There is no such thing as a “best” bass.
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The best Carvin bass
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There is no such thing as a “best” bass.
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Kiesel basses are an excellent value BUT they are their own thing. If you don't care about string spacing or neck thickness fine, but be aware that every manufacturer has their own set of specs. Kiesel basses are 19mm (five string) and 1.75" nut width with a VERY thin neck thickness front to back. (think Ibanez) One guys dream bass is another bass players firewood. The other issue is resale but that's were I start sounding like a broken record and I'm sure you are aware of that. Good luck.
I need that whammy bar so I can dive bomb out of a trouble when I hit a bad note
I had 2 I loved but sold when times got tough....a SB4000 and a TBS4. Both excellent and if I get the opportunity, I will buy them again, now!
I'd have to say the SB5000 is still one of the best. The PB5 is really good too. I recently acquired the latest version of the Vanquish V59K and it is now my main bass. The replacement of the neck plate on the V59K with ferrules makes the upper fret access much easier and more comfortable. To me, Carvin 4 string basses feel surprisingly different than the 5's do and of course apply the golden rule if you can: play it before you buy it.
They are not all created equal. Even Ibanez necks vary in thickness. For example, the Brian Bromberg 5 string has a thicker neck than the V59k. The SB4000 has a thicker neck than a Fender jazz. The current basses in production neck dimensions are almost always listed on the Carvin/Kiesel site and if they are not check out the Carvin/Kiesel forums for more info.
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I'd have to agree that "Best Bass" is very subjective - unless you're trying to choose between an Alembic, and something from Aliexpress. I'd say there was definitely a "Best" bass there... My only Carvin (or Kiesel, whatever) is this '06 LB-20. It is a very nice bass, but... I wouldn't call it my "Best". It does work well for doing what is was originally made for (faking a Rickenbacker - long story..) but otherwise? Nice as it is, those HB-50 pickups are kinda "meh"... It's currently strung BEAD with La Bella Black Tapewounds; it sounds good like that, too...
i've owned a few LB76 basses. some were better than others. all were nice.
they are my favorite. i also had an XB76 that i really liked.
they are my favorite. i also had an XB76 that i really liked.
my b4 (b40?) is the finest used bass i ever bought based on quality/price ratio, and it's not even close. next up is the guild sb-201.
As others have said - the phrase “best bass” is to subjective to have much relevance. In general Carvin & now Kiesel basses are well made and are an excellent value on the used market. The new prices are fair, considering they are US made and use top quality hardware & components, and they allow an extensive level of customization.
I have two - an older B4 - similar to the LB70 but more of a jazz clone. Bought it used of CL, one piece solid Koa body, ebony FB, quartersawn maple neck & it came with the OEM tweed hardcase made by G&G cases. Thats a bargain at $500.
Just picked up a Kiesel vader 4. Like it so far but the jury will be out until I’ve lived with it for 6 months or so. First step is to restring it with flats.
I have two - an older B4 - similar to the LB70 but more of a jazz clone. Bought it used of CL, one piece solid Koa body, ebony FB, quartersawn maple neck & it came with the OEM tweed hardcase made by G&G cases. Thats a bargain at $500.
Just picked up a Kiesel vader 4. Like it so far but the jury will be out until I’ve lived with it for 6 months or so. First step is to restring it with flats.
Hey thanks for all the info. I am just waiting for a deal to go through before I pull the trigger.Now I have some info. to go on.I don't have a music store anywhere close so I have to rely on others' experiences. I had an old Carvin B4 that I gave to my grandson.It was top quality and I really miss it. That's why I want a Carvin...I know the quality is there.
Yeah, no real way to pick a "best" for someone else without knowing what they want. I will say that I just bought a early/mid 90s LB76 (quilted maple/ebony) over the summer that I like quite a lot especially now that I've finally put some new strings on it (except now I need to set it up again, although it's not bad at the moment, and no fault of the bass, just weather and string changes).
Which features do you want? Which model has those? That's the best then.
Which features do you want? Which model has those? That's the best then.
A few years back they rolled out the SB4000/5000 basses. Many times I built a SB4000 on their website and then backed before actually clicking buy. Seems like they were short lived but I never heard anyone say anything bad about them.
