Often confused with the '54 reissure (which uses basswood...), this is a very underrated bass, which can work in a variety of styles. Can be found for $600-$800.
Features: 2/5
Two piece maple neck, Ash body, single coil precision pickup in the neck position, Volume/Tone controls. Only feature here is lack of features, sort of
. I find it actually gives it class.
Sound: 3.5/5
The tone is incredible; with the tone knob full, you can get a rather standard P, for fast-finger playing and the like. With the tone cut, you get that vintage tone we all know and love, and, when palm muted, it makes this tone even more apparent (seeing as older basses had a piece of foam to sound muted). It only lacks in versatility (as you can't mold the tone a lot) and a good tone for fingerpicking. I've always heard that this is a noisy bass, but I hear no noise at all. Still, lack of versatility is a bother for some.
Feel: 5/5
Since the moment I started playing it, I noticed I loved the neck; big and fat, which used to turn me off a bass, but now, it becomes so apparent that this is the right feel for me. Even my Teen Town attempt wasn't THAT bad, and playing Tempus Fugit on it was just great. Definitely it's strong point. Takes a while getting used th pickup, if you rest your thumb on them, tho.
Reliability: N/A
Not owning it YET is limiting this review in some aspects, but I am sure the bass can handle a lot.
Setup: 5/5
It was a BIT off tune, hardly noticeable (sp?), and the action was perfect. What more could I ask for?
Overall: 4/5
The tone is not as versatile as some people would like, but the few tones it has, it pulls of amazingly. A bit too bright for some, tho. The feel is superb, and, depending on your tastes, it's a looker. My next bass, hopefully.