Thanks Ray, yeah they are rare as hen's teeth. I'm really fussy when it comes to instruments and go through basses like no one's business. This bass really has so much going for it that it could be a keeper. I prefer neck thru 5 strings, exotic woods, active/passive, ebony boards, USA made, boutique basses and this has it all. The neck is slightly wider than my previous GMR 5 string basses along with a longer scale length but it's not a major noticeable difference but there definitely is in TONE!
I've never tried or even seen any other Carvin basses but the Bunny Brunel, Sekou Bunch & Brian Bromberg basses do look great. It seems that players with an initial B in their name can only play a Carvin - haha )