Well after much deliberation, review reading and debate with my various inner selves, but also several posts here, I have finally taken a leap and ordered my new baby from Fender Japan.

She will be a Fender MIJ, left handed 75 Jazz Bass in Vintage White with, US 62 Vintage pick ups and a maple neck & fingerboard ... yummy, yum yum!!.

I wanted sound, looks, simplicity and a slim neck...yeah fair enough i wanted a 5 string too, but hey, when you are a lefty you have to bring your sites down. A few listens to Darryl Jones on the early Sting albums clinched the decision...

I am eexxxxxxxxxxxccccccittttttttteedd!!!, cheers Tom :-).

BTW: thanks to all for having replied to my posts....it was a major factor in my decision making :-))