Brian Bromberg Carvin Model Part 2

[Mystic Michael]

I put it off for a few days. Yesterday, I finally called and asked about a couple of non-standard options for a B25.

One of the things I asked about was if it were possible to get a B25 with narrow string spacing. The staff member sounded optimistic, but ultimately put me on hold. Then he came back and asked if he could call me back later..........but I never got a call back!

It never occurred to me that this would even be an option - else I would have ordered it for both of my Bromberg fives, because I prefer 17mm string spacing.

I'm skeptical that Carvin would do something like this. Options that are primarily aesthetic in nature, i.e. custom finishes, custom materials, custom hardware, etc. are relatively easy to implement. But options that are, or would be primarily structural in nature, such as altering the string spacing, which could in turn require altering the width of the neck and/or fretboard itself, is on a different (i.e. fundamental) level of modification.

MM

 

[Toptube]

Well this is the way I'm seeing it:

The Icon has a version of the hipshot A bridge available, for narrow spacing, as well as a 'narrow' 5 string neck. It's a neck through.

The B25 is a neckthrough and also uses the A style bridge (albeit 19mm), at least in the upper spec versions. (so other than the string spacing, the dimensions of the bridge should not be a problem).

while Carvin does offer a few different neck profiles among it's basses, they often have similar base structural measurements. Body thickness, neck mounting points, etc. I'm pretty sure the Icon, LB, and BB necks are all interchangeable.

So unless there is some major difference in that respect, to how the Bromberg is configured, I"m thinking they may be able to do it. Additionally, the guy I had on the phone mumbled out-loud some similar sentiments after I asked, even though he wasn't necessarily meaning for me to hear that.

The body wings are even the same, between the B24 and B25. Unlike say, the SB4000/5000, which clearly had a different body. So I'm really thinking the main issue would be finishing/forming the heal area. Which would basically boil down to whether or not they are willing to deal with that and how much it might cost.

Anyway, I suppose I will call again on Monday and hopefully I can get complete correspondence, this time!

 

[G On Bass]

Well this is the way I'm seeing it:

The Icon has a version of the hipshot A bridge available, for narrow spacing, as well as a 'narrow' 5 string neck. It's a neck through.

The B25 is a neckthrough and also uses the A style bridge (albeit 19mm), at least in the upper spec versions. (so other than the string spacing, the dimensions of the bridge should not be a problem).

while Carvin does offer a few different neck profiles among it's basses, they often have similar base structural measurements. Body thickness, neck mounting points, etc. I'm pretty sure the Icon, LB, and BB necks are all interchangeable.

So unless there is some major difference in that respect, to how the Bromberg is configured, I"m thinking they may be able to do it. Additionally, the guy I had on the phone mumbled out-loud some similar sentiments after I asked, even though he wasn't necessarily meaning for me to hear that.

The B25 is a 1/4" wider at the 24th fret than the 'narrow' spaced LB/Icon necks, so there is more to it than swapping the bridge. Were it that simple, you could just order one and change the bridge, and/or ask them not to install one. The BB comes standard with the 19mm asymmetrical, which I believe to be identical to the LB and Icon, and has some similar measurements as the B25, but is totally different in it's profile (I sold off an Icon with the asymmetrical but have 2 B25's. There is a huge difference in feel).

But being 'able' to do it and being 'willing' to do it are often 2 very separate things. As I've discovered over the years, Carvin is not set up to be an a-la-carte factory,where you can choose body A, neck B, pickup C and Bridge D and combine them into one instrument. There are certain things they just will not do. For instance: (last time I checked) they will not do dual MM-style humbuckers on bolt-on basses, and they refuse to do a P pickup on anything other than the PBJ and the Xccelerator. On the other hand, I've been able to order a bass totally unrouted and do it after the fact (at least on a B50).

But good luck!

 

[Toptube]

The B25 is a 1/4" wider at the 24th fret than the 'narrow' spaced LB/Icon necks, so there is more to it than swapping the bridge. Were it that simple, you could just order one and change the bridge, and/or ask them not to install one. The BB comes standard with the 19mm asymmetrical, which I believe to be identical to the LB and Icon, and has some similar measurements as the B25, but is totally different in it's profile (I sold off an Icon with the asymmetrical but have 2 B25's. There is a huge difference in feel).

But being 'able' to do it and being 'willing' to do it are often 2 very separate things. As I've discovered over the years, Carvin is not set up to be an a-la-carte factory,where you can choose body A, neck B, pickup C and Bridge D and combine them into one instrument. There are certain things they just will not do. For instance: (last time I checked) they will not do dual MM-style humbuckers on bolt-on basses, and they refuse to do a P pickup on anything other than the PBJ and the Xccelerator. On the other hand, I've been able to order a bass totally unrouted and do it after the fact (at least on a B50).

But good luck!

If you missed it, for clarity; I'm wondering if an Icon "narrow" neck and bridge can be mated to Bromberg wings and headstock.

I'm aware of the neck measurements and while I'm sure simply putting the narrow bridge on there would feel fine, it probably wouldn't look 'right'. And besides, I enjoy a neck which gets fatter up the neck. I'm pretty sure I would absolutely love the Icon 'narrow' neck.

if it ends up a 'NO', I may just get an Icon. But I've been in love with the Bromberg shape for awhile and would also very much enjoy the strap balance, as well as the sitting balance.

