The frets felt clean and positive, and made way to buzz-free release. Even on the low B string, they didnt make the same clack like I often hear. I am used to being able to switch from passive to active modes on my Warwick, and use this feature regularly to alter my sound. I wouldnt like to replace batteries all of the time because I forget to disconnect the guitar cable. I would prefer to have an on/off switch on the JP Yamaha. When you do need to change the battery, it is easily removed from a separate compartment in the back, without need of tools. There is a second cavity which houses the electronics and gives access to the rear of the pots, as well as the user-definable trimpots for the EQ. This cavity is covered with a screwed-on panel. The front controls felt firm and positive, and the centre-detents are a good thought. Their layout is logical, and youll probably want to spend a lot of time experimenting with EQ to get familiar with your favourite sounds. The cosmetic look of the Patitucci instruments is very good indeed. They look muscular yet streamlined - a bit like a rhinoceros with that cutaway maple and black veneer peaking through. The TRB series look even more contemporary than the softer-edged RBX series, and in my opinion are more stylish. Yes, the JP instrument is shell-like and sleek at the same time. The mother-of-pearl inlays on the fretboard are functional and artistic, and catch the light in a striking way. The bass looks unwieldy sitting on a stand by itself, but in the hands of a skillful player is an awesome spectacle. The cutaway access to the highest frets is very well done, and the only thing stopping you accessing the highest frets on the 26-fret bass is the length and strength of your fingers! Top C and D is OK, but make sure you try the G or D strings in the uppermost positions! The JP2 bolute on the neck looks a little odd from playing position, but nobody can see it, and if it helps, thats OK! The neck generally feels flatter than my Warwick, but thats because of the larger string spacing. The intonation above the 12th position is impeccable. I compared octaves, 5ths, 10ths and other intervals all around different strings and enjoyed their relative consonance. They sounded just, and sang beautifully. The temptation is always there on the new JP2 to play in a different manner, and as juicy the low B string is, it has less attraction on the new model to JP1. You want to soar up there in guitar-land, in the 3rd or 4th octave of this versatile instrument. Its hard to summarize my thoughts on such a new instrument in such little time. The Yamaha JP bass is a thoughtful, multitalented creation with lots of aspects to get to know. If the ears are the final judge, then with its awesome sound this bass has got 5 stars! Just go and listen to Dave Carpenter, or John Patitucci himself...