The active EQ can be bypassed via the push/pull volume knob. A center detent on the pickup blend knob allows balance of both pickups; however, the range of the blend on both sides is a little limited. After rotating in either direction after about halfway between the center, the pickup that’s being favored overpowers the other one. The EQ controls are nice and simple and the range is useful in both directions. Sounds can go from smooth to almost overdriven with the right combination of pickup and EQ selections. The ability to get great J bass sounds, P bass sounds, and even Music Man sounds in one bass is especially nice. In a situation where a lot of accurate bass tones are needed, either in the studio or on stage, this model should do the job nicely. If you can’t get a decent tone out of this bass, something else must be wrong!

While the 4-string test model in gloss black was by no means slumming it, the translucent finish option definitely screams “high-end.” While it’s a great sounding instrument, it could get lost on the wall of a music store among all the other basses. A 5-string version of the Arona is also available.