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Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 6!
- Thread starter smperry
- Start date
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Honestly, a 6 string version and a version with a p-bass pickup would increase their sale exponentially. Personally, I am hoping for the P pickup, but either would at least show that carvin is listening to its consumer base.
. . . And if Carvin is listening, how about bringing back Platinum Gold Metallic, and offering block inlays on maple fretboards.
Please?
While I can't imagine a single person buying a 6 string version of this bass with a single P pickup config, I can certainly see how they could sell a whole pile of the 4 and possibly 5 string versions of the SB (and more likely the B's since they have a more P Bass shape) if they started doing a P bass pickup option. I'm betting they would see a sizable in flux of orders for B40's with a P pickup. They need to add a pickguard option for that bass as well.
I totally understand 6-string players wishing there was a 6 version of the SB. IMO, though, adding a 6-sting SB wouldn't really increase sales for Carvin. 6-sting instruments make up a pretty small percentage of the market, and I especially think that a 6-sting P or PJ configuration would only have very small niche market.
Of course, this is all just my opinion. But, there would be a significant expense for Carvin to program CNC machines and make any jigs and production set ups needed to produce a 6-string version of the SB. They won't do it unless they see dollar signs at the end of the journey.
I agree with Jarrett, though, in terms of a 4 or 5 string P-bass being a pretty sure winner for Carvin if they ever produce one. I am getting a Lakland 44_64 Deluxe (P-bass with a Jazz neck) in a few days. I probably would have gotten a Carvin instead if they made one.
temmrich, I hope I'm wrong and you get your dream 6-string from Carvin some day!
I have no desire for a 6 string bass at all. I also wouldn't get one with just a P pickup. But adding a 6 string model would definitely increase sales (if someone buys one, that's an increase). The P pickup however has been brought up multiple times in this thread and is much sought after. A PJ or just P option on carvin basses (All of them) would definitely increase sales.
My main point was that offering these things would be proof Carvin was listening to what people want. I bought my SB4k and am exceedingly happy with it. Maybe one day I'll get a b40 and route for a p-bass pickup.
My main point was that offering these things would be proof Carvin was listening to what people want. I bought my SB4k and am exceedingly happy with it. Maybe one day I'll get a b40 and route for a p-bass pickup.
Just got an SB5000 and am really impressed overall, but the thing that is crazy is the B string. With 5 string basses I almost always have to use a string set with a great/forgiving B string like a labella or sadowsky because I like to dig in and really play the b, not just throw out the occasional song end C. I want it to growl and stay solid up the neck. On 4 strings I always use DR hi beams, but I've only had like 4 basses ever (of perhaps 75) that sound great on the B with hi beams. That's a Warwick stage 2, a zon sonus special, a modulus quantum 5, and this sb5000. Threw on a 125 B with a 45-105 set, the bridge allowed for a perfect no twist install, and it basically sounds just like the E string. I'm blown away.
I think that's absolutely correct. A B40 or SB4000 with a P pickup, available for much less cash than an MIA Fender would sell like crazy. I would totally dig an LB70 with a P pickup, too.
I don't know what it costs Carvin to develop a new pickup, then tool up to manufacture it, but I have to think it would pay off big time for them.
Carvin has been very deliberate in developing new instruments over the years, some might even say they are slow to react. But, their current pickups and electronics are very nice, I would like to see them really drive forward with it and hit that P market.
The Bromberg pickups are a huge leap forward and the J99s are sweet. I have to imagine they have some kind of split pickup in the works. The demand for PJ setups from other manufacturers is too high to ignore that market.
Thanks, Jeff.
Two very nice basses, dafunky. I know I really like having a couple of LB70s to go with my SB4000. They have different voices, and they are all great to play. Have fun with your Carvins!
Thanks Woody. They definitely have different voices. With my LB75, I didn't like the tone and I didn't play it for years until I installed a Bartolini preamp and it became my go-to bass. With the tone versatility of the SB500, it is now my go-to bass.
After receiving my SB5000 last week, I played it at church yesterday on my big rig (Carvin BX1200 head and Dr. Bass 2460D 2x12 cab) and was blown away by the tone (with very little tweaking) and the ability to cut through the mix. I set treble and bass on the pre and throughout the service for different songs, I only tweaked the tone control.
When it arrived, the setup was good, although
the strings were a little higher than what I'm used to, so I had to lower them a bit and will probably do a truss rod adjustment to get them even lower.
