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Carvin XB75 or Yamaha RBX765A

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by HardRockBassMan, Oct 25, 2001.

  1. Oct 25, 2001 #1
    HardRockBassMan

    HardRockBassMan

    Mar 6, 2000
    Littleton, CO
    These are the two basses I'm torn between. I need to get a five string and I've not only heard good things about the Yamaha, but was very pleased when I played one.

    Then along comes Carvin with their new XB75. I've heard that having the longer scale (35.25" as opposed to 34") gives you a less floppy B.

    My question is: Am I going to be better off with the Carvin or will I even notice the difference?

    Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance.

    Chris Marye :p
     
  2. Oct 25, 2001 #2
    Christopher

    Christopher

    Apr 28, 2000
    New York, NY
    I'd say that the fretwork on the Carvin is superior than that on the Yamaha. Also, the Carvin is a 22-fret axe and the Yamaha is a 24-fret instrument. In all other respects, the instruments are more or less the same. The B on the Yamaha is as tight as I've felt on a 34" scale.
     
  3. Oct 25, 2001 #3
    tyburn

    tyburn

    Nov 6, 2000
    Carlisle, Cumbria, England
    i'd have to agree, while i liked the yamaha, i wasn't to pleased with the feel and fit, after about 20 minutes, it felt ok,

    but it may just be because i' used to a custom high end bass

    the stuff carvin produces is good though

    i'd play em and decide
     
  4. Oct 25, 2001 #4
    rickbass

    rickbass

    Nov 9, 2000
    The land of chicken fried funk
    Chris - That should be all you need to decide.

    And I own a Carvin LB75 (the B isn't floppy in the least). I would choose one over many Yammers again. But, from your experience with Yamaha, that's the best reason to buy a bass - not word of mouth, not because so-and-so plays one, nor because it looks so "awesome." The grass is always greener....and all that.

    If you could possibly try out a Carvin or if you don't mind sending it back within 10 days (the Carvin trial period for a full refund), you won't regret whichever you choose.
     
  5. Oct 25, 2001 #5
    HardRockBassMan

    HardRockBassMan

    Mar 6, 2000
    Littleton, CO
    You know, I thought the very same thing. I liked the way the Yamaha felt and played. To me, that's all that matters. Not name or anything else.

    I just hate buying something and then realizing that I could have done a little better to begin with. I wanted to see if the "longer scale=tighter B string & better playablility" was a fact or more personal opinion. Which seems to be the case.

    Thanks for the input from everyone. I appreciate it.

    Chris Marye
     
  6. Oct 25, 2001 #6
    seamus

    seamus

    Feb 8, 2001
    Jersey
    While some basses no doubt benefit from 35" scale, it's not always necessary for a tight B. It varies from one brand to the next. Some 34" scale basses with good B's are Stingrays and I would say Carvins as well. There are others, but those are two I have experience with.

    I prefer 35" scale when it comes to B strings, but like I said, it's merely a preference. There's no substitute for picking it up and seeing how you like it. :)
     
  7. Oct 25, 2001 #7
    Chris J

    Chris J

    Feb 20, 2001
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    You're partially right. 35" SHOULD give you a tighter B. But some companies can't pull it off. Carvin can though. Tighter strings does not necessarilly mean better playability. This varies from musician to musician. Some don't like the higher tension of a 35" scale bass.
     
  8. Oct 25, 2001 #8
    Chris J

    Chris J

    Feb 20, 2001
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    I almost forgot to add my 2 cents. I have a RBX765 and I love it. Looks great. Plays great. Feels really good too. My only gripe is I can't quite find a good slap tone. I'm getting close but not quite there. You can get lots of different tones with one of those. Try one and see for yourself.