PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series : Unpretentious 5 Stringer offering decent bangs for the buck.

Bought this as my beater Bass for Open Mics and Jams and did not have huge expectations from it. However, it really does what it say on the tin and once I've shod it with some flatwound strings, am sure it will be even better!

I don't know if I was just unlucky or out here in the sticks the Couriers regard musical instruments as the " devils tools" and treat them badly but I've had 2 of these in quick succession having had the initial one replaced.

My first one I'd say was on the verge of being too heavy, this newer one is a tad lighter. Decent quality Tuners, the ferrules are a little lumpy under the chrome but hey this is a cheapy Bass. A couple of cranks on the truss rod and the neck plays pretty well, and like I say, with some flatwounds it will play and sound even better.

Usual controls, volume for the Pbass pickups, volume for the rear Jazz pickup and an overall Tone control. People talk about upgrading these low price point Basses but really all the hardware is fine, the tuners stay in tune and it's a decent solid wood body. The Lacquer is semi translucent and you can see the wood grain through the red colour. The neck is a satin finish and actually narrower than a standard PBass or JBass neck. This is not an issue for me and I have large hands and fingers.

Luckily no tortoises were killed in the making of the scratch plate and from a distance it looks reasonably authentic

OK, the Bass does not totally sound like a genuine F Bass but in a band situation at the Dog and Duck on a rainy night no-one is going to notice.

Would be ideal for someone dipping their toes into 5 String water too.