A while back, Thunder Row member Basslad gave us an article on his new Carvin Brian Bromberg B25 Bass. Click HERE to read.
Well, now he's ready with part two of his report, so let's go right to it! Take it away, Basslad!
OK Folks, just a little recap to begin with. In early March, a few weeks after I had obtained the TMBG course, I did some online research, took a trip to a local music store, and went through more deliberation and soul searching before deciding to get myself a custom 5-string bass guitar. I placed the order online with the then current estimated custom shop build time of 8 - 10 weeks. I received the postcard from Carvin a week or so later. The expected time of order completion was May 22, and the real wait began.
Although I forced myself to refrain from buying on impulse, I must admit that the gear acquisition syndrome was one of the underlying factors. However, after all was said and done, I was not going to waste time and give it second thoughts. I managed to forget about my custom bass until the order completion date approached. It took Carvin a bit longer than anticipated and I received my B25 on June 5, but I’ve got nothing to whine about.
I have included the photos of my new ax and before I do a little review, I will give you the rundown on the configuration of this particular custom made 5-string bass guitar:
Bromberg 5S, P Series (includes piezo bridge & blend control)
Classic Sunburst Flame
Clear Gloss Finish
Maple Neck/Alder Body
Ebony Fingerboard
Stainless Med-Jumbo Frets .048” H .103” W
14in Fretboard Radius
Chrome Hardware
2 Radiused Alnico Humbucker Pickups
Stainless Med Light Strings
First of all, I would like to point out the flawless workmanship of the instrument. It is not just hype, it is reality. I have a few guitars and even though they are fine pieces of workmanship, I could find a minor defect here and there. This one appears to be flawless in every way, simply amazing. This type of workmanship should be the standard, not an exception. I think Brian’s analogy with aircraft tolerances is quite accurate.
The second thing that I noticed immediately is the ergonomic design of the bass. The bottom horn sits comfortably on the right leg and once the bass is properly positioned, it balances neatly in the playing position. No slip or neck dive. I wish my Fender Precision was the same way. The neck curvature along with low string action makes for a comfortable and fast fingerboard. The fifth (Low B) string has good tension and does not cause rattling or buzzing.
I was worried about the fifth string, especially its adequate tension on a standard 34” scale bass. No problem at all. I like the low B not only for its tone, and the few extra low notes, but most importantly, for the availability of more notes for any given hand position. Is the 5-stinger more difficult to fret? No, it isn’t, thanks to the neck shape. By comparison, my Fender Precision’s neck is quite bulky, and I have to open my fretting hand wider even though it’s a standard 4-stringer.
OK, so what about the fundamental quality of the bass - its sound? That’s what we’re after anyway. None of the features matter if the sound is no good. Well, we’re talking active/passive electronics bass here, plus Piezo Bridge and blend control. The sound quality is where the instrument shines the most. This bass produces the full range and color of tones unheard of from most bass guitars. The passive mode gives a solid, thick, warm, and balanced tone. The active mode enhances the fundamental sound quality any which way you want. Engage the piezo bridge pickups and you will hear some gorgeous sounds you’ve never heard before from an electric bass guitar.
I chose stainless steel strings and humbucker pickups. The sound I get is absolutely fantastic. Of course, there are various options for pickups, and you can use different strings. The electronics cavity is fully shielded, so you can use humbucker or single coil. Use a different combination for neck and bridge pickups if you so desire. Specific sound is largely a matter of personal taste.
The radiused pickups definitely have their ergonomic value as well. They don’t get in the way as the ones on my Fender P. Am I beginning to dislike my Fender P? No. It is a different “animal” with big history behind it. Nonetheless, Fender might’ve made some improvements over the years instead of sticking to the vintage style and “Do not reinvent the wheel” idea.
Is the new bass better than my Fender P? Yes. I’m all for new technologies versus vintage stuff. Electronic components have come a long way in terms of quality and capability. Having said that, I cannot ignore the value of what we now call vintage instruments. The majority of the recordings that I love so much were done with the vintage tools. In other words, I am for one, but appreciate the other.
That wraps up the brief review of my new bass. In addition I refer the readers to the Carvin Clinic with Brian Bromberg where he talks about the design, demonstrates the power of electronics, how to use the controls, and finally puts the bass into action. Enjoy!
Be sure to stop by Basslad's Website. He has plenty of good info on music lessons, bass, piano, and guitar!
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