Feature:
Electronics that are non-active, but simple to use. A volume and a sliding tone adjuster. I prefer simplicity and not having to deal with batteries. With a good amp, no pre-amp is necessary with this instrument. This way it has a more natural sound, I think. The tone knob is very sensitive and if it is set much above zero, the fret buzzing and rattle is unacceptably amplified, so I play it with the tone all the way down for a warmer sound. Apparently, no one has thought to make a case for this beefy instrument. Plastic bridge is not adjustable, but factory setup is decent.
Quality:
For a budget instrument, this bass was surprisingly solid and well built; much more so than the flimsy construction of several pricier models I have tried (much better than the Kelley Dragonfly). You don't feel timid about raging on it. It is relatively unfinished, similar to the Jasmine by Takamine acoustic guitar. But the wood grain is beautifully unblemished and superb. Plastic bridge shows wear, a higher quality material would be good, but for the price it is acceptable.
Value:
For the price, definitely a best value. Someday they will make an acoustic bass guitar without fret issues. Until then, this is a vary good approximation.
Desirability:
Practical for the all acoustic living room jams as well as the plugged in semi-acoustic rocking. Plenty loud. I just wish they made a fretless in this model.
Sound:
The instrument is well set-up at the factory. None the less, there is still considerable fret buzz and rattle. This seems to be par for the course with acoustic fretted bass guitars. Dean does not make a fretless version of this model, but they should. The volume is ample for unplugged rocking with acoustic guitars. The sound quality is sufficient, though the sustain and volume on the fatter strings is greater than on the thinner ones, meaning a change in volume depending on where you are on the scale.
Support:
I ordered another bass from Dean that has been backordered forever, with no explanation. But this instrument shipped quickly and with no issues. They need to manufacture a case for this instrument, which they currently do not seem to offer.
Overall:
Slight design flaw of not including a strap nut on the back, so you have to tie on your strap to the headstock. They don't appear to make a case for this bass yet, so you should keep the shipping box or build your own case for transport, if you care about the wood finish. Otherwise, a beautiful solid instrument for most acoustic and some electric applications. Simple and straightforward for lock and load acoustic rocking.
10 of 10 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!