• A very necessary evil.

  
  As reviewed by Bedrock on 6/11/2008

  Let's just cut to the chase here. If you're looking at a Widow bass, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out you are gonna play some metal on it. Metal you will be with this thing. Of course it looks metal as all get out, with the totally blacked-out, neckthrough look accented with the red blade-like stripes on the body bevels. But it also sounds as aggressive as it looks. I'll admit I more than a little skeptical about how 2 P-style pickups will sound on a 5 string, but that was quickly laid to rest - like this baby does in its Coffin Case while not in use. Totally full active pickups sound, with a 2-band EQ (the description says "two tones" but it's a bass and treble) to play with. Love the 35" scale for dropping down to A if needed and still having a taught string. With the action as low as got it, she'll practically play herself. Of course like many B.C. Riches, this baby neckdives like it's searching for water. May not bother most people, but some it definitely will. Long story short, if you wanna get your D.D. or Blackie on, 5 string style, without the custom shop price tag, this is your necessary evil.

  70 of 70 people found this review helpful.
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• Weapon of Mass TONE!

  
  As reviewed by Antonio Solorio on 4/8/2008

  I have just two months with this bass and I love it. The bass is solid, I was skeptical with BC's picks but wow they have an amazing sound, great punch, clear for tapping, slapping or picking. The quality on the finishing and assembly is just great, comparable to those basses that cost twice and have that jazzy look. This is for rock man! If you like the shape it is a must, you will be amazed with the feel and sound of this monster.

  50 of 57 people found this review helpful.
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• Coolest Bass ever built!

  
  As reviewed by Dominick DeSade on 1/20/2010

  When I got this bass 6 mos ago, I had been wanting one for years but for whatever stupid reason I stuck with more "practical" (i.e. BORING) axes throughout my previous decade of gigging. As I grew more weary of how horrible the "Rock" music genre is now and continues to worsen, I traded all of my Ibanex/Fender axes for my beloved B.C. Rich bass guitars and started recording all of my own music. NO compromises anymore! Not with writing and especially not with GEAR! I am SO VERY PLEASED with myself because these guitars are built like tanks. The Widow is the 1st and last 5-string I'll ever buy or play. I have been playing for 25 years and until recently never touched more than a 4-string because anything beyond that just seems silly and unnecessary to me. However, I REALLY LOVE the look of the widow and always have since Blackie Lawless first toted one in W.A.S.P.'s early days (although his was 4-strings). I am still not a huge fan of more than 4-strings on a bass, but this beauty makes up for it in every other way. Oddly enough, the tones and general force-output of this bass is considerably deeper and punchier than other NT B.C. Rich models. It really DOES reflect the wording used to market it! This bass WILL DISTORT with mere 10 inch speakers, so if you have a 4x10 rig, you should try one of these out in it before buying. Or do the smart thing and trade in your rig for something with 15-inch speakers so you can get the best sound from your Widow! The Widow is the best looking guitar shape EVER and every time I walk by and see it in my studio I get inspired. It takes me back to a time when Rock was FUN and putting on a show was an integral part of being in a band. Don't get me wrong, tough - B.C. Rich guitars are for much more than just show. I SWEAR by this bass and any other high-end BCR model to stand up and SURPASS any other bass design in sustain, power and aesthetic-appeal! If you love a growling monster of a bass (any why wouldn't you if you call yourself a bass player?) the widow is your best choice. Play it next to other basses twice/3x the price and compare! You'll have to agree.

  20 of 21 people found this review helpful.
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