Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 6!

[UntitledProject]

I think if you like the look of the B50 then definitely go for it. I would have ordered a B40, but I love the way the SB's look so I shelled out the extra money. If I had liked the B50 look more then that's what I would have gone with. I think they will play and sound almost identical for comparable options, so it's really down to whatever look you like more (plus the weight thing all these sissys keep mentioning ).

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have both. They feel very, very similar and the neck and electronics are identical. The SB runs 1-2 pounds or so heavier as the body appears to be a little bigger.

It sounds like the B50 is for me.

 

[UntitledProject]

It sounds like the B50 is for me.

Great choice.
What options?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Great choice.
What options?

Seafoam green body, birdseye maple fingerboard, active electronics, cream pickup and trussrod covers, I think that's it!

Oh yeah, a Carvin logo in white letters is part of the deal too.

 

[Freddels]

Seafoam green body, birdseye maple fingerboard, active electronics, cream pickup and trussrod covers, I think that's it!

Oh yeah, a Carvin logo in white letters is part of the deal too.

That's basically the options that I'm thinking of also. I would also add . . . low wide frets. I have also been thinking of trying out a ramp but with that color and the cream pickups, not sure how I'd do it (unless I got a local guy to paint up the ramp after I was sure I liked it).

 

[UntitledProject]

Seafoam green body, birdseye maple fingerboard, active electronics, cream pickup and trussrod covers, I think that's it!

Oh yeah, a Carvin logo in white letters is part of the deal too.

That sounds really classy. I like their seafoam and it will look killer with the maple board.

 

[UntitledProject]

That's basically the options that I'm thinking of also. I would also add . . . low wide frets. I have also been thinking of trying out a ramp but with that color and the cream pickups, not sure how I'd do it (unless I got a local guy to paint up the ramp after I was sure I liked it).

If I were you i'd look into matching the ramp to the cream pickups rather than the seafoam green.
I've been using a ramp on my Fender Jazz for a while, and I have to admit it makes for a really even tone/volume when playing fingerstyle. It's actually been a great practice aid as its helped me become more even and precise and that's carried over to my other basses as well. I highly recommend using finger ramps.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I forgot to mention that I plan on my B50 having an ash body too.

 

[Vic]

I forgot to mention that I plan on my B50 having an ash body too.

Mmmmm.... ash bodies... gooooooood....

 

[mcglyph]

Love my Swamp ash. Of course I've never had anything else...! Yah Carvin love..

 

[UntitledProject]

How many of you guys use compressors? What kind are you using? I'm looking for a good compressor and since you guys all play the same bass I thought you might know a good match for the SB's.

 

[TonyP-]

How many of you guys use compressors? What kind are you using? I'm looking for a good compressor and since you guys all play the same bass I thought you might know a good match for the SB's.

I love my 166XL Dual Compressor.
Granted I don't need the 2 channels but I love this compressor.

I have been using one for several years.

 

[Jarrett]

I use the built in compressor that came with my TC Electronics RH750 sometimes, but mostly not. I feel like it start cutting into the dynamics of different techniques after while.

 

[UntitledProject]

I love my 166XL Dual Compressor.
Granted I don't need the 2 channels but I love this compressor.

I have been using one for several years.

I've heard really great things about the DBX's especially the 166's
(including the A's, and XL's). I'll have to see if I can find one locally to try out.

 

[Quackhead]

Does anyone on here have a spalted maple or burl maple top on their SB? I am seriously GASing for one...

 

[Vic]

How many of you guys use compressors? What kind are you using? I'm looking for a good compressor and since you guys all play the same bass I thought you might know a good match for the SB's.

I rarely do, but the new MXR is getting great marks all around. I have an older Demeter Compulator, but can't remember the last time I used it. I have used the one in my Carvin BX heads, and really like those.

 

[dafunky1]

I was told last week by the sales rep that the wait time for my SB5000 build is 10 WEEKS!!! This is torture!!
------------------------
MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
FDH - Deep Honeyburst Flame
TN - Tung Oil Finish Back Of Neck (Standard)
SBH - SB-Style Headstock (Standard)
FPH - Flamed Maple Headstock Matches Body Color
BMF - Birdseye Maple Fingerboard (Tung-Oiled)
NIN - No Top Inlays - Side Dots Only
- Low-Wide Frets .036" H .106" W
R14 - 14in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
J9A - J99A Alnico Single Coil Pickups (Standard)
BLK - Black Pickups
G - Gold Hardware
BL - Black Logo
PK - Metal Knobs w/ White Pearl Inlays (Black Inlays on Black Knobs)
RP - Red Tortoise Pickguard
WP - White Pearloid Pickguard
IVN - Ivory Graph Tech TUSQ Nut

 

[Vic]

I was told last week by the sales rep that the wait time for my SB5000 build is 10 WEEKS!!! This is torture!!

That is NOTHING compared to typical custom bass build times. NOTHING. Carving is blindingly fast at this with these time frames.

Typical custom order bass build times are more like 10 MONTHS to in some cases a couple years! THAT's torture!

I've been down that road myself many times... just sayin'...

 

[Jarrett]

Man that would be horrible waiting that long for a bass. I'm sure I wouldn't want it after a couple of years. Don't they know we are an instant gratification society!

 

[Corey Y]

I would have killed to get my SB4000 in 10 weeks. It took 14 from order to delivery. You forget all about the wait once you're playing it though.

I must need a firmware upgrade, because I can't wrap my mind around waiting years for a bass build. When I try I just get the image of a purple walrus playing saxophone.