Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 6!

[Dave Siff]

Originally Posted by basswave

What makes the SBs different to You, as compared other J basses? Cheers

The most obvious thing is the shape. A Jazz bass, Fender or otherwise, hangs and feels and plays a certain way, and the SB definitely feels different. I don't think of it as a Jazz bass just because it has J-J pickups. It's a totally different vibe than a Jazz.
Tonewise, the rear pickup on the SB soloed has a very distinct voice, especially when you engage the preamp. It can go from deep, smooth and growly to extremely barky. Mine's fretless and tons of fun to play. If I ever gave it a proper set-up, I'm sure it would be truly phenomenal.

[JoeVictim]

Originally Posted by WoodyG3

Yeah, they are nice, but what would I do with that extra string?

That was my original reservation. The 5k gets rave reviews and the people that own both, complain about how the 4 string doesn't feel like the 5 string. I still think it's a great bass overall but why the different profile, Carvin?

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

That was my original reservation. The 5k gets rave reviews and the people that own both, complain about how the 4 string doesn't feel like the 5 string. I still think it's a great bass overall but why the different profile, Carvin?

From what I understand this can mainly be attributed to Sekou Bunch. Same thing with the 20 frets on the 4k and the 22 on the 5k. I guess he had some preferences and Carvin accommodated. I think he had some specific concepts in mind for the 4k and really pushed hard for them, the neck profile being one of them.

[mandohack]

Thanks, Grateful, I appreciate the quick response. I use CircleKs on my G&L and really like them and your answer gave me exactly what I needed: CircleKs for my SB5000 it is!

[WoodyG3]

Originally Posted by JoeVictim

That was my original reservation. The 5k gets rave reviews and the people that own both, complain about how the 4 string doesn't feel like the 5 string. I still think it's a great bass overall but why the different profile, Carvin?

The neck on my SB4000 is pretty comfy. It's a little thicker front to back than the average Jazz Bass neck, but the fretwork and overall feel of the neck makes for great playability.

[Corey Y]

I like the neck profile of my SB4000, very comfortable and easy to play (for me). The only thing I don't like about my 4000 is the weight. I have thought quite a bit in the last few months about selling it and getting a chambered model. I like everything else about it so much though that's it's hard to let go, so I'm still on the fence about that. If I could afford it right now I'd just buy another and make my mind up after

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by Corey Y

I like the neck profile of my SB4000, very comfortable and easy to play (for me). The only thing I don't like about my 4000 is the weight. I have thought quite a bit in the last few months about selling it and getting a chambered model. I like everything else about it so much though that's it's hard to let go, so I'm still on the fence about that. If I could afford it right now I'd just buy another and make my mind up after

How much does it weigh? I heard a lot about heavy ones a while back, but haven't heard much about it lately. The bass wights I've seen on Carvins site lately have all been acceptable (less than 10 lbs).

[Corey Y]

I think it came in about 9.75 lbs, which is heavy for me. My Precision and my Drake Custom are both about 8 lbs. I have a bad left shoulder, so anything 9 lbs or over generally wrecks me after a couple hours, even with a wide padded strap. It doesn't really bother me while playing, it's the following couple days that gets me.

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by Corey Y

I think it came in about 9.75 lbs, which is heavy for me. My Precision and my Drake Custom are both about 8 lbs. I have a bad left shoulder, so anything 9 lbs or over generally wrecks me after a couple hours, even with a wide padded strap. It doesn't really bother me while playing, it's the following couple days that gets me.

Have you seen the new double strap from Gruv Gear that Damian Erskine helped design? It looks like it would really distribute the weight to both shoulders. It's a bit pricey though.

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by Freddels

Have you seen the new double strap from Gruv Gear that Damian Erskine helped design? It looks like it would really distribute the weight to both shoulders. It's a bit pricey though.

I was recently looking for a double shoulder strap. I didn't see this one, i'll have to look into it.

9.75 lbs is about average for a J-bass from what I've experienced. My Fender Jbass is almost 12 lbs. My mighty mite Jazz bass is 9.5, which seems light to me. I understand how shoulder pain can limit your options. Now that carvin offers the chambered body as an option on the 4000 (without shelling out for all the extras on the 4001) it might be something to look into.

[Corey Y]

Eventually I'd like to get a chambered 4000 (not the 4001, don't want the flamed maple top), just have to wait for the right time. Need to sell a few things, save up a bit. I have enough money set aside now, but it's earmarked for other things and I still have some amps I need to sell off as well.

Thanks for the strap suggestion Feddels. Seems like a good idea, but watching the long demo video on how to attach and set it up made my brain melt a little.

I'm totally understanding that I'm probably out of the mainstream when it comes to my sensitivity on issues of instrument weight. It never used to bother me until the last couple years.

[temmrich]

I noticed an increased sensitivity to the weight of my fender recently. That's why i built the mighty mite and looked into the Carvins.
I just watched that video too, and it seems like you could make your own for about 1/4 what it would cost for that thing. BUT, it's a great idea, and it's ridiculous that there aren't more dual straps on the market. It's simply not healthy to continually put that much weight on a single shoulder.

[Corey Y]

I would shell out $100 for that, but $150 is a bit steep.

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by Corey Y

I would shell out $100 for that, but $150 is a bit steep.

I agree.

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by Corey Y

I would shell out $100 for that, but $150 is a bit steep.

That was my thought too.

[bfc]

Originally Posted by Mola Ram

I've been searching online for a picture of this but I can't find anything. Would anyone with photo shopping skills be able to put together a pic of what an SB5000 would look with a reversed headstock (1+4 instead of the standard 4+1)? Really interested to see that because I just don't like the flow of the bass with the standard headstock.

Thanks in advance!

Check out the reversed (or non-reversed) Icon headstock. This compliments the SB body pretty well (especially the 5er).

[Grateful]

I'm not usually a Natural guy, but I couldn't pass this one up; Swamp Ash, birds-eye, cream pickups and in immaculate shape. The birds-eye is insane...

I've also got a black pickguard for it, but don't think it will look right with the cream pups.

[Jarrett]

Very nice!

[temmrich]

Originally Posted by Grateful

I'm not usually a Natural guy, but I couldn't pass this one up; Swamp Ash, birds-eye, cream pickups and in immaculate shape. The birds-eye is insane...

I've also got a black pickguard for it, but don't think it will look right with the cream pups.

Maybe a tort guard. I think pearl looks like crap 99% of the time. Black or tort for sure.

[Corey Y]

A tortoise shell or black pick guard would look pretty nice with those cream pickups. I agree w/ temmrich, not a fan of white pearl guards in general myself.