You will not believe that this is a bargain bass…oops, I gave it away – please read on
When Dean contacted me to do a review on this Nuclear Green sweetie, I really had no idea what to expect. I have seen Dean guitars and basses through the years but I don’t think I’ve ever put my hands on one. And to be honest, If I saw this bright green bass in a store, I don’t think I would be interested in trying it out. It’s too bold, too bright, and like many other bargain basses that I’ve tried – how could it possibly be any good for the price?
Well, my assumptions have been exploded. The first look and the first feel right out of the box – “this is kind of cool, and it feels so smooth and soft”. There is no way that this is a $269 bass. If I didn’t know ahead of time I would have guessed closer to $800 or so. I immediately plugged her in (of course it’s a her) and wow! Woody, thumpy, edgy – this is a P-bass in Hulk’s clothing (shirtless).
Right out of the box
Of course, like all new rack basses, it needed some adjusting. Every non-boutique instrument line that I’ve tried sets their action way too high. It’s like they set them up for gorillas – or Hulks – to play. Not that it was unplayable as is, it just needed some tweaking to perform at its best.
The neck was surprisingly straight and just a bit over adjusted. After loosening the truss rod a tad and lowering the saddles, this green monster was ready for action. I would take it on a gig tonight. This is not a beginner bass. This is a badass MF that’s ready to rock and roll.
On closer inspection
After getting intimate with the green meanie, I discovered a few of her flaws – but I still love her just the same. I like to play every note on every string looking for buzzes. Although the frets are beautifully dressed with perfectly shaped and consistent crowns with a high polish – there are several frets that are not consistent in height. This is a minor issue that did not impede me from getting a very playable action. The nut slot on the E string is cut too low – when fretting the 3rd fret the E string touches the first fret. Again, this is a minor issue that can be rectified with a little super glue (do a google search for fixing a nut slot with super glue), or upgrade to a brass, bone or Tusq nut. This bass is totally worthy of upgrades – its a great starting point. Or, enjoy as is – you will not be disappointed.
But Mike, how does it sound?
It sounds like a P-bass. Really folks, watch the video. I have two vintage Fenders, and can I say, well, not quite. But if I were in the market for a new P-bass, for the difference in price, I would be tempted to go for the Hulk’s bass. I know, I know – its the color, and that pointy headstock – I get it. On a country gig? In a blues band? Maybe its time to liven things up.
How would I wrap it up?
The pickup sounds fine, the controls work as they should. The bridge is totally functional. The tuners work. The paint job is super slick. The satin-finished neck is super comfortable. The bass is not heavy. The body shape is appealing and allows easy access to the highest fret. It plays good – it sounds good – it’s inspiring.
An incredible value in Hulk green
Pros:
- sounds like a P-bass
- easy to play – after some tweaking
- easy to buy – street price under $300
- 12″ radius fretboard
- satin neck
- striking color – if you’re into that sort of thing
Cons:
- only available in green or pink
- case not included
My measurements after adjustments
String height at 12th fret
- E string – 5/64
- G string – 3/64
Neck relief
- .011″ at 8th fret E string
Where to buy: 
Current street price: $269 – sometimes less
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