Traben Basses Array 4 Series TRAA4SBK 4-String Bass Guitar, Black Satin

I have played bass for over 10 years for everything from church bands to death metal bands. I've performed and done studio work as a bass player. I used to preach nothing but 5 & 6 string basses (because of the extra range) but I started playing with a band who kind of followed the idea of Brain Drill (complex bass tapping lines mimicing the guitar) and I found the 6 stringer was just too big for my hands to quickly move the scales. I remembered seeing the band Skillet on stage with a Traben a few years ago and I was really impressed with the look and the sound. I did research on Traben and everything sounded great so I ordered this bass from Musicians Friend (when it was on sale for like $279.00)First, know that this is a professional grade bass! If you're buying this for a beginner, you are getting something that they can play all the way to whatever status they are trying to reach. It is also great for tone shaping so a pro would love to have this on hand for all their needs.The electronics are incredible. They sound great, have that huge punch but capable of being toned down for that dead sound. Response to both fingers and picks is very smooth. They are active but battery life seems to be normal to better than most. Tone, volume, and then your preamp. Perfect for doing minor adjustments. Usually I replace my pickups in every guitar but I don't want to ruin this sound by changing these. The only other guitar I've never changed pickups in is my D6 bass.The bridge is actually the tribal design so it is very strudy, which I like. I was surprised to find the body was made of bass wood and the neck of maple. The cheaper quality wood does not seem to affect the tone. I have basses made from much higher quality materials that don't come close to this one. There is a lot of contact between the neck and body which amplifies the tone and makes it unique. The guitar is very stripped down and streamlined so that it is not heavy, but has enough mass to make a BIG tone. Color options are a little limited, I'm not one for the satin black look, but it is still a beautiful instrument.I use this bass mainly for laying bass tracks in the studio now. It is great recording direct. The lightweight/big tone attribute makes it a perfect performance bass as well. If you're in the market for something that will continue to serve you and make your friends jealous I highly recommend this bass. I'm still amazed everytime I pick mine up and play it.

I have the Traben Array 4, and let me tell you it is THE standard in Bass guitars. I have played others, and none come close. I could have gotten any bass on the market, but after playing a Traben, I was sold. Second to none!!