Josh from Greensboro, NC, USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
I've owned it a month -- no issues. We'll see what's to come down the road.
Features
What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could?
I really like the features of this unit. Optical compressor, BBE Sonic Maximizer technology, powerful EQ system. I would prefer that the EQ section be set up for boost/cut, as opposed to boost only (bass & treble) and cut only (midrange). The saving grace of this design is the separate boost/cut mid level knob companioned with the selectable frequency knob. Knobs are easy to read on stage. I like that the compressor and sonic maximizer can be switched on/off with a switch on the face of the unit or with a footswitch.
Sound
How is its Tone?
I'm on a budget. I can't afford the Fender American Deluxe 5-string Jazz Bass that I want. Nevertheless, I hook up the Fender Squire Vintage Modified 70's 5-string Jazz Bass (also ordered from AMS), which sounds great on its own, and it sounds like the American Deluxe that I want. Blew my mind when I played through it the first time, and continues to.
Playability and Feel
How does it feel, Heavy, Fast, Chunky? How was the neck? Are the controls easy to get to while playing?
Controls are a bit different than I'm used to, but very easy to adjust to with a minimal learning curve.
Tone
Bright and snappy? Dark and smooth? Were the pickups hot, mellow, thick, thin?
I've been able to accomidate great tone for my country band and for a few studio sessions with this unit. Everything from uber warm R&B tone to bright and snappy slap tone. Works well for rock, country, R&B, gospel, jazz, fusion, funk, ...whatever. I'm extremely impressed with this BBE BMAX preamp.
Finish
How did the stain or paint job look?
Flawless black case, chrome knobs, cool looking red "jewels" capping the knobs, facing out from the case.
Action
How was the action out of the box?
It doesn't really have "action"... Its a preamp...