Schecter CV-5 Gloss Natural 5-String Electric Bass Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Schecter CV-5 in Gloss Natural is a versatile five-string electric bass that combines classic-inspired styling with considerably more tonal flexibility than its understated appearance suggests. Its ash body, 35" scale and reinforced maple neck provide a solid platform for everything from traditional bass lines to deeper modern five-string work.

Two Schecter Diamond J-Bucker pickups sit at the heart of the CV-5, with independent three-way Series/Split/Parallel switches allowing each pickup to produce several distinct characters. Combined with a conventional pickup selector, master volume and tone controls, the CV-5 can move from tighter single-coil-style sounds to bigger humbucking tones without relying on active electronics or batteries.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Schecter
Model	CV-5
Item Number	2493
Type	5-String Electric Bass
Finish	Gloss Natural
Condition	New
Body	Ash
Neck	Maple with Carbon-Fibre Reinforcement
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	35"
Frets	22 Narrow X-Jumbo
Pickups	2 x Schecter Diamond J-Bucker
Electronics	Passive with Series/Split/Parallel Switching
Bridge	Schecter S-Tek
Main Appeal	Classic-inspired bass design with extensive passive tonal flexibility
Best For	Rock, funk, pop, alternative, session work and general-purpose bass playing

What Makes the Schecter CV-5 Special?

The CV-5 takes a familiar, traditional bass concept and significantly expands its tonal possibilities. Its 35" scale lengthhelps the low B string maintain tension and definition, while the ash body and six-bolt maple neck provide a responsive foundation. Carbon-fibre reinforcement rods add further neck stability, and the 10" radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 Narrow X-Jumbo frets keeps the overall playing experience comfortable and familiar.

Its greatest strength is the electronics. Each Schecter Diamond J-Bucker has its own three-position Series/Split/Parallel switch. Series mode delivers a fuller humbucking response, Split accesses a leaner single-coil-style character, and Parallel provides another clear, lower-output humbucking voice. Combined with the three-way pickup selector, this gives the CV-5 an unusually wide range of sounds without an onboard preamp.

Who Is It For?

The Schecter CV-5 is ideal for developing, intermediate and experienced bassists who want a traditional-feeling five-string with considerably more tonal versatility than a conventional passive bass.

Its broad range makes it particularly suitable for rock, funk, alternative, pop, indie, worship, session work and recording. Players who appreciate passive electronics but still want multiple usable sounds directly from the instrument should find the CV-5 especially appealing.

Why Choose A Passive 5-String Bass?

A five-string bass adds a low B beneath the conventional E, A, D and G strings, extending the instrument's range without requiring frequent retuning. A 35" scale is particularly useful here because the additional string length helps the lowest notes remain controlled and clearly defined.

Passive electronics also have practical advantages. There is no onboard preamp or battery to maintain, and the controls interact directly with the pickups. The CV-5 goes beyond a basic passive design by adding individual Series/Split/Parallel switching, giving players significantly more control without introducing battery-powered circuitry.

How Does It Compare?

Compared With A Conventional J-Style 5-String

A traditional dual single-coil bass generally provides a straightforward, articulate sound with simple blending controls. The CV-5's J-Bucker pickups can operate in several configurations, allowing the bass to move between more traditional split-coil-style sounds and fuller humbucking voices.

Compared With An Active 5-String Bass

An active bass usually provides onboard bass, mid and treble EQ powered by a battery. The CV-5 instead uses a fully passive signal path with extensive pickup switching. It is particularly appealing to players who want multiple pickup characters while keeping the fundamental control system simple and battery-free.

What’s Included?

• Schecter CV-5 5-String Electric Bass

• Gloss Natural finish

• Dual Schecter Diamond J-Bucker pickups

• Schecter S-Tek bridge

• Factory-fitted Ernie Ball 5-String Super Long .045-.130 strings

Please note: A hardcase is not included. The compatible Schecter SGR-6B C-Shape Bass Hardcase, model 1670, is available separately.

