Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
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.
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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
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What type of pickups does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass use?
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The Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass features passive pickups, which provide a warm and natural tone suitable for a variety of music genres.
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Is the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM suitable for playing lower notes?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM's body and neck?
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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.
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Does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass have an active preamp?
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No, the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM does not have an active preamp; it uses passive electronics for a pure and straightforward sound.
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How many frets does the Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass have?
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The Reverend Mercalli 5 FM bass features 21 frets, providing ample range for both traditional and extended bass techniques.
Videos
Kirill Afonin
Jazzy Soul Groove on Reverend Mercalli 5
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality with flawless fit and finish
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Roasted maple neck offers great feel and playability
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Hipshot hardware ensures tuning stability and solid performance
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Korina body provides a unique, rich tone
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Produces huge, thick sound with excellent clarity
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Passive electronics with no toggle switches for durability
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Versatile string-through body or top load bridge options
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Wider string spacing and 21 frets for comfortable play
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Bold design and innovative electronics from a small, adventurous company
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Highly complimented sound, even compared to other high-end basses
CONS
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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
Features and functionality
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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.
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Owners appreciate the inclusion of a Puretone Jack with a custom jack plate, enhancing durability and reliability.
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The split brick pickup delivers an aggressive yet smooth tone, offering a wider range of usable tones compared to a typical jazz bridge pickup.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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The Mercalli 5 is ideal for players focusing on dynamic expression, as it emphasizes variations in plucking intensity and position.
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User experience
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Even with Rotosound Jazz 77 strings, the bridge handles a .130 low-B gauge without issues, indicating the potential to accommodate larger gauges.
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The bass's loud output is notable, with users highlighting the P pickup's full and hot tone, louder than other basses they own.
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When blending pickups, users notice a volume drop and midrange loss, requiring careful adjustment for consistent sound.
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The bass responds sensitively to dynamics, rewarding controlled playing with zappy growly thumpiness, aiding players in refining their fingertip technique.
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Comparisons
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
66
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 artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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