I have only played two four strings: one US that was very bad(!) and a MiM that was very good. The US was badly set up and had the frets sticking out that nasty, flesh eating way. The Mex was exactly how you expect a good bass to be. Obviously, there are "Monday samples" of everything. I really like this instrument, but it won't be a hit, unfortunately. It is hard to be inventive and innovative, especially when you set the industry standard a million years ago like Fender themselves did...