Carvin wait and see - Page 4

**cjazjef** · #61 10-18-2012, 08:36 PM

I am almost positive they will find its the ribbon cable. I just had my bx500 repaired at no cost by carvin 2 months ago even though it was out of warranty and it took about 2 weeks to get back. I used to have an endorsement through them and I can tell you that pre and post endorsed, their customer service is great regardless.

RitchS · #62 10-18-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjazjef

I am almost positive they will find its the ribbon cable. I just had my bx500 repaired at no cost by carvin 2 months ago even though it was out of warranty and it took about 2 weeks to get back. I used to have an endorsement through them and I can tell you that pre and post endorsed, their customer service is great regardless.

I thought it would be the ribbon cable too. When I sent it in the first time, that's what they replaced. That didn't do the trick. I'm really curious what the problem could be.

tonybassman · #63 10-18-2012, 10:13 PM

I ordered a BX1500 last Friday, will be shipped here by next Tuesday.

RitchS · #64 10-18-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonybassman

I ordered a BX1500 last Friday, will be shipped here by next Tuesday.

I absolutely loved mine...til I didn't.

RitchS · #65 10-24-2012, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RitchS

I got confirmation this morning from UPS that Carvin received the offending amplifier. Let's see if they contact me.

Still in a holding pattern waiting for info on the repairs.

RitchS · #66 10-31-2012, 05:05 PM

Just got notification today that repairs are done. It was stated on the automatic e mail that the problem couldn't be duplicated and that they replaced the amp module. Not exactly sure what part that is.

DJ Bebop · #67 10-31-2012, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RitchS

Just got notification today that repairs are done. It was stated on the automatic e mail that the problem couldn't be duplicated and that they replaced the amp module. Not exactly sure what part that is.

Maybe you're go to go!!!

He says with a hopeful tone in his voice

RitchS · #68 10-31-2012, 06:28 PM

Can anyone tell me exactly what part the amp module is? Is it a class D thang?

jeff7bass · #69 10-31-2012, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RitchS

Can anyone tell me exactly what part the amp module is? Is it a class D thang?

The amp is inside the module, which is enclosed in the housing.

sclift · #70 10-31-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Can anyone tell me exactly what part the amp module is? Is it a class D thang?

It's the main board inside the case and implements the two class D power amps and the power supply. There are two other boards, one behind the front panel that carries all the controls and preamp circuitry, and another from front to back on the left side that carries the 12AX7 and a few other things.

FWIW, I have a BX1500 that has been back to Carvin a few times for different problems. They were very good about it and replaced the power amp board a few months ago. It has been working fine since then.

RitchS · #71 10-31-2012, 09:46 PM

That's good news! So far Carvin has really come through. Now if the dang thing works I'll sing their praises from the rooftop like I promised.

Blue_Whistle88 · #72 10-31-2012, 10:18 PM

Companies generally don't fix old gear because of the cost involved, both in training new staff in a wider range of products, and (probably more so) the cost of continuing production of older parts. What certain consumers decide is the definition of "old" and "recent enough to reasonably expect continued servicing" is just that, the decision of certain consumers. In actuality, it is business executives who make those decisons, and they do so based on numbers. We'd all like them to service anything they've ever made but the simple truth is that as long as there is a cost, some (maybe most) companies won't do it.

What was mentioned about the fans in Mesa Walkabouts being changed is a brilliant example of this. If it's broken and outside warranty, or it's not broken but has a design flaw with debatably serious consequences, you can either jump up and down until they fix it, which they may not, or you can take care of it yourself at your own expense. I can already hear many of you scoffing with "But I spent good money, I expect service!". Wrong. You paid money for a product, and the service is complementary, unless you specifically paid extra for a warranty extension. You can either use the vendor to fix it or get someone else.

The truth is that, with the current cost-cutting culture that has infected the Western world (well, more so than usual), most big manufacturers are cutting their product servicing department's funding and capitalising more on raw product sales. It's easier but debatably less moral to run a business that way, but companies have always had at lest a small tendency to do that to save money. Like I said, they're ultimately providing product servicing as a courtesy, and if you try to get an out-of-warranty product serviced on such a courtesy... well, don't have high hopes is all I'm sayin. I've seen so many faulty products get replaced repeatedly by more faulty products, to the extent where I no longer give manufacturers more than one, maybe two chances to fix something, if I have a choice.

My advice is to give it a shot, but while you wait have a good look on the internet for a more independent amp technician who could do the work themselves. If you find one, ask them what parts they need and look for them yourself, in addition to them looking for them. Independence will get you further than sucking on corporate teat, every time.

BradWorld · #73 11-01-2012, 04:15 AM

I just ordered a BX500 and look very forward to receiving it. Its due in tomorrow. It will be my first Carvin product since the 80's. I have heard lots of things good and bad about Carvin's customer service and the reliability of the BX line of amps. As mentioned, its no worse than whats being said about Ampeg or GK at the moment. Maybe not even as bad as those brands. I am a big Ampeg fan, but I couldnt bring myself to purchase a Vietnamese Portaflex 500 head. Just couldnt do it no matter how good it sounded. I use these things on the road and I figured the American made reliability of the Carvin stuff would be the right choice. During my arduous decision making process, I called Carvin twice. Both times the phone was answered by a person, and they were very helpful and personable on the phone, chatting about the amps features and tone. So that was an encouraging sign. I am eagerly awaiting the result of when you get your amp back. I am also hoping for the best.

