Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,399.00
Guitar Center
$1,399.00
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$1,524.69 New
$1,893.40 Used
Musician's Friend
$1,399.00

Average Price: $1,523

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Reverend Mercalli 5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Reverend Mercalli 5 is a bass guitar that exudes both innovation and classic charm, making it a standout choice for players seeking versatility and depth. This electric bass is crafted with a korina body, delivering an unmistakable resonance and a rich harmonic palette that will satisfy even the most discerning of ears. The custom-crafted Thick Brick and Split Brick pickups are the true heart of the Mercalli 5, offering a dynamic range of tones from robust low-end growls to crystal-clear highs. These pickups are complemented by a pickup pan control, giving you the ability to effortlessly blend and shape your sound to fit any musical context.

The five-piece roasted maple and walnut neck not only provides a smooth playing experience but also ensures stability and longevity, reducing the need for seasonal adjustments. A high-mass bridge enhances the bass's clarity and sustain, while the Pure Tone jack ensures a reliable and strong signal. With Hipshot Ultralite tuners made from aircraft-grade aluminum, tuning stability and reduced weight are guaranteed.

Whether you're laying down thunderous grooves or exploring intricate melodic lines, the Reverend Mercalli 5 supports your musical journey with precision and style. Every detail, from the 3-string tree to the hand-inspected serial number, speaks to Reverend's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making this bass a worthy addition to any player's collection.

Key Features:

  • Korina body for consistent tones and rich harmonics
  • Thick Brick and Split Brick pickups for comprehensive tonal options
  • Pickup pan control for customized blending
  • 5-piece roasted maple and walnut neck for enhanced stability
  • High-mass bridge for improved clarity and sustain
  • Pure Tone jack for reliable audio output
  • Hipshot Ultralite tuners for precise tuning and reduced weight

Product specs

Brand Reverend
Model Mercalli 5 FM
Finish Coffee Burst Flame Maple, Rock Orange Flame Maple, Transparent Blue, Turquoise Flame Maple
Year 2010s
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Korina
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Blue, Brown, Orange, Teal
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Neck Material Maple, Walnut
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH, SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass use?

The Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass features passive pickups, which provide a warm and natural tone suitable for a variety of music genres.

Is the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM suitable for playing lower notes?

Yes, the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM is a 5-string bass, which allows you to play lower notes without needing to detune, offering greater range and versatility.

What materials are used in the construction of the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM's body and neck?

The body of the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM is made from korina, while the neck is constructed from maple and walnut, contributing to its balanced tone and stability.

Does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass have an active preamp?

No, the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM does not have an active preamp; it uses passive electronics for a pure and straightforward sound.

How many frets does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass have?

The Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass features 21 frets, providing ample range for both traditional and extended bass techniques.

Kirill Afonin

Kirill Afonin

Jazzy Soul Groove on Reverend Mercalli 5

Video thumbnail for Jazzy Soul Groove on Reverend Mercalli 5 by Kirill Afonin

Jazzy Soul Groove on Reverend Mercalli 5

Kirill Afonin

Kirill Afonin

Video thumbnail for Bass Club Chicago Demos - Reverend Mercalli 5 by Bass Club Chicago

Bass Club Chicago Demos - Reverend Mercalli 5

Bass Club Chicago

Bass Club Chicago

Video thumbnail for Reverend Mercalli 5 demo by Kirill Afonin

Reverend Mercalli 5 demo

Kirill Afonin

Kirill Afonin

Video thumbnail for Pete Griffin Demo's the Reverend Mercalli 5 by Reverend Guitars

Pete Griffin Demo's the Reverend Mercalli 5

Reverend Guitars

Reverend Guitars

Video thumbnail for REVEREND Mercalli 5 | BASSO elettrico per un terremoto sonoro a 5 corde!! - Video Demo by Musicoff - Where Music Matters

REVEREND Mercalli 5 | BASSO elettrico per un terremoto sonoro a 5 corde!! - Video Demo

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Video thumbnail for ⚡️Bass Of The Day ⚡️ Reverend Mercalli 5 #basslinemusicshop #reverendguitars by Bassline Music Shop

⚡️Bass Of The Day ⚡️ Reverend Mercalli 5 #basslinemusicshop #reverendguitars

Bassline Music Shop

Bassline Music Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality with flawless fit and finish

  • Roasted maple neck offers great feel and playability

  • Hipshot hardware ensures tuning stability and solid performance

  • Korina body provides a unique, rich tone

  • Produces huge, thick sound with excellent clarity

  • Passive electronics with no toggle switches for durability

  • Versatile string-through body or top load bridge options

  • Wider string spacing and 21 frets for comfortable play

  • Bold design and innovative electronics from a small, adventurous company

  • Highly complimented sound, even compared to other high-end basses

CONS

  • Minor marks from a pick on the clear coat

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Reverend Mercalli 5.

Build quality

  • This bass is exceptionally light, weighing less than 9 lbs, offering comfortable playability.

    Source
  • The Mercalli 5's neck is praised for its stability, with the setup technician's initials marked on the headstock, showcasing attention to detail.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass features a P/MM pickup configuration with a blend knob, allowing for versatile tone adjustments, such as 60/40 towards the MM for more bite.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the inclusion of a Puretone Jack with a custom jack plate, enhancing durability and reliability.

    Source
  • The split brick pickup delivers an aggressive yet smooth tone, offering a wider range of usable tones compared to a typical jazz bridge pickup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The reverse P pickup can deliver a deep thump when the tone is rolled off, while the MM style humbucker adds significant bite, suitable for funk and dub tones.

    Source
  • The Mercalli 5 is ideal for players focusing on dynamic expression, as it emphasizes variations in plucking intensity and position.

    Source

User experience

  • Even with Rotosound Jazz 77 strings, the bridge handles a .130 low-B gauge without issues, indicating the potential to accommodate larger gauges.

    Source
  • The bass's loud output is notable, with users highlighting the P pickup's full and hot tone, louder than other basses they own.

    Source
  • When blending pickups, users notice a volume drop and midrange loss, requiring careful adjustment for consistent sound.

    Source
  • The bass responds sensitively to dynamics, rewarding controlled playing with zappy growly thumpiness, aiding players in refining their fingertip technique.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user preferred the Mercalli 5 over the Sterling Ray35 due to its P pickup, which was originally planned as a modification for the Ray35.

    Source
  • Compared to a beginner bass with old flats, the Mercalli 5 broadcasts tonal deviations more distinctly, highlighting technique imperfections.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
naomimacleod

Beautifully built instrument.

I'm in love with my Mercalli 5. A beautifully put together bass, the korina body gives the bass a unique, rich tone, the Hipshot hardware is solid as a rock and the neck is slim enough that I don't feel the stretch of the 5-string playing as I would on other basses.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryan Scott Graham uses Reverend Mercalli 5

Ryan Scott Graham

Singer, Guitarist

State Champs

...
Verified via Reverendguitars

The website says "played by Ryan Scott Graham" and shows him pictured with one at a State Champs show.

K

Kenny Lee Lewis

Guitarist

Steve Miller Band

...
Verified via Reverendguitars

Listed on Reverend's website for having this bass.

Genre Usage

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

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