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Ampeg or carvin? Would you rather?

#21
Ampeg or Carvin?

Two different animals in my book.

Truth in advertising...I've played through but never owned an Ampeg, however I do own a Carvin BX1500 rack mount head with a BRX10.4 neo cab. I also live near the Carvin factory so I've tried all of their goodies out and I like them alot. Also the staff has been very cool to deal with over the last 12 or so years that I've been working with them. (...as a customer. I don't work there.)

The Ampeg has the classic warm tube sound which is a sure win for a more "rockin' the roots" vibe. I'm not saying you can't do more with it, it just hits my gut as a straight ahead kind of rig and there's nothing wrong with that at all. If you already know you like the Ampeg sound I'd say get what you really want and grab the Ampeg.

The Carvin is definitely more of a modern "Hi-Fi" kind of rig. They are solidstate after all and the 12ax7 in the pre is VERY subtle and is more of an advertizing gimick than something that is truly a game changer. Being solid state they are quite light weight though. They offer a ton of routing options and plenty of EQ along with a great built in compressor. The big thing for me is that they are very articulate and are a great choice for 6 string bass players as the clean definition helps when you're covering that broad of a frequencey range.


Ampeg:
Pros: It's THE classic bass sound. 'nough said. Industry standard since forever
Cons: Pricey, heavy (generally) and a bit muddy to my ears.

Carvin:
Pros: Versatility, affordable, and audio definition. People forget Carvin has been doing this since the 40's just sayin'
Cons: Can seem thin and brittle to some players, can't try them out at your local store.

I hope this helps in some way :bassist:
 
#22
I love Carvin amps and play out of them (BX1500, R1000). The amps are amazing sounding. They do have ribbon cable issues, but they are not hard to deal with (plenty of reading to be done about that, just search). I bring both to every gig so I have a backup.

I'm not a big fan of their cabinets. I currently play out of a couple of different ones (BRX 4.10 NEO and RL410T) and am looking for something different.

I put my BX1500 on top of an Eden 410 for a rehearsal last year and it was so nice.
 
#23
Got2SadowskyNYC said:
Gj, it is a lot of amp for less money. They just are not as realiable.

If you the type that likes to trade later, you REALLY don't want Carvin. All things the same you get less for the Carvin. This is true for tradeing thier basses also and i happen to like thier basses.

Let me restate, I don't have either so I really don't have a dog in the hunt.
Click to expand...

Who says Carvin is not as reliable? There are many on TB who have been using the same Carvin amps for years. I like Ampeg too but they have also had their share of issues especially with the PF series heads. If I had to choose I would take an American made Carvin BX500 over the Ampeg PF500 any day.
 
#27
gjbassist said:
A lot of companies require you to ship an item for warranty repair work. Not a deal breaker for me.
Click to expand...

I agree but most have area repair centers Carvin has to be shipped all the way to California I live in Ohio so to me it's a deal breaker having to box up a heavy combo,amp or cab and hope it makes it out there and back in one piece is something I'll pass on if it was the absolute best amp you could buy maybe but it's not.
 
#29
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This is what I play through. I bought the Carvin BX500 and Carvin BRX10.4NEO new in July 2010. Bought the Carvin BRX10.2NEO used from a member here on TB (I think) in 2011. I use the 500/10.2 for rehearsals and the full rig (at 2 Ohms) for shows. Usually practice a couple times a week, and up until July last year played two or three gigs a month. Current band is combination Blues / Classic Rock with a (at times) loud drummer.

I've replaced the preamp tube once and every couple of months either re-seat the ribbon cables and tube and/or use contact cleaner on them. I had to do it once at a gig but it takes longer to get the case open than re-seat. The tweeter quit working in the 10.4 once, and it turned out to be the crossover - so Carvin mailed me a new one within a day or two.

I really like how light everything weighs.

I've had other bassists play through it at benefit shows and they all always love the sound. One older gentleman told me my rig was his favorite other than his - which is an Ampeg.

Hope this helps!

David
 
#30
I have Ampeg and Carvin amps and cabs. I prefer the authority of my Carvin bx1200 through my Carvin 10.4 neo. The ampeg is a classic 8x10 with a pf-500 and 7-pro. The Carvin has more punch and authority but the Ampeg is rounder. Sometimes a little fuller. I do like them both but 9 times out of 10 go for the Carvin. Also the Carvin seems to cut better in my 80's rock band than the Ampeg.
 
#31
I have owned a ton of Ampegs (currently a B15N, B100r, and PF500) and I own a Carvin BX500. I love both. Carvin is Made in USA, while only the highest end Ampeg is if that makes a difference. I love the tone of the PF500 though. And then I play the BX500 and I love that. Both wins, really. Ampeg has a better name, but Carvin is getting it done.
 
#33
"I have owned a ton of Ampegs (currently a B15N, B100r, and PF500) and I own a Carvin BX500. I love both. Carvin is Made in USA, while only the highest end Ampeg is if that makes a difference. I love the tone of the PF500 though. And then I play the BX500 and I love that. Both wins, really. Ampeg has a better name, but Carvin is getting it done."


^^^^^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
#34
In particular i wa looking at the mini series for calvin. I like the 3 way because i plan on adding a 15 to it later on. But i might be stuck with the 2 10 due to funds. I am open to anything. I have played fender rumble series and didnt like them. Genz is too expensive. Any thoughts on hartke? Never played one, or ashdown?
 
#35
After I retired from factory shift work at Michelin Tire...I started playing bass again. I was practicing in a large local fire hall and my Traynor YBA 200 just was not loud enough. I sold it for what I paid for it (off T.B.) and bought a used Carvin B 1500 again off T.B.. The B 1500 has a ton of head room and better controls than the Traynor..I really like it
 
#36
Opps forgot the pic..sorry
 

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#38
bampilot06 said:
In particular i wa looking at the mini series for calvin. I like the 3 way because i plan on adding a 15 to it later on. But i might be stuck with the 2 10 due to funds. I am open to anything. I have played fender rumble series and didnt like them. Genz is too expensive. Any thoughts on hartke? Never played one, or ashdown?
Click to expand...

What is your budget? I stayed clear of Genz Benz for a long time too until I found a new Shuttle 3.0 for $285! It's a great little head! There are good deals out there if you do some research.
 
#40
I'm usually wrong, but it seems like you're looking to stick with mini-micro and a lot of suggestions are geared towards a fridge.

Have you considered a Micro-VR? I have a Micro-CL and it's primary use is behind my recliner. I don't think it would've handled smallish gigs in the band I was in before I got it. A VR would have. And you can add a second cabinet; that option isn't happening with the CL.

Good luck with your choice!
 

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