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

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#141
Would it be worth asking Carvin to shave down the neck profile for an additional charge? They are sort of custom, and how much time/effort would it take? I imagine if they were furished with some basic neck measurements of a favorite neck depth they could come pretty close. How long could that take, an hour at most witht the skill those guys have?

I'd try and push the issue, as it sounds major to me. Tell the salesman it's the difference between a sale or not and I imagine he'll at least "explore" the possibilites.
 
#142
You mean you get free cases now in the US? In the UK the most basic bass costs $2113, which includes $130 for the case.
I really hope they don't sell ANY here with that mark-up for non-US customers
(not envious or anything)
 
#143
Not sure if anyone cares, but I've decided to go back to Hi-Beams from the Fat Beams at this point. The Fat Beams sound great for slapping, but they are too thick in the low mids for fingerstyle to the point I lose clarity in the mix. Back to DR Hi-Beams for me.
 
#144
Just came today. Here it is (forgive the relatively poor quality pics):


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Haven't had a chance to play it yet. . .


Paul
 
#147
Yes, it's a reverse Icon headstock. The pics don't do the bass justice. It's damn sexy. :cool:

Here are the non-obvious specs:

Alder body
Low-wide nickel frets
Standard active/passive option (no mid-sweep, etc.)
Abalone inlays

Nice and balanced and feels light. Not sure if my scale is super accurate, but the difference b/w just me on the scale and me with the bass is 9.8 pounds.


Paul
 
#150
dgce said:
Say did that Pedulla look like this Rapture 5? I saw one on eBay and wondered how it would compare to an SB5000.
Click to expand...

The Barts in Mike Pedulla's J5 are darker and thicker in tone, plus the pre-amp is geared for that system, the Carvin have alnico's I think* and are more open sounding off the shelf plus the body is much bigger, larger sonic footprint. Just my .02
 
#152
dgce said:
I wish Carvin had a shop out east (NYC or Boston perhaps?). I'd gladly make a 5 hour trek to try out all the Carvin models. Sigh...

So Jon, will you be checking out some neck-thru models to compare to the SBs? Care to give us a little A/B/C/D...etc. testing reviews? Will you be bringing along a digital cam? Yeah, pretty demanding request coming from a complete stranger but I figured I throw it out there just in case you'd be into it.

Safe trip and happy hunting!
Click to expand...

Ok So im back from california, great drive had fun at sea world and the beach got sunburned etc, now the best part my trip to the Carvin store.....

Ok so i got there first thing in the morning they open at 10am, walk in, and im greeted right as i walk in by 2 gentlemen.Very nice guys so i tell them i drove from phoenix to check out the SB line.

So they tell me pull whatever i want off the wall and jam away.
I grabbed a 4000 first that had the optional humbucker installed with the single J up front. sat down and went at it. I prefered the twin J pickup style tho as im not really into humbuckers, It did have its own interesting characteristics tho, that were very usable.

Ok so for the people interested in the necks. They are narrow by the nut like a J, but thicker or chunkier or has more depth i guess is a way to explain it. they are however very playable and still quite comfortable. I like really thin necks and this neck was very nice. So getting the 4000 is a great choice.

So after playing both basses quite a bit i went with the SB5000 the neck on the 5 TO ME was a bit more comfortable, even tho they are supposed to have the same profile. The neck on the 5 was incredible. For a guy with smaller hands it was well shaped and at the nut was very narrow but got big enough at the neck pickup for slapping. It wasnt cumbersome at all.

So as a conclusion i would say Carvin's staff was outstanding the basses are outstanding they way they treated me was outstanding. It was one of the more pleasnt buying experiences i have had. I will say this as well, if you are close enough to be able to drive to a store, do it, its well worth it. and If you go to San Diego which is where i went, ask for Flock or Lou. Both guys are great and very knowledgeable. Thanks Carvin.

Jon :bassist:

also sorry Dgce i didnt actually sit down with an icon or BB to compare them because my littel girl was being a terror in the store, but i did pick up an icon and the neck on that model was very thin and im sure was very fast. If i ever decide to get the 4000 i will probably ask for a neck profile similar to the icon. Thats just me tho. Sorry for the long read hope it helps. i also only got one picture just of the store as i walked in. i kinda felt like a doof taking pictures like a tourist haha
 
#153
Jheake said:
So after playing both basses quite a bit i went with the SB5000 the neck on the 5 TO ME was a bit more comfortable, even tho they are supposed to have the same profile. The neck on the 5 was incredible.
Click to expand...

100% concur. The neck profile on the SB5000 and the J99As are worth the price of admission, imo.

So what are the specs on the one you got?
 
#156
Jheake said:
Ok So im back from california, great drive had fun at sea world and the beach got sunburned etc, now the best part my trip to the Carvin store.....



also sorry Dgce i didnt actually sit down with an icon or BB to compare them because my littel girl was being a terror in the store, but i did pick up an icon and the neck on that model was very thin and im sure was very fast. If i ever decide to get the 4000 i will probably ask for a neck profile similar to the icon. Thats just me tho. Sorry for the long read hope it helps. i also only got one picture just of the store as i walked in. i kinda felt like a doof taking pictures like a tourist haha
Click to expand...

Thanks a bunch for the info, Jon. I'm on vacation myself in Montreal right now. Just read your review. Congrats on ordering an SB. Of course we'll want the full scoop and pics when she comes in! As for me, I'm thinking an SB5000 or B50 is the way to go. Jazz-like spacing by the nut with plenty of room down by the front pickup sounds perfect to me.

Merci!
DGCE
 
#158
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#160
Used my SB5000 last night at rehearsal after stringing up some Hi-beams the day before and I'm loving it. The tone is perfect with both slap and fingerstyle and the preamp has become alot more useful and versatile than I originally thought it would. I am addicted to this bass. My girlfriend is starting to get jealous and my family is getting tired of laughing while I polish it everytime I put it away. I, however will never get tired of posting pics of it ;)

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