Played my first rehearsal last night with the fiesta red JAEbird. The guys in the band were equally impressed by the quality of the finish, the overall look - and the tone. Playing wise, the Allparts neck is great and amazingly has no dead spots, and I'm really liking the pickups. Because I play finger style, I've still got to get to grips with a good place to anchor my thumb when I do so, and the flat metal pickup covers overhang the pickups slightly so there is a sharpish edge to deal with. That's only a minor thing though, this bass is awesome and I'm very happy with it (and the price I paid!)