Burns-bass

I’m half German and I’m always amazed at the capacity for any conversation about the Germans to end up at WW2 somehow (no matter how circuitous). I remember spending Christmas with some German relatives and as we’re flicking through the channels they were amazed to see that the History channel was choosing to celebrate such a wonderful day by showing The World at War in its entirety. Strange country this one.

As a general rule of thumb add 25% on top and you won’t go too far wrong. Yes, you can get an accurate figure online I’m sure, but this will give you a ball park.

The best thing to do is to keep hold of your money and play the basses you’ve already got.

Sire U5 is a perfect choice.

It’s tough isn’t it? Personally, I despise the business models of Amazon and am fully aware that the prices are only achievable through dubious business practices but every penny I save I can spend on my family, so I’ll often use them. My point was a glib one, and I’m as guilty as anyone else. If we can agree effective trade deals, then prices could drop. It’s up to those in charge to make the best of this situation. There still seems to be a residual hangover around the B word that shall never be used. Ultimately, we now need to adapt. If that means embracing new business models or approaches then so be it.

But good for U.K. businesses that employ people here and pay tax here too.

Sorry I missed this. I must say I haven’t tried all the Fender range (not been able to get to a guitar shop for a while, wonder why?) There are people with greater experience than I have, but I’ve felt that Fenders can differ even within ranges. Personally, I wanted a full rosewood neck that was pencil thin, the strong vintage-style pickups and a pink finish. I know it’s not for everyone but I absolutely love it. The US jazz is lovely, but personally I’d suggest if you want a genuine Fender but cant justify the US cost, then the Player series ones are wonderful. Slightly wider neck, fatter frets and thinner body. I loved mine, gigged with it and am sad I sold it. The stuff coming out of Mexico now is of exceptional quality at a fraction of the price of the US models.

Such a shame. Our creative industries are a multitude larger than our fishing industry.

I’d stick it in the wanted forum. But I’ve got a set of HB short scale strings that came on my PB mini bass. Never used (swapped for flats) and they’re yours if you want them. Message me and I’ll send them to you.

This was *exactly* why my dad warned me about shooting my mouth off or getting angry driving. You never know who you’re going to meet and what they’re capable of. I think what’s great about this thread is that as a community we can all come together, share information and stop more people losing out. The world will dispense justice in the end.

More because of handling fees to administer the levy. Say an additional 5%.

Live on my own with a room full of basses, guitars and other instruments. Turned out I managed it, and now it’s got a double bass in it too!

The world of DB is expensive, better get used to it!

I’m not classically trained and I don’t have strong feelings on this. As you say, whatever gets you out playing and enjoying DB is what matters!

The problem with marking where the notes are is that you train yourself to look at the fingerboard. You’ll contort yourself into an odd shape to do so which is technically incorrect. Probably doesn’t matter much if you’re enjoying playing at home, but if you then need to read music, sing or just fancy looking at the audience it can knock your intonation off. I’d recommend learning to play in tune with a drone. You’ll benefit from it in the long run.

Plug for a book by the wonderful science writer Philip Ball. He tackles this (and lots of other musical questions) in a really accessible way. The guy is a phenomenal writer. I did have a copy somewhere. If I can dig it out of the loft you (or anyone) can have it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Music-Instinct-Works-Cant-Without/dp/0099535440

If the guy has a gambling problem it’s likely the cash is gone and he’s desperately trying to find some way to replace it. This is how things escalate, I’ve seen it happen and it’s desperately sad. The likelihood is that more people will lose out to pay you back. I’m not saying you shouldn’t persevere, but a chat with someone more official might be wise as others are likely to be affected too.

What a silly man

Danger signs. Who knows how long it’s been sat. Always plan for the worst (and hope for the best!)

The bass looks ok, but always factor in the cost of a set-up, strings and common things like a new bridge and nut. Personally I’d always buy on Basschat from a seller that had an instrument that had been cared for and set up properly. As I’ve learned to my detriment, they’re a no such thing as ‘cheap’ when it comes to double bass!