Yea, i thought so but i don't think i've ever heard of an 8-string bass before in my life! As for Gibbos QC, i'd heard they were pretty good at pumping out friday-afternoon guitars - ie dodgy so it probably is a bit risky. However, what are the chances of finding one competetively priced in the north of Scotland!? Pretty small i'd say, unless anyone here has one they're wanting to part with! My other choice is a Gretsch and they get a pretty bad rep for making plenty of duffers too so its not exactly a good position to be in!