Schecter Michael Anthony MA-5 5 String Electric Bass Gloss Natural
Description
Schecter Michael Anthony MA-5 5-String Electric Bass — Gloss Natural
The MA-5 sits solidly in the pocket with its thin "C"-shaped neck and balanced weight distribution, keeping fatigue at bay during long sessions. This 5-string configuration extends your low-end range while maintaining the responsive playability that translates to consistent tracking and overdubbing. The gloss natural finish reveals the wood's natural resonance, producing a punchy, articulate tone with impressive clarity that punches through dense mixes.
Recording Character & Construction
Built with a swamp ash body topped with koa and a bolt-on design, this bass combines natural wood resonance with structural stability—ideal for capturing articulate transients and sustain in the studio. The maple/walnut neck with rosewood fretboard and thin "C" profile minimizes hand fatigue during tracking sessions, while the 35" scale length and 21 extra jumbo frets give you extended low-end range and comfortable spacing for tight intonation across all positions during recording.
Sonic Palette & Pickup System
Dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups—a bridge-mounted J-style and neck-mounted P-style—capture punchy articulation and warm depth with excellent clarity and definition, covering everything from slap and popping techniques to smooth, singing lines in a single session. The volume/tone controls with 3-way switching provides tonal shaping within the box without reaching for outboard gear, while the WSC THD5 bass bridge and WSC KG700 tuners ensure stable intonation and reliable tuning stability across multiple takes.
Key Features
- Body: Swamp ash with koa top; bolt-on construction
- Finish: Gloss natural
- Neck: Maple/walnut with thin "C" shape; 35" scale length
- Fretboard: Rosewood with 21 extra jumbo frets; 12" radius
- Neck thickness: .787" at 1st fret, .866" at 12th fret
- Nut: Graph Tech XL Black Tusq; 1.771" width
- Pickups: Schecter USA MonsterTone-P (neck) and MonsterTone-J (bridge)
- Controls: Volume, tone, and 3-way switch with metal knurled knobs
- Hardware: WSC KG700 tuners and WSC THD5 bass bridge in black
- Inlays: White pearloid dots
- Truss rod: 2-way adjustable with 5/32" Allen nut
- Strings: Ernie Ball 5-string super long (.045–.130)
This instrument balances brightness with warmth across funk, rock, metal, and progressive styles while maintaining the Schecter build quality and consistency that serious home-studio operators and session professionals depend on.
More Information
| Dexterity | Right handed |
|---|---|
| Condition | New |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Schecter Michael Anthony MA-5 delivers punchy, articulate bass tones with impressive clarity and warm depth that sit well in a dense mix—ideal for recording funk, rock, metal, and progressive tracks. The dual USA MonsterTone pickups (P/J configuration) and 3-way switching give you tonal flexibility to capture everything from tight, defined slap parts to smooth, singing lines in a single session. Its extended 5-string range and responsive playability make it a versatile choice for home and professional studio work across multiple genres.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Funk
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Progressive
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Traditional Jazz
- – Upright Bass contexts
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this bass suited for?
The MA-5 is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its thin C-shaped neck and responsive playability support fast, precise technique, while the extended 5-string range and versatile pickup configuration reward deeper musical exploration.
What genres does this bass work best in?
This bass excels in funk, rock, metal, and progressive music. The punchy articulation and clarity from the dual MonsterTone pickups cut through dense mixes in these styles, though it is not optimized for traditional jazz or upright bass contexts.
What pickups does it have and can I adjust the tone?
The MA-5 features dual Schecter USA MonsterTone pickups—a P-style at the neck and J-style at the bridge. A 3-way switch combined with volume and tone controls lets you shape your sound from aggressive slap attack to smooth, singing lines.
How does the neck feel and what are the specs?
The neck has a thin C-shape profile that minimizes hand fatigue during long sessions. It measures 0.787 inches at the 1st fret and 0.866 inches at the 12th fret, with a 35-inch scale length and 21 extra jumbo frets for extended range and comfortable spacing across all positions.
How does the MA-5 compare to similar 5-string basses?
The MA-5 sits alongside models like the Fender Squier Dimension 5, Ibanez SR1205, and Yamaha TRBX505. Its swamp ash body with koa top and dual USA MonsterTone pickups deliver a brighter, more articulate character while maintaining warm depth—a balance that appeals to players wanting both definition and resonance.