To go into detail about the overall feel, I'll start off about the weight. I, for some odd reason, had previously believed that all fenders were heavy. This isn't. It weighs about the same as my other bass, a Peavey Fury, at around two or three hours until the shoulder hurts, which isn't bad considering I'm a small person. The neck plays and looks lovely - the typical jazz taper, and a nice, somewhat aged-looking oil finish on the back. After playing on the Peavey for most of my "carreer", I have been very picky about the speed and feel of a neck (the Peavey has a very nice neck), and this one wins the contest (if there ever was one) for playibility. As for the frets, perfect. The only time it buzzes is at the 15th or so fret at an incredibly low action, but hey, its not ment to go that low normally. The active pickups are almost unnessacary, the sound is beautiful and versatile with the EQs set flat. But when they're bumped up, look out! They give an even greater spectrum of sounds (I never thought I would be saying this nerdy shit), from a warm flat-wound type sound to a totally balls-out growly low end, with a nice sharp top, and an all around punchy tone - you can REALLY feel it. I haven't really ever fancied slapping much, but this had changed my mind, even on the passive setting. The sounds this bass is capable of generating fits just about everything I play (primarily blues, rock, and jazz\fusion) except for situations where an upright is needed, like a jazz ballad, but that goes without saying for any electric I've played. I haven't had they experience of recording with it yet, but that will come soon. I assume that if the "lowly" Peavey sounds good on a recording (and it actually does) this will sound 100 times better, as it does normally. As for appearence, it is nothing exotic, but beautiful in its own vintage sort of way (who needs that falmes, quilted, exotic hardwood shit anyways?). The balck finish is perfect, slightly reflective, and without a dent or scratch (it will be a dark day when it aquires one).

Wow. this report is long. Sorry for taking your time, but there is much good and little bad to be said about this instrument. The only problem with this bass, which I have had the pleasure of avoiding - thanks to the retards at Music-go-round - is the price. It is just plain expensive new (something like 1000$), which is inexcusable if itsn't much more expensive to make than on of its Mexican or Japanese cousins. But hey, I got it for a better deal than any of you saps probably ever will (yes, I'm gloating). If you see one used or for sale, buy it. It won't let you down, and if it does, thats your own fuggin' opinion and I don't give a damn as to waht you think. (way more than) Enough said.

Construction	100%
Playability	100%
Appearance	100%
Sound	100%
Value	70%
for you, 100+ for me
Overall	99%