Question 25th - 5 string query (weight specs & all rosewood necks)

[smokey]

Hello all,

Long time lurker, new member. I'm looking for assistance on information from 25th or Reflex 5 string owners.
I'm seriously considering purchasing a 25th 5 string (most likely a dual Hum model) to replace my SR5 single Hum. Love the SR5 tone, but after recently changing lineup positions from acoustic guitar to bass in my band, I have found my SR5's weight (10 1/2 lbs) has aggrivated upper back issues that I have had for years (and have managed on a daily basis with regular weights training). I do not blame the instrument, but my genetics

There are a couple of 25th 5 strings that I have tracked down and have been able to secure specs. The weights of some of the basses, range from 9lbs to 10lbs and this is not necessarily linked to having extra pickups.
I have contacted Ernie Ball Customer Service (with a serial number of one particular model) hoping to get the exact weight specs of the bass. I am hedging my bets, so that if the information I am after is not available from Customer Service, that I can hopefully get a cross section of weight range of the 5 string 25th's or Reflex's (any pickup config) from owners on the Forum.

I am looking at a bass ideally around 9 lbs to 9 1/2 lbs range. Ok, now the background is down onto the questions:

Can any 25th or Reflex 5 string owners please post the weights of their basses?

Do any 25th owners with Rosewood fretboards, feel they are missing any snap or high end from their basses?

Can any 25th all Rosewood neck owners out there please post their experience with the tone of these models - with specific refference to the clarity on the low B string? I have searched the forum and have read all the posts I could find regarding all rosewood necked basses, but there are very limited threads about these unique models.

Am I being completely silly by hesitating at all on purchasing a 25th? I'm probably walking right into a "Yes... just do it" answer here, but hey... have to ask the question.

I am only familiar with the tone of Maple neck / Maple board SR5's, so I do have a slight concern about losing the "snap" and brightness of my current SR5, yet I did note that the only 25th 4 string I have played did not seem to lack any punch or high end in its' tone. I have watched Ed Friedland's 25th HH Youtube demo too many times and also the Perfect Bass's demo's of the Reflex H and HSS and do hear tones that makes me grin.

I'm sure someone out there can relate to my dilema of possibly purchasing a bass unseen and unplayed, and hoping that it is not too heavy for my back. I have no issues with the QC of the EBMM company, because I know they are top notch. Any other relevant information that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Movielife]

I would chime in here, just regarding rosewood boards, and say that for me, they are perfect. EBMMs can be very aggressive and snappy no matter what board, so if it looks visually excellent, and feels great, then thats the best choice.

Personally, its all about the rosewood for me.

I havent played an all rosewood neck, but id LOVE to.

 

[jlepre]

I believe he is looking for opinions on SOLID rosewood necks, not rosewood boards.

 

[smokey]

Thanks guys, I probably wasn't clear enough in my post.

I am after info on solid Rosewood necks, but am also after info on 25th's with Maple necks and Rosewood fingerboards. Any info that people have with hands on experience on either or both would be a help to me.
Cheers

 

[Manfloozy]

Rosewood necked 25ths are a wonderful beautiful thing. I've had the honor of playing a 5 string, #7 and a 4 string, #5. They are both amazing basses.

The 25th has a clarity and a lot of clear glassy high end information. The RW neck adds weight and depth IMO. The 5 string I likened to a huge bell... Very rich but very clear.

I don't think you would be disappointed at all. The maple neck and board will probably still have even more high end but it really isn't "needed" if that makes sense.

 

[oli@bass]

Am I being completely silly by hesitating at all on purchasing a 25th?

This

 

[smokey]

The 25th has a clarity and a lot of clear glassy high end information. The RW neck adds weight and depth IMO. The 5 string I likened to a huge bell... Very rich but very clear.

