Hi there,
JOHNSON JB-M4 : This bass is a copy of a stingray worth about 200$, I don't know if they are any good, but I wouldn't think so.
If your friend is looking for a new bass, and doesn't have a great deal of money to invest in one, I advise the OLP MM2 Stingray Model, the official copy of musicman, thay are very good basses for the price (about 250$ I think). Great quality/price. http://www.olpguitars.com/usa/mm2_4_string_bass.htm