This all stems from recently playing an Ibanez SR405 (narrow spacing) and having the epiphany that narrow spacing is what my little girl hands need, to really open up my playing. I'm also needing a B anyway, for some music I'm playing lately.

*I couldn't believe how nice it was to play that narrow spacing. I'd have bought that SR on the spot because it sounded great unplugged as well----except I've owned two Ibanez basses which had buzzing saddles. Seems to be a common issue with their cheaper zinc bridges : \

 

[Toptube]

Got confirmation today, no narrow spacing for the B25 : \

So, looks like I may be going with an Icon.

On another note, is there a Chris Kiesel? I talked to a Chris. But my name is Chris, so I thought he was addressing me--------and he sounded JUST LIKE Jeff. I thought I was talking to Jeff, until he repeated his name at some point. heheh.

 

[Brian Bromberg]

Got confirmation today, no narrow spacing for the B25 : \

So, looks like I may be going with an Icon.

On another note, is there a Chris Kiesel? I talked to a Chris. But my name is Chris, so I thought he was addressing me--------and he sounded JUST LIKE Jeff. I thought I was talking to Jeff, until he repeated his name at some point. heheh.

As some of you may know, Carvin has discontinued the Sekou Bunch, SB line and replaced it with a JB clone. There seems to be a rumor going around that the same may happen with the Bromberg line as well. Anyone know anything about this?

Hey guys, not sure where the rumor started, I didn't even know there was a rumor about me and my B2 Basses being cut from Carvin? So with that said here is an excerpt from an official quote from Jeff Kiesel, son of Mark Kiesel who is one of the owners of Carvin and who I signed the contract with. Hopefully this will clarify the "rumor mill!"

"I just want to take a minute and let all you Bromberg fans out there know, we are very happy to be making Brian Bromberg's signature bass. Brian is an amazing player and a close friend. We hope to be making these B24 and B25 basses for many years to come. "Jeff Kiesel" Carvin Guitars.

 

[Toptube]

Hey guys, not sure where the rumor started, I didn't even know there was a rumor about me and my B2 Basses being cut from Carvin? So with that said here is an excerpt from an official quote from Jeff Kiesel, son of Mark Kiesel who is one of the owners of Carvin and who I signed the contract with. Hopefully this will clarify the "rumor mill!"

"I just want to take a minute and let all you Bromberg fans out there know, we are very happy to be making Brian Bromberg's signature bass. Brian is an amazing player and a close friend. We hope to be making these B24 and B25 basses for many years to come. "Jeff Kiesel" Carvin Guitars.

Hey Brian! I never for a second believed the rumor! ; )

....All indications point to B2 sticking with Carvin. Just a couple of weeks ago, he was yet again asking people on the Carvin BBS community forum about additional options they would like to see for the B2 basses. ; )

*he has done this a few times in the past few months...

 

[Jeff Scott]

I'm waiting for the David Bromberg model.................

 

[MikeBass]

Just picked up a Bromberg 5......whoa buddy......VERY nice.

 

[shwashwa]

would they glue bromberg body wings to one of the 6 string necks?

 

[Toptube]

would they glue bromberg body wings to one of the 6 string necks?

I recently asked if they would mate the B25 shape with a narrow spacing neck from an Icon 5. They said "no".

 

[Fit4pain]

Just picked up a Bromberg 5......whoa buddy......VERY nice.

You know the rule. We need pictures are it never happened♤

 

[Roy Vogt]

What about the Unholy Union of a PB5 and a Vanquish. Thoughts?

 

[G On Bass]

What about the Unholy Union of a PB5 and a Vanquish. Thoughts?

I dunno. If they'd have make a P pickup available in the Vanquish, I'd probably own one....

 

[Roy Vogt]

I dunno. If they'd have make a P pickup available in the Vanquish, I'd probably own one....

At this point the closest is the Xccelerator bass-but that's a neck-thru.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
There may be a couple of new models in the New Year, though.

 

[jim777]

At this point the closest is the Xccelerator bass-but that's a neck-thru.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
There may be a couple of new models in the New Year, though.

Is that a "wink, wink" statement Roy?

 

[G On Bass]

At this point the closest is the Xccelerator bass-but that's a neck-thru.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
There may be a couple of new models in the New Year, though.

I saw the Xccelerator, but it's a little pointy for me. I saw your FB pics of you at the factory, so hopefully you saw some cool stuff coming!

 

[MikeBass]

You know the rule. We need pictures are it never happened♤

Oh I know!
I got it from Grateful.
You guys have seen it before I'm sure.....

 

[Fit4pain]

Oh I know!
I got it from Grateful.
You guys have seen it before I'm sure.....
View attachment 508015

Nice, I always love seeing a beautiful B25

 

[MikeBass]

I play regularly at a very large church here in the metro Detroit area (3000 seat auditorium)....

Anyway, this weekend I brought a few basses with me, the Bromberg being one, my NYC Sadowsky 5 also.

"That's one of the best sounding basses we've heard in this room"......
That was said about the Bromberg.
Running it all mag pickups, EQ flat except for treble rolled back about 20%.
Fed into a Reddi DI to FOH.