Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$999.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$999.00
Amazon
4.8 (10)
$999.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$999.00 New
$769.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$999.00
zZounds
5.0 (5)
$999.00

Average Price: $966

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Schecter Riot Session-5". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover an instrument that blends stripped-down aesthetics with incredible sonic versatility—the Schecter Riot Session-5. This 5-string electric bass is crafted for musicians who seek performance without the bling. Its sleek swamp ash body and maple neck provide a comfortable and resonant playing experience, making it a reliable companion for any gig or recording session.

Underneath its understated exterior lies a pair of EMG pickups, poised to capture and amplify every nuance of your playing. The EMG 35DC at the neck and the EMG 35J at the bridge work in tandem to deliver a spectrum of tones, from deep growls to articulate mids. Coupled with an 18-volt 3-band active EQ, this bass gives you the power to sculpt your sound precisely, whether you're diving into funk grooves or laying down rock-solid metal lines.

Built with quality hardware, including a Schecter Custom string-through-body/top-load bridge and Grover bass tuners, the Riot Session-5 ensures stability and reliability. The satin finish complements its minimalist design, showcasing the natural beauty of the swamp ash grain while standing resilient against the rigors of performance. This bass is not just an instrument; it's a statement of style and substance, ready to enhance your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Contoured swamp ash body with a sleek satin finish
  • EMG 35DC and EMG 35J pickups for versatile tonal options
  • 18-volt 3-band active EQ for precise sound shaping
  • Schecter Custom string-through-body/top-load bridge
  • Grover bass tuners for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Schecter
Model Riot-5 Session 5-String Active Bass
Finish Aged Natural Satin
Year 2010s
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses, Active Bass Guitars
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 5-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Schecter Riot Session-5?

The Schecter Riot Session-5 features a C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for both beginners and experienced players.

What type of pickups does the Schecter Riot Session-5 have?

The Schecter Riot Session-5 is equipped with active EMG single-coil pickups, offering a powerful and clear tone suitable for various music genres.

Is the Schecter Riot Session-5 suitable for slap bass techniques?

Yes, the Schecter Riot Session-5's active electronics and 3-band EQ make it well-suited for slap bass techniques, allowing for a dynamic and punchy sound.

What is the scale length of the Schecter Riot Session-5 bass guitar?

The Schecter Riot Session-5 has a 34-inch scale length, which provides a balanced tension and feel across all five strings.

Does the Schecter Riot Session-5 come with a case?

No, the Schecter Riot Session-5 does not include a case, but it is sold separately.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Nick's Schecter Riot 5 Session

Video thumbnail for Nick's Schecter Riot 5 Session by The Bass Channel

Nick's Schecter Riot 5 Session

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Schecter Riot Session 5 string closeup and demo by Guitars, Cars, and other man stuff

Schecter Riot Session 5 string closeup and demo

Guitars, Cars, and other man stuff

Guitars, Cars, and other man stuff

Video thumbnail for Schecter Riot Session full demo/review by Clay Matthews

Schecter Riot Session full demo/review

Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Schecter Riot Session-5.

Build quality

  • Owners describe the neck profile as particularly slim, making it comfortable for players with smaller hands.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The bass is noted for its well-balanced feel, particularly suitable for varying body weights and sizes.

    Source
  • First-time users of active pickups report significant tone variation from the EMGs and preamp, offering a versatile sound palette.

    Source
  • It’s noted that the Schecter Riot Session-5's aesthetic appeal is strong enough to influence potential buyers, even prompting interest in the 4-string version.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for beginners, providing ease of play that inspires more frequent practice and exploration.

    Source
  • A player with a classical guitar background considers a 5-string bass to avoid future upgrades, indicating its versatility for varied musical styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner suggests negotiating the price if it's on sale, potentially offering 1000€ to see if the store will accept.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A guitarist transitioning to bass finds short scale 5 strings easier, suggesting a potential alternative to consider for a smoother transition.

    Source
  • Schecter basses, especially those with EMG pickups, are praised for their solid build and quality sound, comparable to the Stiletto model's positive reception.

    Source
  • A comparison with the Ibanez BTB745 highlights a preference for the Riot Session-5's EMG sound over the BTB745's Bartolini pickups.

    Source

User experience

  • A former owner of a Schecter Stiletto 5 string expresses regret over selling it, highlighting the lasting appeal and satisfaction with Schecter basses.

    Source
  • New owners express enthusiasm for the bass, even those unfamiliar with active pickup systems, suggesting its appeal extends beyond seasoned players.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Schecter Riot-5 Session and Riot-4 Session Basses - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Schecter Riot-5 Session bass is a visually striking instrument with top-notch tonal quality that challenges its rock-centric reputation. Equipped with EMG pickups and a 3-band EMG EQ, it offers a wide range of sounds suitable for various genres. Its swamp ash body and maple neck with 24 jumbo frets provide a high-end feel despite its mid-range price. While the custom bridge adds versatility, the bass's appearance, sound, and performance rival more expensive models. A great option for both right and left-handed players, it's a worthy addition to any bassist's collection.

positive

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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zephyr096

Great feel, mediocre pickups

I love the feeling of the bass as well as the style, but I plan on upgrading pickups as soon as I have the money. Not particularly huge on the stock sound. Mids especially feel just sorta bland.

Genre Usage

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