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Schecter Johnny Christ Bass in Satin Black vs Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass in Satin Black
The Johnny Christ Bass is a 4-string instrument with a 34" scale and EMG 81/MMCS pickups, ideal for players seeking traditional bass range and articulate, punchy tone. The Johnny Christ-5 is a 5-string with a 35" scale and EMG P5/LJ pickups, built for players who need the extended low-B string and crystalline highs in aggressive metal and hardcore contexts.
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Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass in Satin Black
Specs side by side
| Schecter Johnny Christ Bass in Satin Black | Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass in Satin Black | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.00 | $1,399.00 |
| Brand | Schecter | Schecter |
| Body | Precision Bass | Modern Bass |
| Body Type | Solid | Solid |
| Scale | 34" Scale | 35" Scale |
| Strings | 4 | 5 |
| Frets | 21 Frets | 24 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Rosewood |
| Neck | Maple | Maple |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On | Neck-Thru-Body |
| Pickup Configuration | Active HH | Active HH |
| Bridge | String-Through Body | — |
| Year | 2023 | 2017 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Schecter Johnny Christ Bass in Satin Black
- ✓ Classic 4-string format familiar to most bass players
- ✓ 34" scale length slightly easier to navigate for intermediate players
- ✓ EMG 81/MMCS pickup pairing proven for punchy metal tones
- ✓ Tight low-end focus without extended frequency range
Why choose Schecter Johnny Christ-5 Bass in Satin Black
- ✓ 5-string design adds low-B for deeper drops and extended range
- ✓ 35" scale provides wider string spacing for precise finger placement
- ✓ EMG P5/LJ pickups deliver crystalline highs alongside authoritative lows
- ✓ Better suited for djent and modern metal tuning demands
Frequently asked questions
What's the practical difference in string spacing between these two?
The Johnny Christ-5 has a 1.771-inch nut width and 35-inch scale, providing noticeably wider spacing between strings. The standard Johnny Christ has a tighter setup at 34 inches, which some players prefer for speed and others find limiting for aggressive picking techniques.
Which pickup set is better for metal?
Both are metal-focused. The Johnny Christ's EMG 81/MMCS emphasizes punchy articulation and note separation across standard tuning ranges. The Johnny Christ-5's EMG P5/LJ combination is specifically voiced to handle the extended low-end demands of 5-string metal with crystalline high-end clarity—making it ideal for djent and drop tunings.
Will the 5-string be harder to learn on?
The extra string adds learning curve for hand position and muscle memory, but the wider spacing on the 5-string can actually improve finger precision once adjusted to. If you're already comfortable with 4-string bass, the transition is manageable for intermediate-to-advanced players.
Are the fretboards and hardware identical?
Both feature ebony fretboards, 21 Narrow X-Jumbo frets, 12-inch radius, and satin black ash bodies with gold hardware. The primary construction difference is the 3-piece maple neck on the 5-string versus the 4-string's standard bolt-on maple neck, supporting the wider scale length.