Ashton AB900

This is a four string, bass with two passive pickups. It has one volume and two tone controls. Frets seem a little on the small size but that might just be my preference for jumbos. The hardware, while no-name, seems to be fairly solid.

The sound isn't too bad but it hard to be critical with my setup. (Straight into a J-station and then into my eight track.) I haven't heard in through a bass amp (bought off ebay)and I'm not likely to but I'm okay with the sound. The pickups don't seem noisy.

This is where the guitar could use a little work. I've only played it a couple of times and it has chewed up the skin on my finger from the poorly finished fret ends. I'm going to have to get a file out to fit it. The neck itself has a really nice feel to it (when I'm not in pain)and seems to have a satin finish. The nut holding the volume pot was loose and one of the screws for the pickups was not put in all the way so I'm guessing that quality control is an issue with these guitars. There is minor fret buzz but that could just be my playing ability. The finish on the body is nicely done and for the price the overall quality of this bass is a little better than expected.

I haven't had this bass long enough to comment on reliability but it does seem to be fairly solid. I certainly would gig with it but I do feel that it is a very good beginner's bass.

I believe that the company that markets this guitar is based out of Australia so customer support could be problematic. If it broke I would try to fix it myself or just get a new bass.

Like I said, it is useful for what it is, a beginner's bass. Overall it isn't horrible and once I get the fret ends fixed up I think I will be happy with it.