BlueMoon

Gotoh GB 528 Res-o-lite tuners also may be suitable. They have a similar footprint to the existing tuners shown in the pic above. Res-o-lite tuners are some of the lightest on the market.

Yes, I’ve personally imported many instruments (> 20 basses) over the years. My dealings with the Japanese, either via a large corporate entities ((like Ishibashi, Ikebbe, Shimamura), bass specialists (Geek-in-box, BassDirect Japan) and individual sales on Digimart have been generally hassle-free. Certainly, the Japanese end of the transactions have been smooth. Sadly, not the case with couriers or Customs at this end though. This is a tale of delays and expense that needs to be factored in if you decide to purchase. These concerns are not unique to purchases form Japan, however. I would recommend, as a first trial, to engage with Ishibashi via their English-language site. Ask questions about an instrument you are interested in and gauge their level of responsiveness, speed of reply, and overall level of customer service. Compare with your average Joe in Europe. You might be surprised. Good luck!………but it comes with a wallet warning about how easy it might become.

Reverb pricing seems to be “a race to the top” generally. How do folks realistically expect to sell, unless to investors?

This might help you set a realistic asking price. F.Y.I.

I think I get it now………..the sandblasting removed the frets?

Or “good luck” even

Yes…..very easy. If the existing pickup is a Musicman example as suppled from EBMM, then the cover should not be glued to pickup and will be a straight swap. I’d advise taking a few measurements of the pickup height before you start, so you can return it to where it was before the cover swap. Good lick.

This ^^^^^^^

Depends. The ones I used were screwed in. For extra security I put epoxy on the threads and in the cavity as well before final tightening.

If it is a bass that you have to regularly adjust the truss rod (assume neck heel Fender type), then yes. I have neck inserts on a bass where that was the driver. Fairly easy job for a competent DIYer. As @PaulThePlug said, I didn’t notice any difference in sustain or tone though.

Some of the older Blade basses can be on the heavy side, if that is a consideration. The newer ones less so.

Yes. Top notch quality, Japanese boutique basses. Thin, fast necks generally. Most are provided with an active preamp, which is killer (DFBP-3). They have two main lines, one more reasonably priced (e.g. CJ-4 or 5) and one with exotic woods etc. Most are lightweight……..around 3.3 to 3.5 kg. They are up there with Moon and Atelier Z by comparison.

All American Alien Boy - Ian Hunter. Jaco handled the bass duties with a wide range of styles. I don’t particularly like Ian Hunter, but this album just hits the spot for me every time I listen to it.

Same thoughts!