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Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 2!

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#201
edfriedland said:
I know this bass has been out for a while, but I'm finally getting around to doing a review. They sent me an SB5000 with:

• ash body
• flamed maple top
• Honey Burst w/matching SB headstock
• Cream colored J99As
• Gold Hardware
• Birdseye board

When I saw the bass in an ad, my first impression was a little muted. The body looked weird to me, and the headstock? Nah. But after playing this for a week... I'm smitten. This is definitely the best sounding Carvin I've ever played, and some may recall I was a Carvin endorser for many years. I have owned and played a boatload of Carvins!

Now, I'm really digging the look of it, and seriously considering pulling the trigger on one for myself. The review bass sounds awesome, forget about comparing it to other Carvins, this thing really does stand up to basses that are 4x as expensive. They totally nailed the Jazz bass tone without making yet another clone. I'm curious about the Icon HS option, while the body is now speaking to me, not sure about the SB HS. Although... there is a certain flow to it, adding a different HS kind of messes with the design. Ah, anyway... I'm loving this bass, I'm finishing up the written review for GW, and look forward to shooting the video.
Click to expand...


Man oh man - where's that GAS X when I need it? :hyper:
 
#202
edfriedland said:
I know this bass has been out for a while, but I'm finally getting around to doing a review. They sent me an SB5000 with:

• ash body
• flamed maple top
• Honey Burst w/matching SB headstock
• Cream colored J99As
• Gold Hardware
• Birdseye board

When I saw the bass in an ad, my first impression was a little muted. The body looked weird to me, and the headstock? Nah. But after playing this for a week... I'm smitten. This is definitely the best sounding Carvin I've ever played, and some may recall I was a Carvin endorser for many years. I have owned and played a boatload of Carvins!

Now, I'm really digging the look of it, and seriously considering pulling the trigger on one for myself. The review bass sounds awesome, forget about comparing it to other Carvins, this thing really does stand up to basses that are 4x as expensive. They totally nailed the Jazz bass tone without making yet another clone. I'm curious about the Icon HS option, while the body is now speaking to me, not sure about the SB HS. Although... there is a certain flow to it, adding a different HS kind of messes with the design. Ah, anyway... I'm loving this bass, I'm finishing up the written review for GW, and look forward to shooting the video.
Click to expand...

That's awesome, Ed!!! I know this is going to be a first-rate review and a thorough evaluation-I can't wait!

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste! :cool:
 
#206
I'm curious...

Has anyone tried the mulit-laminate necks???

I put up a post earlier in the Bass forum, but haven't heard anything back yet. I live where there is a lot of humidity and it's crazy hot in the summer and crazy cold in the winter.

I figured that a 5-piece neck may be more stable. But am I underestimating the 1 piece?
 
#209
Awww, come on Ed. How about just one good photo? Gotta see it!

Mark

edfriedland said:
I know this bass has been out for a while, but I'm finally getting around to doing a review. They sent me an SB5000 with:

• ash body
• flamed maple top
• Honey Burst w/matching SB headstock
• Cream colored J99As
• Gold Hardware
• Birdseye board

When I saw the bass in an ad, my first impression was a little muted. The body looked weird to me, and the headstock? Nah. But after playing this for a week... I'm smitten. This is definitely the best sounding Carvin I've ever played, and some may recall I was a Carvin endorser for many years. I have owned and played a boatload of Carvins!

Now, I'm really digging the look of it, and seriously considering pulling the trigger on one for myself. The review bass sounds awesome, forget about comparing it to other Carvins, this thing really does stand up to basses that are 4x as expensive. They totally nailed the Jazz bass tone without making yet another clone. I'm curious about the Icon HS option, while the body is now speaking to me, not sure about the SB HS. Although... there is a certain flow to it, adding a different HS kind of messes with the design. Ah, anyway... I'm loving this bass, I'm finishing up the written review for GW, and look forward to shooting the video.
Click to expand...
 
#211
I was watching the vids on the carvin website and I have to say, that bass sounds pretty damn good.

Granted I'm sure the player has A LOT to do with it, but that thing has that modern super jazz tone that i love.

The shape still isn't my thing but i have to admit, it is growing on me.
 
#213
bottomzone said:
That bass sounds real good in both passive and active mode. Nice!!!

A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste! :cool:
Click to expand...

I agree - and that's a BIG selling point.

But I have to say, that the active preamp really adds something special to it. I have a Lakland JO with a JRetro preamp, and to me, the Carvin sounds better. It sort of reminds me of what my friends Sadowsky pre is like when it's kicked in.

Of course, I'm just going by the demo - haven't played one in person yet.
 
#216
Hey !! Justa quick question for all the owners for the SB 5000 here . Does the bass fit into a ' Regular ' Gig Bag, by that I mean the several popular Gig bags like Protec Contego, iGig , Levy's, Reunion Blues, etc...

Does it fit in those bags or do u need to get the Carvin Gig bag they have for sale, or is the body shepe suck that You'll need a specially made bag or a hardcase ??

Thanks !
 
#218
vibhas_2310 said:
Hey !! Justa quick question for all the owners for the SB 5000 here . Does the bass fit into a ' Regular ' Gig Bag, by that I mean the several popular Gig bags like Protec Contego, iGig , Levy's, Reunion Blues, etc...

Does it fit in those bags or do u need to get the Carvin Gig bag they have for sale, or is the body shepe suck that You'll need a specially made bag or a hardcase ??

Thanks !
Click to expand...

Carvin won't ship it to you without a hard shell case. They make one especially for the SB series and you have to order it.

The good news is, right now they are giving them away free with purchase.

Also, if you want a gig bag later, I hear that the MTD (Michael Tobias Design) gig bags work great for them. And they are only about 100 bucks.
 
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