Technical Specifications

General

• Model Name: CV-5

• Item Number: 2493

• Orientation: Right-Handed

• Finish: Gloss Natural

• Condition: New

• Number of Strings: 5

• Hardware Colour: Chrome

Body

• Body Material: Ash

• Top Contour: Flat Top

• Construction: 6-Bolt

Neck

• Neck Material: Maple

• Reinforcement: Carbon-Fibre Reinforcement Rods

• Neck Profile: Thin “C”

• Thickness at 1st Fret: 20mm / .787"

• Thickness at 12th Fret: 23mm / .905"

• Scale Length: 35" / 889mm

• Truss Rod: 2-Way Adjustable with Heel Access

Fingerboard

• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood

• Fingerboard Radius: 10" / 254mm

• Frets: 22 Narrow X-Jumbo

• Inlays: Offset Dots

• Nut: Graph Tech XL Ivory TUSQ

• Nut Width: 45mm / 1.771"

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: Schecter Diamond J-Bucker

• Neck Pickup: Schecter Diamond J-Bucker

• Pickup Type: Passive Humbucking

• Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone

• Pickup Selector: 3-Way Switch

• Bridge Pickup Switching: 3-Way Series / Split / Parallel

• Neck Pickup Switching: 3-Way Series / Split / Parallel

• Active Preamp: No

Hardware

• Bridge: Schecter S-Tek

• Tuners: Schecter Light-Weight

• Hardware Finish: Chrome

• Knobs: Metal Knurled with Set Screw

Strings

• Factory Strings: Ernie Ball 5-String Super Long #2850

• Gauge: .045-.130

Case

• Compatible Case: Schecter SGR-6B C-Shape Bass Hardcase

• Case Model: 1670

• Case Included: No – sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Schecter CV-5 an active bass?

No. The CV-5 uses fully passive electronics, so it does not require a battery.

What pickups are fitted?

The bass features two Schecter Diamond J-Bucker pickups, with one in the bridge position and one at the neck.

What is a J-Bucker pickup?

The Diamond J-Bucker combines a J-style bass format with humbucking construction. On the CV-5, each pickup can also be configured in Series, Split or Parallel modes for additional tonal flexibility.

What does Series mode do?

Series mode uses both coils together for a fuller, stronger humbucking sound with plenty of body and output.

What does Split mode do?

Split mode uses a reduced coil configuration to produce a leaner, more traditional single-coil-style response.

What does Parallel mode do?

Parallel mode retains humbucking operation but creates a clearer, more open character than the stronger Series setting.

Can the bridge and neck pickups be configured separately?

Yes. Each Diamond J-Bucker has its own three-way Series/Split/Parallel switch, so different pickup modes can be combined.

How many tonal combinations are available?

The combination of two individually configurable pickups and a three-way pickup selector provides a substantial range of distinct sounds from the passive electronics.

Why does the CV-5 use a 35" scale?

The longer 35" scale helps provide additional tension and definition on the low B string, making it particularly beneficial on a five-string bass.

What is the body made from?

The Gloss Natural CV-5 uses an ash body, with the transparent finish allowing the natural wood grain to remain clearly visible.

Will every Gloss Natural CV-5 look identical?

No. Ash is a natural material, so grain pattern and appearance will vary between individual instruments.

What is the neck made from?

The bass has a maple neck with carbon-fibre reinforcement rods for additional structural stability.

Does it have a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes. The current Gloss Natural CV-5 specification uses a rosewood fingerboard with a 10" radius.

How many frets does it have?

The CV-5 features 22 Narrow X-Jumbo frets, providing a slightly more traditional fret count than Schecter basses with 24-fret layouts.

What is the neck profile like?

Schecter uses its Thin “C” bass profile, measuring approximately 20mm at the first fret and 23mm at the twelfth.

What is the nut width?

The Graph Tech XL Ivory TUSQ nut measures 45mm, providing comfortable spacing for the five-string layout.

What bridge is fitted?

The CV-5 uses a Schecter S-Tek fixed bass bridge, providing individual saddle adjustment for accurate setup and intonation.

What strings are fitted from the factory?

Schecter fits Ernie Ball 5-String Super Long #2850 strings in .045-.130 gauge.

Does the CV-5 require a battery?

No. The pickup system and controls are entirely passive.

Is the CV-5 suitable for slap bass?

Yes. Its ash body, clear passive pickups and multiple pickup configurations provide plenty of scope for articulate slap and pop sounds as well as conventional fingerstyle and pick playing.

Is it suitable for rock and heavier music?

Yes. The J-Buckers can provide substantial output and body in Series mode, while the 35" scale keeps the low B controlled. This makes the CV-5 equally comfortable in rock and heavier applications.

Is a hardcase included?

No. The compatible Schecter SGR-6B C-Shape Bass Hardcase, model 1670, is available separately.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music has been helping musicians find the right instruments and equipment since 1987. As a family-run independent music retailer, we combine competitive pricing with knowledgeable service from people who understand musical equipment.

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after purchase

• Trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

• Birmingham showroom with a huge selection of musical instruments and equipment

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading your current bass? Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of bass guitars, electric guitars, amplifiers and other musical equipment.

Trading in your existing gear can help reduce the cost of your next purchase and avoids the inconvenience of selling privately. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and see what your current equipment could be worth towards the Schecter CV-5.