Pure Japan 1998 there were no masses.
Flawless finish, natural wood (ash / swamp ash) varnished. Varnishes neck and body are very soft. Meca Grover large drum (like 1664), specifically solid bridge with string through or can not, as desired.
Note that the body is made of two parts, not three as the recent series.
Channel visssé
The look: Who cares.
Weight: 5.4 kg Weakness

UTILIZATION

Quick, perfect balance, excellent workmanship handle and easy to play. The knobs are very accessible, the micro switch is a bit small. The jack is Foureau type, excellent.
It is a simple low.

SOUNDS

Killer! You prefer "tanned"?
There is everything you want, excellent efficiency of correction, for the potato soft knee refrain especially when you attack the powers suitable washing it. Everyone compares it to MM, yeah it groans to death regardless of the position of the switch and it is a hallucinatory clarity. The ability to have two positions in single coil is welcome I have 6 bass brands (Vigier 4 strings, Fender 4 strings I have 3, 5 Warwick) and got a dozen others in my life (including MM) is what is most surprising. Eric is CZAR me put a flea in the ear ...
The icing on the cake, no breath preamp center position.

OVERALL OPINION

I do not know the new series it seems lighter but I have read only positive comments (the bodies are in three parts). The preamp is also different.
Anyway if you come across watches jap, do not hesitate you'll get your money you can still be found (rarely) on ebay for € 400. I use this machine virtually even for the slap (preferring still a 4-string for this style). I also occasionally a German FNA 5 (a similar one in the sweet pot PU), nothing to do in terms of sound and yet the price is not the same.
I use it regularly for 1 year.