Any thoughts on Carvin?

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seansigep

seansigep

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I've heard so much bullshizer about carvins, and I'm not really sure the way to go. I wanted to spend around 7-800 dollars on a great guitar, and some people recommended getting a Carvin guitar with neck-through-body construction. I have heard one of these, and they sound very nice. However, has anyone had any bad experience with Carvin guitars, or know of a better quality guitar for that price?

-Scogs
 
I'm very biased...but I think Carvin's are excellent.

I live 5 miles from the original Carvin factory/showroom.

I love their neck-through electrics...got my first one in '87 and I still use it a lot, it's great.
 
A good friend of mine has a carvin, and its amazingly well made. You could look it over for hours and not find the smallest flaw on it. Apparently from everything I've read about them online theyre all like that. I would get a carvin if I could afford it, but that wont happen soon.
Also I believe you have 30 days to return the guitar if you don't like it.
 
Unfortunatly I've not owned a Carvin Guitar, although a couple of buddies of mine do and they are REAL nice!

I do however own a bunch of their gutar amps, and they are with out a doubt some of the finest amps on the planet! :)

Carvin Amps: two - Quad X 4 channel tube preamps, T100 tube power amp, 4x12 cab, and a Belair (Vintage 50 w. 2-channel)

I just sold my Boogie Dual recto head, and I sold my Boogie Quad preamp......but I'm not selling the Carvins...........that should say something.

Rick
 
i recently called up and ordered myself a custom shop guitar from Carvin. They came very highly praised by some excellent musicians i know. I got a ton of options on the model i chose,and i'm paying a fraction of what i may have spent on a much more expensive guitar (PRS for example), and the quality is comperable. I havent played one yet, however you do have a 10-day grace period to try them out and return them if you arent satisfied - you only pay shipping. check out www.carvin.com
 
I own several Carvin guitars as well as Fenders, Gibsons, Ibanez and Yamaha. My Carvin DC150 has a maple top and mahogony body with a set neck. It has replaced my LP's in most every situation. My DC135C has koa body and neck. With the Floyd rose, it is THE shred guitar of my dreams. I've never had a bad experience with Carvin and can think of no other company that offers comparable options at similar prices.
 
Back in the late '70's my ex-stepbrother worked for Carvin. Got his picture in the catalog one year sanding bodies. We were impressed as hell.
I know, what does this have to do with the thread. Nothing really. I just wish I'd hung on to that catalog.
 
This much is true. If Carvin advertised more and distributed their guitars in your local GC, Sam Ash, etc., sales of Les Pauls, PRS, Strats, etc., would drop significantly (assuming of course, the advertising and distribution costs don't increase the MSRP of the guitar).

My wife bought me a USA made Strat for Xmas, beautiful alder body, sunburst finish, plays wonderfully, etc. for $850. I frown when I think of the type of guitar, with all the options, I could have ordered from Carvin. I will be getting their bass kit soon.

Their AG100D acoustic guitar amp puts to shame the Acoustasonic from Fender.
 
Carvin....

I've played some nice Carvins. They were not quite for me, but they were good guitars. I still want to pick up one of those kits someday. Also, if you are looking for resale value, they don't hold, although it's not the guitars fault, just the market. We all know one or two people that just buy and sell, buy and sell and so forth.... man that's a lot of effort. If a Carvin looks right for you, I wouldn't be afraid to pull the trigger. You get a chance to try it out when it comes in.

best luck,

bford
 
I have some "high profile" guitars (gretsch, gibson, PRS) ... and let me say, that the carvin I own (a ´94 DC127), in terms of qual. is WAY ABOVE them.

I just swaped out PUPs on my LP-Studio, and know how the cavity looks. The Gibson screws (the ones on the rear cover) go right into the wood, and there is NO shielding.

The Carvin has bolts (again, talking rear cover) that go into metal inserts that are pressed into the body ... so you def. wont strip the screws. Also, the carvin's cavity is 100% shielded w/ copper-tape ... that is the reason why its also the quietest guitar i have (in terms of hum).

I dont really like the sound of the stock PUPs on the carvin ... a little to bright for me (after all the carvin is maple neck and fingerboard and also has "bright" sounding wings on their neck-thru models) ... so for my personal style its a little too glassy-fenderish :-) - but then again, the DC127 is def. positioned against a Strat ...

so there is def. a PUP-swap around the corner.

oh yeah, it plays like a dream, and in terms of playability is only second to my BST 5000 (Beast) ... and thats an impossible guitar to beat.

so my advice: GET ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

get one used off ebay ... I paid $275 (which is extremely cheap, I was extremely lucky - as for whatever reason the guy didnt post any pics - but sent them to me on request - so I got it w/ starting bid w/HSC) ... used ones usually go around 400-500 bucks.

best of luck
alfred

ps: i hope i am not taking your thread hostage if I ask my fellow carviners how they like their PUPs. :confused:
 
Skogs...I can't see you bein disappointed with the Carvin. I was a bit leary of buyin a guitar that I hadn't played but I am way impressed! The neck-thru is awesome. I got the DC400 series with a couple of upgrades, (p'u's and paint job) so it was a bit more than 800.00. Your price range should still get you a really decent guitar.
Luck to you in your quest................
Kel
 
I only own one of their new Cobalt acoustics, which aren't entirely manufactured by Carvin. I believe Carvin does the final fretwork, installs the bridge and nut and sets it up. It's a very good value and the playability is excellent on mine, on par with Taylors.

I've also played several of their electrics, from the lower end bolts to the neck through ones, and the action is phenominal on each and every one. I don't think you'd be disappointed. If I could free up some cash, I would buy their new california carved top in a second.
 
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