Fender BG31 Acoustic-Electric Bass

Quality:
I've been very satisfied overall with this bass. I primarily use it to play in church to accompany select vocalist and contemporary style choir pieces. It's the perfect mix between acoustic and electric sounds. The only thing that I'm just beginning to experience is a little noise coming from the volume pot. Not sure how this could have gotten dirty already or if it's going bad -- but think I'm just starting to develop some issues with it.

Value:
There are a lot of other acoustic basses out there that sell for a lot more money -- you can't beat the price tag on this guy.

Desirability:
The biggest reason I bought this bass was because of the way it jumped out at me as soon as I walked into the music store and saw it. That and the fact that the salesman didn't want me to buy it cause he liked playing it so much. It is a beautiful Metallic Cherry finish that will get everyone's head to turn and check it out!

Sound:
This bass plays very nicely and has a decent tonal quality. Initially I was a bit concerned while playing it through a small combo amp because the pickup seemed to have a distinct drop off and lose the lower frequencies (E string). However, I have since begun plugging it into a D-box and playing it straight through our sound system which includes a sub-woofer. This has solved all of my initial concerns and it sounds great.

Support:
Soon after getting it, I sent it back to Fender to evaluate the pickup positioning and function. Fender was great at getting this thing checked and back to me in a timely manner.

Overall:
Love it -- beats hefting my old Fender Tele bass and the flight case that it's in.

Feature:
Mine did not include accessories at all, I had to purchase everything else separately. (polish, case, cords, battery) Also, it came strung with heavy gague round wounds, which are absolutely abysmal and transmit all kinds of string noise. I changed them to light gague nylon flat wounds, and the action improved greatly. I also wish I had gotten one with the cutaway. The symmetrical body is pretty, but I do a fair bit of soloing, and have had to re-finger a number of songs because I couldn't reach the upper 8 frets. AND I had to add my own upper strap button.

Quality:
So far, I have been pleased with the quality of the instrument. The battery runs down quickly (I have to unplug between sets, and a battery rarely lasts more than one gig). The only cosmetic issue I have is that it looks like the head was drilled for a 6-string then filled and re-drilled for a 4.

Value:
This is my 4th bass, and my favorite. I also have a Hondo II, a Yamaha long-scale and a Guild fretless. I also got a better deal on it than on the others.

Sound:
I bought this to use in acoustical, un-amped settings, and the sound and balance (with my wife's guitar) are perfect. Solid low-end with enough overtone to not sound mushy. When I amp I play through a 1969 Ampeg v2 (eat your heart out :) ) and it still sounds great. Amped it is very touchy, and the Fishman picks up everything, even my sloppy changes and thupms on the body.