Al in all, this bass is sweet and exceeds my expectations.
When it arrived, the setup was good, although
the strings were a little higher than what I'm used to, so I had to lower them a bit and will probably do a truss rod adjustment to get them even lower.
Al in all, this bass is sweet and exceeds my expectations.
I had this exact same experience back in 2010 when I got my first SB5000. I played it first at a church gig and I was just floored at how it cut through the mix compared to my Warwick Streamer Stage I. That still impresses me about the bass two years later. It finds the perfect place and in a live mix and sits perfectly without being overbearing or getting lost. I occasionally forget about this until I play another bass with a band and then I go running back to my SB after the first set
You cant post this with no pics! We much confirm that this bass exists.
Sorry for the blurry iPhone pic ... here it is. What you can't see is the beautiful lightly flamed ash body. Really a great looking, sounding, and playing (though it could maybe use a PLEK or A+ quality fret level) bass.
Only other criticism is I'd prefer maybe 10% more meat in the neck profile.
Attachments
After playing an SB4000 that a friend of mine owns and really digging the sound and feel of it, decided to bite the bullet and order one for myself:
-MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
-CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
GM - Gunmetal Gray Metallic
BST - Blackburst Edges
-TN - Tung Oil Finish Back Of Neck (Standard)
-SBH - SB-Style Headstock (Standard)
PH - Headstock To Match Body Color
BMF - Birdseye Maple Fingerboard (Tung-Oiled)
-DI - Dot Inlays (Standard)
-FR - Med-Jumbo Frets .048" H .103" W (Standard)
-R12 - 12in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
-J9A - J99A Alnico Single Coil Pickups (Standard)
-BLK - Black Pickups
AC - Active/Passive Electronics (Guitars Have Coil Splitters, Phase Switch)
BC - Black Hardware
STS - Stainless Steel Med Light
BL - Black Logo
BG - Black Multi-Layer Pickguard
One thing, as has been noted in this thread - really, REALLY wish they offered black binding/blocks on the maple boards. Hell, even pearl blocks on the maple board would really add to the vintage look.
Other thing, and it's a small gripe - wish they offered a 24 fret version. Other than high end boutique basses and less than spectacular Korean made Fender Jazz "24"s, it's difficult to find a nice, jazz style bass with a 24 fret neck.
That said, I'm stoked...haven't gotten a completion date yet, but I'll be foaming at the mouth waiting!
-MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
-CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
GM - Gunmetal Gray Metallic
BST - Blackburst Edges
-TN - Tung Oil Finish Back Of Neck (Standard)
-SBH - SB-Style Headstock (Standard)
PH - Headstock To Match Body Color
BMF - Birdseye Maple Fingerboard (Tung-Oiled)
-DI - Dot Inlays (Standard)
-FR - Med-Jumbo Frets .048" H .103" W (Standard)
-R12 - 12in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
-J9A - J99A Alnico Single Coil Pickups (Standard)
-BLK - Black Pickups
AC - Active/Passive Electronics (Guitars Have Coil Splitters, Phase Switch)
BC - Black Hardware
STS - Stainless Steel Med Light
BL - Black Logo
BG - Black Multi-Layer Pickguard
One thing, as has been noted in this thread - really, REALLY wish they offered black binding/blocks on the maple boards. Hell, even pearl blocks on the maple board would really add to the vintage look.
Other thing, and it's a small gripe - wish they offered a 24 fret version. Other than high end boutique basses and less than spectacular Korean made Fender Jazz "24"s, it's difficult to find a nice, jazz style bass with a 24 fret neck.
That said, I'm stoked...haven't gotten a completion date yet, but I'll be foaming at the mouth waiting!
A good luthier can do a lot. But a good company offers what the consumer wants. It would be to their benefit as well as our's to offer a p pickup and rout for their basses.
I appreciate your comment though. If I were deadset on the p pickup in the sb this would be the only way to get it.(and I may actually take this route).
But, if I were to do it, I think I'd like the option of dropping a carvin p-bass pickup into the rout.
In the end, a bill lawrence would prolly be my choice anyway.
I appreciate your comment though. If I were deadset on the p pickup in the sb this would be the only way to get it.(and I may actually take this route).
But, if I were to do it, I think I'd like the option of dropping a carvin p-bass pickup into the rout.
In the end, a bill lawrence would prolly be my choice anyway.
Yeah, but it wouldn't be in the traditional position for a p pickup, which is between the Jazz pickup postions.
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