Fender Precision Bass 5 String vs Carvin PB5...

[Mike Sorr]

So, I'm soon to be in the market for a new 5 string and I know I want a Precision style bass. I'm trying to decide between the Fender American Standard Precison Bass V and the Carvin PB5. I haven't been able to give either one a test drive, so I'm wondering if anyone out there has played either or both and can give me the pros and cons of each. Anyone?

 

[Skip_NJ]

If you get the same specs the Carvin will come in at $903 and the Fender will be $1399.99. Thats an Adler body, gloss translucent classic sunburst finish, 1 piece maple neck with satin finish, rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots, split P pickup with passive electronics, chrome hardware, white logo, and a red tort pickguard. The biggest difference will be 22 frets and a flatter 14" fingerboard radius on the Carvin vs 20 frets and 9.5" radius on the Fender. If you call and talk to them you may be able to get a 10" radius on the Carvin.
With the above mentioned specs I'd just get the Fender, because I like the way it looks better, and I know how its going to sound. With my own preferred custom options on the Carvin - swamp ash body, 5pc neck, maple board with diamond inlays, matching headstock, and add a MM pickup and active electronics, I'd get the Carvin.

I dont have a PB5 but I have a 2014 Carvin X54 and a 2002 American Deluxe P bass. I feel the woods and finish on the Carvin are nicer. The basses are apples and oranges otherwise so that's where the comparison ends.

For a basic build, that's Fenders bread and butter, and they've been doing it forever, so I'd go with the Fender. If you want something tailored to you, Carvin will exceed your expectations. On the other hand, if you want to save $500 and can live with an instrument thats at least the same quality, and you don't mind if it's a little different and doesn't say Fender on the headstock, the Carvin is a strong choice.

 

[TonyP-]

Carvin

 

[mmbongo]

Carvin. No brainer there.

 

[P. Aaron]

Love my 2010 Precision V. 8.7lbs, maple & black. Bought new after running the rack at GC. Ordered it and it has been the nicest, vibe laden, tone monster I have ever owned.

I also play a Big Al 5 SSS and the guys in the band love the Fender...as do I.

In it's 4th year now, action on this thing is stupid low, playability is excellent, and I like the wider neck for my clumsy hands. The 'thin-skin' finish on the body mars easily but to play this thing is to not want to put it down, even when you're tired, the tone just keeps you happy.

I play it through a Hartke LH1000 & LDS cabs. Straight line to that amp, no tuner or box in the chain. Tone controls, straight up unless on concrete or dirt (like the tent wedding reception 2weeks ago) then a little bass boost.

If you look around, retail will be right around a $1000.00. Comes with a great case and pedigree. Don't take my word for it, there are numerous threads posted here as to players love of the P-V.

 

[Bassin']

I've been using the Fender American Standard P5 as my main bass for the last 6 years or so. I bought it when Fender first introduced the American Standard P5 so it was a bit cheaper then- well under $1,000 as I recall- and one of the best investments I've made. I wouldn't hesitate paying a few extra bucks for it today with the experience I've had with it. I haven't had a chance to play the Carvin P5 but I think they are coming out with high quality basses so I don't think you can go wrong there either. I do like the classic P-Bass body style on the Fender much better though.

 

[Double Agent]

For a basic build, that's Fenders bread and butter, and they've been doing it forever, so I'd go with the Fender. If you want something tailored to you, Carvin will exceed your expectations. On the other hand, if you want to save $500 and can live with an instrument thats at least the same quality, and you don't mind if it's a little different and doesn't say Fender on the headstock, the Carvin is a strong choice.

Excellent post here. Nothing wrong with a good Fender. Many like them just as they are and need nothing else. But, if there is something about the Fender that you would want to change, the Carvin is almost certainly a more cost-effective way to get there.

 

[pacojas]

i haven't played either one,... soooo Fender,... duh!

 

[Cajuare]

Carvin!!!

 

[lowfreq33]

Honestly, I've never played a Fender 5 that had a B string I liked. Not saying they aren't out there, I've just never encountered one.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I have yet to play a Fender 5 that I liked - ever. I've played (and owned) several Fender 4's, but for some reason, they just don't handle 5's well. I've played several Carvin 5's I liked - particularly the SB5000 - but I have yet to buy one.