When in San Diego...

[WhiteStrat]

So I'm in San Diego for a few days. I'm a big fan of Carvin--the whole live rig, a recent legacy amp--and thought it would be fun to stop by and see (just SEE; I don't need any more gear) their goodies in a real music store setting instead of a catalog.

So I rented a car and headed to the suburbs. Easy enough to find the factory store and I had a good time playing all the different guits and amps (just PLAYING; I don't need any more).

The thing about the factory store is that it's the only place you can really find the sweet deals on demos, older gear, etc. I'm sure those deals will be good for someone, but NOT ME; I don't need anymore.

Anyway, I'm headed home in a couple days. The new Carvin guitar should be there just a couple days later. I'll post some pics.

 

[ocnor]

It's a good thing that you didn't "need" any more gear or you'd be driving back home in a U-Haul truck. So how many security guards did it take to drag you out at closing time?

 

[WhiteStrat]

It's a good thing that you didn't "need" any more gear or you'd be driving back home in a U-Haul truck. So how many security guards did it take to drag you out at closing time?

Tell me about it man. This was dangerous. Just one guitar. That's all I bought. But I planted a lot of seeds for this next, then that, then that, etc.

But the guit I bought (a California Carved Top) played like butter. I've never "bumped into" a guitar that played so perfectly. I'm more than happy to set 'em up, but this one was ready to go. It screamed "PLAY ME." (Then it whispered, "Buy me...")

Sounded pretty good through the Legacy in the showroom, too.

Pics in a couple days.

 

[ocnor]

Tell me about it man. This was dangerous. Just one guitar. That's all I bought. But I planted a lot of seeds for this next, then that, then that, etc.

But the guit I bought (a California Carved Top) played like butter. I've never "bumped into" a guitar that played so perfectly. I'm more than happy to set 'em up, but this one was ready to go. It screamed "PLAY ME." (Then it whispered, "Buy me...")

Sounded pretty good through the Legacy in the showroom, too.

Pics in a couple days.

Oh you bastard! I've been drooling over those for years. Which finish color did you get?

 

[dodgeaspen]

Yep, I've done that before. Each time I always say it will be the last, until the next time I find something I want. Nice to find I'm not alone.

 

[WhiteStrat]

Oh you bastard! I've been drooling over those for years. Which finish color did you get?

I've been drooling over 'em too. But as much as I like and trust Carvin, I still couldn't wrap my head around buying a guitar without playing it. I know their return policy is generous, but I still gotta get a feel for a guit before I buy it.

Well lemme tell ya, after playing almost every guitar in that showroom, I would have NO problem buying a Carvin guitar mail order from now on. They were amazingly consistent and solid. In the future I'd be real comfortable just picking my finish and trusting that it'll play well.

The one I bought is actually fairly plain. I think that's why it was so cheap. It's been hanging there for a while and had obviously been played a good deal. It's plain maple (in vintage yellow)--no quilting, no tiger stripe--and I think most folks (me included) picture the Carved Top as a guitar meant for some really pretty wood. The fingerboard is maple too--my preference, but again I think most want rosewood or mahogany with block inlays on one of these. And it's all black hardware--tan & gold would look more elegant.

So in short, I think it's a beautiful guitar made with some less than popular options, and it's sat there until I scooped it up at a real clearance price. But it plays and sounds like a dream, so I win.

 

[Rokket]

Where was that place at? I will be back in San Diego in about 3 weeks...

 

[WhiteStrat]

Where was that place at? I will be back in San Diego in about 3 weeks...

Gotta GPS? The address is 12340 World Trade Dr. I'm staying downtown, and it was about 20 minutes north of where I'm staying.

 

[Rokket]

I can find it. I have a few dozen friends who grew up there. Thanks for the info!

I PM'd you...

 

[true-eurt]

From your description of it's looks, feel and sound, it should be dubbed Black Butter..now there's a name for a song.

Congrats on the new harem addition Strat! You have me drooling at the mouth in anticipation of new eye and ear candy!

 

[tdukex]

Gotta GPS? The address is 12340 World Trade Dr. I'm staying downtown, and it was about 20 minutes north of where I'm staying.

From there if you head west you'll find Buffalo Brothers guits in Carlsbad. Hundreds and hundreds of high-end new/used acoustics and a nice selection of new/used electrics. You could spend a day just in that store. I've used their 100% trade up policy five times in the last 10-15 yrs.

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/