Washburn LB-60 Lyon

Not sure when it was made, but it's a 4-string fretted bass with passive P and J pickups, volume controls for each and a functional tone control. No switch for pickups, just twist and blend. Not sure of the wood either, probably alder, but neck has a nice satin finish for easy playing. Has a Washburn Bantam-style body. Was purchased off EBay and was a dirty mutt when I got it, after cleaning the pots and tightening all the hardware and a good polishing, the gloss returned to the black finish and the noises from the pots disappeared. For a beginner bass, it definitely fits the bill.

Currently piping it through a Behringer Vintager amp and occasionally a vintage Sears bass amp (huge bugger but only 50 watts). Surprisingly clean tone, no hum, no buzz. More surprising is the varied quality of sound you can obtain from this unit in terms of slap, pop, and slide. The tone control really does work and having dual volume controls lets you play with the P and J outputs, each of which have distinctive advantages based on what you're playing. Naturally, most bass players find a sound and stick with it. I'm still discovering mine (bought this as an bass alternative to my Schecter C1 + guitar, which I will take to my grave. That guitar is THAT good). Overall, the sound is warm, dark, suitable for most kinds of music except industrial and drop-D, but I don't play that sort of thing.

Since I found this on EBay, and the guy who sold it to me played regularly, it's seen some wear. But for the price, it was fine. Needed a thorough cleaning, needs new strings (will get flatwounds), and the body was pretty dirty as were the controls. Both pickups were rather unbalanced, with the low E sides screwed down tight and the other ends within 1/8 of an inch from the strings. I reset the height to balance the output, spent an hour or so cleaning it, and plugged it in. Very nice. The finish is poly, and durable. Fretwork is impressive, the fretboard itself is nicely finished, no sharp edges. Pegs hold tune nicely. All chromed hardware, strap buttons were a tad loose but snugged up fine. Fret buzz is at a minimum and I would like less action, but will wait until I put the flatwounds on it and let it settle a bit, then off to the luthier we go. Controls are tight, solid and silent, and the well-mounted input jack on the hip of the lower bout isn't going anywhere.

Unquestionably this would be fine played live and has been "stage-experienced". Not a showpiece but a workhorse and it gets the job done fine. If you wear the finish off you either have total disregard for instruments in general or play with hands of stone. It stays in tune VERY well. I don't use straplocks, since I use a Keepur strap which has integrated locks. Lightweight so your shoulder will thank you. No way I'd gig without a backup, not that I don't trust this bass, but you're asking for TROUBLE when trying that particular stunt. Another thing... the knobs on this are not easy to remove, which is good. They have the same quality feel as my Schecter's controls, which is utterly amazing for an entry-level bass.

Haven't a clue, but have played other Washburns and bought one for my stepson (an acoustic-electri). It's a beauty and they have a very good reputation for customer service and support. I'll know more when I write to them and try to get info on this unit. Until then...

Been playing for a few years, own a Schecter C1 + (flame grey), Yamaha FG-401 acoustic, an Epiphone SG Special (good starter guitar but the WORST tuners that I have ever encountered that aren't strip-mounted). Wife plays drums, stepson plays everything. We are into music, you might say. If lost or stolen it would be impossible to replace without paying about $250 or more for a comparable unit. If you are thinking about buying a bass to learn, or to complement your guitar collection (say, to lay down tracks or just fart around), you could do far worse than to buy this. I play to play it onstage, if my kid lets the old man get up there from time to time. It isn't a Warwick, but far better than a Rogue or Squier, and on par with the Mexican Fender basses in terms of build quality. You won't find one of those on EBay for $53. Can't beat it.