Washburn XB100

4-string model. Unit is special painted (couldn't find if this was an option) black with silver metal flake). Standard neck with rosewood fingerboard. GHS Boomers currently strung. Replaced nut, but nothing else.

Found this at a pawn shop in early 2000 and my mother traded some old jewelry for it. I believe the floor price was $125 and came with a wimpy gig bag.

VERY SOLID. From the solid body to the tuners to the bridge to the neck...everything! I know this because I had a strap come loose and I chipped the paint on my drummer's rack. So I decided to chuck it about 20 yards onto the grass. After my little tantrum, I plugged it in and DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO TUNE IT. It was dead on the cent.

Most would complain of the sound. It can be muddy. I found string selection is key key key. I've had positive success with GHS Boomers for a brighter sound. Dean Markley Blue Steel strings had a bit of a metallic sound. Fender Tapewounds gave it a smooth, groovy tone.

Volume and Tone adjustments are blah. Volume is on or off; no control. Tone helps, but only a few will know the sound difference in the middle of the mix.

For a budget bass found used at a pawn shop? I couldn't be happier. Especially for it being 12 years old in my possession. I'm currently looking for new pickups and custom hardware to completely refinish this one, after I purchase an acoustic.

Bottom line? From beginner to student to garage to gig to studio to road to living room THIS BASS DOES IT. Now, it may not do it 100%. Maybe not even 75%, at times, but that's not what this bass was for. This bass was made for anyone to do a little bit of everything on it. I know, because this is my first bass and I've done it all with this baby in tow.

An instrument like this one teaches you to pull your sound out of EVERY LITTLE DETAIL (instrument adjustments, volume/tone, strings, instrument cables, patch cords, pedals, amps/heads/combos/cabs, etc, etc). If it had not been for this bass, I don't think I would be as tonally constructive as I am today.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Got this bass from Musician's Friend as a "Special". $149.00 and it came with a very good soft/hard case. Got it originally for my daughter but she likes guitar better so I ended up with it.

I had a Fender Mustang and a Precision - both in the 60's and this Washburn feels better. Well-balanced and the neck is killer! The mahogany body can really resonate and the factory set it up so good for off-the-shelf.

The pick-ups are OK but could stand to be better quality but for $149 with a case? A pickguard would be nice to as I do use a pick frequently but . .! Volume knob/potentiometer is kind of wack as it comes on quick with little more gain as you go full tilt.

This piece is absolutely well made. No gaps where the neck bolts on. Hardware is superman tough. The finish - I got the black one like everything for my guitars and Harley's- is superb. But I wish I got the natural finish as the black shows fingerprints easier.

This is just a darned great buy for the price. I still can't believe it. I got it in my studio/shop but I'm looking seriously at upgrading the pick-ups and using it to gig cuz it feels nice to me and my 54 year-old back. It's fun to play and play with. Get one!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this bass from my uncle a few years ago. I don't know how much he payed for it though.

Looks amazing. Very durable. Sounds great. Workable fingerboard. Precision Bass pickups.

Nothing.

It is made out of solid mahogany. It has a very comfortable rosewood fingerboard. A very sturdy maple neck. Football style jack-plate.

I love it. I have tried out a few Fender Spuires, but none of them have sounded as solid and rich as this bass. I have also messed with more expensive Washburns, they did not sound near as good (but still good of course). BUY ONE! BUY ONE! BUY ONE!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Acquired this bass through an online auction for a mere $130. It was brand new and factory packed. I have had it a couple of months and so far it has been an excellent instrument! It's lightweight, easy to handle, and quite honestly is a beautiful bass. I have the natural wood finish and couldn't be happier with this bass!

It's lightweight, easy to handle, has a beautiful natural wood finish (although it is available in colors too), and has a very smooth action.

So far I haven't found anything I don't like about this bass.

Construction seems solid with clean lines and smooth finish. Looks as perfect as any bass could.

This is my second bass in the last 10 years and I expect it to be the only one I'll need for several years to come. Asthetically pleasing with a clean design, this bass in my humble opinion is a GREAT bass for beginner and intermediate players.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com