Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 4!

[Dave Siff]

I noticed that too!

Me, too! This is probably the best "new bass smell" of any instrument I've owned. I've been leaving the case open while I noodle around on the bass for five minutes here and there, and the scent fills the whole room. It is intoxicating. Just another thing to love about the SB5000!

 

[madbassplaya]

I'm not gonna lie. I'm getting impatient! Everytime someone posts pics of their new SB5000, I tell myself: "its ok, you're gonna get one soon."

Tom was right...The waiting is the hardest part.

 

[SubSectorSucker]

Are the knobs that come stock on these the mini or standard size ones on Carvin's site? Thanks in advance!

 

[TRob1293]

Anyone have the low-wide frets?
Does it make a difference in playability, fret noise (for us wicked beginners), wear w/ flats?

Anyone play both (on the Carvin SB series) and can compare?

Having a difficult time deciding....
I've given some Squires a run - Classic Vibe w/ vintage frets (same as low-wide?) and Vintage Mod with Med-Jumbo.
I found the Med Jumbo to be a bit clacky or noisy when string hits fret, but they are Squire necks and nothing to compare to these Carvin SB models.

Thanks.

 

[GroovyBaby]

I don't have any "clack" issues on my SB and I like the fret height...then again, I just have the standard and can't compare for you. Playability on these necks is very good/excellent in my experience.

 

[TRob1293]

I know the Fender Am Std has Med-Jumbo and I have no issues with those frets and noise.
MIMs - another story.

I do think it's all about craftsmanship and I hear nothing but awesomeness from Carvin'ites.

(is that even a word?)

I don't have any "clack" issues on my SB and I like the fret height...then again, I just have the standard and can't compare for you. Playability on these necks is very good/excellent in my experience.

 

[Jarrett]

I got to pick up some nice basses yesterday. Sadowsky, Lakland, Mike Lull, Elrich, etc. It reminds me how fortunate we are to have the SB option out there. The only basses I liked as much as my SB (Lull/Elrich) were 2-3 times the price and the Lull didn't even have a preamp in it for that price.

 

[jim777]

Check this SB5000 out! Carvin SB5000

What's the Carvin name for that color at 0:41 to 0:43? the one that looks like a Fender 3TS?

 

[Vic]

What's the Carvin name for that color at 0:41 to 0:43? the one that looks like a Fender 3TS?

Looks to me like what they call "Classic Burst" on their builder.

 

[Jarrett]

Cool, thanks for posting. What's the weight on the Sunburst?

 

[TRob1293]

One last question.
Tone control or sweepable mid knob?

I've already decided to keep the V-V-T setup, just what that T will be...

Thanks all.
I just need experienced insight.

 

[Jarrett]

Man, $799 for a new SB4000 with a warranty, I couldn't pass it up. Sold!

The sunburst is 9.9lbs. I was told by the way.

 

[Jarrett]

Tone control or sweepable mid knob?
I've already decided to keep the V-V-T setup, just what that T will

I've only used the VVT setups and like them. Supposedly going master volume reduces the punch of the bass a hair. I'm not sure what the mid control does, but I've never found I needed to adjust the mids with my SBs, they sound right out of the box to me.

 

[smeet]

Most people on here will say go for the tone. I say go for the mid knob. I wish I could have both, but for my playing I prefer the mid control. In a mix, my fingers and the active treble can cover most of what the tone control would give me.

It depends what you like. I've found some GREAT sounds boosting either mid mids or low mids, I can get some more chewy Fender sounds or cool dub sounds.

Jarret, I know you don't feel you are missing anything, but I'll bet you would find a few more usable sounds with the mid control. It's a nice non-honky sounding mid that can actually reach down into the upper bass region.

The problems is that very few people have played two basses that have the same configuration except for this one control. For whatever it's worth, Moshe at the Hollywood store also felt the mid control was the way to go.

Whatever you do, please let Carvin know that you wish they would offer both options together. If they get enough votes, they may redesign the electronics for the next version so you don't have to choose.

 

[WoodyG3]

Man, $799 for a new SB4000 with a warranty, I couldn't pass it up. Sold!

Jarret, you need a 12 step program, man...



Nice snag.

 

[Jarrett]

LOL, my guitar player said it was time for an intervention

At that price and with a 10 day trial, it's a no brainer to at least check it out. I'm still deciding if I want to keep my latest SB5000. After the volume pot swap out, I will know for sure.

 

[Jarrett]

So, are the J99A's that are installed in the SB4000 and the SB5000, the same pickup? Or are there different versions for 4 and 5 string basses?

Looking at this, I am guessing they are the same?
Invalid Link Removed

 

[WoodyG3]

So, are the J99A's that are installed in the SB4000 and the SB5000, the same pickup? Or are there different versions for 4 and 5 string basses?

Looking at this, I am guessing they are the same?
Invalid Link Removed

The same.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

You know man, these basses look pretty cool. I had a custom LBP5 bass built almost 10 years ago but I sent it back since the electronics were greatly lacking and the string spacing was too tight for me. I'll have to try one of these out some time.

 

[Handyman]

You know man, these basses look pretty cool. I had a custom LBP5 bass built almost 10 years ago but I sent it back since the electronics were greatly lacking and the string spacing was too tight for me. I'll have to try one of these out some time.

Thankfully, the SB series has updated the electronics, and widened the strings spacing. I got mine to replace a (really well built) Hamer Cruse 5 with just too-damn-narrow string spacing on it.