With the tweaks that are available online at TalkBass.com and other places (look up Stagg, as these two basses are essentially the same except for the body shape), and perhaps some new strings, this bass is an incredbly good EUB. I use it when weather doesn't permit the use of my double bass, or when there's only room enough for me on the stage. If you set it up right, dial in the piezo controls in the preamp, and maybe put a different set of strings on it, these basses can be a really solid investment. I love mine.

Disappointed with craftsmanship. There's a distinct rattle coming from inside the body where the endpin is housed. It's audible when playing with or without amplification.

This is what I saw when taking a peek under the "tailpiece". Three different screws set in an obvious effort to slap a band-aid on the rattle.

This unit was NOT advertised as "USED". If it actually came from the factory like that, I'd say Dean Guitars' QC needs some work.

Now I'm stuck trying to get a warranty repair from my local Dean dealer, Guitar Center. Not real thrilled.

Being a bass player in bluegrass, I've had a Kay and an NX, but currently play a Fender Jazz. For some reason, I got the urge to go back to the upright style, primarily for the sound. I ordered this Contra and just got to use it this past weekend on two jobs. I quickly remembered why I switched from upright to electric bass. These things are a pain to transport, (too long to lay in the trunk), hand cramps abound (whaa, whaa, whaa), but not due to any flaw with this instrument. The neck has the right feel, and the action was good out of the box. No problem with intonation. The tone was fairly authentic, only missing the the doghouse "thump" that can only be produced by the large body of the real thing. However, the tone of this instrument is very good. I'd rate it as good, if not better, than the NX I had. Really, the only complaint I have, is the incredibly "useless" gig bag they sent. The description says it includes a lightweight case, but it's really a bag. No compartments for accessories. No opening for the handle like the bag supplied with the Stagg EDB. Actually, it appears that this Contra and the Stagg EDB come off the same assembly line. Details and specs indicate these identical. I would recommend the Stagg simply for the superior designed carrying bag.