This bass just plays great, and when I tell people what I have spent on it, they cannot believe it. And neither can I. I am a great Police and Sting fan, and this bass satisfies the need. I homerecord and needed a bass so I could produce some songs, and this bass lacks nothing. This is not your typical slap-bass, but that does not stop me, but it is not ideal, and there are better alternatives if you want to slap. But it is great for rock, blues, and even heavy metal. The Canadian maple neck feels great. The bass is very affordable, and it does not matter of you are a beginner or not, this bass will do!