Well, at the time they at least sent one out to German muso mag Gitarre & Bass to review, something Gibson does with even its most non-descript guitars, but hardly ever with basses. And it got a so-so extensive review along the lines of 'well-made and nice-looking, just don't expect it to sound like a modern, clear and focussed treble-oriented bass, something for specialists really or if you're looking for something different'.
Of course, all modern basses have to sound "clear, focussed and treble-oriented", how could Gibson have forgotten that?!