History: From what I've been told, the "Carlo Rebelli" name is a Sam Ash exclusive - inexpensive (read cheap), mostly knock-offs of popular models. Most of the guitars are manufactured in Korea, by Samick I believe. The AXB basses have a sticker saying they're manufactured in Vietnam, so I'm not sure if they are also made by Samick or not (Does anyone know if Samick has a factory in Vietnam?)

Construction: A neck-thru bass for under $500 is already almost unheard of, not to mention an exotic wood "hippie sandwich" bass like this (looks like a walnut veneer on top of alder or soft maple, neck seems to be a combination of maple & wenge, with a rosewood fingerboard). It's a heavy bass at 9lbs, 6oz, and feels very solid. >From a distance (even a foot or two away) it looks gorgeous, mine has some "fit & finish" problems, but nothing that cannot be taken care of. Action needs to

be tweaked yet (a little buzzing on the open G string) but overall feels good. Note: The neck is a little chuncky, at least compared lets say, an Ibanez. I

also have mixed feelings about the "open-grain" feel of the neck under my thumb.

Sound: Great! for a bass in this price range. I found it better than anything I've played for under $700 (street). The strings that came with it are crap, I've

replaced them with a pair of Dean Markley Blue Steels now this puppy rings for

days. Keep in mind the electronics in both the AXB-2 & AXB-3 are passive & sound could be dramaticly improved with a good preamp. As I said, mine has a 5 position switch - I particuly like the 2nd position (very compressed, J-bass sounding) and the 5th position (full humbucking, very full & warm)

Overall: So far, I'm very happy with it. No, it doesn't compare with Warwick, Alembic

or (insert your faviorite boutique bass here), but compared to the other mass

produced basses I've played in the "under $1,000" category (i.e. Ibanez, Yamaha, Fender...) (I've never played a Carvin so I can't say how it compares.) BTW - If you're a Fender fan (P-Bass, J-Bass) this is not the instrument for you - the AXB fingerboard has a much flatter radius.

Last Note: Look at & play several of these basses and compare construction, fit & finish flaws, etc... There's not a lot of consistancy at this price range!

Construction	85%
- looks & feels real solid - some fit & finish issues, though
Playability	85%
- action out of the box was fair at best - needed some adjustments, now it's
pretty good
Appearance	95%
- the wood combinations, neck-thru design & oil finish look real cool
Sound	85%
- great for a passive bass - i'd like to hear it with active eq
Value	95%
- Pretty good for under $700, outstanding for under $400
Cust. Service	65%
- My Sam Ash store is ok, but good luck finding specs or other info any of th
e "Carlo Robelli" guitars/basses
Overall	90%
- So far, I'm thrilled with it