Schecter CB-5 Charles Berthoud Bass See Thru Black Satin
Description
Schecter CB-5 Charles Berthoud Bass See Thru Black Satin
The CB-5 sits perfectly in your hands with its thin "C" neck profile and 35" extended scale, delivering articulate response and controlled feel under your fingers. Finished in elegant See Thru Black Satin with a flamed maple top, this signature model strikes a visual statement while backing it up with the professional-grade stability and sustain that cuts through on stage and in the studio. Built as a true thru-neck instrument with carbon fiber reinforcement, the CB-5 stays rock-solid across any playing style and gig scenario.
Construction & Playability
The neck-thru design with 5-ply walnut, padauk stringers, and dual carbon fiber rods locks in maximum rigidity and sustain while the Ultra Access heel lets you navigate the upper frets without wrestling the instrument. A thin "C" neck shape measuring 20mm at the 1st fret and 22mm at the 12th fret sits comfortably in your grip, while the 16" fretboard radius and 24 jumbo frets on rosewood make for fast, responsive playability with abalone offset dot inlays and side markers for visual reference when you're locked in on stage.
Tone & Electronics
Dual EMG 40HZ pickups paired with an EMG 3-band active EQ system give you command over a wide tonal palette—from deep, articulate lows to crisp, defined highs—responding exactly how you need it for fingerstyle, slap, or tapping. The 35" scale length tightens up your low-end articulation and keeps the B string clear and punchy, while the Schecter Diamond Custom Bass bridge locks in your tone with solid resonance and tuning stability night after night.
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 is built for bassists who refuse compromise on sustain, tonal control, and playability whether you're carrying the low end solo or anchoring a full ensemble.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Schecter CB-5 is a professional 5-string bass built for advanced players who need articulate low-end punch, extended-range clarity, and rock-solid playability on a bandstand or in the studio. Its thru-neck construction, dual EMG pickups, and tight 35" scale deliver the sustain, tonal flexibility, and precision demanded by funk, solo, and session work. Choose it for the combination of ergonomic thin "C" neck feel, premium flamed-maple aesthetics, and road-tested reliability that make it a gigging pro's instrument.
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.