Schecter CB-5 Charles Berthoud Bass See Thru Black Satin
Description
Schecter CB-5 Charles Berthoud Bass See Thru Black Satin
The CB-5 delivers a balanced, ergonomic playing experience with its thin "C" neck profile and 35" extended scale that translates to articulate, controlled tracking in your sessions. Finished in elegant See Thru Black Satin with a flamed maple top, this signature model combines striking visual appeal with the professional-grade stability and sustain required for capturing precise bass performances. Built as a true thru-neck instrument with carbon fiber reinforcement, the CB-5 is engineered for consistency and reliability across any recording style or studio application.
Construction & Session Stability
The neck-thru design with 5-ply walnut, padauk stringers, and dual carbon fiber rods ensures maximum rigidity and sustain—critical for maintaining solid intonation across multitrack overdubs and live-to-disk recording sessions. The Ultra Access heel allows seamless upper fret navigation for layering multiple bass tones, while a thin "C" neck shape measuring 20mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 12th fret provides comfortable reach during long studio days. The 16" fretboard radius and 24 jumbo frets on rosewood deliver smooth, fast playability with abalone offset dot inlays and side markers for confident tracking.
Tone Shaping for the Mix
Dual EMG 40HZ pickups paired with an EMG 3-band active EQ system deliver expansive tonal range from deep, articulate lows to crisp, defined highs—essential for dialing in the exact bass character your mix demands. The 35" scale length ensures tight low-end articulation and clarity on the extended B string, giving you defined bottom-end definition that sits cleanly in dense mixes. The Schecter Diamond Custom Bass bridge provides solid resonance and reliable tuning stability across long recording sessions.
Key Features
- Ash body with flamed maple top – premium tonewoods delivering rich tone and striking aesthetics
- Thru-neck construction with Ultra Access – maximum sustain and smooth upper fret access
- 5-ply walnut neck with padauk stringers and dual carbon fiber reinforcement rods – enhanced stability and sustain
- 35" extended scale length – tight, articulate low end and improved clarity
- Thin "C" neck profile – 20mm at 1st fret, 22mm at 12th fret for ergonomic reach
- 24 jumbo frets on rosewood with abalone offset dots – smooth playing surface with elegant inlay markers
- Dual EMG 40HZ pickups with active 3-band EQ – wide tonal range and pro-grade tone shaping
- Graph Tech Black Tusq XL nut at 45mm width – precision string definition and durability
- Schecter Diamond Custom Bass bridge – resonant and tuning-stable hardware
- Grover tuners with 2-way truss rod – reliable tuning and adjustability via heel spoke wheel
- Black hardware throughout – cohesive visual design with See Thru Black Satin finish
- 9.52 pounds – balanced weight for extended playing sessions
The CB-5 stands as a professional recording instrument built for producers and engineers who demand uncompromised sustain, tonal flexibility, and dependable performance across demanding studio sessions.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The CB-5 is a session-ready 5-string bass engineered to sit tight in a mix with articulate B-string definition and warm, controlled low end that won't muddy your recordings. Its EMG 40HZ pickups and active 3-band EQ provide the tonal shaping and output needed to track funk, progressive, and solo bass parts with clarity across any genre. Build quality—thru-neck, carbon-fiber reinforced, premium tonewoods—ensures every take is stable, resonant, and professional-sounding.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ funk
- ✓ studio sessions
- ✓ solo bass
- ✓ extended range
Not the best pick for
- – beginner
- – budget-conscious
Skill level: Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 35" scale and extended B string important for this bass?
The 35" extended scale ensures tight, articulate low-end articulation and clarity on the B string, preventing it from sounding muddy or flabby. This is especially valuable in funk, solo bass lines, and studio sessions where definition and precision matter.
Is the thin "C" neck profile comfortable for extended playing sessions?
Yes—it measures 20mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 12th fret, providing comfortable reach and fast playability. The Ultra Access heel also allows seamless navigation to the upper frets, and the balanced 9.52-pound weight reduces fatigue during long sets or studio work.
What kind of tonal range does the EMG pickup and preamp system provide?
The dual EMG 40HZ pickups paired with an active 3-band EQ deliver expansive range from deep, articulate lows to crisp, defined highs, adapting effortlessly to fingerstyle, slap, or tapping techniques. The system gives you pro-grade tone shaping for studio and live versatility.
How is the neck constructed to ensure sustain and stability?
The CB-5 features a thru-neck design with 5-ply walnut and padauk stringers reinforced by dual carbon fiber rods, engineered for maximum rigidity and sustain. This construction is built for precision and reliability across any playing style.
What are the premium materials used in the body and hardware?
The body is ash with a flamed maple top for rich tone and striking visuals, the fretboard is rosewood with 24 jumbo frets and abalone offset dot inlays, and hardware includes a Graph Tech Black Tusq XL nut, Schecter Diamond Custom Bass bridge, and Grover tuners. All hardware is black to match the See Thru Black Satin finish.
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