Musicman20

To be honest I don't think bass amps have moved on THAT much since the RH450/750. Same with the later Genz Benz amps. Just new models by various companies with some refinements. We have probably peaked with a good class D powerful amp combined with a great cab. That or modelling with a high end powered cab.

Agree with this. Back then they were really cutting edge and had great service. I've kept mine and I love the cabs. The only issues are the buttons.

Sounds and looks fantastic! Nice playing as well.

Oh I totally agree it's damn difficult in the USA, I was just curious really. The only reason I mentioned NI contributions is when I was looking for a breakdown of NI, there are many references similar to this: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/data-and-charts/nhs-budget-nutshell#:~:text=the money go%3F-,How is the NHS funded%3F,as prescriptions and dental treatment. 'The vast majority of public NHS funding comes from general taxation and National Insurance contributions' I've no idea to be honest. I've bought many USA instruments in the past, but from now on, due to the extreme prices we are seeing, I will be less tempted. I do have two full fat USA Bongos though (on topic!) and personally I'd advise going for one if you can.

I'd be intrigued to know the average salary deductions from say 50k in England (and it's equivalent) in USA. When I say deductions I mean the mandatory deductions only....and then a comparison to USA deductions for med insurance vs the tax/NI element here for healthcare. I imagine the USA still works out ludicrously expensive. I have noticed how insanely priced some 'USA' products are in the UK...(are Sterling instrument checked in a USA facility?)

https://www.andertons.co.uk/sterling-by-music-man-bongo-5-bass-in-firemist-purple-satin/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=surfaces&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20740064305&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqebEBhD9ARIsAFZMbfzluWZstvyIdzYnPqDNx6l7fI3In8OhC-FjCSDIYJ7fkQSrM-QdHFQaAvZVEALw_wcB Wow! I’m sure you can get a second hand USA model for £1500-1700.

https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2025/08/03/nofxs-barcelona-how-the-unlikely-combination-of-fat-mike-and-david-pastorius-created-a-genre-bending-bass-gem/ I heard the song a few weeks back, and I did wonder if Mike had suddenly got into bass tapping. This is a great combination!

That IS a nice Fender.

These were sadly discontinued before the Specials. Quite a niche but cool instrument.

That was absolutely lovely. IMO, the modern Fender American P bass 5 string is actually a really nice instrument. The P pickup will always bring a certain tone to a B string, and often it's nice to have the bridge pickup to get it to sound a little 'tighter', but I'd go for a Fender P5 if I wanted a passive 5 string P bass. I've tried many types of 5 string, and still, despite different scale lengths, I absolutely love the Musicman tight and aggressive B string 5 string basses.

Yep, and you get what you get!

Dealer as in the distributor, not the shops. It adds another layer of profit.

It 100% wouldn't look anything like that, and the fretboard would be Pau Ferro, which is what Musicman have been using for fretless for a LONG time. You can also choose a nice figured neck if you wanted. I have a few Musicman sunburst/tobacco burst basses, and they are exceptionally good bursts. 2014 spec: https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/en-gb/products/music-man-stingray-4-h-fretless-wpiezo-sunburst-2014-1407409

...on the contrary, I was saying the cost to import a PP Sig model is roughly the same for an individual as it would be buying from a store like yours in the UK. Which is a good thing as it causes less issues. If however you don't want the Pino version, you can custom order a different one/spec. Via UK store or from USA - no idea what the prices are. I think the issue with shops ceasing to exist is not the fault of the customer, it's the fault of changes in world economy and the general landscape of buying products, in a vast amount of industries. A customer should have one price, wherever, but if it is vastly cheaper elsewhere, they can then spend more on further gear/life/food/holidays. The problem is, almost all major guitar stores are a fair drive for most people (might take a full day!) so the fun of test driving gear isn't really what it used to be, so they buy online, save time, and yep, they'll vote with their wallet. If you ask me, no need for dealers (as in the distributor middlemen/women/people, not the stores) in 2025. Adding costs for no reason.

Buying directly from Musicman's store for the same bass gets you at roughly the UK prices. You could custom order a fretless... https://design.music-man.com/SR4