About 3 years ago I joined a three piece rock group. As every musician knows, with a 3 piece band, there is an empty spot. After I played the 8 string bass, I felt it would add to the sound, and fullness,of the band, which it did. I found the esp lost bottom (fatness) when adjusting the settings to make the highs come across. If you purchase a bass driver or exciter pedal, it will take care of the above problem. Another problem I found, is I could not find the same scale strings that come on the E.S.P. from the factory. It seems that replacement strings are a heavier scale, which makes the action tougher around f & g. Instead of fighting with the action, it was very easy to rework the top nut, and deepen the string slot. Take your time with the nut, or the intination will be way off when bounging off the frets. A little adjustment goes a long way. Keep all of he hardware tight. it takes getting used to but so do new shoes. its a good guitar, with its own personality, and sound.

I just played this bass today, and I loved it. The previous 8 string that I played slowed me down to much. I play mainly funk stuff, like Victor Wooten, and some of his stuff you can't do on it (like the thumb double pick stuff). But with some slight adjustments, you can play most everything funk on it. It takes some getting used to, but it adds another dimension to your playing that you can't get any other way.

I got that Dean Rhapsody 12 (on ebay). It sounded good, but I later found out that I couldn't play it very fast so I got this bass. The extra strings (that are one octave above the main ones)effected my speed not too much, and I sound better than ever. So my advice to those decinding to buy either a 12ver or a 8ter, the 12vers sound better but the 8ters you can play faster. I used a two amp rig (1Marshall, 1Ampeg). If you don't have that kinda of money you can get a couple of Fender amps and pedals and it will still sound good.

I was very impressed with the quality of this instrument. I was somewhat hesitant to buy an 8-string since I had never played one before. I got it and it is fairly easy to play and has an awesome sound. I play to buy another ESP bass soon.

Frets out sometimes but other than that it sounds awesome...