So, I took it band practice on Saturday. I can state it is good for metal lol.
The guys were a bit freaked out when I turned up with the little triangular case, and preceded to fold the neck in to position :-)
The band tune to Eb, but the string floppiness makes it impracticable, so I tuned to F and set the whammy on my multi fx to detune a tone. It worked, but tuning had to be spot on (including guitarist) tuning by ear was not enough, which was difficult as the strings are [i]still [/i]stretching.
It's not as light as you may think, [color=#616161]2.8 kg [/color](6.17 pounds) according to the website but it feels heavier, I'll do a weighing later. For me there was a certain amount of technique adjustment. I'm a finger player and used to playing with a ramp and thumbrest that runs from the bridge to the neck. This only has the pup surround to anchor my thumb on, and no upper body to rest my forearm on. I played with a pick for a couple of songs, and reckon initially a pick player would get on with it quicker.
My Shuker(s) are medium scale so playing a shortscale came naturally, although I do miss the upper frets. The single coil pickup has good output, not too bass heavy but cuts through nicely with enough bottom end. The tone control is actually quite usable, My sweet spot is dialing it back about 20%. I love the neck, profile wise it's between a P and J, but a tad flatter. I can post some songs if anyone is interested, but they were recording on an iphone in rehearsal so the quality is not too hot.
This has been designed so that you can take it as hand luggage while flying, then gig with it at the other end. I would happily gig with it, and it's a space-saving back up bass, and utterly convenient to transport to rehearsals. Quality wise there's nothing to worry about, at least there won't be once I've changed the strings! It's great at home for noodling about on, because it's just so convenient.
I'll make sure to take it to the next Bass Bash I go to, but if any Basschater in that London wants a go, let me know.