Having read the original thread again, i dont think it does the bass justice. How it sound's and play's is probably better than anything ive owned, better than any U.S fender, MM or rickenbacker. Which to most are the benchmark. Guess im to traditional when it comes to look's, if it looked like a jazz i'd never part with it. As for the wear and finish, i'd say its no different than a friend's early 80's strat. With the off white crazed finish, so a real fender at heart. And was made in the factory when leo was still clocking in and out every day. The closest most of us will get to a pre cbs fender i guess.