Carvin SB5000 or Fender Jazz

[timbass2882]

I was listening to both on youtube and I felt like the Sb5000 had the edge. What do you guys think.

[ssabass]

I really like the Carvin SB5000. I may be getting one within the next 6 months. I almost bought one about a yr ago, but I didn't pull the trigger. But the Fender Jazz is the reason, why the SB5000 sounds like it does & many other basses as well.  The Fender Jazz tone is the tone, that most bass makers reach for. Very few makers have tried to develop it's own sound. Most are just Fenders on steroids & they cost 2-3 times as much as the Fender. but the Carvin gives you as close as a Fender Jazz tone as you can get & the price line is ridiculously low. Eventually though I will also purchase a Fender Jazz(American). But if I had to choose just one bass, it would definitely be the Fender Jazz.

[dafunky1]

I've had my SB5000 for about a year and a half now and I'm still happy and in love. The variety of tones that I can get out of this bass is amazing. It's my "Go-To" bass now and haven't touched my other basses.

Hint, Hint...I have a Lakland 55-01 (with Audere preamp) and a MIM Fender Jazz 4-string (with Audere preamp) that I'm putting up for sale. I don't play them any more!

[DWBass]

Both great basses. The Carvin will have a slightly thicker neck though. I may spring for one in the future. I love Fenders.

[stix_clgi]

I think it depends on a person's budget and what not. There is a reason, as was stated above, that other companies have been imitating Fender for 60 years. The US Fenders, especially the Deluxe's, are sweet. My buddy owns a Swamp Ash/Maple deluxe...the tone is phenomenal, and sometimes makes me wonder why some people pay twice the price for imitations.

That said, I think the SB4/5k's might be a little more versatile and aggressive, especially given the fact that you have a multitude of body/neck/fingerboard options, as well as different picukp configs. I think an SB with Carvin's HB humbucker (MM-style pup) in the bridge position, with a stacked humbucker at the neck position might be a really nice combo, especially if you can split the coils on the HB. I figure maple body, walnut top, maple neck/fretboard....yeah....that'll do.

Additionally, you can spec out an SB to your liking, and potentially come under the price of a US Fender Deluxe, which is a great selling point for me. I plan on ordering one in the near future with the above configuration.

[ssabass]

Here is a good demo of the Carvin SB5000. It's actually a demo for he amp, but really it's a demo for both bass & amp. Enjoy!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ftBkkVfE_0

[ssabass]

Let's try this again. 

CARVIN: MICRO BASS AMP SERIES DEMO

[superjaay]

My SB5000 is my go to bass. Where else can you pick custom colors, woods, and finishes for a custom bass for around $1000. It can do it all very well. Only drawback is that it is heavy 10.5lbs. Get a 4 or 5 inch wide strap and you're good to go. Carvin support is awesome also. I broke a tuner after 2 years and they had me a new one before the next Sunday service. The bass comes with a five year warranty. The 18v preamp and push/pull active passive tone knob are nice touches. I have nothing but great things to say about the SB5.

[timbass2882]

SuperJaay everyone who does the demo say their light basses. I did not know that but they sound good to the ears. I can look past the weight. Thanks for the info.