Carvin return/repair service

Axtman · #1 10-29-2010, 11:03 AM

I have a Carvin BX500 that I returned for service. The amp's mute switch broke.

I notified Carvin on Monday that I was returning this amp for service. I set the boxed up old amp out for UPS pickup on Monday at noon. On Thursday I received a brand new amp! The whole deal did not cost me a dime. Okay maybe a dime's worth of packing tape.

So Carvin get's a thumbs up!

BassmanPaul · #2 10-29-2010, 12:36 PM

They're good like that!

4-Bang'er · #3 10-29-2010, 02:44 PM

Sweet! I have been dealing w/ Carvin since buying my 1st BM 1-15 cab. in 1982! They are very efficient! Love Carvin! Glad to hear U had a gr8 experience.

Axtman · #4 10-29-2010, 04:16 PM

I am still "on the fence" about the amp. It is good ......but not great.

I am impressed with their hassle free customer service. Other places I have dealt with want your original invoice, proof of purchase box tops, notary signed papers, 1099 statements, etc. They YOU have to pay to have it shipped back.

With Carvin, they just told me to box it up and put it outside my door for UPS pickup.

BTW, if you are going to deal with Carvin I recommend CALLING them directly rather than e-mailing them.

gjbassist · #5 10-29-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axtman

I am still "on the fence" about the amp. It is good ......but not great.

How long have you had the amp? The BX500 does take a while to dial in due to the large amount of EQ options. Once you get it though it sounds great! The right cabinet also makes a big difference. Through my Carvin 2x10 only it still sounded a bit thin. The addition of another cabinet, a Dr. Bass 1580 made it sound huge!

pin_head_47 · #6 10-31-2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axtman

I am still "on the fence" about the amp. It is good ......but not great.

Could you elaborate a little bit more? Not really asking for a full review here, but what are you using it with, and what you like/don't like about it... that would be great.

Axtman · #7 10-31-2010, 08:14 PM

I am running the amp with a SWR WorkingMan 210 or an Epifani 310.

The sound is just okay. I also have an GK MB2 500. The amp is loud, has a deep tone and nice high end. I like the GK amp a lot better than the Carvin.

BTW, I am sending the Carvin amp back. The mute switch does not mute the amp. I get an audible "pop" when I unplug my bass. I sometimes switch to fretless bass so I must have a working mute switch. Also when the mute switch is on the output is low and distorted. This is also unacceptable. It's a freaking brand new amp! It should work perfectly right out of the box! I wonder if Carvin has heard of the terms "warranty of merchantability"?

I have read on this forum that Carvin has had problems with this mute issue. I really hope that Carvin is not taking in a defective amp on repair return only to send it back out to some other poor sucker.

bassteban · #8 06-25-2011, 08:00 AM

Bumping this as my Carvin BRX-212 is giving me grief & I'm wondering if anyone else can chime in on Carvin's repair track record..? Also- I'll call in a few- do they do in-house repairs at the Sacramento store? I'm not the original owner & don't expect warranty service.

Edit: YIKES- no huge surprise, but flat rate(non-warranty)service for a comparable amp(BRX-212 being discontinued)is $250 or so... CRAP, I only paid $440 for the amp but really like it.

FuzzBoxVoodoo · #9 06-25-2011, 08:04 AM

Carvin has treated me well with a few DCM problems that I have had even though I was not the original owner.They did do the repairs but made sure that I knew it normally wouldn't be covered.

JLS · #10 06-25-2011, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

Bumping this as my Carvin BRX-212 is giving me grief & I'm wondering if anyone else can chime in on Carvin's repair track record..? Also- I'll call in a few- do they do in-house repairs at the Sacramento store? I'm not the original owner & don't expect warranty service.

Sacramento store? No mo'.

The one big drawback to Carvin equipment, is their, "hands off", policy, when it reaches a certain age; they will not touch it. Hopefully yours isn't that old, yet.

bassteban · #11 06-25-2011, 08:09 AM

Thank you, gentlemen- that was quick! I only wish TB actually did amp repair.

I will call them at 8, when they open.

locriansharpsec · #12 06-25-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjbassist

How long have you had the amp? The BX500 does take a while to dial in due to the large amount of EQ options. Once you get it though it sounds great! The right cabinet also makes a big difference. Through my Carvin 2x10 only it still sounded a bit thin. The addition of another cabinet, a Dr. Bass 1580 made it sound huge!

This is so true! Ive had my bx500 for a few years and always thought it was just a pretty good amp. Now that Ive 'finally' "mastered" the eq settings, I love this amp. Love it thru my ampeg 8x10 and now even thru my brx 2x10.

Had the shutdown issue last year and carvin replaced it free even past the warranty expiration. IME their customer service is great!