As far as affordable small scale basses go, this is better than an Epiphone EB0 (which I think sound awful) - I never plugged in a Mustang or Bronco but didn't really like the feel of those. If money were no object I would go for the higher end Gretsch's (Thunderbass, Broadcaster, White Falcoln) BUT I just wanted an economy bass and I really like the sound of this one and would buy a new one if I needed a replacement. For the price, overall I would have to give the Jr Jet an Excellent rating.
Model Year: 2005
Price: $135.00
Where Obtained: Elderly's Instruments, Lansing, MI
Made in China. Body is probably plywood but has some nice grain showing thru the 'black burst' finish (seems to look more like a dark shade of green in the middle). The neck is maple with a rosewood fretboard. It has 19 frets. The pickup is a 'designed by TV Jones' mini humbucker THAT SOUNDS VERY GOOD the location is central between the bridge and the end of the fret board (some reviewer said it was placed at about where the 24th fret would be - I don't think it's exactly there but it is sure in a sweet spot for sound. I had a Bad A-- II Bridge laying around the house and the holes lined up perfect so I put that on it and also had some chrome Schaller 2x2 tuners so put them on too. (the price of the bridge and tuners where more than I paid for the bass.
I bought this bass in "as is" condition. I had to set it up a little. There was only one string on it. For some reason I put some regular gage Boomer round wounds on it and I'm getting used to them. This is a very playable bass. The only flaw may be the A string slot at the nut is cut a little deep (but I was still able to compensate for it. Also by putting the badass bridge on you almost need 32" long strings.
I've got an old Acoustic 126 head which used to be in a combo amp and a couple of custom made cabinets with 15" JBL speakers. I play about anything other than funk or slap (just never learned those styles). I needed an old beater bass that was easy to transport to church on Sundays to give me and my Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass a rest. I also wanted to get away from the active electric sound and this passive humbucker gives a very good clear sound. The tone control seems to work all the way from "1" to "10" too. I like to boost a little mid for my taste and I'm very happy with the sound. There's a little hiss at full blast but I don't need to play a full blast.
Looks like a kid owned it previously. Very smudgy (and only one string). Maybe he buried it in his back yard. There is no real signs of being played however. The frets are in perfect shape - fretboard too. The finish has some swirl marks around the controls and between the pickup and neck. Overall it survived being owned by a messy kid so I'm sure it'll hold up well with me :-).
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