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Brian Bromberg Carvin Model Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
Bob and Matt: Are your blend knobs wired this way? When I first got mine, it was wired 'normal'. When I got it back from Carvin it was wired like freelance 97's bass.
What's the word?
Grateful said:
I called carvin about this the next day. One of the sales people told me that this is how Bromberg prefers to wire his bass, and I should just "rock out" Bromberg style. I was also told that if I like, I can reverse the wires on the pan knob myself and the mod will not affect the warranty.
freelance97, glad you like the bass and thank you for the kind words! Carvin did a great job with the basses and I can tell you for sure that the more you play the basses the more you will like them and the more you will get out of them. Please let me know how you like the bass over time and thank you again man!...............B2
Missed my UPS delivery yesterday, but was able to redirect for pickup. Opened the case to find a beautiful B25S, all white, I bought on eBay. In excellent condition, not a scratch on it. Painted neck feels awesome.
Question: the action is too low, lots of fret buzz. What is the best way to raise all the strings slightly, truss rod or saddles? I ask because I am used to the "magic truss rod wheel" on Musicman basses, a slight turn corrects action. Does the truss rod on these work the same way?
Thanks.
Question: the action is too low, lots of fret buzz. What is the best way to raise all the strings slightly, truss rod or saddles? I ask because I am used to the "magic truss rod wheel" on Musicman basses, a slight turn corrects action. Does the truss rod on these work the same way?
Thanks.
Yeah...it seems to be a Colorado thang. All my basses arrive this way. If you feel that there's enough relief in the neck, do the saddles.
Yes, the truss rod works the same.
Yes, the truss rod works the same.
I'll let it settle a bit today and give the truss rod a tweak tomorrow. Thanks.
The truss rods are dual action, so it does not totally rely on string tension for bow. You can get precise with it. I'd check to see if the neck totally straight or back-bowed. If neither, then adjust just the saddles. Does it have 'your' strings on it?
Original owner put a set of TI strings on it that I thought I would leave on for now. They are stings I can get along with.
It dosen't need to be 35" scale. The B strings I've played on these basses are as good as any Lakland I've played.
I understand why guys want (need) a 34" neck, but if the B string can be just as good, what's the reason for wanting a longer neck?
Gabriel51 said:
I was originally going to get the carvin xb because I play the b string in my current band more than I ever have. I was looking for a really tight punchy sounding b. After playing a few different brands of long-scale basses at music stores, the b was punchy, but they all had really loud undesirable overtones, too. Plus a lot of string noise "thwapping" against the frets. I actually ended up switching my order and paying the up charge to change to the Bromberg. I sure am glad I did! The b is just fine and sounds great even up higher on the neck. Full round tone, and plenty of punch, too. Especially when blended over slightly to the bridge pickup. I always thought it would be cool, though, to have a long scale bass with a hip shot tuner on the b string to get me down to a low a. Has anyone ever done this? My personal plus to having a 34"... I can play with my eyes closed, and the 12th fret is right where it's supposed to be!
Well that's what you hear, however that is not all there is to it.
35" scale allows you to use a lower set-up, you have far less string excursion and unless the player is club fisted you can use under 0.02 (twenty thousandths) nut depth (between the "B" string and the first fret) and even smaller amounts for the other strings. Besides excellent playability this helps with intonation also because the further you push the string to the fret the sharper pitched it is.
Then there is right hand technique and for me it's better because not only is the "B" string tighter, they are all tighter.
Down side; fewer options for strings (minor) and increased string tension (maybe an issue for some?).
Increased length, 1/2" on either side of the 12th fret.
34" is the scale for a four string and some manufactures just add a fifth string and then some make them a 35" which is what a "B" string really needs. (not just for sound)
If you have a 34" scale that works for you that's great and I'm glad for you.
No need to discuss which one sounds better, I've heard some good 34"'s, there is much more to it... Peace!
Wow! And I can't tell the difference between my 32", 34" & 35" scale basses when I play them...I'm a grab and go guy. It's all about personal preferences.
I can come where you're digging....I just can't take that ride with you. er...yea, that's it.
I've played a 33" Nordstrand that has a better B than 95% of the basses out there. My Tyler is a 34, as is my Fender am dlx, and even my Heartfield is a 33.75. My action (according to some) is too low. And yet, all of these basses have wonderful feeling and sounding B's. I've been told by makers I respect that its not about the scale length, its about how its made.
We can agree to disagree on this point. You'll find opinions on both sides. All I'm saying is the Bromberg B25 has a fine B string in my experiences. BUT!!!! Not every bass is the same. There will be dogs every now and again with every maker.
The facts don't support your opinion.
I was asked "what's the reason for wanting a longer neck?"
I don't really have an opinion except I agree with the facts.
For centuries people thought the world was flat! Unsubscribed, have fun....
Both of my B25s blend knobs are wired where when turned clockwise, it favors the bridge pickup. This is opposite of every other bass I've ever owned. I called Carvin and asked about it and according to them this is Mr. Bromberg's preference for wiring. I may have my local bass tech change the wiring at some point, but right now I'm fine with it.
Regarding the 34" scale vs. 35" inch scale debate; I played 35" scale basses exclusively for the last 12 or 13 years including my last two basses which were Dingwalls with a 37" low B string. My B25s lack absolutely nothing in the low B department. One doesn't have to dig too deeply to discover that several major builders including Fodera, Skjold, MTD, Zon, Modulus, Sadowsky etc. are producing some incredible instruments with exceptionally high quality low B strings in 34" scale. There are plenty of other builders making instruments with great B strings in even shorter scale lengths. It is my opinion, and the opinion of many others, that the quality and construction of the instrument contributes far more to the tone and function of the B string that simply the scale length.
As always, this is just my $0.02.
