I purchased the Imola 5 string fretless and it is a wonderful bass for the money. My first impression was I love the look, absolutely beautiful. It has a great feeling neck, it plays very well and the pickups are quite hot for being passive. The sound throws a big punch and is level through all 5 strings. The only thing I would add is more tone control for musicians that play multiple basses during the course of a show. My bass came with a couple minor flaws in the finish and pick guard but MF made it right and refunded some money. Overall a great bass for the price.

I've been playing fretless bass for 35 of my 54 years, have had more basses than I can count and remember, and the Italia Imola 5 string fretless is simply the most amazing "ready to play ouy of the box" instrument I've ever owned. A wonderful "jazz" bass growl and tone thanks to the passive J bass pickups, EXTREMELY comfortable and effortless neck, and that so cool retro Ampeg style body. Light weight, hum free quiet, sustain galore and !!FINALLY!! no dead spots and dead notes anywhere to be found on the rosewood board. Satin finish neck, great hardware, this one's a keeper. And it didn't break the bank:)