3below

The initial ease of turning was the string force aiding the truss rod return the neck to a 'neutral' position. After that you get a bit of easy adjustment where nothing seems to happen, then you get the usual resistance as you oppose the curvature the strings want to create. All is good from your description. With low tension strings like TIs quite a few of my bass necks do not need any truss rod engagement other than a small amount to stop rattling.

'Unlocking' the population other than those at high risk e.g. medically at risk? BAME? over 65? has an appeal. When you then consider the quality of life that would ensue and the contact of the general population with these groups it becomes much more complex. There are no simple answers

Obvious clearly my brain is switched off this morning as I have seen that measure before.

Are deaths that might have some 'overlap' / 'possible connection' e.g. pneumonia contributing to the 'Deaths within 28 days of a positive PCR test' total rather than only those that are definitively linked ? If this is the case is there a more 'valid' estimate of the cumulative death total?. I am not at all sure if this may be knowable (severe lack of bio-medical knowledge in my life). Have just seen @Lozz196's reply which answers part of the above

The risk from Covid is significant, especially if you are in the more vulnerable groups, however the likelihood of knowing someone who has died of Covid appears low. Total UK deaths to date is about 61 400. UK population is about 66.65 Million. This gives around 1 death per 1085 population. Reflecting on the number of people you 'know' reveals why there is a low chance of actually knowing someone who has died of Covid. For comparison: "Public Health England told Full Fact it estimated that on average 17 000 people have died from the flu in England annually between 2014/15 and 2018/19 - with the yearly deaths varying widely from a high of 28 330 in 2014/15 to a low of 1 692 in 2018/19. This gives the worst case scenario 1 flu death per 2352 and on average 1 per 3 092 population. Road deaths 208/19 were about 1 748, giving 1 death per 38 130 population. The volume of legislation, safety initiatives, public expenditure etc. to lower this rate suggests that government (and hence society?) consider this rate (and risk) is not acceptable. The above figures are very simple analyses (no accounting for groups, ages, ethnicity, local R rate, populations etc. but do help imo give perspective on our perception).

and the limit for the signal - the music - is?

We discussed this (in the summer lull), our drummer being a solicitor in the day job. His take was that unless we are the Rolling Stones or similar the powers that be would take a dim view. In the event of a caution or conviction all three of us would face professional de-registration which is career terminating in our respective employments.

Another factor is the age and vulnerability of your band colleagues/mates/friends. Despite living in a low Covid rate area we stopped rehearsing a long time ago. 2 of 3 of us are over 60, one is still a teacher and two of us have partners who are teachers. I am amazed that so far none of us has succumbed. Having got this far it would be most unfortunate to become a victim now when 'safety' is possibly only a few months away. On a different tack but related, why does wearing a mask make people feel invulnerable and thus quite ok to get 'up close' 2m lol, more like 20cm

@Cuzzie's flamed finishes are outstanding. I am just going outside for the blowtorch, I have a candidate for the same treatment

Physics - reasonable fretted bass action action at 17th fret would be 2.5mm above the frets? (I personally use 3mm). Jumbo fret height (worst case for extra action height) is 1.397mm . Now remove the fret which results in about (2.5mm +1.4mm) 3.9mm action on the fretless part around the 17th fret.

The cure on my SG bass was Hipshot USA tuners. Schallers or Gotohs also seem a good possibility. With the Gibbo button on the back I use the trusty straplock fitting. It also has the added advantage of tilting the bass away from my body and making the left hand easier. It would be possible to have something fabricated as per the G&L ASAT picture @Paul S has above. This could be flat aluminium bar screwed into the back of the bass with a straplock bolted to it (easy diy).

My replacement scratch plate was in the shopping cart from the off

I also rather like the finish

I would really like to try some of these amps with a modern cab and bass fitted with today's strings. Would they be the dogs b*ll**ks or sadly lacking?

Takes me back to being 14 again in bands of my youth

I have used model Js in 3 different basses (2 Corvettes and currently a Chowny SWB1) with TI flats. A great combo imo.

I have used 1:1 Ionos for several recent websites, seems to be exceptionally good value. They have 'installable' options e.g. wordpress, joomla, prestashop etc etc. If you need it, there is is SSH access, PHP, MYSQl etc. I have no connection with them other than satisfied customer. We use a .band domain name

Bought a set of Hipshot machines from Dean. Excellent communication and delivered just as fast as possible. really well packed. Great transaction, deal with confidence. Thanks.

I have the same thoughts and experience with the inserts. Would be good to source some quality stainless steel ones (if they exist). What finish have you used on the body?

For the second time, bought some strings from Marc. Excellent communication and rapid next day arrival. Many thanks.