Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Brian Bromberg Carvin Model Part 2
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
- Start date
But would a P/J Bromberg be okay? I've got a Jazz V and just got my SB5000... Got the Jazz sound covered. I figure a B25 P/J would be a worthy addition (a la Pedulla). A good P/J 5'er is the only pickup config I don't have in my stable. And after seeing the quality of my SB5k, I don't think I could ever justify dropping $4-5k on any bass.
Just sayin'.
5sg.
Quick question...I played my new (to me) B2 at church last night for the first time and noticed all kinds of buzz whenever I moved the pickup knob from the detente. I was running through my EBS Microbass and there was no configuration I could find that would quiet the buzz. I haven't noticed this with my Cirrus (same DI) and wonder if anyone has any thoughts? I just realized that I haven't changed the batteries since I got it but haven't had a chance to play that much...Could that be it?
Other than the buzz, I loved it! Played like butter, sounded great and the tonal options are outstanding!!! Thinking about getting rid of my Cirrus to pick up a SB5000...
Other than the buzz, I loved it! Played like butter, sounded great and the tonal options are outstanding!!! Thinking about getting rid of my Cirrus to pick up a SB5000...
But would a P/J Bromberg be okay? I've got a Jazz V and just got my SB5000... Got the Jazz sound covered. I figure a B25 P/J would be a worthy addition (a la Pedulla). A good P/J 5'er is the only pickup config I don't have in my stable. And after seeing the quality of my SB5k, I don't think I could ever justify dropping $4-5k on any bass.
Just sayin'.
5sg.
I guess it's like B2 said, there's probably not much reason to just redo what 800,000 other basses already do just fine lol. To me, the really distinctive feature on the Bromberg is the radiused pickups. That's why I ordered mine since the flat pickup thing has annoyed me pretty much forever (due to the loud E/B strings).
OTOH, a P/J config offering on the B40/50 and the SB series would probably make Carvin a lot richer and offer another good P/J option out there.
If my B25 doesn't spoil all my other basses, even I'd consider a P/J B40 for example....
LS
Agreed. I have a B24S that I love. If I were in the market for another 4-string, a PJ equipped B40 or even an SB40 would be a great choice as I wouldnt want something identical to the B24S. But popping PJs in a B24/25 almost half defeats the purpose of the bass. It wasnt designed to be like countless other axes out there. Ideally, I say have a Bromberg and an additional PJ loaded Carvin (when they finally come out with one!). Hell, any excuse to buy another bass is a good one, after all.
Unfortunately, I don't really dig the look of the B40/B50. I'd love to have a P/J config in a B25 because of how ergonomic the bass is and because it's a neck-through. To me the design of the bass itself is more of a selling point than the radiused pickups. That's just me though.
5sg.
5sg.
I absolutely love this conversation, you guys are the reason for all of this. With this honest dialog of the real world of bass players, the B2 line of basses will only get better and keep evolving.
The B2 basses have basically three main areas that make them what they are (at least that is what I think?)
1. The ergonomics, body shape, neck shape, the balance of the bass when it is on the strap hanging off your body, the access to the 24th fret, and the balance of the bass when it is on your right knee without a strap.
2. The comfort and playability of playing over (ramped) radius pick-ups, as well as the even string volume that the radius magnets produce.
3. The 18 volt circuit board with three band EQ with a true master volume. We worked very hard to try and produce a circuit board that was as transparent and functional as we could without the bass costing $3,000-$5,000. It is impossible to please everyone and come up with the perfect anything, but we feel that the B2 bass line is a fantastic American made instrument for the price point.
With that said some people like the bass for #1, some people like the bass for #2, some people like the bass for #3, and some people like the bass for all three. To me having a few options available down the line such as a pick-up option could be a cool thing if there are players that like #1 and #3, but might want a different pick-up configuration? Because of how Carvin manufactures their instruments that could be an easy mod in the future if it made sense and would be a good addition to the product line?
I really appreciate your comments as I read and listen to everything you all have to say. We truly want the B2 bass line to keep evolving and fit into the perfect place in your arsenal of basses. Thanks so much guys............Brian
The B2 basses have basically three main areas that make them what they are (at least that is what I think?)
1. The ergonomics, body shape, neck shape, the balance of the bass when it is on the strap hanging off your body, the access to the 24th fret, and the balance of the bass when it is on your right knee without a strap.
2. The comfort and playability of playing over (ramped) radius pick-ups, as well as the even string volume that the radius magnets produce.
3. The 18 volt circuit board with three band EQ with a true master volume. We worked very hard to try and produce a circuit board that was as transparent and functional as we could without the bass costing $3,000-$5,000. It is impossible to please everyone and come up with the perfect anything, but we feel that the B2 bass line is a fantastic American made instrument for the price point.
With that said some people like the bass for #1, some people like the bass for #2, some people like the bass for #3, and some people like the bass for all three. To me having a few options available down the line such as a pick-up option could be a cool thing if there are players that like #1 and #3, but might want a different pick-up configuration? Because of how Carvin manufactures their instruments that could be an easy mod in the future if it made sense and would be a good addition to the product line?
