Before playing this bass I'd only really played passive 4 string basses (P, PJ, and a fretless fusion) and I wanted to "upgrade".
The extra string has opened up so many playing possibilities, the active EQ is just what I was looking for for playing modern metal, and the fanned frets are great for staying in tune no matter where you're playing. It is a joy to play, though it takes some getting used to with the different positions, and the stretch from the 1st to 4th fret is a bit tricky if you've got small hands. Overall though, I think it has made me a better player, it kind of forces you to play with "correct" technique.
It came in good condition, no scratches or blemishes, no stabby frets etc. The string height came pretty much just how I like it, maybe a little high as you get up towards the 12th fret, but you can adjust that yourself. The intonation also only needed a minor adjustment. A few days into playing it, I did notice one fret was a little bit scratchy when I was doing a boomer bend, but it's not that bad.
The electronics seem good, though I don't have much to compare it to... the pickups interact well with each other, no weird spots when you're blending between them, I like the passive sound and the active sound. I've not had to adjust or angle the pickups either. It came with a battery pre-installed which was a nice surprise. I recommend looking up a demo to see how it sounds.
It's not too heavy which I think some people are concerned about when they are thinking about getting a 5 string. It's certainly lighter than my ash bass. It's not as light as my paulownia bass, but that one has massive neck dive issues, whereas this one is well-balanced. The neck is nice and solid, and the poplar burl top is beautiful.
No issues with the nut, tuners or bridge.
I recommend trying before you buy. Unfortunately that wasn't an option for me, fortunately however, this bass is everything I was hoping for.
