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[quote name='bassatnight' post='356725' date='Dec 17 2008, 10:34 AM']So what instrument would be best - the P or the J??[/quote] Best just to try them out at a local Fender dealer. Lakland also do versions of both that are well worth a try, you could perhaps get them for about £500 secondhand. Here's a Lakky that went for £575: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=33216&hl=lakland"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...&hl=lakland[/url] Another off-the-top-of-the-head (and perhaps too pricey) option could be to build a Jazz using Warmoth parts and perhaps drop in some Dark Star pickups to get a huge sound. Like this: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=30338"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=30338[/url] Cheers-

I vote for the hipshot O-Rings because...well, why not? Great work.

These are brilliant basses - they play as well, if not better than US Fenders I have tried. When my bank balance has recovered from Christmas will definitely have to get myself one of these, despite not being a Fender fanboy. For the price they cost new I can't see a decent pickguard harming the value at all, especially if it's an official Fender plate.

For a non-Fender retro look, how about giving a Lakland 55-01 a try? There's been a couple for sale here at around £450 secondhand. On a side note, there's also a secondhand Warwick Streamer Stage 1 going for £560 - a great bass at a great price, but it isn't very "Fendery".

I'm with BigRedX on the shaping - for the money I'd like to see the neck finished properly.

Just found these pics of a Tonika. Crazy! [url="http://meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/tonika_bass.html"]http://meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/tonika_bass.html[/url] This website is a bit of a goldmine...

Have just been reading up on these mass-produced communist era Russian basses... [url="http://meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/ural_bass.html"]http://meatexz.com/cheesyguitars/ural_bass.html[/url] Does anyone own one? They're still common in Russia, apparently, but have any made it across Europe? The kitch value alone would tempt me to get one...

[quote]Complete opposite to the Warwick feel.[/quote] I agree in part. Certainly the neck is very different, but I personally find that the feel of the wenge/bubinga neck woods give something of a Warwick vibe. Also the small rounded body is a little thumb-like... [quote]How is the quality control for Ibanez? Can you get really good ones or bad ones for the same model?[/quote] Ibby have always seemed pretty damn solid to me, and every time I pick one up in a shop the factory setup is quite nice too..

It's because you're a bunch of old hippie grandads. **runs away**

Copyright that headstock if you can (you'd most likely might have to adjust it slighty to make it look less like a Fender). It looks brilliant left as a hole and would also look great with an insert of contrasting wood.

For a new bass, see if you can get an deal (or stretch the budget) to an Ibanez SR505. A brilliant bass for the money and feels like a light Warwick. They have very decent electronics, too. The string spacing is narrower, but they are easy to play. ([url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/ibanez-sr-505/11055[/url]) For a second-hand (and well under budget) option, as an alternative to getting a Rockbass Streamer Standard, you might want to keep an eye out for an old Warwick Streamer STD. They were German made and had standard Warwick necks on cheaper bodies. They only made them for about two years (1999-2000). The passive electronics are very basic, but easy to upgrade. ([url="http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/streamer_std.html"]http://www.warwickbass.com/basses/streamer_std.html[/url] - this web page is old, by the way, these are definitely no longer being made).

When I picked up the Thumb basses they predictably obliterated the Streamer STD. However, I'd always liked the STDs mellow take on the Warwick sound so I slapped a set of Thomastik flats and some Seymour Duncan electronics onto it - now it's a retro/dub-bass monster. Still gets played!

Wow, loads of "cheap 5 string" questions at the moment! If you want to buy new then my rec, as ever, is the Ibanez SR505BM. Nice woods, useful pre-amp and very playable.

[quote name='lateralus462' post='345812' date='Dec 4 2008, 07:03 PM']I think I'll have to try both before I make my mind up.[/quote] It's the best way - they're both decent basses, so you shouldn't go far wrong.

This question has cropped up alot lately. If you want to buy new then my answer, as ever, would be the Ibanez SR505BM. However, if you're happy to go second-hand then I would also join the others in recommending the Lakland that is being sold here for a very decent price. ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=31960"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=31960[/url])

SR506BM. Looks and playability.

[quote name='Fraktal' post='345355' date='Dec 4 2008, 01:22 PM']Yup![/quote] A line from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade springs to mind:- "You have chosen...........................wisely!"

You don't want old junk cluttering up your attic. I'll take it off your hands for £50 then you'll be able to save some space around the house. What d'you reckon?

Just get a Warwick. Everybody likes Warwicks, especially the necks.