Arbor AB410

2004/2005 China made. Solid agathis double cutaway body, nato neck, rosewood fingerboard, pearloid pickguard, 34" scale, 22 frets, 4 chrome butterfly tuners, 1 split pickup, 2 volume, 1 tone control, transparent blue finish.

Hums terribly unless both volume controls wide open. Tone control provides nice range; from twang to deep & rich. Using '64 Gibson Titan III amp; I switch off the two 10" midrange Jensens and play only through the 15" Altec when playing bass. (See my review of Gibson Titan III amp for more info).

Although construction and finish appear remarkably good for the price, the E string buzzes on the 1st five frets, the A buzzes on all 22 frets; thus the low rating. Otherwise would be an "8". Don't know if it is a set-up issue, but fear it would cost more to set-up than the bass is worth. Although heavy, the guitar is well balanced. I'm used to my Ventura narrow-neck, semi-hollow bass, so the fingering on the Arbor seems too spread out for my taste.

Built like a tank, but can't gig with it due to fret buzz. I'm primarily a rhythm player, so only play bass occasionally for a few Beatle tunes.

You gotta be kidding! I was hoping to have the guitar properly set-up under the warranty. After a dozen calls to Arbor, I finally spoke with someone who referred me to a local dealer (whose number was disconnected). Called back and was told "He'll call you then". Never happened. Nuff said.

Other Gear:
'64 Gibson Titan III amp, '65 Gibson Melody Maker, '85 Kramer Focus 3000, '85 Peavey Stereo Chorus 400 amp, '70's something Ventura bass (no identifying numbers).
I chose this bass for the price & style; wanted to try a more traditional instrument rather than the Ventura. In addition, the Ventura needed new pick-ups (which are close to impossible to find).

Never buy an instrument you haven't played first!!!!