Re: Jay Turser basses
I'm not quite as down on them as ItsaBass, but I wuld say he's not that far off, either. As is usually the case with cheaper stuff, it's a crapshoot as to whether you get a pretty good one or a crappy one. I've found them to generally be on par with lower end Squires. I have an electric resonator that's pretty cool, sounds awesome, but the build quality is not the greatest. Nothing exactly wrong with it, just feels sorta cheap. I have played a few, though that were pretty darn good. I'd suggest not buying one that you can't try out first. If you like it, then go for it.
Wait a minute, I just remembered that this was the bass forum. Basses usually take a lot more of a beating than a guitar, so I'm revising my advice. I'd avoid buying a new one. If you find an older used one you like, you won't be paying the depreciation, and any structural issues should have already surfaced or been dealt with.