Just some context. I've been playing for many years and have owned around 15 various basses in various price ranges. I also do a bit of woodwork and bass adaptations and minor repairs.
As for JB-62. Picked it up because I wanted a jazz (again), and I like the rosewood board and roasted neck. Hoped for a lightweight poplar body.
My initial impressions were very favourable:
- it's beautiful (especially the neck)
- it feels right (again, the neck)
- it sounds like a decent jazz bass
- build quality and finish are truly excellent
- hardware is really good (bridge flawless vintage-style, tuners good, though not 100% smooth)
- setup is decent
Some things weren't ideal:
- fret ends were a bit sharp when sliding
- pickup height can't be so easily adjusted because the pickup screws are at imperfect angles/locations
- the nut was cut a bit high
- it's not that light (4.2kg), but that's just my luck
What I did:
- filed the fret ends a bit (10 minutes)
- filed the nut holes (20 minutes, just being careful)
- oiled the fingerboard
- swapped strings and set their height to my liking
That's around 1 hour of work on it, for a non-professional with some experience and tools. Now the bass it top-notch. Not just "good for the money". Really an excellent instrument. On par with a Fender MiM, in my opinion. Action can go very low. It sounds great and it feels fantastic to play.
At some point I'll drill new pickup holes (Harley Benton please start doing this right!), which actually is a bit tricky...
All in all, an excellent Harley Benton offering, and if you put in a bit of work in it, then it's an instrument to last you a lifetime. I'm keeping mine.
)
)
)
)
)
