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Pricing and availability

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Description

Crafted with both elegance and functionality in mind, the Carl Thompson Semi Frills electric bass guitar is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design. Known for its distinctive style and custom-wound pickups, this bass is engineered to deliver a rich, resonant sound that perfectly complements any genre from jazz to rock. Its semi-hollow body construction reduces weight without compromising on tone, offering a comfortable playing experience that’s ideal for extended sessions. The smooth, fast neck and expertly finished fretboard ensure effortless playability, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned musicians.

The Carl Thompson Semi Frills stands out with its unique blend of traditional aesthetics and modern enhancements, appealing to bassists who appreciate both style and substance. Its high-quality materials and construction reflect Carl Thompson’s dedication to excellence, ensuring longevity and reliability in every note. Whether you’re performing on stage or recording in the studio, this bass promises to elevate your sound with its articulate and dynamic tonal range.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body design for reduced weight and enhanced resonance
  • Custom-wound pickups for a rich, dynamic sound
  • Fast, smooth neck for improved playability
  • High-quality craftsmanship ensuring durability and reliability
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for a variety of musical genres

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Thompson Semi Frills.

Build quality

  • A user highlighted concerns over quality control, noting poor sound and limited tones in their custom build.

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Comparisons

  • A user compared the sound quality unfavorably to a $500 Sterling Musicman Stingray bass, noting significant disappointment.

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User experience

  • It's suggested to thoroughly research and specify materials and electronics when customizing, as these choices directly impact weight and tonal options.

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  • Owners often wait several years for their custom Carl Thompson to be completed, highlighting the exclusivity and anticipation involved in acquiring one.

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  • One owner noted the transition from semi to full frills during the wait, indicating flexibility in customization options over time.

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Value and pricing

  • Some users express skepticism over the high price of Carl Thompson basses, suggesting alternatives in the $2-3k range as potentially better value.

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Features and functionality

  • The bass features a unique 29-fret design, which is uncommon and offers extended range for players seeking more notes on the fretboard.

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  • A single passive Kent Anderson MM style pickup is used, which contributes to a bass-heavy, dub-like tone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The bass originally came equipped with Boomer strings, but other strings like Daddario NYXL have been used for different tonal preferences.

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Other

  • The wooden cavity covers on Carl Thompson basses are particularly admired for their aesthetic appeal, often considered the "icing on the cake" by owners.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Kello González uses Carl Thompson Semi Frills

Kello González

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Kello playing his Carl Thompson Semi Frills

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Carl Thompson Semi Frills, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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