On 2008-02-25, PhatNedi gave this USMasters Bass Guitar a 5
History: I've been playing bass for over 40 years from rock-a-billy to fusion jazz with a few rock bands in between. Currently in a local band in L.A. that plays mostly charity gigs, though I have toured extensively in the past.

Purchase: I bought the M5 directly from the factory two years ago wanting a bass that was "mixable" for the wide variety of tunes I play. From the onboard EMG three channeleq to the coil tap switch to the mid range cut/boost switch to the passive /active selector switch this bass is extreamly versatile.
Pros: The neck is fabulous and the over all tone variety is so good I rarely take any of my other three basses out of their cases.
Cons: With a the 24 fret neck and 35" scale it took some "getting used to". But with enough time I'm now comfy with my left elbow straightened out that far.
Quality: Few "factory" instruments are of this excellent quality.

Summary: You'd be hard pressed to find a better sounding more versatile instrument unless you go crazy and spend $8500 or so on a Fedora.