Absolutely loving this amp, a true sleeper. I have gigged it a few times and it has performed flawlessly. Very versatile amp. I bring it instead of my Shuttlemax 9.2 on most of my gigs now.
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Carvin BX500: Pt. 3
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
I don't have the BX500 anymore, as I "replaced" it with the BX1500, but that's basically just two BX500's under the hood anyway. In short, great amp. I have NO reservations in recommending it!
*snipped
Cool, but what is the LSX1503? I found it on carvins archive but looks exactly the same as my LS1503. any difference?
I just gotta sell my Crown XLS2000 poweramp, PedalBoard, Tone Hammer and maybe my 18" sub, then I think I'll order the BX500.
Had a PB-200 years ago, I've always liked Carvins stuff.
The BX500 is a great head that sounds so good. Very reliable and portable. I have one listed right now in the amp classifieds if anyone is looking.
Has anyone else seen the BX500NT that Carvin is selling on Ebay? It's $40 less than the regular model but does not have the 12AX7 tube installed and is in bypass mode. They say it can have a tube installed at any time and will work just like the regular BX500. Seems like this would be a good deal especially if someone wanted to try a different tube from the one Carvin normally uses. I'm giving some thought to getting one.
CARVIN BX500NT 500W LIGHTWEIGHT BASS AMP AMPLIFIER HEAD / NO PREAMP TUBE NEW | eBay
CARVIN BX500NT 500W LIGHTWEIGHT BASS AMP AMPLIFIER HEAD / NO PREAMP TUBE NEW | eBay
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Why?
Selling my head to fund a small 200 watt micro combo, for my 3 piece jazz gig.
thanx for the replies fellas. I prob will go ahead and buy this head new, just in case I need the warranty. Thanx for the heads up on the used one tho LAG, and thanx for tha 'bay link GJ. I found a buyer for my CROWN XLS2000 and 18" sub with a couple rack grills and a shelf for about $400 so the BX500 is gonna be mine soon. Have to secure a loaner rig for upcommings, but worse senario is running my Tone Hammer to FOH 
...not worried!
WOW just noticed the price on Carvins site just jumped up to 399.00+19.00 in the last day or so, it was 369.00+19.00
I see the Ebay one is 339.00+19.00 I think I'll save the $60 and buy a 9 dollar tube myself!
...not worried!WOW just noticed the price on Carvins site just jumped up to 399.00+19.00 in the last day or so, it was 369.00+19.00
I see the Ebay one is 339.00+19.00 I think I'll save the $60 and buy a 9 dollar tube myself!
Yep. I bought one of these off the 'bay late last year. They had them on and off, but it was $349 when I bought mine. I have a stash of tubes at home so I figured why not. It's a nice head. Just popped off the top plate and plugged in a GE 12AX7. $339 is a great deal, even if you would have to buy a tube, but you don't if you don't want to. At least right away. I found little difference between having the tube in the path or bypassed. I really like the amp and I've been using an Eden WT-300 for years.
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I love my BX500! 3+ years now, and counting. I just (finally!) bought a BRX2.10 NEO (4ohms, 600 watts, rated at 26Hz to 22,000K I believe), and love the combination. In fact, I paired it with my 4ohm, 2x10 Carvin Red Eye cab (circa 1999) and it KILLS! The NEO alone is more than enough punch, and really holds the lows beautifully, particularly with the 'B' string. Life is good with Carvin!
I have one of the first BX500 which I got in Feb. 2009 and it been holding up with out any problem. I used it on many different cabs and they all sound good.
Hi there. I'm currently running a Hartke LH1000, for 2 different bands. One band has me using an 8-ohm Bassman 410 (slanted), and the other an 8-ohm Avatar 212.
Now, I only ever use one cabinet at a time, and have searched to see if any of you guys are running the BX500 with just an 8-ohm cab. My bands are big, dumb rock and roll with hard-hittng drummers. My gig venues are mid-sized.
I'm tired of lugging around that huge Hartke head. The larger BX1500 intrigues me, but it's the portability I'm mostly after. I had a Carvin RL6815 Cyclops 12 years ago that failed (defect, but out of warranty) and left a bad taste in my mouth, but am ready to try Carvin again because apparently the customer service has improved.
Now, I only ever use one cabinet at a time, and have searched to see if any of you guys are running the BX500 with just an 8-ohm cab. My bands are big, dumb rock and roll with hard-hittng drummers. My gig venues are mid-sized.
I'm tired of lugging around that huge Hartke head. The larger BX1500 intrigues me, but it's the portability I'm mostly after. I had a Carvin RL6815 Cyclops 12 years ago that failed (defect, but out of warranty) and left a bad taste in my mouth, but am ready to try Carvin again because apparently the customer service has improved.
I run mine with an 8 ohm 2x12 and have been presently surprised by how loud it can get. I leave my old Hartke 5000 at home.
I like what I'm hearing. 1000 watts from the Hartke is nice, but I've been kind of dubious that it's actually giving me even 750 watts at 8 ohms, because the volume's better than halfway up with the EQ flat most times.
YAWMV
=Your Actual Wattage May Vary
With a single volume knob like the LH1000/500 I would think your input sensitivity may affect actual output too.
=Your Actual Wattage May Vary
With a single volume knob like the LH1000/500 I would think your input sensitivity may affect actual output too.
Oh, most definitely. I have a G&L ASAT, and that thing's pretty hot, even when in passive mode.
As a matter of fact, I am using my BX1500 with my old RL6815 cabinet now!
and sometime for a little bit also and at the sametime with an Aguilar GS112 and an Eden CX110 
...and any combination there of 
