three

I play a Spector shorty (US model) - the nut is around 1.64" and very comfortable for me. It's a short-scale obviously, so not directly comparable to the basses in which the OP might have an interest. However, the small body is beautifully ergonomic, as is the neck - a neat combination of substance and slender playability. Ergonomic design seems to be a Spector specialism. The tone is nothing special to my ears but I tend to use a preamp for tone sculpting rather than the on-board pre.

Just bought a lovely cab from Mr Zed - it looks absolutely new and is exactly as described, if not better. Andy actually took the time to deliver the cab too - an opportunity for a great chat! Absolutely delighted - everything super simple, fast and friendly. Have no hesitation in dealing with Andy - one of the best of an amazing community!

Same plus refreshments, especially if short notice and significant travel involved

Pricey but unsurpassed!

Pricey but unsurpassed!

I had a Spitfire on a J. Really, as close as you'll get to an original celluloid. Recently bought a real celluloid plate from Simms - beautiful and around half the price of the Spitfire (but the latter has the edge)

Great that you've gigged it! The sustain is a bit of a marvel (along with the clarity and punch). When I gigged mine, it spent around 80% of the time in passive. That lacewood body is a thing of beauty too - I don't think that I've seen one previously. Fantastic instruments that don't appear for sale too often (these earlier models anyway). i'm sure that all SIIs are fantastic but I prefer the first few years of production.

I got back into playing my old SII recently. I gigged it for years and had forgotten just how good it is

Ahh, good - please do keep us updated, it would be good to know if the reversed DBE resolves the problem. A lot depends on saddle to retainer and nut to post distances I imagine, but worth a try!

You could try reversing a double ball ended string (Status etc.) and snip off the larger ball to leave a straight end for the winding post. I'm assuming here the the bass is short scale (and that the DBE strings have 2 different sized balls). I can send an old DBE E strung if you think this might work? An image would help. An alternative is to ask Newtone for a custom wind set. Another is to sell the bass to me - I love plexi basses! Though I struggle to lift them...