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Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass bass in Satin Black vs Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Bass bass in Gloss Natural
The Johnny Christ-5 is a high-octane 5-string built for metal and aggressive styles with active electronics and a 35-inch scale, while the Michael Anthony MA-4 is a classic 4-string passive bass with warm tone suited to funk, rock, and studio work. Choose the Johnny Christ for extended range and cutting aggression; choose the Michael Anthony for traditional playability and natural resonance.
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Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass bass in Satin Black
Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Bass bass in Gloss Natural
Specs side by side
| Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass bass in Satin Black | Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Bass bass in Gloss Natural | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.00 | $1,399.00 |
| Brand | Schecter | Schecter |
| Body | Modern Bass | — |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 35" Scale | 34" Scale |
| Strings | 5 | 4 |
| Frets | 24 Frets | 21 Frets |
| Fretboard | Rosewood | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body | Bolt-On |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | — |
| Year | 2017 | Unknown |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass bass in Satin Black
- ✓ 5-string extended range for metal and djent applications
- ✓ Active EMG electronics deliver aggressive articulation and cut through dense mixes
- ✓ 35-inch scale and 1.771-inch nut width provide wide string spacing for precise fast picking
Why choose Schecter Michael Anthony MA-4 Bass bass in Gloss Natural
- ✓ Warm, resonant passive tone from Koa top and Swamp Ash body with no active preamp coloration
- ✓ Lighter, more traditional 34-inch scale comfortable for players seeking classic playability
- ✓ Dual Schecter MonsterTone pickups deliver articulate note definition ideal for funk and studio recording
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Johnny Christ-5 have a 35-inch scale instead of the standard 34 inches?
The longer 35-inch scale provides better string tension and clarity across five strings, crucial for metal and djent styles where precise articulation and extended low-end response are essential.
Will the Michael Anthony MA-4 work for metal or rock, or is it strictly for funk and jazz?
The MA-4 handles rock well but is not optimized for metal; its passive tone and 4-string configuration suit rock, funk, and studio work better than aggressive high-gain styles that demand the Johnny Christ's active EQ and extended range.
What is the main tonal difference between these basses?
The Johnny Christ-5 offers punchy, crystalline highs with aggressive articulation via active EMG electronics, while the MA-4 delivers warm, natural resonance through passive Schecter MonsterTone pickups—one cuts through dense mixes, the other blends smoothly in mixed ensembles.
Which bass is better for someone gigging regularly in different genres?
The Michael Anthony MA-4 is more versatile across funk, rock, and jazz contexts, while the Johnny Christ-5 is specialized for metal, hardcore, and djent—pick based on your primary genre.