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Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 6!
- Thread starter smperry
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I'm itching for a more traditional looking Alder body 4 string Jazz type (preferably SB4000) bass. I basically want this:
That said, I'd like to get some input on my options:
1. Sell fretless SB4000 and place an order with Carvin for what I want. Pay $1100 and wait 10 weeks.
2. Keep the (Ash not Alder) fretless, order a neck, pay $460 and wait 5 weeks. Swap necks. Sell fretless neck or keep for next fretless urge.
3. Just go to Guitar Center and run the racks. Find some Jazz bass that's passable. Mod if needed to make SB like.
4. Just keep holding my breath that a SB4000 exactly like I want will pop up in classifieds.
What y'all think?
Hey Jarret, been to Austin lately?
Well, that's ash in the pic and you want alder...
But I get the point. I have an alder SB5000 with that config (but with a tortoise pickguard). It rocks. In my mind, 10 weeks is not a long time, really, to get the bass that you want. I am sure you can play your other SBs during that time. Order it and forget it.
Hey Jarret, been to Austin lately?
Well, that's ash in the pic and you want alder...
In my mind, 10 weeks is not a long time, really, to get the bass that you want. I am sure you can play your other SBs during that time. Order it and forget it.
I haven't been back down since the last time I saw you at Bass Emporium. I'm sure I'll head down that way in late July again though.
This is going to sound funny, but I've actually been playing some Squier Vintage Modern Jazz basses lately that I like the feel of. I have some concerns about the quality on them though. I was considering buying one of those and maybe putting a preamp in or swapping the pickups out instead of investing a bunch in another 4 string. I may go pick one of those up tomorrow from GC and see if that would scratch the 4-string itch.
I just sent a Squire VM Jazz fretless back due to massive lack of quality, thus the SB fretless neck I just ordered.
Jarrett said:
Been there, let me share my thoughts: they are great bang for the buck, but I luckily had more money to spend on basses and upgraded. They are alright, but cannot begin to compare to a Carvin. But in their price range, unbeatable. I had the Jaco inspired fretless and the 70's inspired Squier VMs. Coincidentally I bought a pair of Carvin J99s to put on them but ended up selling them both before I had the chance.
And let me know when you're in town. Coincidentally I am also finding myself in love with 4 strings again.
Specs: Alder, chambered body, 8.8 lb, single-coils, V/B/T/B-T preamp, gold logo, blocks, rosewood fretboard.
BEAUTIFUL! I've been trying to decide on what color I'd like to order mine in and I think this is a definite winner. Is this Pearl Blue?
Thanks for the info. It crossed my mind to put the J99A's in, but I'd want the preamp too and I don't want to do all the routing.
I went to three stores in DFW yesterday and played 30-40 Fender Jazz basses ranging from the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz to the American Deluxe Jazz. They were all pretty different instruments. I kept getting drawn to the lower end instruments from Mexico and Indonesian. After playing 7-8 of the Squier Vintage Modified basses, I found that just felt, played and sounded better than the rest to me including the higher end ones and I bought it. Took it home and set it up and gigged it last night and it went well. It's no SB, but its a pretty decent bass for $279.
I'm going to use it on a couple of gigs and see if I like playing 4-string and if this bass will scratch the itch of if I need to order a SB4000.
Here's a quick direct to computer recording of my two fretted basses:
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It is. It pretty much looks like Lake Placid Blue. I wasn't sure that the pearl block would go well with the tortoise pickguard (white would have been the more typical choice), but I really wanted tortoise with that blue, and I really wanted blocks, so. . . I think it works.
Well, I played mine passive at church today. It sounded amazing! It sat in the mix better than any bass I have ever heard. I am so glad that I bought this bass.
Plus I always get compliments on the Deep Dragonburst Quilt every time I take her out of the case.
Plus I always get compliments on the Deep Dragonburst Quilt every time I take her out of the case.
Happy Easter fellas.
I'm liking the SB more and more. The tone has such a broad range. I'm still missing the B string from the Dingwall just a little, but I think I'll get over that. I may try some heavier SS strings and see what that does. I still need to weigh it, but it is so light and well balanced.
I guess I'll go ahead and list the Dingwall. Keep your eyes peeled for anyone looking for a Candy Tangerine/Maple Combustion v2.
I'm liking the SB more and more. The tone has such a broad range. I'm still missing the B string from the Dingwall just a little, but I think I'll get over that. I may try some heavier SS strings and see what that does. I still need to weigh it, but it is so light and well balanced.
I guess I'll go ahead and list the Dingwall. Keep your eyes peeled for anyone looking for a Candy Tangerine/Maple Combustion v2.
Yeah, strings are key... if you're still playing the stock strings on that SB, they are nice, but they won't show it's full capability. Try some DR strings... like maybe a set of the LoRiders, SunBeams, or FatBeams, depending on your slinky preference level.
Holy Carp! Really? THAT IS AWESOME. I've always wondered how my SB would stack against that fabled, "B". Wow, really says so much about how much is right with these basses! I do love me some Carvin, even got a MB12 combo amp which really is amazing as well. Carvin.
I will be getting some strings ordered today. I'm pretty set on DR's but was leaning toward Hi Beams. Have you tried those?
Don't get me wrong, I still really like the Combustion. It was really a tough choice because the Dingwall feels so "right" to me. The SB is just a little more of the sound I was looking for and is so versatile with that tone knob. Granted, the Combustion is the entry level Dingwall and comparing the SB to a friends Z3 wins me back over to Dingwall.....I just can't spend $5k on a bass. I really think the guys in this thread were right on when they said, if you are looking for a jazz bass sound, you can't find a better bass than the SB unless you spend twice as much or more. I don't think anything below $2500 can hang with it. Keep in mind, I am a beginner who is still looking for "my sound", but I think I've found it with this SB.
Yeah. I kinda' bounce back and forth between those and the (SS) LoRiders. I generally like the tighter feeling LR's, but the HB's will last longer and IMHO accentuate the "70's sizzle" better.
On a 34" scale bass, I'd recommend a .130 B, though the standard .125 does work pretty well, too.
I've also had good luck with the MTD SS set (tapered B)... kinda' stiffer like the LR's. There are mixed reviews on the Dunlops out there, but they've seemed pretty good to me. Recently, on another bass, I've also tried Fodera strings, and those seem really nice too.
Anyway... some options.
Vic said:
Hey Vic,
Since you have a Sadowsky I'm sure you have used their strings? What are your thoughts on them vs. The DR Low Riders?
I usually run nickels.
Yep, I like the Blues for sure, but I like the DRs better, and if you want to try the slinkier HB's to see just how sizzly these things can get, Sadowsky doesn't offer that style of string.
They are... that's what I'm referring to by "slinky". SunBeams are the nickel versions of the HiBeams. But IMHO, SS strings are more my thing on these basses.
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