Musicman20

PS - Does that say Sue Ryder? Basschat have already raised a lot for them by buying ALL of their old bass stock.

Oh Pete! At least you see the funny side. I've played a really good gig for charity in the past (one of the busiest liveliest gigs I've played in the past 4 years or so) but yep, some charity events are basically so much work for no one to even take any notice or actually raise money. I tend to do a lot of work related charity events so that is now enough for me....only got so much time in life! Saying that, if its a well organised good cause, I'd play it if it meant I'd have a good time and maybe just cover fuel, etc.

I think that looks quite spectacular! Although, I would prefer a white violin bass with a tort guard and black fretboard. YUM.

Tort works on: Any sunburst/tobacco burst, sonic blue, seafoam green, LPB, any white/cream, fiesta red, natural (looks great on a Stingray). The Tort has to be more brown than red....I really dislike the bright red tort as per Sandbergs I've seen and MIJ Fenders (the one I owned anyway). IMO, it looks ok on black, but I avoid black basses as I much prefer other colours.

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1403380594' post='2482298'] I could be wrong but my understanding is that the D Lakins available in Europe will come with decent gig bags - don't believe everything you read in TalkBass Also, they are made at a top quality builder in South Korea not Indonesia. I have seen some TalkBass mentions of Indonesia but pretty sure they are Korean. Not much between them as I'm sure there are good and bad builders in each country but in general terms 'made in South Korea' is a pretty good quality mark these days [/quote] I hope they are good, especially for the money. I've always found Lakland Skylines with finish flaws and generally rushed cosmetics. I've even played ones with misaligned bridges. I never bought one for that reason. Fender may not be perfect but at least it's easier to get a good one. I Iike the Carvins though, and full respect for making their own gear in their own factory for a great price. That's why the Lakland/D Lakin idea of building just seems bizarre.

I much prefer the Carvin over D Lakin basses. I have no objection whatsoever to non-US outsourced gear, but the prices the D Lakin basses are for a bass made in Indonesia, without even a high quality gig bag, is insane. I'd just get a Classic Vibe and upgrade the pickups.

I'd opt for the MB800.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1403269930' post='2481366'] I will hazard a guess at D Lakin? [/quote] Probably a good guess.

Gallien MB500? Might be a good amp to try out.

The 112 combo seems to suddenly be cheap on Thomann...£600. That handle design is pretty bad.

Oh I see, are these not Fender basses...I misread it!

As much as I'd like one, I think the Jaguar style is better on a guitar...especially Johnny Marr's signature guitar. I want one. Now.

I expect their order book to grow considerably now! I've always wanted a Pino P bass with P bass neck, but only very minor wear (just enough to make it look like a bass that's been used but never really abused). FIesta Red/Tort/Dark Rosewood. Yum. Once I've sorted my (6 string) guitar situation out I might take a look at these.

WOT - How would you compare it to a vintage Fender? I realise they are probably nowhere near as expensive but a nice substitute to get the feel/look/tone but without the high pricetag.

My take (and I've played countless Musicman basses).... 1. If you really want a Musicman, try a couple out, and if you still want one, get the real deal. The cheaper series of basses they make are great for the money, but you'll always end up wanting the real deal. 2. USA Stingray vs USA Sterling - Stingray has the classic tone, slightly bigger neck (not so much P bass but almost), chrome control plate due to front loaded electronics, etc. USA Sterling is smaller, sleeker, Jazz-type neck but IMO better than a Jazz, the pickups are in the same spot but the magnet is ceramic, so it sounds more aggressive in the mids...they really do bark and cut through the mix like crazy! Similar EQ's. I've owned 90s Rays and modern Rays from recent production, and I have to say they just keep on improving the basses with tiny tweaks (eg the compensated nut). Fit/finish is superb on all of mine. PS - NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING sounds like a Musicman bass properly unless its a Musicman.

That neck looks good enough to eat! Very tasteful. I must admit, I don't mind the Fender RW basses and guitars. I'm not so keen on Sandberg though; they look great in pictures but close up....nah...looks odd.

The Fodera headstock looks like a Warwick, and vice versa.

[quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1402856349' post='2477318'] You just can't beat a Tele, a true sold workhorse and killer looking guitar. Enjoy!!! [/quote] +1!

Mike Lull (great until I see the headstock), AC and the new D Lakin basses...

Thanks all - Crowther Hot Cake seems like it could work

I've recently tried out the Epiphone Casino and for the money it plays very nicely...and it's fit/finish looked pretty good. I might pick one up to scratch my semi-hollow itch. Plus that also ticks off P90s!

Do you already have a small-ish amp head? If so, use that with a small 1x12. TKS in Sweden make nice lightweight ceramic loaded cabs for a good price, and the GK Neo112 II is s a good price.

[quote name='planer' timestamp='1402501871' post='2474199'] Interesting that you've decided matching headstocks because YOU like them, not all your customers will agree. I'm fiddy/fiddy - some look great, some really don't. [/quote] I agree, some look great, some look...well, out of place, If you want a classic Fender look (despite it being available in the past) I think a natural headstock with nice choice wood for the whole neck is better.

What is the upcharge for a 'modern' tort plate? E.g. just the normal modern plastic guards? From looking at Telecaster guards (official ones) and Musicman guards, they seem to be about £25-40.