I don’t usually write these little review things on websites, but I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I bought this bass solely for the purpose of quiet practicing/jamming in my apartment, where an amplified electric bass would not be welcomed with open arms. If you’re considering it for this purpose you’ll be completely satisfied. For the cash spent, it doesn’t get much better than this. This is a sturdy instrument that you won’t have to worry about being too ‘careful’ with. I’ve found myself hauling this thing around to friends houses, get-togethers, etc. with no case and having a blast with it. The finish and general appearance are nothing fancy at all, but if your about the music, you won’t even notice. It has a different feel and requires a slightly different playing style than electric bass (just as an acoustic guitar differs from electric) but I found myself adjusting quite easily. I highly suggest changing the stock strings to flatwounds, which are smooth as silk on this thing, because this instrument tends to create a bit of finger noise with the roundwounds. I’ve been playing guitar/bass for 16 years and own several expensive instruments and this well built, inexpensive gem has no problem keeping up. Overall: A ton of fun and a unique playing experience!

I have the 5 string model and have played the 4s at stores. I’m very impressed with this instrument for the price! The quality is excellent, the bass itself plays well – my only issue is while the action sits quite low and the instrument is very playable, the string noise with the roundwounds is annoying. I believe I will try some flats or coated strings, because I wouldn’t want the action higher on the bass. I haven’t had much chance to plug it in, but that is because my huge Ampeg cab is at the rehearsal space. This is my jump-in-the-car and go jam bass, and it suits that purpose fine.

Each time I pick up this bass I’m impressed with how fine an instrument it is for the price. My entire technique is improving as I have to rise to meet the clarity of sound my Playmate provides. The craft of its manufacture is high, the tone is clear and volume good, and the price is spectacular. My first worry was that this would be a dumbed down, inferior version of the Dean Performer EAB. That fear didn’t materialize. The same Dean attention to quality has gone into this instrument as into the higher end Performer. Note: My Playmate has a cutout body for reaching the entire fingerboard…and I didn’t buy through Amazon.