NBD: Carvin Icon 4

HypersoulRocks · #1 02-17-2012, 12:06 PM

Wow! Just off of the UPS truck, haven't yet plugged her in, but the build quality is amazing.The neck fits my hand perfectly, and the fretwork is some of the best I've ever seen. Gonna set it up and try it out this weekend..

Specs:
Maple body (nice and heavy!)
flame top
rosewood fingerboard
14" radius
stainless steel frets
walnut neck w/maple stripes
gold hardware
d-tuner
abalone blocks

millsbass5 · #2 02-17-2012, 12:23 PM

That's cool of you for thinking "outside of the box" and getting one of Carvin's lesser-known basses. I don't know why these didn't reach the popularity of Carvin's SB and Bromberg series basses. Hell,ALL of the basses Carvin produces are very,very good basses. A lot of players think you have to spend a boatload of cash to have a pro-level bass,and that's just not true.
I've been on the Carvin bandwagon since the mid-90's. It's great to see them finally get their due.

bassist4dalord · #3 02-17-2012, 12:24 PM

Nice truss cover! Ha. I've only played one Carvin (basic model; J pickups, 3-band EQ) and I was quite impressed. Congrats!

swspiers · #4 02-17-2012, 12:33 PM

That is one awesome looking bass! Congrats!

anezthes · #5 02-17-2012, 12:42 PM

Big fan of stainless steel frets! Very nice bass as well!

Billy Bassboy · #6 02-17-2012, 12:47 PM

Nice Bass. Carvin makes excellent basses as well as killer amps. I've been a loyal Carvin guy since the 70s

**WoodyG3** · #7 02-17-2012, 12:50 PM

Let us know what you think once you plug it in. Congrats on your new bass, it's sure pretty!

lowendblues · #8 02-17-2012, 12:51 PM

Icon's are wonderful basses. My dragonburst 4P is to die for.

HypersoulRocks · #9 02-17-2012, 01:26 PM

I cant believe the quality you get for such little money. It really makes me think so much less of Fender than I already did, and I have not been a fan of theirs for a long time.
I might have to order another Carvin before they wise up and raise their prices...

millsbass5 · #10 02-17-2012, 02:58 PM

I might have to order another Carvin before they wise up and raise their prices...-Quote

I've been thinkin' that for years. Keep your fingers crossed.
__________________

lowendblues · #11 02-17-2012, 07:36 PM

Carvins are great. My Icon and BB70.

LiquidMidnight · #12 02-17-2012, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millsbass5

That's cool of you for thinking "outside of the box" and getting one of Carvin's lesser-known basses. I don't know why these didn't reach the popularity of Carvin's SB and Bromberg series basses. Hell,ALL of the basses Carvin produces are very,very good basses. A lot of players think you have to spend a boatload of cash to have a pro-level bass,and that's just not true.
I've been on the Carvin bandwagon since the mid-90's. It's great to see them finally get their due.

+1 I love my Icon. With that said, my LBs are my favorite.

calypsocoral302 · #13 02-18-2012, 10:16 AM

I like the body shape of the ICON more than any other bass in their lineup-- it's almost like a composite of a Tobias/MTD and a Pedulla. I can definitely see some of those influences in the smooth, rounded lines and the offset waist profile.

The day Carvin offers the ICON 4 with dual MM-style humbuckers (maybe with 3-way mini-switches for coil tapping?), I'm totally getting one!

HypersoulRocks · #14 02-18-2012, 10:43 AM

I'd like to see a bolt on version of the icon body shape....

lowendblues · #15 02-18-2012, 01:43 PM

The Icon balances very well. It has the most "piano like" E string I've ever heard on any other bass.

MyMusic · #16 02-18-2012, 02:36 PM

Congratulations. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm enjoying mine (XB75)

lowendblues · #17 02-19-2012, 05:25 AM

Gassing for an Icon 5.

bassalo · #18 02-19-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowendblues

Gassing for an Icon 5.

Do it. They're AMAZING.

Ptizzy · #19 02-27-2012, 10:41 PM

Just an FYI guys, if you dont like these pickups and premp, Carvin offers the radius pickups from the Bromberg bass and they will put the Bromberg Preamp in the Icon as well......And I know because I called Carvin about this....I think this could be a great Combo.

HypersoulRocks · #20 03-01-2012, 06:54 AM

Just a quick update. Last night's practice was the first time I got to play through my full rig, and with the full band...
The sound is perfect, I can get deep tones for blues and funk, and growly midrange for Rush songs. Sound-wise, the bass does it all. And even better: the neck..the 14" radius is perfect for my hands, and the plain wood in the back is smooth and quick. I play better on this bass than on any other bass I've ever owned or used.
My next bass will be another Icon. I plan on ordering it in a few weeks.