What do you think of the Tanglewood Overwater basses?

[TWood97]

I've just had the opportunity to try out one of the overwater licensed tanglewood jazz basses and I have to say, I wasn't impressed. I know they're only 1/4 of the price of a proper one but the quality of hardware, the nut, the set up and general finish around the truss rod access and headstock seemed a bit sloppy to me. As an overwater jazz bass owner I was interested in the tanglewood basses as a cheap back up but for the money I think I could do better. What do you guys think of them? Am I just spoilt by the real thing?

 

[Peter Mathews]

I have a Tanglewood Overwater Contemporary J4 and it is an excellent bass. Quality, finish and tone are brilliant and it has the best neck of any four string I have.
Recently I bought an Overwater Classic J5 (cost nearly £3000 new) and the difference is not that great to be honest.. the Tanglewood basses are that good. For the prices they sell at, they are worth it.

 

[Peter Mathews]

 

[TWood97]

Maybe the one I tried needed a good set up. I'm still unsure whether I'd invest in one as a back up.

 

[Nightsprinter]

Anyone have a clue what the Tanglewoods originally sold for new?