Dean Exotica Quilted Ash Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar with Aphex  

From the lovely packaging in which the Exotica bass ships from Dean (though the UPS guy plunked the clearly marked "THIS END UP" side of the box DOWN onto my porch), the first impression is dazzling. The quilted ash on the "black" model actually looks purple in some light, and that is very cool. The binding is a richly luminescent, gold "tortoise shell" that looks fantastic, and the bridge shape...lovely. Unlike another reviewer, I like the way the tuner works, a fun surprise! I am not crazy about the string spacing at the nut (the E and G could sit out a bit farther to the edges), but that is just my personal preference. However, upon closer inspection, the true colors of this inexpensive bass prove disappointing.

Quality is where the rubber meets the road for a player, no matter how beautiful an instrument may be. The workmanship, overall, is good. And fresh, too: the instrument reeks of polyurethane (a bit too much, really). However, right away I noticed little chips and scratches around the nut...tiny, and by no means fatal. Also, I observed that two of the four chrome tuners have significant scratches on them, also maybe not fatal. But then, as another reviewer observed, I saw that the tuners themselves are positioned as if by a drunkard: they are not evenly spaced or parallel on the otherwise symmetrical headstock. (One would expect the drill operators to use some kind of template here, but apparently not.)  This is closer to fatal, but not quite yet.... Fatal is that - no matter what I have done to adjust the neck and bridge - the first two frets on the E and A strings buzz badly with all but very soft plucking; not ok for acoustic, which must be played loudly to be heard. The neck adjusts easily, but to get the buzz out, I had to put so much bow in, the intonation at fret 12 went off. Looks like this one will have to go back.

How can I rank the value then? As an object of beauty, it is worth every penny - if you plan to hang it on the wall. If you intend to play the instrument acoustically...well, I am grateful for Musician's Friend's return policy, which it seems I will need to use here. Too bad, because the instrument really is beautiful and I might keep it, if only it didn't buzz. Maybe this one is a lemon, but I worry about the way the tuners were positioned and fear that a replacement might have similarly haphazard construction. The initialed "inspection" label on the back of the headstock suggests that the inspection process may be a bit lax.

Unfortunately, this was the highest ranked, most praised acoustic bass in its price range, so I am not sure if I will try to replace this one and hope for one that doesn't buzz, or give up the idea of playing acoustic bass and stick with my electrics.

Generally, while I appreciate the availability of low-cost instruments, modern, fast production methods and relatively low quality control evident in this Chinese model gives me pause to reflect on whether I want to support this kind of outsourcing in order to go easy on my pocketbook, while my purchase drives hungry, low-income Asian factory workers and adundantly feeds the MF shareholders.

I bought this bass guitar for its acoustic value, not electric.  But the body is big and it definitely has some volume unplugged.

The construction is very solid.  The E string had a bit of buzz out of the box, but tuning it up took care of that.  As shipped, the neck is in perfect position, so the strings sound the way they're supposed to when playing the upper frets.

For the price, this bass has as much, or more, to offer than many other more expensive acoustic basses.

After much research, I chose this Dean acoustic bass because the reviews were all positive and were higher than for many other more expensive ones.  I concur.  This bass does not disappoint.

Onboard preamp is exceptional.  Wide range of tones available, easily shaped for both finger playing and pick playing.  Dislike the Dean onboard tuner - a little flakey.  Woods are beautiful and unplugged it'll stand up with an acoustic guitar or two, has a very deep yet tight resonance seldom found in acoustic basses.  For a coffeeshop gig, you'll need an amp, obviously, but the sound carries over when plugged in.

No complaints thus far, beautiful woods and well-crafted.

Bar none, this is the best acoustic bass I've ever played for sheer sound and playability.  I shopped at several local chain and mom & pop guitar shops prior to buying and when placed up against Fenders and Washburns and various other acoustic basses, both on looks and sound, not to mention electronics (except that darned tuner), the Dean beat them all.  After that, the price just seems like a total and utter steal.

Superb bass for the price - couldn't be happier.  My bandmates even said it could/should easily be an option for non-acoustic playing/shows due to the overall sound of it.

I was interested in this bass and found one to play.  I love it!  Great, responsive neck that made me feel as if I had been playing this bass for years!  So I bought one right away, I had to!

Great electronics that give good diversity of sound.  The neck is better intune and consistant all over than any acoustic electric bass I have every played. I have found that the lower "E" string is easy to control and does not rattle with a strong attack.  Being an upright bassist, I tend to play the acoustic electric bass with a strong attack.  The Dean is perfect for my style.  I have a Michael Kelly Dragonfly, which I like and is more expensive, but not as easy to play, plus the M.K. needed a setup to be able to be played.  The Dean Exotica sounded great off the shelve.  I believe that this is the best buy on any acoustic bass in it's price range (or several hundred dollars more).

I too have been playing bass for over 30 years. I went into the local music store to buy a new amp head and while they were working up a price I stumbled upon the Exotica Ash Acoustic Bass hanging on the wall. It is a beautiful guitar. We hooked it up to a floor amp and I instantly feel in love with it. I immediately took it to the counter and added to my purchase. The hard case that came with it was beautiful too. I keep the bass in a guitar stand at home just so I can look at it or pick it up and play it whenever I want.

worth every penny