Re: "Weight", do you mean depth to the tonal sound / characteristics or actually physical weight? Sorry, I'm probably sounding paranoid about the weight thing. It just happens to be my main deciding factor of purchasing any bass at the moment.
Cheers

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Weight is an issue for many people such as myself and is not an issue to take "lightly". 10 lbs is my absolute cutoff, but even then 10 lbs usually feels heavy to me. I find that 8.5 to 9 lbs is ideal, depending on the bass.

Have you considered a Sterling? Their bodies are smaller than an SR5. (Sorry, I don't have any info on the 25th or Reflex).

 

[projectapollo]

Be sure to check out the GC Clearance thread to locate some 25th on close-out.

 

[Manfloozy]

Re: "Weight", do you mean depth to the tonal sound / characteristics or actually physical weight? Sorry, I'm probably sounding paranoid about the weight thing. It just happens to be my main deciding factor of purchasing any bass at the moment.
Cheers

I'm sorry, bad choice of words, I meant tonally.

The 4 HSS I have is a very comfortable weight. The 5 HSS was a bit heavier... But that is to be expected. I don't think the all RW necks adds much weight if any by itself.

Wood varies though. If you have the opportunity to pick up a BFR 25th it's worth it.

 

[smokey]

Weight is an issue for many people such as myself and is not an issue to take "lightly". 10 lbs is my absolute cutoff, but even then 10 lbs usually feels heavy to me. I find that 8.5 to 9 lbs is ideal, depending on the bass.

Have you considered a Sterling? Their bodies are smaller than an SR5. (Sorry, I don't have any info on the 25th or Reflex).

Hey, I'm not the only one in the world with this issue! Yes, I have definitely considered a Sterling 5. So far all the ones that I have come across have either been:
- available to purchase, but too heavy (10 to 10.5 lbs),
- or lighter (eg 9.5 lbs), but not able to be shipped to Australia.
A Sterling 5 would definitely be a cheaper option than a 25th or Reflex, yet after playing a 4 string 25th (H) I think I am completely sold on the electronics in these instruments. A Swiss army knife of active and passive tones!

Be sure to check out the GC Clearance thread to locate some 25th on close-out.

Thanks man, I checked out that thread earlier in the week. 25th's currently being stocked by shops in the US are not able to be exported to Australia. My previous enquiries into other EBMM basses that I think would suit my needs (Reflex 5 or Sterling 5's from other US retail stores), have informed me that these stock instruments couldn't be exported to Aus directly. This is due to the export agreement with the Australian distributor CMC. I have no issues about this information and am not endeavouring to try and bypass EBMM export agreement. At the end of the day, all I am after is a bass that has tone that makes me smile and meets my physical weight limitations.
The models that I have been informed which can be shipped to me are NOS limited edition models or 2nd hand instruments (eg 2007 Blue Dawn models, 2008 Sequoia Gold, etc). So far out of my enquiries, I have not found another bass that has piqued my interest like a 25th or Reflex 5 string. I tested out a Bongo 4 at the same time I tried the 25th 4 string. The tone of the 25th just seemed to work for me.
There are some on the GC Clearance list that do interest me, but I don't believe that GC will be able to export.
Cheers

 

[projectapollo]

A Sterling 5 would definitely be a cheaper option than a 25th or Reflex, yet after playing a 4 string 25th (H) I think I am completely sold on the electronics in these instruments. A Swiss army knife of active and passive tones!

The Big Al SSS is a swiss army knife, too. Might be a bit less expensive than a 25th or Reflex, as well. Maybe even lighter. I know they are extremely well balanced and comfortable to wear.

 

[projectapollo]

There are some on the GC Clearance list that do interest me, but I don't believe that GC will be able to export.
Cheers

Oops, did not realize you were in that other hemisphere.

 

[Colin]

Oops, did not realize you were in that other hemisphere.

you nearly did me out of a sale . Damian the 25th cry's out for you at night like a little puppy...

 

[smokey]

you nearly did me out of a sale . Damian the 25th cry's out for you at night like a little puppy...

Thanks Colin. I can look forward to another sleepless night ahead! Ha ha