Musicman20

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

If you don't like the limited version, please don't look at Gibson and how they have runs of 10k Les Pauls. Those 10 limited models will absolutely hold their value.

I always moan about modern prices. Musicman are probably my favourite brand, if not tied with Fender. Both are guilty of very high prices now. However, what I have gathered is that Musicman USA do not simply make hundreds of basses continuously now; they make smaller runs and are a little more 'built to order', so have scaled it down a little. Their guitars are also now becoming much more popular, and I think the same production applies to them. Make less, higher price. If people want the Musicman sound but without the cost and ultimately that high end feel/fit and finish, then they can get an import model. Whether we like it or not, that is how they have stayed doing what they do and this was a change during/after covid I believe.

I can hear a Stingray Fretless here; I presume it is the same one.... A much more exciting use of it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXBiYFoHsOg&list=RDCXBiYFoHsOg&start_radio=1

Apparently, and once the hype wears off and more people get chance to buy them, as with other pedals I can see the price dropping a little.

Regardless of the features, I must admit, the sounds hit me straight away.....they nailed it.

The tones from those pickups sound great, it looks fantastic, no doubt plays great but the smaller banjo frets and cost aren't for me. I am surprised their import basses are now 2k+. I realise manufacturing location doesn't mean much now, heck look at Apple and how insanely high quality their products are, but....it's a lot for a modern take on a PJ from China.

Think it is absolutely identical. Back pickups on Ray and Sterling USA models, whether H, HS or HH, are all in the 'sweet spot'.

I think you might be right - once the initial rush is over they might end up a little cheaper. So far: https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/dingwall-sp1-5-string-ducati-white/ 1950 - which is a wildly cheaper than the early stock in other stores.

There seems to be wildly different prices. Bass Direct have the 4 strings for 1899. Much more in some other stores.

Impressive! Enjoy the relaxing times.