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Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 7!
- Thread starter smperry
- Start date
- Status
I was just telling my wife how much I love my SB4K. I only wish Carvin applied their same great craftsmanship to some different shapes. I am dying for a Tbird-esque bass in the sub 8lb category with the made to order options of Carvin. (like chambered)
I know something like that could be had for the right $$$. However, I can totally see anothe SB in my future. What an outstanding instrument! I am over the moon with this bass. All diehard jazz bass players owe it to themselves to try this on for size. If you love that vintage Jazz growl, Carvin gets there.
I know something like that could be had for the right $$$. However, I can totally see anothe SB in my future. What an outstanding instrument! I am over the moon with this bass. All diehard jazz bass players owe it to themselves to try this on for size. If you love that vintage Jazz growl, Carvin gets there.
- May 4, 2003
- 148
- 15
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Kiesel/Carvin Basses. Trickfish Amplification.
Jarrett totally wins on the "most owned SB's" front, but here's mine. And I gotta' say, I've been so happy with it, I've literally looked at all the others posted here and on their web site and not had any GAS at all. It's just insanely good. I almost feel sorry for Jarrett as he's really struggled to find "the one" it seems like, whereas I got it on the first try. Maybe I'm just lucky. 
I don't see the pic, Vic. Hey, that rhymes
No need to feel sorry, it was a fun journey. Turns out I got it right on the third order, I just didn't realize it until after the 10th order or so If I was near a Carvin store, I would have found out which model I liked in about 30 minutes.
What I've learned for me is:
I don't like chambered SBs
I don't like the SB4000 neck profile
I don't like less than 22 frets
I only like Maple and Ebony boards
I like Alder more than Ash
I like fretless SB5's but won't play it without a gig to use it on
It turns out the stock config SB5000 is just about perfect for me.
No need to feel sorry, it was a fun journey. Turns out I got it right on the third order, I just didn't realize it until after the 10th order or so
If I was near a Carvin store, I would have found out which model I liked in about 30 minutes. What I've learned for me is:
I don't like chambered SBs
I don't like the SB4000 neck profile
I don't like less than 22 frets
I only like Maple and Ebony boards
I like Alder more than Ash
I like fretless SB5's but won't play it without a gig to use it on
It turns out the stock config SB5000 is just about perfect for me.
Really? Maybe try reloading? It's just a jpg file on my vsbass site. Never had this problem before. Same exact link I used to post a few threads ago.I don't see the pic, Vic. Hey, that rhymes
For me, the stock config except with the ash body.
I'm working on my features list for an SB4000
My list is the exact opposite
It's really cool that Carvin can accommodate everyone's individual taste and style.For those of you using the Master Volume/Blend option, can you share your opinions on it? I know a lot of people have raved about how excellent it is on the Bromberg basses, but those use a different preamp. I'm considering going that route on my next SB4000. Not a huge deal, I've never had any issues with a V/V/T configuration, just considering the options I haven't tried that might be useful.
You going to go for the Blue Mist? I still think that one is about as close to LPB as Carvin will offer.
Man, I have been thinking about it since you and Sam brought it up. Also been thinking of the red bass I had all laid out. Carvin, curse you for offering more choices than one needs. Thanks for the GAS evoking bass that is the SB.
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,619
- 18,701
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
I love the LPB/Tort/RW look, but I think I'll only go that way if I actually get a 60s style Fender Jazz. I'm going to go with Black/Black/Maple, simple and classy. Here's the specs I have planned out right now:
SB4000
Right Handed
CMB - Chambered Body (Alder/Ash Only)
-MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard)
-CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard)
B - Jet Black
-TN - Tung Oil Finish Back Of Neck (Standard
-SBH - SB-Style Headstock (Standard)
-MPH - Satin Maple Headstock (Standard)
MF - Maple Fingerboard (Tung-Oiled)
-DI - Dot Inlays (Standard)
STRF - Stainless Regular Frets .043" H .080" W
-R12 - 12in Fretboard Radius (Standard)
-J9A - J99A Alnico Single Coil Pickups (Standard)
-BLK - Black Pickups
AC - Active/Passive Electronics
-CH - Chrome Hardware (Standard)
-4011 - Nickel Roundwound .040 .060 .080 .100
BL - Black Logo
BG - Black Multi-Layer Pickguard
HC8W - Black Tolex Wide Hardshell Bass Case
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I might go with black hardware, not sure yet. All my instruments that have chrome or gold get worn and pitted over time. All my instruments with black hardware tend to stay nicer looking (hardware wise) a lot longer. That's what I have on my current SB4000. I'll probably do some mock-ups in Photoshop to see what I like better.
That's the way mine's config'd. I love it. I typically even rewire basses I've purchased to VBT if they're shipped VVT with no alternate option, or I bought it used that way.
There should be a slight tonal degradation with VBT vs VVT, but I've never really noticed it, and I love the convenience of having a master volume control with the ability to just set the blend and leave it there.
FWIW... split camp on this one. I'm a blend fan.
The biggest complaint I hear about V/B/T vs V/V/T is that there is a volume drop at the center detent of the balance pot. That never made any sense to me though, because if you're using a dual single coil V/V/T setup, there's a volume drop when both pickups are at full. It's just a normal function of phase cancellation, that's just the down side to humbucking. I don't know if there's something beyond that people are complaining about or if a lot of people just don't make that connection.
I don't think so. Seems like the "usual amount" to me on mine.
The tonal impact I'm referring to is typically characterized as a slight loss of high end frequencies... like a low pass filter effect, but I've never had any issues with getting plenty of sizzle from all my VBT basses.
With so many cool colors, hard to settle on a solid color. I was just looking at the stealthed out SB in the newest catalogue. But maple fb would be sexy too.
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