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Description

Celebrating two decades of exceptional craftsmanship, the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary edition is a testament to the blend of innovation and tradition in bass guitars. This electric bass is designed for musicians who demand versatility and reliability on stage and in the studio. Known for its punchy, warm tone, the Mercalli 5 is equipped with a Reverend Thick Brick bridge pickup that delivers a clear and powerful sound, allowing your bass lines to cut through any mix with ease.

The Mercalli 5 boasts a solid korina body, offering resonance and a comfortable playing experience. The five-piece maple and walnut neck ensures stability and smooth playability, while the ebony fingerboard provides a sleek surface for effortless sliding and intricate fingerwork. The 5-string configuration allows for a broader range of notes, catering to bassists who seek depth in their music. Additionally, the bass features a Hipshot Ultralight tuning machine, ensuring precision and consistent tuning stability during long performances.

Key Features:

  • Solid korina body for excellent resonance
  • Five-piece maple/walnut neck for stability
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Reverend Thick Brick bridge pickup for powerful, clear sound
  • Five-string configuration for extended range
  • Hipshot Ultralight tuning machines for precise tuning
  • High-mass bridge for improved sustain and tone
  • Custom electronics for versatile sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Reverend
Model Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary
Year 2017
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Blue
Fretboard Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 5-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary for rock music?

The Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary offers a warm, punchy tone with its dual humbucking pickups, making it well-suited for rock music. Its passive electronics provide a natural sound with rich low-end and clear mids.

Is the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary suitable for a beginner bassist?

While the Mercalli 5 is designed with quality materials and craftsmanship, its 5-string configuration may be challenging for beginners. However, its playability and tonal versatility make it a great investment for those ready to explore extended-range bass playing.

How does the offset body design of the Reverend Mercalli 5 affect playability?

The offset body design of the Mercalli 5 provides improved balance and comfort, especially when playing standing up. This ergonomic feature helps reduce fatigue during long sessions or performances.

What is the neck profile like on the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary?

The Reverend Mercalli 5 features a medium oval neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles. Its maple fretboard adds brightness and clarity to the overall tone.

Does the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary have any active electronics?

No, the Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary is equipped with passive pickups and does not include an active preamp, providing a straightforward and natural bass tone.

Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Reverend - 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 string bass demo - Andy Irvine

Video thumbnail for Reverend - 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 string bass demo - Andy Irvine by Andy Irvine

Reverend - 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 string bass demo - Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Video thumbnail for Reverend 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 string bass demo - Andy Irvine by Andy Irvine

Reverend 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 string bass demo - Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Video thumbnail for #10 Reverend Guitars 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 Demo - Andy Irvine by Andy Irvine

#10 Reverend Guitars 20th Anniversary Mercalli 5 Demo - Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Andy Irvine

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Reverend Mercalli 5 20th Anniversary.

Build quality

  • Owners report issues with tone knobs and pickup selector being noisy and causing volume changes, affecting the overall quality and usability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High action noted out of the box, along with unwanted overtones and harmonics on frets 12-19, suggesting possible setup adjustments are needed for optimal playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite positive specs and reviews, users have been dissatisfied with the electronics and playability, prompting returns and exchanges even after replacements.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reverend Celebrates 20 Years with Mercalli Bass Launch - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

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