This is an amazing kit. If you've read about Carvin basses in Bass Player, you know they make some great sounding instruments. This was my first bass, and also my first "electronic" project as I am no wizard with electrical components. It was a terrific "father/son project". I am VERY pleased with the results. The Carvin neck is adjustable with dual graphite reinforcing bars (just like premium Fenders and others). The fretboard is ebony and has held up very well with through major use (I play in three worship bands with three practices a week and 5 to 66 "gigs" a month). The fretwork itself is high quality. The body is alder (again like the Fender Am. Std. and premium bases)and I ordered the bass with the Hipshot string through body bridge (highly recommend this option). GREAT tone and sustain. The kit has clear instructions and a high quality shielding kit for the electronics. It requires minimal soldering, that even a klutz like me can accomplish. Minor "finish" sanding is required on the body which is predrilled and shaped. Just follow the directions. My only complaint about the kit is that the wood does not accept stain evenly. The secret to this is to use a GEL-TYPE stain instead of a liquid. I used "Mastercraft" polyurethane gel which wipes on very easily. The wood absorbed this much more consistently and after several passes gave me an even finish. The rest of the instructions work just fine regarding final sanding etc. I finished it off with a satin Tung oil finish (again very easy to use and the instructions are clear). The results are quite nice. If you want a painted finish, you can do it yourself,or for a professional look take it to an autobody shop (REALLY!). They use the same paints that Fender uses and you can get any color you want for a reasonable price. Final assembly is easy, and I recommend a helper (again the advantage of a father/son project)to get the neck solidly seated in the precision-cut body. My results are tighter than many basses I've seen in shops and equivelent to my Fender Am. Std. Jazz. Carvin's computer-shaped inletting is first class. Of course, now that it looked like the real deal the primary question is how does it play? The answer is WONDERFULLY. The neck has a pretty flat radius, and I set the strings low as per the instruction sheet. No dead spots, and with the tung oil finish the neck is smooth and fast. It's thinner than the Jazz and would be terrific for smaller hands or guys who really climb the neck. The pickups are very sweet sounding, although not very powerful. They need some help through your amp's EQ to get the right sound. I wouldn't recommend running direct to a PA, but through an amp or pre-amp it's fine. The Carvin strings are o.k. that came with it, but after trying many different brands I have settled on DR High Beams(40 to 100's). This combination works wonderfully. As I mentioned I also have a Fender Am.Std. Jazz. The Jazz is heavier,of course beautifully fin!

! ished and definitely has more powerful pickups. But when doing an A/B comparision with the two, when both have the same strings (and adjusting the EQ and volume)I defy anyone to tell the difference. When I play at gigs I usually take the Jazz because it's prettier and looks more professional. When at practices or noodeling around at home, I play the Carvin. The truth is both of them sound great and are interchangeable when "status" issues don't overwhelm me:-)The people in the audience can't tell the difference. I waited to submit this evaluation because it was my first bass, and although I had played guitar for 30 years I didn't feel qualified to evaluate the finer points. Now that I've been playing bass regularly for a couple of years and have more perspective (and the Jazz),I highly recommend this as an alternative to a low-end beginning bass, or even as an alternative to a premium bass if you're on a budget. With a good amp and speakers this is a very versatile, highly playable and easy to build quality alternative. Overall a very satisfying experience.

Construction	90%
(modesty prohibits me from going higher)
Playability	100%
Appearance	75%
Sound	90%
Value	100%
Cust. Service	100%
Overall	95%