Steve Browning

If near Portsmouth is also near Waterlooville, you're welcome to dive over and try out some options. I have a few Squiers and bitsas you can try and get a feel for what you might want. That might guide you in your search for your bass.

Interesting (re Jim Moir). I have just watched an interview with Bob Mortimer (interviewed by Rob Brydon) and 6 minutes in, Rob Brydon asks how he had the confidence to go on stage as, apart from being a bass player in a band, he had no performing 'urge'.

There was a sort of 10cc or Queen situation when they both first emerged. I was in the latter camp, but do appreciate their ability. They seemed a bit too clever for themselves for me. Can't argue with their success though.

Hello from Waterlooville. As said, a Squier is a fine instrument and there are several in the ads here. Welcome aboard.

Just sold a Geezer Butler pick-up to Terry. Entire deal done in 22 minutes. Perfect and a highly recommended BC'er. Steve

Is commenting compulsory? Expressing sorrow isn't mandatory.

I have my Mesa TT-800s for the main gigs. Mesa Walkabout 15 for rehearsals, recording and smaller gigs. I have a Gallien Krueger MB150E to take round a mate's place to run through stuff and an Ampeg Micro-CL set up in my music room. The two that count (the Mesa rigs) are just about portability. No great difference in sound.

Emailed enquiry about Lindy Fralin pickup at 6pm Wednesday. Response received at 7:20pm. Ordered at 7:19 yesterday and fitted into the bass this afternoon. Can't argue with that.

It doesn't appear additional feedback is needed, but just installed a Precision loom from John. Very straightforward and spares me the angst of safely operating a soldering iron.

I often change to cack-handed during a gig.

Just taken delivery of a very fine bitsa from Brian. Effortless transaction and delivered super quick and very well packaged. Cheers Brian, you're an absolute star. Steve

I would fully expect that you'll sell to them at full price and you'll buy from them at full price. In general, tax sees transactions independently of each other. VAT and Duty are charged by HMRC and your p/x bass will be subject to import charges in Japan.

No suggestion she actually played but any excuse to post a picture of the goddess Kate Bush.

There is a buffer unit you can install, that affects the level of the piezo pick-up in the bridge. It makes thew thing far more useable. I am not a fan of the Lace Sensor in the 'usual' position and would rather have something else there but have no idea how it is wired into the electrics.

I think a lot depends on circumstances. I have been in both situations. In one, we gigged a lot and we had a bank account and borrowed money to do a recording. We operated on a monthly basis and took out a set amount for all rehearsals and gigs (yes, we got paid to rehearse!). At the end of each month we deducted all the expenses and shared out the months profit. This happened each month. We even had a leased van as well. It worked fine because we had the income to cover it. Now, I own the van, pa and lights. I bought them because (at the time) I was in a position to. I don't charge the band anything for their use, but that's my choice. It's a lot easier and there is no dispute. The other guys use their mics etc. I use the rig for other things I do and I let them use bits if they want something for another gig they have. Having a bunch of people who are good friends share cost is fine but difficulties are almost bound to arise somewhere down the line and what happens if you want to sack someone? As already said, this could be a minefield. Kramer vs Kramer started out as a happy story!!

I actually see a fair few basses advertised as 'free shipping' from Japan. Not quite sure what's going on there, too good to be true usually is.

I have bought from Ishibashi a couple of times. never had an issue. I would, however, think more in terms of 25% rather than just 20. That just covers the VAT but there will be charges around covering the VAT to get it through Customs and any Duty payable. 25% gives you a better approximation to consider the value of the purchase.

When I am using gig bags for the basses I use Reunion Blues Aero series. The cables etc go in a Mesa Boogie cable bag. Similar to the Amazon one you are considering. I have a Wenger aircraft carry on type bag for rehearsals. It's more manageable for carrying the fewer bits I need and is the right size for folders etc.

I have seen a Fender Japan one of these before. I have a Precision one, which is superb.

You'll never fool an expert. The F is the wrong way round. 🙂