Caoimhin

I'm a bowing francophile but that might have more to do with my first teacher than anything else. Tried a German bow once and I liked it fine. Whatever you're comfortable with is fine by me

Sorry just saw your post that your going to go see some one today - let us know how you got on! (By the way, just noticed you need a bridge for the 3/4. When I was thinking of changing out mine I was quoted around €250 for a fitting alone - but sure tell us what you've been quoted)

I know most luthiers in Europe charge €1000 to take the top off a bass regardless of its age/worth etc. Stevie, you could try Paul Hyland in Anniesland College on the Great Western Road - he's the main tutor there in the violin/guitar making course. If he won't do it himself I'm sure he'll recommend some one else who will. He might even have a student willing to tackle it as a repair project which would save you a lot of money if you have the patience... Best of luck with it

I've a liftback Corolla (the one thats somewhere between a saloon and a hatchback) and it fits fine with the back seat down. Usually take myself, my bass, amp and head, acoustic guitar and acoustic guitarist with plenty to spare. I have fitted it in a Corsa with myself, amp and girlfriend easily too. If you lean the passenger seat back you can lie it back on that with the pin toward the passenger foot well and the scroll in the air over the back seat. Actually very easy to fit in believe it or not. I was almost given out to by my teacher for even suggesting you need a big car for a double bass and it's true. We do have to think about the environment too (and ridiculous petrol prices!)