I played (no pun intended) one of these yesterday, albeit with a maple neck and board, and was mightily impressed. If I was in the market for a P (I’m not, I’m not, I’m not! 😬) I wouldn’t hesitate to get one of these.
I played one of these years ago and, as you say, it's a bass sound, yet somewhat devoid of character. I did not find it inspiring and was rather disappointed.
What is this ‘need’ word? We don’t use that here if we can possibly help it.
I’m just happy that this bass is a considerable distance from me and would mean a 10 hour or so round trip, because, as previously stated - 😍.