I guess I understand the advice in a different way. I suspect most people looking at a HB Stingray are beginners, parents of beginners or people looking for a budget backup bass. I’d be happy to buy a HB, spend a few months trawling for bargains and tinkering and end up with a pretty solid instrument for £200. I wouldn’t recommend this for most beginners or parents though. I’d go for TheGreeks suggestion as if they give up it’s an easy sell with no loss.