MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series : Great entry level 5 string

I waited a long time for this bass. I can see why now. These basses [at that price] are absolutely fantastic and they seem to be selling out fast.

Finish in matte black is flawless and even better in the flesh.

Of course they are not medium or high end basses and there are flaws but the build quality, attention to detail and overall sound are much higher than one would expect.

I have a Sterling Stingray 5 and in comparison this is very close. I prefer the neck on the Harley Benton, fast and very playable over the Sterling.

There is huge output from the pickup and although passive it is very punchy. Maybe I got lucky?

On overall volume it is as loud as my active Sterling. The bass has with no noticeable electrical buzz and is well earthed.

As other reviews have said the front and back poles of the humbucker running into the two separate volume controls are strange and take some getting used to. The tone pot adds quite a lot of boost, although I had to eq my amp a little as the guitar is quite "bright" even with the tone fully rolled off.

Negatives are few and can be resolved: bridge is ok but I will replace and the tuners are very poor. I will replace these first.

I also wish they had gone the whole hog and put on a matte black pickguard. Tort shell is fine for now, not great but I will see about a replacement to black.

Overall I am delighted with the bass now that it has eventually arrived.

Its a pity it took so long from ordering to delivery [7 months] with a large number of "expected" due dates that came and went until the new stock eventually arrived.