MM-84A SB Deluxe Series : Nice bass for the money

I was not sure what to expect from a budget bass, but having read reviews of other HB basses (mostly good), I decided to take a chance. On arrival I carefully looked it over for damage and not a mark found. I then looked at the build quality mindful of what others had remarked on the HB brand, and found no real problems considering its price tag. You really need to look very close and be very critical to find fault. I am very happy with the quality. The only thing I have done is finish the fret ends a little better and only took 10 minutes to do. The neck feels very chunky and is 2mm thicker than my Fender P but I soon got used to it and my hands are on the small side too. It is a bit narrow up at the body end for my liking. I had to adjust the truss rod a little but nothing to worry about, and not at all unusual. All the frets were fine. Output from the two Wilkinson pickups was huge and had to back off the volume but the split coil 5 way switching works well as does the 3 band EQ. No balance but have not found that a problem. A bit more hum than expensive bass's but not excessive when some top end is taken off. This is a big bass and youngsters might struggle but I am not that big myself and manage fine. You will need a big bag or case too (won,t fit any of mine). A novice may find a thinner neck better for them than this one. Over all I am very happy with this bass and is well worth the money. I play in a band with a Fender P and Schecter Riot, and got this to re string B,E,A,D for those "odd" numbers. "Job done"