Okay, at the time of writing, I've had my 4-string B-450 QTB for over a month and it continues to astound me. It's big sister, the 5-string B-550 QTB has also been here for a few weeks too. It's my first 5-string bass and I'm already smitten. So much so, that the two basses are used alternately, at least as much as it is reasonable to do so.
Of course, in comparison, they constitute two very different instruments. You might not think that the addition of a bottom B string and a narrower pitch between the strings would make so much difference to your bass playing, but it sure does; or, at least it does for me. To an extent, the basses choose their own songs. They also make your hands do things that are almost unexpected; spooky even!; although, that matters not, as the sound that comes out of these two machines is quite frankly amazing; and that just using their passive electronics, fed through a flat EQ and output at a reasonable volume. Their playability is also excellent. In fact, .you get so much for your Euro, or whatever currency you use, that it's really difficult to criticise these machines. They are quite literally stunning. So, I guess that's why there is a black Harley Benton fretless sitting beside me as I write. It's too early to tell its story yet, but I'm pretty sure it will be impressive. Now, which one of you three beauties will I use today? Decisions, decisions. God bless Harley Benton!
