Rating: This bass is my favorite. It's has improved my playing by virtue of it's intelligent and ergonomic design. It's improved by sound by virtue of it's superior electronics. This is the bass I reach for first.
Price: $310 CAN (used) Where Obtained: pawn shop
Features:
Tune is a Japanese company. The Bass Maniac NTB-4 has a slim and thin bolt-on neck, p/j pups and active electronics. The controls are volume, blend, bass and treble. It's finished in transparent emerald green.
It has many intelligent features to complement superior build quality and sound. The end strap button is above center for improved balance. The input jack is recessed and angled downwards so accidently stepping on the cord won't 'pull the plug'. There are trim pots on the bass and treble circuits so you can tailor the sound.
The bridge and tuners are Gotoh. The pups are Tune Technologies. This is one sweet bass. It's a joy to play and a tone monster.
Playability:
In a word, superb. I have the action low and it's so easy to play. The ultra slim neck helps of course. It is by far my favorite bass to play.
Sound Quality:
The Tune bass has a modern sound. It has trim pots in the electronics bay that allow you to tailor the sound to personal taste. This is a great feature.
Durability:
Seems very reliable. The finish has some damage where strap locks were installed in the past and around the jack reccess. Nothing terrible but it says to me the finish may not be as durable as some basses. Of course the finish doesn't affect the sound so who cares. hahaha
