...a few hours later...out of the box I lowered the bridge that could still come down a bit more, but I'll give the nut slots some attention first. All three pots feel solid and have a smooth range of adjustment. Moved the strap button to neck heel. The bridge pickup is cocked a bit so that warrants some attention. Through a small practice amp I found several good tone combinations from wide open to choked. The fun will be in grinding it out through a bridged 610 rig and my Eden 12's.
I have to come clean that this was a GC.com purchase. An independent dealer claimed this is a special Musician's Friend run, though the epiphone site shows more online dealers if you click their Buy It link. Check around and you may find other sources. UPS delivered it today in an unmolested box...good thing since there wasn't much packing to protect the inner box from an end drop.
The $299 price is on the high side for a MIC bass, but for a special run that I can play now instead of refinishing a used Goth or waiting for Bachbird Chapter II...it's a fun addition to the stable.