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

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#43
Xray66 said:
Every once in a while, I think they'll put out a one piece. I've seen a few here and there. But yeah, you were lucky... I recall looking at the one they did for Chris Buck, and I think even that one was a two piece.
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Chris Buck's B4 has a black or ebony stain over ash body. I do not see this option on the Carvin site. Anyone know if that's one of those "quiet" options you can over via tele?

Thanks!
 
#44
dgce said:
Chris Buck's B4 has a black or ebony stain over ash body. I do not see this option on the Carvin site. Anyone know if that's one of those "quiet" options you can over via tele?

Thanks!
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There are actually quite a few but I don't know if there's a definitive list. One in particular is the option to get burst edges over a burst finish. The bass builder says you can't but I've seen plenty around.
 
#45
dgce said:
Chris Buck's B4 has a black or ebony stain over ash body. I do not see this option on the Carvin site. Anyone know if that's one of those "quiet" options you can over via tele?

Thanks!
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You know, I like that finish too, and I actually emailed them about it. I can't find it now... They claimed it was that special 'triple'? process or whatever they call it. I don't think that's right though, but maybe. To me, it looks like some kind of dye, rather than stain. But it's an interesting look. Super dark brown. But I'm sure they would probably do it, if you said you want it just like his.
 
#46
Xray66 said:
You know, I like that finish too, and I actually emailed them about it. I can't find it now... They claimed it was that special 'triple'? process or whatever they call it. I don't think that's right though, but maybe. To me, it looks like some kind of dye, rather than stain. But it's an interesting look. Super dark brown. But I'm sure they would probably do it, if you said you want it just like his.
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Yeah that "triple process" biz is wrong. I broke down and called Carvin and the guy I got went on about the staining for flamed/quilted tops and of course that triple process thingy. I explained that I wasn't talking about flamed maple tops, but rather ash just like Chris Buck's B4. He put me on hold and came back and said that they could do a black stain on ash but it could potentially be gloppy which is why they don't advertise it. The charge is $25 just like the other see-thru finishes on alder or ash.

I took another look at the Chris Buck videos and I still think his bass is cool. However let's face it, unless you're up close, you probably will not see the nice looking grain on an ash body with that black stain. I mean, if you're as lucky as Bass Logic and Bass Worship scoring a one-piece ash body with an elegant looking grain, would you really want to conceal it with a black stain? Bottom line, the black stain really is better suited for flamed/quilted tops and bursts. Oh well.
 
#47
So I guess the Carvin guy was wrong about getting the active/passive option with the 3-band preamp since the push/pull pot is on the passive tone control. That brings me to the question that will pretty much decide which preamp I get: Is the tone between the active and passive modes noticeably different?
 
#48
dgce said:
Yeah that "triple process" biz is wrong. I broke down and called Carvin and the guy I got went on about the staining for flamed/quilted tops and of course that triple process thingy. I explained that I wasn't talking about flamed maple tops, but rather ash just like Chris Buck's B4. He put me on hold and came back and said that they could do a black stain on ash but it could potentially be gloppy which is why they don't advertise it. The charge is $25 just like the other see-thru finishes on alder or ash.

I took another look at the Chris Buck videos and I still think his bass is cool. However let's face it, unless you're up close, you probably will not see the nice looking grain on an ash body with that black stain. I mean, if you're as lucky as Bass Logic and Bass Worship scoring a one-piece ash body with an elegant looking grain, would you really want to conceal it with a black stain? Bottom line, the black stain really is better suited for flamed/quilted tops and bursts. Oh well.
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Yeah, it may have been one of those things where he requested it and they just did it, even though they personally thought it wasn't the smartest choice. But I still think it looks interesting, even though the grain is very subtle. It's like what people call an 'espresso' type finish. There was a thread in the luthier forum where somebody did a black stain on quilted, and it was true black... not brown. But it was still very clear. Not sure how he did it. I know some people have used india ink thinned.
 
#50
There are two fretless SB5000's for sale on the Carvin website under guitars in stock right now, so they are making the SB series in fretless. Too cool, gonna have to order one of those soon to add to the three that I have right now!!!
 
#52
I'm into the look I think it's the freshest design I've seen in a while. Honestly didn't expect it to sound that good! I would LOVE fretless sound samples but I guess i have to drive the 10 miles to the carvin store and see if they have one!!!!!

:)
 
#53
Xray66 said:
Yeah, it may have been one of those things where he requested it and they just did it, even though they personally thought it wasn't the smartest choice. But I still think it looks interesting, even though the grain is very subtle.
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Well it sounds like you can order that option too. Ask for Don, he seems to have the full scoop on this option. But from what I figure, the only incentive to get this option is for the tonal characteristics of the ash and lighter weight. Visually, most will not be able to make out the grain the way you can with the other see-thru color options. Obscuring a beautifully grained ash body is almost criminal. Anywho, I may end up going with see-thru black on flamed maple top with ash body (for the lighter weight).
 
#55
Kwesi said:
So I guess the Carvin guy was wrong about getting the active/passive option with the 3-band preamp since the push/pull pot is on the passive tone control. That brings me to the question that will pretty much decide which preamp I get: Is the tone between the active and passive modes noticeably different?
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Yes, when I'm in active the tone control help tame my mids and warm up my tone as I stated before. In passive it's cut's bass when turn clockwise and treble when turn counter clockwise.
 
#57
Has anyone experimented with running the strings through the body vs. the bridge on their SB5000? I would be interested to see what your experiences are.

I've had multiple basses with the through the body or through the bridge options and I've never been able to tell much difference either way. I tried running the strings through the bridge on my SB5000 and noticed a considerable difference. Through the bridge provided more attack and more percussive tones over the through the body option.
 
#60
blmeier7 said:
Has anyone experimented with running the strings through the body vs. the bridge on their SB5000? I would be interested to see what your experiences are.

I've had multiple basses with the through the body or through the bridge options and I've never been able to tell much difference either way. I tried running the strings through the bridge on my SB5000 and noticed a considerable difference. Through the bridge provided more attack and more percussive tones over the through the body option.
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Jamerson never ran his strings through the body... :D
 
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