Never heard or Krammer Focus... I think Squire would be fine, but the run about $250ish new (I think). I totally think that Essex's are the ULTIMATE starting bass. They are cheap, and they sound good. Eventually you'll want to upgrade (I say you'd probably want something a lot better by a year to two.), I mean, for that sound for that price, those guys should be %*$)%*$ investigated, lol. But I really do see there flaws . I don't think you could get a better bass for a better deal than that. I mean, like, $150 would get you the bass, and gig bag (seperate), but GET THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!