And as a side note, I always bring a backup plan out to a gig no matter what. Even if its a Preamp DI box, like a SansAmp or a cheapo Hartke Bass Attack pedal, it will get you through the gig as long as there are proper monitors on stage. But I always keep an extra small bass head handy just in case. Even with the best quality, most expensive gear, stuff breaks. It pays to be prepared. So the Carvin will take a while to earn my trust as well. But even when it does, I will have a backup plan handy. Always do.

JLS · #74 11-01-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sclift

It's the main board inside the case and implements the two class D power amps and the power supply. There are two other boards, one behind the front panel that carries all the controls and preamp circuitry, and another from front to back on the left side that carries the 12AX7 and a few other things.

FWIW, I have a BX1500 that has been back to Carvin a few times for different problems. They were very good about it and replaced the power amp board a few months ago. It has been working fine since then.

My BX1500--my second, the first was returned--has been back to Carvin, both times, "unable to duplicate problem", and has now started slight hissing/popping sounds occasionally. Another trip to San Diego may be in its future.

This was my first brand-new bass amp in over 20 years; given it to do over, I'd have gone for the B2000, which doesn't seem as problematic as this model.

RitchS · #75 11-01-2012, 10:24 AM

And as a side note, I always bring a backup plan out to a gig no matter what. Even if its a Preamp DI box, like a SansAmp or a cheapo Hartke Bass Attack pedal, it will get you through the gig as long as there are proper monitors on stage. But I always keep an extra small bass head handy just in case. Even with the best quality, most expensive gear, stuff breaks. It pays to be prepared. So the Carvin will take a while to earn my trust as well. But even when it does, I will have a backup plan handy. Always do.[/quote]

I hear dat!! I always have my Radial Tonebone with me and have become as quick as a rabbit swapping from my amp DI to my pre-amp. I'm actually considering ditching the whole amp on stage thing completely.

jnewmark · #76 11-01-2012, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RitchS

And as a side note, I always bring a backup plan out to a gig no matter what. Even if its a Preamp DI box, like a SansAmp or a cheapo Hartke Bass Attack pedal, it will get you through the gig as long as there are proper monitors on stage. But I always keep an extra small bass head handy just in case. Even with the best quality, most expensive gear, stuff breaks. It pays to be prepared. So the Carvin will take a while to earn my trust as well. But even when it does, I will have a backup plan handy. Always do.

Don't feel bad. Since the BX1500 needs to be racked, and I had a 4 space SKB rack lying around, I figured, what the heck, get another lightweight bass head to rack with it in case the BX goes down. Still a very lightweight schlepp, and peace of mind to boot.

RitchS · #77 11-11-2012, 11:00 AM

I got my BX1500 back from amp surgery (the amp module was replaced) last Wednesday And here's the story as of this moment.

I pulled it out of the box and plugged it into my new (to me) fearful 12/12/6. I fired her up and tweaked a few EQ knobs and it sang! The next day I rehearsed at home for about an hour. The wife was at a movie so I turned it up to 5 for about 1/2 hour.( I'm concerned for the structural integrity of my house now!) The amp was clear as a bell! No problems at all. With new confidence in my Carvin, I took it to our foster kids benefit show last night and it rocked! I had no distortion or farting out. It stayed clean and clear all night. (I did keep my trusty SWR workingman's 300 on stage ready for a quick changeout just in case)

So, in conclusion, Carvin was stellar and really backed up their stuff. While it took a while for them to get it right, they stood behind their gear and did right by me. I will continue to buy Carvin and I recommend them to anyone who asks. Thanks guys! I will keep updating the BX1500's status until I'm completely confident it won't crap out again.

B-string · #78 11-11-2012, 11:09 AM

Excellent news!

lhoward · #79 11-11-2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RitchS

Are there any other BX1500, or any Carvin D class amp owners out there having issues? It can't be just me.

Ok, here it goes. I bought a new BX500 last December. It had what seemed a pronounced turn-off thump so I contacted Carvin and they paid for the return and I had it back in a week and a half or two. It still had a thump, but much less pronounced. Since then, I've used it for the great majority of gigs, rehearsals and private practice with no issue.

Last Thursday, we were playing the second set of the night and it started cutting out for at least a minute to two minutes each time. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the thing went completely silent. I went through the usual troubleshooting of cables and cords to no avail. I used a backup and when I got home (the gig was 97 miles away with some guys I really enjoy working with), I sent Carvin an email on their site. Since this coming week has Monday as a holiday since today is Veterans Day, I don't expect to hear anything from them until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest. Since its still under warranty, I'm not interested in doing anything to it and chance voiding the warranty. Its been working great for 11 months until Thursday night. I'll be going back to using an older amp design while I work on getting this BX500 fixed. Actually, I spent a fair amount of time looking at alternate bass amps yesterday and searching Talkbass for threads dealing with reliability issues. I didn't find a thread that specifically dealt with the reliability of specific amps T'Bers have had issues with, but I'm thinking of starting one.

Lloyd Howard

RitchS · #80 11-11-2012, 11:11 PM

Your problem sounds eerily familiar to mine. I can say with impunity that Carvin will repair your amp for you. It took a while for them to get the repair right, but they will. I can't say how long the fix will hold, but my BX1500 made it through its first gig without issue. Give them a chance to make it right.