Carvin SB5000 - Ordering Process

[Mystic Michael]

I have a Carvin B50 that I bought with out any pups or preamp.. I'm thinking about putting EMG J's in it what do you Carvin guys think about how that will sound

I used to own an LB70 in which I replaced the stock pickups with a set of EMG-Js. Bought the instrument new in 1992, so it was a little different configuration from what they offer now, i.e. poplar body sides instead of alder, etc.

I expected the EMGs to give me that classic high-tech, hi-fi modern tone with plenty of upper midrange, but to my surprise, they sounded a good bit more tame than that. Very smooth, very clean, with a nice amount of low midrange and decent low end, but not real high-output. Not a rock 'n' roll animal, but really excellent for pop, light rock, funk and modern jazz.

If I were you, I'd add an EMG onboard preamp, rather than just running them straight (although they are already active)...

MM

 

[pjchappy]

Hey! What gives? I find the designs on these basses very unattractive. I do not care for black finishes. I've even played the 4 string version and didn't like it. (Guess what city my mother-in-law lives in.) However, that bass of yours is d^&* sharp!!! Maybe it's the satin finish, but it is beautiful.

Yeah, I think it's pretty slick! Again, can't wait for mine. I was going to go a more traditional route until I saw that black one. This bass can look modern-ish and old-school, depending on how you customize it. That's what is so great about Carvin! So many options. Where else can you choose not only different colors, woods, etc., but also different headstocks!?!?

Re the SB4000, I haven't played it. I did read that people found that neck a bit "chunkier" on that 4-string model than they did on the SB5000 5-string model.

I like the design of this bass. I do not like the standard headstock for it, however. This is the only Carvin bass I think looks really good. The others, IMO, are just alright.

I had the same opinion about most Carvin guitars, until they released their California carved top and their single-cut, semi-hollow bodies. I really want one of their single-cut, semi-hollow bodies. Would likely get a Bigsby tremolo on it. That's way down the road, however. Here's a Invalid Link Removed for the semi-hollow body. I would also get the traditional headstock, versus the smaller carved top headstock.


Paul

 

[jzucker]

Hey! What gives? I find the designs on these basses very unattractive. I do not care for black finishes. I've even played the 4 string version and didn't like it. (Guess what city my mother-in-law lives in.) However, that bass of yours is d^&* sharp!!! Maybe it's the satin finish, but it is beautiful.

to each his own. I think the design is gorgeous. I could go the rest of my life without ever seeing another fender clone.

 

[Freddels]

One of the differences I discovered b/w the SB4000/5000 model and the B40/50 is that with the SB the pickups are in the 60's location and with the B40/50 models, the pickups are in the 70's position. That's not a big difference but it may matter to some.

 

[phillipkregg]

One of the differences I discovered b/w the SB4000/5000 model and the B40/50 is that with the SB the pickups are in the 60's location and with the B40/50 models, the pickups are in the 70's position. That's not a big difference but it may matter to some.

Interesting... I also hear that the B40's and 50's are lighter in weight because they are rear-routed.

Don't know if the weight is affected that much though. May depend more on the wood choices.

 

[phillipkregg]

I'll save you the dime: Fret Size .041/.085"

Awesome! Thanks for the info.

 

[phillipkregg]

Ok, have another question:

I really like MusicMan Stingray basses, however, there is one thing about them that drives me insane...

When I play on the G string... sometimes the string slips off the edge of the fingerboard.

This NEVER happens when I'm playing my Laklands. Does the SB5000 have a wide enough fingerboard to prevent this from happening?

 

[west*coast*bass]

my problem with the tung-oil necks is that tung oil does not protect against moisture and may make the neck more prone to warpage.

A problem not prevalent in the sunny state of California!!!