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Carvin AC 50 -- any owners out there? Thoughts?

SanDiegoHarry

SanDiegoHarry

Inactive
Supporting Member
Aug 11, 2008
17,143
9,104
San Diego, CA
#1
I'm considering ordering a Carvin AC-50 fretless... For $1100 I can get a pretty sporty bass and support a local business... I've never been thrilled with their regular basses, but the AC-50 seems to be different, with the whole semi-acoustic thing going on, it looks like a "poor man's" Rob Allen....

So any owners out there? Any thoughts on this axe for me?
 
#2
I don't have an AC50...but I do own an AC40...

I've had it since '97 and don't play it much, ONLY because I don't have much use for it at the moment (I'm playing a 5 string active Jazz most of the time as it fits what I'm doing)

I consider selling it last year, but after taking it to church and playing it, I can't sell it.

It's very articulate. It's not acoustic, doesn't sound acoustic. It sounds like an amplified acoustic (which is what it is).

This bass would KILL as a fretless and am seriously still considering doing a conversion on it.


Playability/Construction wise, the neck is thin, it's very comfortable but the trussrod needs an occasional tweak, but that's all and it's ready to go in <5 mins.

On the AC50 I've heard some reports from people that they're not all that impressed with the B-string, but that's really been the only negative I've heard from these basses.

I don't know if this helps. I hope it does.
 
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#3
On one of Norm Stockton's (a great performer and teacher) training videos, he makes the AC-50 fretless absolutely sing. Here's a link to his website: http://www.normstockton.com/

But if you look at the FAQs on his web-site, he's not very positive on the AC-50. Take a look at what he says: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you are really patient, I can guarantee you that you will not be unhappy with a Rob Allen (I am a great fan of his work). A used one with basic woods is all you need. They come up occaissionally... it just takes patience to wait for one. Best of luck to you no matter what you od.
 
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#4
tedw said:
On one of Norm Stockton's (a great performer and teacher) training videos, he makes the AC-50 fretless absolutely sing. Here's a link to his website: http://www.normstockton.com/

But if you look at the FAQs on his web-site, he's not very positive on the AC-50. Take a look at what he says: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

If you are really patient, I can guarantee you that you will not be unhappy with a Rob Allen (I am a great fan of his work). A used one with basic woods is all you need. They come up occaissionally... it just takes patience to wait for one. Best of luck to you no matter what you od.
Click to expand...

the problem with a use Rob Allen is $$ - Yes, I know good stuff costs - I just don't have big bux to spend right now... But I'll read those links - - THANKS!
 
#5
I own an AC40 and have been very impressed. The build quality is superb. I have had no finish issues like Stockton has had. Although mine is finished with a clear coat, I'm not sure what finish Norm has. The bass has a really great low end kinda WHUMP that really draws me to it. It definitely is not much of an acoustic, but it doesn't have the solidbody sound either. I doubt very much that it would stand up to a Rob Allen, but nothing will from what I read. If that Rob Allen/ Upright bass sound is what you are looking for, I would save your money. The Carvin is a great bass in it's own right, but it does not fit that bill in my opinion.
 

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#9
I bought a used AC50F about 3 years ago. I have to admit that i do not use it on many gigs lately. I was doing an accoustic gig once a month and used it on these[the club closed last year] I payed 575.00 for the bass ,and it was in as new condition. The sound of the bass is great, and I have not any issues with it at all.
 
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#12
Okay, those of you who have responded - thanks. Let's talk about tone... I know it's a single acoustic type pickup, and they only offer the instrument with neck/body of mahogany... any comments on fretless tone? I wouldn't expect a big jaco mwaahhh thing at all, but does it have some good character?
 
#14
I have an AC-50F. I used to use it exclusively in a jazzy sort of band I was in. I don't think I've had it out of it's case in a year or more.

521321.jpg

That's us filling in after BassmanRon died a few years back.
 
#16
WoodyG3 said:
I have an AC40 with frets, and the tone is on the woody side, pretty thumpy, but a lot more sustain than an upright. This is with LaBella tapewounds.

I really love the bass, but I admit that it doesn't get played much. It is a bit of a specialized sound.
Click to expand...

I would expect to have it fretless with roundwounds, mostly because I like they way they feel...

I'd likely go with darker nickle strings... not to zingy but with some good clarity...

I really should just drive up to Poway and see what they have on the wall...
 

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