B-550 Black Progressive Series : Ridiculous value

I've always been a four string bass player, but when I saw the price on the new Harley Benton Progressive Series I just couldn't help myself. I just had to try this thing out.

Setup wise, this bass came in with a way too tight neck and way too low setting. Literally the only thing you could hear was fret buzz. After adjusting the neck and the bridge (and putting some Rotosounds on it), there was not much too complain left. Sure, the frets could have been shaved a bit cleaner, and I really don't understand why the fret board extends way over the highest fret, but at this stage, that's just nitpicking.

Sound wise, I was very impressed. Although the factory strings are pretty bad, after I put some Rotosounds on it, I couldn't be more surprised. The active circuit combined with the two humbuckers is gnarly in the mids, the B string sounds awesome, and overall you have a pretty wide array of tonal options.

Conclusion: after a simple setup and some new strings, this is just ridiculous value. A five string that sounds good for EUR 149,-?! Sign me up!