DanPluck

6 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Thanks for that - so you had the same model but in the 4 string version. Do you recall how much it weighed and how well it balanced / much neck dive? 

I never weighed it but it didn't feel "light".  There was also a bit of neckdive.

10 hours ago, Al Krow said:

Cheers - that's really useful feedback. It's actually more a reverse-P plus (MM (or J) itch in a 5er for me. There aren't too many around in that config and the HB is offering one in a relatively budget package in the same body shape as the Berg VM5. My Sandberg itch actually got very well scratched a while back - I had one as my goto gigging for several years, so I'm familiar with their (very good) build qualities and also the aspects that don't quite float my boat.

Which HB model did you have? They seem to go from really really budget, to just budget so I'm guessing there will be a range of quality and finish even in the HB range.

Interestingly the HB MP5-EB's I understand are put together in Indonesia, which most folk would consider to be a more upmarket bass manufacturing location than their main manufacturing base in China

I had the Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Lake Blue.  Overall it was ok, the finish was a little rough in places, like paint/dye on the bindings, thin-ish paint.  To me it feels like they tried to do too much on this model, if they had ditched the binding i would have "felt" much better about the fit and finish.

They are very difficult to beat for the money, just don't expect perfection.

I've owned the HB previously and as everyone says, the preamp is awful and needs switching out.    The whole package is great for the price but does need some time invested.  The paint on mine was also thin.

In the end I upgraded to the Glock 2 band, new knobs and MM pickup in order to try and scratch the Sandberg itch on the cheap.  

It didn't work and 6 weeks later I picked up a used Nighthawk and there is simply no comparison. (There shouldn't be either given the price difference).

If you need to scratch the Sandberg itch, buy a used one like I did.  They are in another league.

On 18/11/2020 at 17:30, Scatamonky said:

Hi All,

I bought this Westfield bass in around '97 - I've been playing it in every band I've been in since and I absolutely love it. It has always bemused me that there is no model number or markings of any kind other than the word Westfield.

I have also never seen another one....or any Westfield bass with a pickup switch which makes this one very unusual.

Have any of you ever seen one, played one? Know anything about it?

Westfield are now discontinued and although I did find their old website on Webarchives there is no mention of this bass anywhere!

I appreciate any info any of you might have!

I have the exact same bass sat on top of the wardrobe.  Purchased around the same time.  May have to get it out and give it a whirl.

8 hours ago, Dad3353 said:

Have you tried it on your keyboard..? 

...

 

My keyboard is actually on the way out, but those errors are all mine

Deoxit is expensive but it can't be beat.  I have two full fans if servisol on the shelf and everytime I reach for the deoxit.

I've restored a hundred or so vintage hifi amplifiers and receivers over the past 15 years and can say with some certainty that dexoit is in another league to servisol.

Disclaimer alert:  I'm very much a beginner again after being a pretty poor player 20 years ago and equally so these days.

I have had the Harley Benton enhanced PM for a couple of weeks now and it's amazing for the money. For context I also have a MIM Jazz, Ray34 and G&L Tribute L2500.

The HB is below the Ray and Tribute in terms of the 'feel' you get from the bass, but certainly on par with the MIM Jazz.

Yes the MM pickup is a bit hollow, the preamp isn't the most nuanced but it's great fun to play.

I replaced the MM with a Wilkinson MM and it's improved the sound significantly.  With the blend pot centred it's very quiet but a degree or two either way and it's great.

If I were to be really picky the binding while feeling great  does have the odd stain/blemish on it from construction.

Buy one, now.

PM Sent

As the previous owner I can say this is a lovely example of a great bass.

Seller is a nice bloke too!

Hi,

Il take this on Friday  (payday) if you can hold it?

On 19/01/2020 at 12:48, DanPluck said:

SFS/Trade?

@Philly

SFS/Trade?