PB-Shorty BK Standard Series : Passable

The neck seems well made. Frets are smooth. Well playable.

The mechanical bits are basic but good enough. The tuners turn evenly and stay in tune. The bridge can be adjusted (for intonation and action) as expected.

The electronics are the weak point. The pickups are low in output. The tone knob crackles when you turn it quickly and it's filter isn't very musical sounding for some reason.

But hey. It works. And it sounds OK. A little woody and stumpy sounding. Not the most vibrant and dynamic tone. Not the first choice for jazz solos one might say.

The intonation required some work, but otherwise the setup was fine out of the box.

Given that it plays well, I have no trouble recommending it as a first bass for youngsters. Also works as a secondary practice bass, or even the occasional recording. Don't expect a great sound and you wont be disappointed.