JB-20 BM Standard Series : A solid purchase

Okay, editing this review after 2 months of usage.

At this price, you shouldn't have to expect anything but the sounds and playability absolutely hit above its weight.

I've owned a Mexican and Japanese J Bass, and a US P Bass previously.

PROS:

At this price, this is an absolute steal. I can imagine basses 2-3 times more expensive than this one failing to match the level here.

Everything from the neck straightness & relief was on the spot, strings began playing better after 20-30 minutes with my finger grease on them - plays great after 2 months in. Everything's pretty solid enough.

CONS:

1 It does need a setup. Or at least someone to adjust saddle height. If you're a beginner, it might be nice to have someone who can do that for you.

2 I thought the tuners are flimsy, but they do hold up. I do find myself tuning more often than on better basses.

3 Lemon oil is necessary. The fretboard was dry as dead wood. After some lemon oil and some time later, it feels great now.

4 BIGGEST FLAW. Fret endings hurt, and will cut your skin if you keep making slides (no blood, but made my hand look like beaten leather after a track of recording). But the bass is cheap enough to risk some DIY - I got some sanding paper and sanded the edges away, and now it feels fabulous.

Tips: If this is your first bass, you'll need someone to help you out. If you know your way around a bass, get some lemon oil, sanding paper, prolly a new set of strings. Once that's done, you're going to love this bass.