I actually just got this bass about 4weeks ago: [url="http://www.espguitars.co.uk/bass-esp-vintage5j.html"]http://www.espguitar...-vintage5j.html[/url]
My band got endorsed by ESP... At first i was pretty sceptical 'cos I have alot high-end basses and all the ESP basses I have tried are cheap LTD's that I didnt care for.
But when I tested this bass I was absolutely floored! Better quality than my Metro Sadowsky (IMHO) and it really plays like a dream!
I have always liked Duncan stuff on basses. These soapbars are quite modern and bright sounding. But they still have really nice bottom. Not really "aggressive" sounding, more like Modern hi-fi basses.
I like these pickups WAY MORE than EMG´s. I actually got to try the same model you are looking for, It was really top notch instrument with nothing wrong with it. I just needed 5-string so I went with this one.
If you like the neck and feel that that bass fits your style.. Then its a clear choise! Great sound/quality and looks!