fitted with Tesla’s.

These pickups and Copper earthing strip are removed now.
I will take more pictures showing fully assembled bass if there is any interest.

Thanks