Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen

Pros:
The reviews aren't wrong. This the essentially the same quality and similar spec of instrument as Fender's Elite/Deluxe top of the range basses. Powerful, varied EQ, lovely construction with the rolled neck, very playable straight out of the box. Mid-sweep controls are especially fun. Considering that it costs much less than a Mexican Fender it does make you realise how much of a premium that headstock logo carries.

Cons:
It is a bit heavier than some, but nothing crippling. I've also realised that the jazz sound is a bit clanky and hollow for me so actually returning this and getting a P7 instead. I'm confident that build quality etc will be the same, just with a warmer P-bassy sound.

5 years ago I bought the exact bass 1st gen but the 5 string version, I love that bass so much that I bought this 2nd gen 4 string version exact same color .

However quality wise I think the 1st gen was overall a better option.

Neck wood is better on my 1st gen and that massive bridge compared to this new one is like gimmick. The factory settings on my 1st gen was flawless and I still didn't made any adjustments whatsoever.
The new bass came completely unplayable with upbow neck and the fretwork was very poorly done with sharp edges.

The only better thing on gen 2 is rolled fretboard nothing else.

My new bass will have to go to a proper tech for a good set-up.

Did my research, bought the bass and so glad I did. Gigged it several times since buying and it's been flawless. This has got to be without doubt the best quality bang for buck j bass on the market. The neck is a dream to play. Some say the weight is an issue and ok it's not the lightest bass out there but I've never found it a problem. More importantly, the balance is right. If I was to be picky the only improvement I would recommend is that the jack socket was wired in such a way so that you could leave the cable in the socket without draining the batteries. That said, just buy it you won't be disappointed.

My V7 plays really well, though I had to set its action and intonation to get the perfect feel.
For the first couple of months you will also feel its weight, as it's quite heavy, but now after almost 4 years, I don't notice it anymore.
The on-board preamp is also nice and helps you achieve a tone you're looking for, especially with the mid knobs.
Maybe if I buy a Sire bass in the future, I will buy a passive bass, but for now I am still very satisfied with this one and I hope it lasts a long time. Like I said, it's cheap for what you get - and you get plenty!