JB-75MN NA Vintage Series : Superb quality for the price!

This instrument is excellent. The tones from the pickups respond in the way you'd expect from their 'jazz' configuration and all the 'Jaco' to 'Marcus', sounds are very well-represented. The build quality is of a very high standard, frets dressed nicely. If I have a criticism, it is that the nut wasn't smoothed off but worked as it should. I'm being picky; something that I sorted out myself within minutes.

The hardware is cheaper but functional; tuners holding pitch fine. The bridge is fine with 'brass' saddles. The bass wasn't quite 'in-tune' but again, once I had adjusted the bridge, no problem. The neck has a kind of 'D' profile, so don't expect the 'modern' jazz here - it is a 'vintage' model. However, I love the dimensions and the neck itself is very comfortable and solid. There is probably a finish on the back of the neck but essentially it's 'unfinished', meaning that it's very easy to get around. This is a very playable bass!

If there's a drawback certainly for me, it's the weight. The body is a three piece ash (American?) and is too heavy for my (older) frame and that's why, most reluctantly, I am returning this truly fabulous instrument. This has been a hard decision and I would encourage HB to come out with a lighter body version as at this price point, aimed at the beginner - they would benefit from an instrument that doesn't weigh them down (me too!).

I have been a professional bass player for many, many years and I was looking for a cheap bass as a project to play around with, perhaps replacing the hardware and experimenting with different pickups - obviously, I wouldn't be playing around with one of my vintage basses.

In conclusion, I would recommend this instrument with confidence. Don't be put off by the name or the crazy low price. This instrument represents a 'bargain'; the weight just didn't suit me. I would happily play this on a gig - I'm not a 'label' snob and I would challenge anyone to tell the difference between this and say a Mexican Fender at four times the price? However, it's all subjective but I would suggest that if you're looking for a 'vintage-style' jazz, this has got to be on your list.