The controls function as a master volume and master tone with a 5 way strat selector. Hardware is nickel and chrome with a synthetic bone nut. This seems more than sturdy enough to handle any of the string gauges you might decide to use on the bass though filling may be required for heavier gauges.
The bridge is a vintage style floating tremelo like that of a jaguar guitar model, which sounds fine though I have not really abused it all that much. It has a locking switch on the plate itself helping it keep tune if you don't want the tremelo. The one drawback is the bass does not come with a gig bag, so if you out buy one make sure you have a car or case for easy and safe transport.
I love this bass guitar hybrid thing... I have wanted one since I saw Mark Hoppus (bassist of Blink 182) play one and later discovered Robert Smith (The Cure) used one on some of the Cure classics. The instrument feels great, though the scale length and string spacing takes some getting used too but it is worth the inital (mild) struggle. You can play finger style comfortably on the VI but playing with a plectrum is the most realistic and consistent way of playing this instrument.
The pickups all have uniques uses offering a wide range of tones. The bridge humbucker sounds big but thin and this makes it great for playing higher register power chords or licks. The middle and bridge sounds rounded and more like a standard bass, which is great for playing those Cure songs or playing in a band. The middle pickup on it's own is quite like a strat that has ate its own weight in beef, which is great for playing chordal based passages and the neck and middle is great for rock and filling the mix or cutting through due to its big sound. The neck pickup on it's own offers the great and signature 'Tic Tac' sound of Carol Kaye.
All in all, the sound is very usable for various situations and it's experimental construction is great for amp use and EQing.
One issue of the playability is the low E can get a bit muddy at times but this is expected due to the thinner strings. The bass is great at what it does and can be used to good effect as a standard bass if you are careful with EQ but if you're after a work horse bass just grab and stick to a P or J Fender Bass Guitar and enjoy the extra thickness and familiarity.
Review by Toby Cochrance.