I really appreciate your comments as I read and listen to everything you all have to say. We truly want the B2 bass line to keep evolving and fit into the perfect place in your arsenal of basses. Thanks so much guys............Brian
Brian,
Given this cult-like devotion to the P pickup, I found myself wondering how difficult it would be to develop a P pickup that could be modded to fit within your Radius pickup shell. Consider, P tone without having to redesign an already great bass. Then 2 possible issues occurred to me.
1) If there were a P pickup inside a Radius shell, would the placement of the B2 neck pickup lend itself favorably to that P pickup sweet spot placement?
And
2) Is the classic P tone attainable going through your B2 preamp? That is, would this Radius shelled P pickup have to be married to an ICON preamp like with your humbucking pickups but with the addition of a pull up volume for passive mode?
Is this all just a pipe dream or realistically, could it be done?
PS And again, your participation with this thread is about as cool as it gets. Thanks!
Given this cult-like devotion to the P pickup, I found myself wondering how difficult it would be to develop a P pickup that could be modded to fit within your Radius pickup shell. Consider, P tone without having to redesign an already great bass. Then 2 possible issues occurred to me.
1) If there were a P pickup inside a Radius shell, would the placement of the B2 neck pickup lend itself favorably to that P pickup sweet spot placement?
And
2) Is the classic P tone attainable going through your B2 preamp? That is, would this Radius shelled P pickup have to be married to an ICON preamp like with your humbucking pickups but with the addition of a pull up volume for passive mode?
Is this all just a pipe dream or realistically, could it be done?
PS And again, your participation with this thread is about as cool as it gets. Thanks!
Unfortunately, I don't really dig the look of the B40/B50. I'd love to have a P/J config in a B25 because of how ergonomic the bass is and because it's a neck-through. To me the design of the bass itself is more of a selling point than the radiused pickups. That's just me though.
5sg.
I understand completely what you are talking about. I'd love a PJ in either the B24 or LB70. I would buy one the instant either became available, because they are so comfortable to play. It's not that the SB or B40/50 basses are uncomfortable, just a personal preference. And, 24 frets feels a little more natural to me.
The LB series' modern P design has proven itself pretty versatile. As it is, you can order it with a variety of pickup layouts, Js, stacked Js, MM humbuckers, soapbars, Bromberg Radius, piezos... I would think a PJ setup is highly plausible. But conventional P style pickups in a B2? I don't know...
See, that's exactly the way I thought about it as well. I love the look of the B25 and your demo video(s) show that it's incredibly well thought out and designed to boot. Reasons #1 and #3 are why the Bromberg model really appeal to me, and I would think that expanding the pickup options would only help it sell more numbers. Aside from the radiused pickup discussion, would there be any down side to offering other options?
I agree with others, thanks again for your participation in this thread, it's MUCH appreciated. Connecting with the signature artist behind the bass is something that doesn't seem to happen often, and the opportunity to have input on where the B24/5 could possibly go isn't taken lightly!
I've got the Doug Johns PJ/neckthrough sound stuck in my head at the moment... I have plans for another SB5000 (fretted this time), but a B25 with a P/J would probably come first and make me click "buy" pretty quick as well.
So if Carvin is offering that versatility in the LB series, why not the Bromberg series?
And to take it one step further, I bet Carvin could take over the world if they offered any of their basses with any pickup configuration! lol
5sg.
Hey Brian, I have a question for ya...
Carvin now offers a chambered option for the SB model 5's to reduce some weight...do you think that this option will eventually be offered on your 5 string versions as well? I mostly play 4's but love your basses and would like a 5, but I want to keep all of my basses under the 9 pound mark. Any idea if this is a possibility?
Best...
Mark
Carvin now offers a chambered option for the SB model 5's to reduce some weight...do you think that this option will eventually be offered on your 5 string versions as well? I mostly play 4's but love your basses and would like a 5, but I want to keep all of my basses under the 9 pound mark. Any idea if this is a possibility?
Best...
Mark
It likely has single-coil pickups (which is the most likely scenario, as that's what the B2 basses come with by default), whereas your Peavey has humbucking pickups. I'd wager that your church has a lot of fluorescent lights or something, that the single-coil pickups are picking up hum from whenever the pickup pan knob isn't in the center.
+1... Single coils have the "single coil hum" even without fluorescent lights, and there are things that can make it worse, like said lights or bad electrical in a building.
I personally love single coils, they seem to have more attitude than humbuckers, and are a bit brighter in my experience. I put Quarter Pounders in my main player and LOVE them, my SB has the J99's which sound equally killer but have a similar hum.
5sg.
I'm one of the "all-3" guys with an "especially #2" emphasis lol. I've gotten addicted over the years to a) playing directly over one of the PU's and b) a ramp of some kind.
I've even bought basses with pickups I didn't necessarily care for the sound of because they had big fat faces and were positioned where I wanted to pluck. My L2K is a great example. I love those MFD's, but not completely. They're not my ideal tone. Close, but not quite. But they're wide and in just the right place to work as a ramp. They have flat faces but the playing is very comfortable because of the ramp effect.
