Paul S

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1390673659' post='2348236'] In 2032, when all-original Thunder Jets have become iconic, sought-after vintage basses changing hands for £5000, there will be entire websites devoted to pointing out what you have done to your bass ... [/quote] I know - not sure I want to post about this on the Westie forum just in case anyone has my address. Then again, by 2032 when I am rich and famous (and extremely old) someone may well be trying to make a 'Paul S signature model' just like it... Jose - I bet that sounds just like mine. Your description matches - HUGE. Alan - I remember reading the thread on your refin - that is a great colour. My pre-amp of choice is already in - a John East P Retro. The 'stealth' look is one reason I like the 'Thunder Jet' models - all black hardware (the other reason is they are lightweight, unlike the Thunder 1/1A). The paint finish was satin black but, when I first bought it (£77 on eBay a couple of years back!) I had to give it a good T-Cut to get rid of the muck and surface marks and it ended up a bit glossier than it should have been. Anyway, thanks again, Howard - I think I am a little bit in love with this one.

Howard indulged a slightly mad scheme I had bubbling away at the back of my head. I've had a Westone Thunder Jet bass for some while now - lightweight, well built (mid 80s Matsumoku), great neck (22 frets). But the stock version was passive and, for me, sounded a little weedy. I fitted a P-Retro, which made a heck of a lot of difference. Then I saw/tried the Fender Dimension bass and it gave me the idea to try a Musicman pickup in the Westone. So I bought a Delano MM pickup when one was offered on here and Howard did the rest. He routed out a place in the 'sweet spot', made a new custom scratchplate to hide the work, wired it all up (switchable series/parallel), routed out the back to increase access and new custom cover for that. I got it back yesterday. Some pics: [attachment=153151:tjetray1.jpg][attachment=153152:tjetray2.jpg][attachment=153153:tjetray3.jpg] So far I have only tried it at home but, wow! Huge range of tones. The sound is not like a Stingray, not like the Westone but somewhere between with a very definite character (actually very similar to a Westone Pantera Deluxe X790 bass I have). It can be very aggressive but easily tamed with the passive tone control rolled back. Nice growl in there. I can't wait to try it in a band situation to see how it sits in the mix. Physically it is comfortable. Slight neck dive, but the heavier pup means it is actually better than before despite the extra routing. Looks pretty good, too, I reckon, my Westone Thunder JetRay ©®™

Sell anything you can replace. You can't buy memories.

It was definitely £200 BIN when I saw it, a few mins after listing. I checked the listing again before posting it on here. I think if someone bids on a BIN, you lose the BIN? Why anyone would bid, not BIN is anyone's guess as £200 was silly.

Crikey, only lasted about 30 mins!

Just been listed http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shergold-Marathon-Bass-Guitar-RARE-/231143920276?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item35d1405294

Howard transformed my old Westone Thunder Jet into a rock monster. Routed out for a Musicman pickup, custom scratchplate to cover up at the front, new backplate at rear for easier access to the gubbins, wired to an existing P-retro. Absolutely top job, couldn't be more pleased.

All together now - because their horns don't work

Sold some pups to Ian, totally smooth transaction, good comms, freindly chap, wouldn't hesitate to deal with him again

Hammersmith Apollo 11th, other dates, tickets on sale for this on Friday! Recently DH has used Klyde Jones on bass. Plus John has grown his moustache back. I'll be waiting by the phone Friday!

Another Dunlop 1mm user. They last for years and even when rounded off at the bottom are great for 'less attack'. Although you can use one of the round top corners for that if you like. I lost one the other day - first time in about 10 years!

Another vote for a Midget. I have a Compact + Midget and the pairing is marvellous. Also gives flexibility for rehearsals, too - I usually just take the Midget along. OOmph-wise I've never found the pair lacking - I use a TC Classic 450 or GB Streamliner 600..

Thanks for that Jon - I thought it looked 'familiar' but couldn't place the shape. I've asked about these before, maybe one to try if a real cheapie pops up...

Anyone recognise this thing? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bass-guitar-made-in-Japan-/321304112158?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4acf37ac1e Looks kind of nice. I wonder how heavy/how wide the neck is etc?

I believe it says on the card at the top of the picture - £695

I've tried Gotoh, Badass and Hipshot. Of those I think Hipshot is the best but Gotoh is the best value.

Another option, maybe, is to make one up. I bought a rather scruffy 70s Musicmaster extremely cheaply then, courtesy of The Bass Doc, had fitted a Precision pup (needed a little bit of routing), new scratchplate and electrics (from KiOgon) - transformed it from a rather weedy thing to something unique that sounds rather nice. All in it was still a good deal cheaper than a new Mustang.

Groan! Trading is good, means we don't have to Shell out cash....

Stagg pedal board cases are very cheap, lightweight and, although not spectacularly robust, are 'ok'. Ali/abs body with removable lid.

Traded basses with Bryan - very pleased with my end of the deal! Thoroughly decent chap to deal with and a pleasure doing business.

Nice to know ol' Sly Stallone is keeping busy these days, though he seems to have dropped a size or two.

... or even a screw terminal on the ends of the wires. Even quicker.

[quote name='Fionn' timestamp='1389172164' post='2330767'] it's not rocket science. [/quote] Pocket science?