I have the Belvedere Standard, which is functionally identical to the Deluxe. The differences are purely cosmetic. It's an amazing instrument, and you'll probably find my comments on it with a search. I've also reviewed it on Harmony-Central.com. It's well built, looks amazing, and has a fast, very playable neck with an ebony fretboard. The fretboard has a fairly flat radius, and allows even lower action than my MIA Fenders. (I get setups for free at Chris DiPinto's shop, which helps.)
The tone, however, is the main reason to own one. It produces a simply humongous sound, with lots of vintage vibe seasoned with the semi-hollow resonance and "air." The single coil pickups are very hot. With the neck pickup soloed it's a lot like a semi-hollow P-bass would sound, but with much more punch than a P-bass with a stock pickup.
And with both on it's a little like a semi-hollow J would sound with both pickups on full. Even though it's "rootsy" as someone else said, it's also aggressive and will growl and cut like crazy when played hard with roundwound strings. I've used it for punk and hard rock with excellent results. It records well too, with a hefty old-school thump down low.
But I play my Fenders more frequently for one reason: the DiPinto's short upper horn creates a longer reach to first position. I don't have very long arms, and my Fenders are just more comfortable. This was never much of an issue in my previous bands, but my current band's material is a little more challenging, so I want every playability advantage. Even so, I plan to break it out on some gigs soon, because the tone and looks are just to die for. It rules the stage, and my bandmates love it.
It has another advantage too: a 24 fret neck. DiPinto doesn't advertise this, but it comes in handy sometimes. And it sounds absolutely incredible up there with the neck pickup soloed -- sort of the bass equivalent of a Strat played up high with its neck pickup soloed. Lots of character and depth. It just sings.
I've had only good experience with Music123, but for an international order you might want to deal directly with DiPinto. Chris is a great guy, who will want to help you out.
www.dipintoguitars.com Alright, you know where I stand -- do it!
Edit: I agree with Bass Player's review, so consult that with confidence.