My Bunnies are similar, though their tone is much closer to my ideal. But my complaint there is the flat face yet again. I can't count the number of times I've gotten out the Ouija board and tried to telekinetically convince Mark Kiesel/Bunny Brunel to make a _radiused_ face version of the MM style humbucker to put into my Bunnies.
But B2, you've already convinced them, so, well, I guess that part of the project is over lol. my B25 is coming tomorrow so I'll be able to try it and the humbucker radiused PU's tomorrow after work.
As for other PU options, the only cost I can see is extra R&D to build and test with the other PU's. But if that's not too high, I guess I don't see why not. If guys are really clamoring for a P/J version, maybe it's not a bad idea.
Oh well, I'll be able to speak from more experience tomorrow evening I guess.
LS
I've even bought basses with pickups I didn't necessarily care for the sound of because they had big fat faces and were positioned where I wanted to pluck. My L2K is a great example. I love those MFD's, but not completely. They're not my ideal tone. Close, but not quite. But they're wide and in just the right place to work as a ramp. They have flat faces but the playing is very comfortable because of the ramp effect.
My Bunnies are similar, though their tone is much closer to my ideal. But my complaint there is the flat face yet again. I can't count the number of times I've gotten out the Ouija board and tried to telekinetically convince Mark Kiesel/Bunny Brunel to make a _radiused_ face version of the MM style humbucker to put into my Bunnies.
But B2, you've already convinced them, so, well, I guess that part of the project is over lol. my B25 is coming tomorrow so I'll be able to try it and the humbucker radiused PU's tomorrow after work.
As for other PU options, the only cost I can see is extra R&D to build and test with the other PU's. But if that's not too high, I guess I don't see why not. If guys are really clamoring for a P/J version, maybe it's not a bad idea.
Oh well, I'll be able to speak from more experience tomorrow evening I guess.
LS
Just FWIW, I got my Bromberg 5 in this afternoon and started a NBD thread here:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/nbd-bromberg-b25sf-994441/
You never saw a blander looking bass, Carvin must have been going "WT# is this guy's problem" when they were building it. It's absolutely _perfect_. Clear gloss, alder sides, 5 piece maple neck and blank ebony fingerboard. Zero options, all standard otherwise. it's the ultimate unclejane bass.
I've been able to play it for a bit and I'm finally starting to sound a little more like myself on it. The tone isn't quite what you'd expect from humbuckers. When I first plugged it in I thought it sounded more Bunny-like, but now it's starting to sound sharper and more single-coily. These pickups are a winner. Very low output, but the B string is much nicer than on my Bunny 6 and a nice pop all over. The B on the Bunny has never been that great so I'm glad it's nice and sharp on the Bromberg.
I looked it completely over after I found the busted upper horn to make sure there was no other damage and it's perfect. So I'm just going to repair the break (all the bits of wood are intact) and keep it as is.
It's definitely got a distinctive sound. Not quite jazz bassey but not quite thick humbuckery either.....
LS
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/nbd-bromberg-b25sf-994441/
You never saw a blander looking bass, Carvin must have been going "WT# is this guy's problem" when they were building it. It's absolutely _perfect_. Clear gloss, alder sides, 5 piece maple neck and blank ebony fingerboard. Zero options, all standard otherwise. it's the ultimate unclejane bass.
I've been able to play it for a bit and I'm finally starting to sound a little more like myself on it. The tone isn't quite what you'd expect from humbuckers. When I first plugged it in I thought it sounded more Bunny-like, but now it's starting to sound sharper and more single-coily. These pickups are a winner. Very low output, but the B string is much nicer than on my Bunny 6 and a nice pop all over. The B on the Bunny has never been that great so I'm glad it's nice and sharp on the Bromberg.
I looked it completely over after I found the busted upper horn to make sure there was no other damage and it's perfect. So I'm just going to repair the break (all the bits of wood are intact) and keep it as is.
It's definitely got a distinctive sound. Not quite jazz bassey but not quite thick humbuckery either.....
LS
Congrats! Brian and Carvin did a great job spec'ing out all these radiused pickups.
FWIW, I'd have that thing in the box back to Carvin so fast it would make a head spin. My guess is that they would expedite the build to replace it.
FWIW, I'd have that thing in the box back to Carvin so fast it would make a head spin. My guess is that they would expedite the build to replace it.
Yeah, I just don't want the hassle lol. It's in a truly non-essential place and easy to repair. And who knows how bad UPS would crunch up its replacement (BTDT). Otherwise it's perfect.
The neck is really nice, not too thick, a kind of a C profile maybe about as thick as my Jazz bass neck, perhaps just a bit thicker. And the 4 lower strings are spaced exactly like a JB (and I assume the 4 string Bromberg model). So it's really like a 4 string JB with just an extra string on the top.
My Bunnies are kind of baseball bats in comparison (well the 6 string is a lot thinner now due to the fingerboard work I had to do on it). So it's kind of a pleasant surprise on the neck.
LS
