growse

I'm doing a refurb on an old Ibanez SR500, and I've just taken the Bartolini Mk1s out. My original plan was to replace them with something from Nordstrand (like a bigrig), but double-checking the dimensions, something seems off. All the Nordstrand 4-string soapbars seem to either come in EMG35 (don't care), or "Bartolini BC" size (32mm x 101mm). However, measuring my Mk1's, they seem to be 32mm by 108mm(!). Some more research suggests this is the "Bartolini P2" size. There's lots of pickups that come in P2 size. Problem is, they're all 5-string. Most 4-string seem to come in the shorter "BC" size. Am I stuck? Does anyone (apart from Bartolini) make a good pickup in this size? Does it matter and can I just shim a BC size pickup in place (sounds complicated)?

I'm happy to wait to get a better deal When you planning to make an order?

Is [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_hipshot_dtuner.htm"]this sort of thing[/url] what I need? The GB7 SKU 20600, whereas that link is selling a 20600C. No idea what the difference is...

I really do apologies for rubbish camera pictures. If you need something better, let me know. [url="http://img375.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img00012wc7.jpg"][/url] [url="http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img00021qj5.jpg"][/url]

I've got an Ibanez SR500 and am looking to get a detuner for some stuff I'm playing that needs a low D. I've looked around and there seem to be a few aftermarket ones, but I've no idea about compatability. Can I just buy any one and fit it, or will I need a specific model for my bass? Thanks

Right, so the overwhelming opinion is that it's not good and that I should find lemon oil instead. I will therefore scour the internet for some. Bass in question is an Ibanez sr500.... 0

I've not been cleaning my neck as much as I should have been recently, and the crud is starting to build up. A friend of mine said he knew someone who used WD40 to clean the neck and the strings, and the crud would "come right off". I'm thinking that this might not be the best idea in the world, but it could equally be a valuable time saver. So what's the verdict - immensly good or bad idea?

Thanks for the suggestions. I think £500 is a bit much for me at the moment - I'm living on a bit of a budget. I mentioned the kickback 12 in my original post, I never realised the kickback 10 existed. The gallery is doing these for £300 new, so if I find a second hand one of these I might persue it. People seem to rate them fairly well. I'll try and find an SWR to have a play with, I'm not too sure what sort of sound I'm looking for at the moment though but it should be worth a try.

I've posted an ad in the wanted section for a Trace Elliot boxer 65, as I played one a while back and was quite surprised at how good it was. However, these things appear to be quite rare these days, so I'm looking for alternatives. Can anyone recommend something that's reasonably small, but reasonably punchy? I'm not looking to compete against PAs at hugely loud gigs, but something that gives a reasonable sound with some volume would be good. The other reason I was looking 2nd hand is that it's cheaper - I'd rather get something a bit scuffed for less money than pay for something that looks pristine. I've also been looking at the Hartke kickback 12, any thoughts? Any ideas at what sort of thing I should be looking at? As above, I think size / weight is my primary concern - I don't have a lot of storage space at my house....