How big of an issue is this (pics inside)

flowlikeocean · #1 03-13-2011, 10:22 AM

Hey, everyone, I got this cab direct from carvin about ten days ago, in that time it hasn't been mistreated, or even moved much (my next gig is this weekend).

I noticed that the assembly for the horn had broken at the left corner, it doesn't look like the horn itself is damaged, no hissing or unusual noise, but I want to make sure that the problem doesn't get any worse. Also, I was considering removing the grille and epoxying the chip from the corner back, unless that would be a bad idea (and if it is, please correct me and tell me that I need to bring it to someone more qualified than me with a two step epoxy

).

Thanks for any help!
Ben

(the damaged corner is the leftmost one, and the piece of it is wedged between the grill and where the right corner would be seen.)

**mikeddd** · #2 03-13-2011, 11:34 AM

Looks like whoever assembled the cab overtightened the screws on that tweet. It could be a big issue if the cab is leaking air from around the tweeters' body. I can't really tell from the pics if you can see inside the cab or not from around the tweet. I would remove the grill and loop some test tones through the cab. Listen and feel near where the corner is broken. If you hear air coming through you've got a problem. I"d take another picture with the grill off and send it to Carvin. Tell them you'll replace it yourself if they send you a new one. I don't think they'll refuse. It would cost them/you too much money to ship it back to them just to replace the horn. If you really need the cab for next weekend, offer to pay for FEDEX overnight or 2-day to guarantee you get it. I think that's a fair deal for both sides.

ps
I got a chuckle out of your sig. I played guitar for 25 years before realizing that I've been playing the wrong instrument. I still play but I don't get off on it like I do when playing bass.

flowlikeocean · #3 03-13-2011, 11:56 AM

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that later today.

I was a guitar (and tenor sax) player for about 3 years before I picked up bass, I still enjoy it but it's on the back burner

Ben

BassmanPaul · #4 03-13-2011, 01:29 PM

Contact Carvin and tell them what has happened. I bet they'll send you out a new horn.

Calaverasgrande · #5 03-13-2011, 02:03 PM

I'd certainly contact Carvin's customer service. Ask if they will send you a new cabinet or a new horn. You installing a new horn may void the warranty though.

OT I started on drums then switched to bass. Though I have also played guitar as well as drums in various bands. I thikn it helps everyone be a better player if they can hold a beat on drums or play at least rhythm guitar.

bobcruz · #6 03-13-2011, 03:30 PM

Good advice above--it looks like a plastic bell that cracked from overtightening the screws when it was installed. If there is air leakage around the bell, be really careful playing that cab--air leaking could mess up the cab's tuning and you could blow the woofers. The plastic bell is all that needs to be replaced; the tweeter itself likely bolts or screws onto the back end of the bell.

BassmanPaul · #7 03-13-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcruz

the tweeter itself likely bolts or screws onto the back end of the bell.

I very much doubt that the horn in this cabinet does that. not in this price range.

hrgiger · #8 03-13-2011, 04:57 PM

man that means half the work is done already. now you only need to remove 1 screw and toss the tweeter...

flowlikeocean · #9 03-13-2011, 05:34 PM

I'll contact Carvin tomorrow afternoon, and see if I can work anything out; I'd love to just replace the horn myself, but if that's a no-go for warranty, I might have to compromise a little bit.

Thanks for the help everyone (and the anecdotes about which instrument you bagged for playing bass

)

Ben

flowlikeocean · #10 03-13-2011, 06:57 PM

New photo, with grille removed; I listened for air while the grille was removed and, luckily, I felt/heard none, so I'm pretty sure it's a cosmetic issue rather than catastrophic.

I'll see what I can do with Carvin, though, just in case the problem becomes exacerbated, or if I find out that I was wrong.

Thanks,
Ben

Calaverasgrande · #11 03-14-2011, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I very much doubt that the horn in this cabinet does that. not in this price range.

even the cheap motorola piezo tweets can replace just the driver

DUC1098 · #12 03-14-2011, 01:07 AM

That looks like impact damage rather than an overtightened screw. I would expect the "blowout" to be more concentrated around the screw if it was an overtightened screw. I would check that cabinet over really well just in case there is some damage that is less obvious.

**mikeddd** · #13 03-14-2011, 01:08 AM

That's a pretty good new picture. It looks like the tweet is a tight fit in the hole and that's helpful. There's still "half a mounting ear" left and it looks like it is holding the tweet in place. I'd say you're OK to play the cab, but get the tweet replaced very soon.

JimmyM · #14 03-14-2011, 01:23 AM

the hole will leak air and make it sound like it's distorted. personally, i could do without the tweeter, but i'd have to plug that hole.

flowlikeocean · #15 03-14-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUC1098

That looks like impact damage rather than an overtightened screw. I would expect the "blowout" to be more concentrated around the screw if it was an overtightened screw. I would check that cabinet over really well just in case there is some damage that is less obvious.

Just did, some damage around one corner of the cab (and hopefully no more), so I think this is less Carvin's fault, more UPS's

. What I did find seems very, very minor, and the horn remains the only serious problem.

BassmanPaul · #16 03-15-2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calaverasgrande

even the cheap motorola piezo tweets can replace just the driver

Only some of them Cal. Certainly not all. IMHO piezos don't make tweeters they make honkers.

Calaverasgrande · #17 03-16-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Only some of them Cal. Certainly not all. IMHO piezos don't make tweeters they make honkers.

agreed

flowlikeocean · #18 03-16-2011, 02:27 PM

2 days, and no word from Carvin

Clark Dark · #19 03-16-2011, 04:17 PM

I hope you're calling them direct. I wouldn't email and wait for a response. IME every time I called I was connected with a CS rep and resolved every problem amicably.

Calaverasgrande · #20 03-17-2011, 09:22 AM

heck yeah, at my work for a giant corporation (which is often lampooned on 30 rock) I can never get a user account created with a simple email. I have to follow up with a phone call, and even a follow up email!
Not to say Carvin is a giant corporation. Just that email has a way of slipping through the cracks.