Harley Benton BZ-4000 II NT

I got this marvel from Thomann. I firstly got one unit with a faulty preamp and weighing 3,74kg. The second unit is perfect and even better looking, and only 3,6 kilos with perfect balance. No matter where you look or touch, it is faultless: amazing wood selection, smooth oils, perfect fret dressing... About electronics and sound, it is a modern machine although you can get into semi-vintage ground with the treble cut, specially with the bridge pickup. The preamp is neutral and usable up to the 90%, with identical volume in passive and active (flat of course).
The only possible criticism would be the treble pot up to 100%, that can be sizzling (it was worse in my Vigier though).
Slap sounds are excellent and it is an amazing instrument to practice tapping, since you can get a ridiculous string action without buzz. The sustain is obviously endless.
I took one star in sound just for personal preference, because I'm more into the vintage sounding basses and because of the slightly noisy treble if you turn it too much.
All in all, it can seem a bit expensive but it is only comparable to basses like Ibanez BTB, Peavey USA or luthier basses that cost 2x, 3x or 4x.
To me now this series makes a lot of sense and I only look forward to something even higher end from HB. Those guys in the factory have been doing a great job in the last years.

I got this as a Christmas gift to myself, after not owning a bass for almost 20 years. My skills when I was younger was pretty mid at best, so I am in no position now to comment on the instrument compared to other instruments in the same price class.

I am impressed by the workmanship, everything looks and feels like quality. The knobs are smooth and solid, with detents in the middle which is nice.

The bass came with a battery which is a nice touch.

Maybe I'll come back in a couple of years, once I've become a world famous bassist or something, and I'll update my review for some more real-world opinions.