After six months of ownership, it's time to share my thoughts on this bass. Let's dive into the pros first:
- The sparkly pink finish is absolutely eye-catching, making it a perfect fit for my 80's cover band.
- Surprisingly, despite the unconventional color choice, it delivers an impressive metal tone.
- The abundance of EQ controls offers plenty of room for customization, provided you're familiar with their functions.
- Playing feels smooth and comfortable, thanks to the rounded neck.
- Changing batteries is a breeze, thanks to the hassle-free system.
For a beginner seeking an upgrade without breaking the bank on a Fender jazz F.E., this bass is a solid choice. It not only plays and sounds great (in my opinion), but it also outshines a Squier by a significant margin. However, the complex knob layout may be a stumbling block for novices, with five knobs, including two stacked ones, potentially overwhelming for someone just starting out.
Now, let's address the cons:
Over six months of use in a professional setting, the bass's quality has left me somewhat disappointed. Here's what I've encountered:
- An issue with the active side of the bass led to no output. A makeshift fix involving cardboard resolved it, but this shouldn't have been a problem in the first place. The lack of a wooden battery cover, as noted in the V7 CHANGE SPECIFICATION TABLE, may be a contributing factor.
- The output jack was alarmingly loose from the outset, causing constant disruptions. I've since replaced it, but this was a clear manufacturing oversight.
- The stacked volume/tone knob occasionally acts erratically, especially at full volume, making live performances a nerve-wracking experience. This points to a faulty A250k Dual Potentiometer in my bass.
- The PCB inside the bass is encased in epoxy, making any potential future repairs or replacements a daunting task.
Considering these issues, I'm contemplating whether to invest in a Sadowsky Pre-amp or convert it to a passive bass, given that I rarely use the EQ features.
While it's understandable that not every component can be of top-notch quality, the extent of these faults leaves much to be desired. It's worth noting that my 160 euro Harley Benton PBass has proven to be more reliable.
In conclusion, unless the unique aesthetic of this bass perfectly complements your musical project, I would have hesitated to keep it for this long. For those planning to use it in a professional setting, I strongly recommend upgrading the internal electronics right off the bat to avoid any potential performance hiccups.
