Follow up: I got to play my new CV 60's jazz in a jam session this weekend. I'm very satisfied, and rather impressed at value/$. It's definitely a keeper. I may upgrade pickups and pots at some point in the future, but I'm not in any hurry since it sounds fine as is. I guess my only other criticism is that the pickguard (took the plastic wrap off last night) looks a bit cheap up close, and it might be nice to swap it out for another at some point. Has anyone done this and know of a direct replacement that doesn't involve drilling new holes?
Also, I got a $100 Gator case (like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Gator-Cases-Deluxe-Guitar-Plastic/dp/B000GT88JA) from the store when I picked up my bass, and I figured I'd follow up with a brief review. It's OK for the money. Not awesome, but perfectly usable. It's a generic case, so it doesn't fit like a glove, -- however it's the right dimensions for a jazz bass and keeps the instrument pretty stable when closed. The latches are a bit cheap so you have to pay attention when closing it up so that they are in the groove (so to speak) and will latch correctly. Also, the interior is made of styrofoam with fuzz on top, glued into the plastic shell. There is a strip of padding on the lid where it closes against the strings and bridge, but otherwise it's all styrofoam instide. I'd imagine it's perfectly functional at protecting the instrument if you drop it (seems like the same type of foam that they use in child car seats?), but it's not what I'd call exceptional or fancy. The exterior shell seems light gauge, and it is not suitable for a heavy touring schedule, or for situations where you'd be flying with your bass and would need to turn it over to baggage handlers. The Gator case is fine for my intended use of driving it around town in the trunk of my car, and loading in and out of small places where I'm the only one touching my gear. Thus far I'm satisfied with the purchase; time will tell how the case wears with use.
I looked at a G&G wooden HS case as well... the one they had was sized shorter for a Precision so I passed (like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Fender-099-6163-400-Deluxe-Tweed-Precision/dp/B0002L03S6), but the fit and finish of the G&G case was much nicer, with real padding inside, a leather-wrapped handle, etc. Having said that, the Gator case is much lighter than the G&G (despite being a couple of inches wider), it is $50 cheaper, and it has four latches instead of the G&G's three.
