• 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.

Passive 5 string?

#21
I'm sure Carvin makes some great basses, but I had a negative experience with the company and so I try to avoid buying a Carvin product if I can help it. Which passives have a truly great B string?
 
#22
Shopping locally (my preferred method), I'd try as many as I could find, even if I had to drive a few hours.

Shopping online/sight unseen, I'd only be comfortable with Lakland Skyline - I've yet to play a disappointing Lakland (I did play a mediocre one, but not bad). I'm sure a few other brands are just as good, I just don't have experience with them.
 
#25
gillento said:
The same bass will sound different with a real passive circuit compared to an active preamp in bypass.
I tried this with different basses at different price points (Fender, Sadowsky, Nordstrand, ...)
So I do understand the urge to get a 100% passive bass.
Click to expand...
I dont know for sure how those other preamps work but the interesting thing about the Sire is that it can work in passive mode without any batteries at all. I wonder if that is the same as the bypassed active circuit in those other preamps you used.
 
#28
That Sire sounds pretty sweet. I would most likely be using it in passive mode 99% of the time though so it seems kinda silly to have a bass with an active preamp onboard. Like paying for Satellite Radio but always listening to your iPod. How much do those Jeff Berlin models go for?
 
#29
Not sure if it is just Squier, or low $$ basses in specific you aren't a fan of, but when I was looking to try a 5 string again (I despised the first one I had, an active Ibanez Soundgear, not hating on Ibanez, lots of Soundgear love here, just HATED that specific instrument), well after my experience with my cheap knock around P bass copy, SX Guitars earned their place in my music room, the fact they are dirt cheap is just an added bonus.

I have an SX Ursa 2 (Jazz type bass) 5 string in 3 Tone Sunburst with a maple board. Aside from mediocre OEM strings, it has been awesome since the day it arrived.

My requirements were pretty straight forward. Good solid woodwork, straight true neck, functional hardware that doesn't lose tune, good neck feel, light enough weight, and massive sound. My SX fits the bill in all accounts not to mention it looks pretty awesome...

I mean you are talking $149.95 + shipping and possibly taxes. It's a real winner at that price, and as well made, with the fit and finish this thing had, great fretwork, etc... Well if it were a brand known as a more premium brand, I gladly would have paid multiples more for such a well made instrument...

Link Removed
 
#30
It's not that I'm against low end basses. I've had a few Squier Classic Vibes that were total gems. I'm just looking for something a little more professional I guess. If I came across a cheap fiver in person that really sounded and played great I'd probably pick it up, but I don't think I'd buy one sight-unseen. The more I look at the Cort, the more gaudy it seems. I think the gold hardware is a little much for me on that model.
 
#32
Anyone use the Warwick RB Starbass 5? It's a semi-hollow so that would probably help it sound a little bigger and rounder than other Warwick's I've played? How was the B string on your Jazz DwaynieAD?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back