Carvin Amps

cbark · #1 06-22-2011, 09:49 PM

I';m looking at a used Carvin Amp. I've never played on one...any comments on the quality of their product?

cavedweller · #2 06-22-2011, 10:06 PM

their newest line of bass gear is good,brx cabs and b2000 and bx500 is what i play along with some gk gear. i really like the b2000,simple to dial in,powerful and versatile head.

MyMusic · #3 06-23-2011, 05:08 AM

I've had my BRX10.2 for a year and my BX500 since November and I've had no problems and both seem to be very well built. I used to live about 30 miles from the headquarters in San Diego and visited quite often. Everything that I tried including basses and guitars were very good.

BassmanPaul · #4 06-23-2011, 10:29 AM

I've used Carvin for about fifteen years. I've never had a problem that they didn't resolve to my complete satisfaction.

Edit: That's a LB76WP in my avatar.

snyderz · #5 06-23-2011, 10:36 AM

I have used several Carvins and still use B600 and 1200. Also a 115 extension. No complaints from me. The only ones I might not recommend are the old Redeyes.

tekhedd · #6 06-23-2011, 10:55 AM

I love everything from carvin except possibly for their casters.

chucko58 · #7 06-23-2011, 11:19 AM

I am not a fan of the Redline series amps, because their controls are complex AND I was not able to get a tone I liked out of them. I have a much older PB-15 preamp, and I had to modify the snot out of it to make it sound good.

However I own a BX500 and I love it, it has a wide tonal range and it's easy to dial in a sound. I've played through a B1500 and found it powerful and versatile. So I'd vote for the newer Carvin amps.

Reggiep · #8 06-23-2011, 11:27 AM

My current set up is a B50, LB76P, BX500, and 2 RL210T. No complaints. The gear is great!

jeff7bass · #9 06-23-2011, 01:04 PM

I have or had;
-----------------
PB100-115 combo. Very solid, good sound, great value at 312.00 bucks delivered.
1000w compact, 12-CH powered PA system with 15”, 3-way speakers. Great little PA for little $$$.
BX1200 head. Extraordinary features, tons of power, transparent tone, two internal amps.
MB10 250w combo. Great tone, sounds even better with extension.

Only one item needed fixing, a plate on the combo was loose and I scratched it trying to fix it.
Carvin replaced the plate under warranty and I had it back in less than 2 weeks.

Phalex · #10 06-23-2011, 01:13 PM

My PB-500 is still going strong! I retired her last year in favor of a Combo (Lighter weight and fewer things to carry) but I love that head!

babebambi · #11 06-23-2011, 01:45 PM

Carvin B1500 is the bargain of the century.

Session1969 · #12 06-23-2011, 01:49 PM

I've heard good things about the B1500 and the B2000. The first has a solid state power ampand the second has a digital power amp.

babebambi · #13 06-23-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Session1969

the B2000... has a digital power amp.

not digital
it's class A/B with SMPS

craig.p · #14 06-23-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbark

I';m looking at a used Carvin Amp. I've never played on one...any comments on the quality of their product?

Read the Carvin threads on this board and on Carvin's bass amp board. Then you'll know which models to trust and which to avoid when you don't have the safety net a warranty provides.

Tanner5382 · #15 06-23-2011, 02:59 PM

I got my Carvin BX500 head about two weeks ago and I'm in love with the thing. Great sound, great EQ, great price, light-weight, and like all Carvin products; made in the USA

::::BASSIST:::: · #16 06-23-2011, 08:36 PM

BX1500 here... love it.

Jarrett · #17 06-25-2011, 10:35 AM

I've done multiple gigs a week with my BX500 since December. Love it.

BassmanPaul · #18 06-25-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

BX1500 here... love it.

Lately I have been finding that the BX1500 is a little "bright" with all controls flat. I boost the bass a tad with the rotary controls and cut the sliders down to tame the treble. I was wondering if you are finding anything similar???

::::BASSIST:::: · #19 06-25-2011, 12:12 PM

^Yes, the carvin bx series is bright from my experience. I usually dont leave home without my VT Bass which really warms up this amp. From my experience the VT needs an amp that has some brightness otherwise things get too muddy.

The bx1500 has enough tonal shaping features that I am sure with a little tweaking you can dial out that brightness without an external pedal, and I have done so in the past. However, for me the VT just brings the fullness and warmth factor to another level.

Gearhead17 · #20 06-25-2011, 02:15 PM

BX1200 - wonderful head. Very bright and clear, but the brightness can be tamed easily with all of the controls. The compressor knob is really nice too. Very smooth sounding and does not destroy your original bass tone. It's a clean sounding head that packs a lot of power.