• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Chambered 5 strings?

Danho

Danho

Mar 2, 2005
81
2
Columbus Ohio
#1
I talked to a guitar builder here in Columbus who discouraged me from getting a chambered five string. He said the chambers eat the DEEP lows (of which I am fond.)
I've never heard this. Does anyone have experience with this?
Unfortunately, I couldn't find one locally to try.
 
#6
wm1.jpg


my benavente has the best bass response of any bass i've ever played.

b.

edit - if you ever get down to cincinnati let me know and you're welcome to try mine.
 
#7
DaveAceofBass said:
That's a big load of crap. It really depends on your pickups and electronics and strings and choice of woods etc. Don't listen to that guy.
Click to expand...

It's not necessarily too off base. My little Ampeg BA112 doesn't bring out the full spectrum of tones from my Rob Allens. I'd almost argue that you'd need a 15" sub if you really want to tap the capabilities of a chambered 5.
 
#8
as a guy who plays primarily through Acme cabs and has had the pleasure of going through BIG EAW rigs on numerous occaisions, I would have to agree that cabinet response is the real limiting factor of how low you go much moreso than wood be it choice or chamber
 
#9
What kind of lows you get from a bass is only dependent on the amp/ cab if that's the only way you can play it. In that case it's more about the amp than the bass... it's doubtful another bass will go any lower.

You can get deep lows from a chambered bass (I have two chambered fives). The lows I've experienced tend not to be as tight as a similar solid bodied bass.
 
#13
ibz said:
Which luthier if you don't mind me asking? Is he local?
Click to expand...

He is a local guy, and a well respected one who makes some darn fine guitars... but just guitars.
I asked the same thing from a shop owner who's put together some great basses (out of my budget unfortunately,) and he's right on with all of you.
Thank you very much for all of your replies!
 
#17
Brad Johnson said:
You can get deep lows from a chambered bass (I have two chambered fives). The lows I've experienced tend not to be as tight as a similar solid bodied bass.
Click to expand...

That's sort of my experience, as well. My hollowbody Curbow 6 gets very deep, but it's a not quite as tight and in the low end (no pun intended) as the solidbody Curbows I've owned. It also seems to have more a bit mids (which Greg Curbow said he'd seen a lot with the hollowbodies he'd made), and that de-emphasizes the lows a little.

Mike
 
#18
LilRay said:
Apologise for slight OT but what does chambering accomplish other than making the instrument lighter? What are the goals acheived with chambered vs non?

God Bless, Ray
Click to expand...

Kinda depends on the chambering and pickups. Sometimes the goal is only to reduce weight. Sometimes it's more about adding a lot of depth. The cool thing is that it's possible to capitalize on the best things about hollow bodies and solid bodies. You'll get the open and deep sound with more sustain and no problems with feedback.
 
#19
spade2you said:
Kinda depends on the chambering and pickups. Sometimes the goal is only to reduce weight. Sometimes it's more about adding a lot of depth. The cool thing is that it's possible to capitalize on the best things about hollow bodies and solid bodies. You'll get the open and deep sound with more sustain and no problems with feedback.
Click to expand...

I like the idea of the deep sound without feedback.
Thanks for the help.

God Bless, Ray
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back