Carvin/Kiesel?

[Liam T]

My first post here so let's see how this goes....

I am in the market for a new bass, something under 2000, and had my heart set on one of the ibanez premiums with nordstrands, but a Carvin Vader caught my eye, and the more I read into it, the more I am tempted. While it seems like a better instrument for me, I am terrified of buying it without playing it. Any thoughts? Just general advice/thoughts about Carvins would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking for something that'll be quick to play with my fingers, slap well, and have a big bottom end. So anyone who has played a Carvin maybe comment on how well their basses lend themselves to that. Thank you very much!

 

[NathanC]

I don't have any thoughts on that model other than that I'm also interested in it since i love my Kiesel Vader guitar, but i will say there's no real risk other than return shipping costs if you don't like the bass. Certainly nothing to be terrified about. I have a fretless Carvin Bromberg that I quite like, even if I'm terrible at playing it. Build quality is top notch.

 

[tercesyrev]

Carvin / Kiesel gutiars are excellent instruments. Construction is flawless. My new Vanquish should arrive in a couple days. They have a 10 day trial period to try them so go for it. BTW - one of my other basses is an Ibanez SR1206e Premium with the Nordy's. Excellent bass too!

 

[Davidus1]

I've owned two Carvins in the past and they were both great basses. Very very happy with the purchases. In my opinion you can't go wrong with a Carvin.

 

[Econdude]

I am on my third Carvin. I currently have an LB76 and a Vanquish V69k. Both rock and are light years ahead of anything that I have played (Comparable to my MTD) My Vader 6 string should be done in about a week. I painstakingly looked at several other basses that I could get in the same price range but Carvin is just too solid, Love my Carvin basses. And 2 years ago I had never purchased one but after my custom V69K and just can't make myself buy another bass.

 

[Nighthound]

I own a Vanquish 69 and a Vader 6 Bass and love them both! Both are keepers! Everything about them are great. Just make sure you take your time and look at all the options. If you don't see something you like..call a salesman. I would def order with Chris Hong from them. He's a great salesman. Good luck!

 

[pica]

I too am kind of skittish about buying a bass without playing it first. However, Carvin is probably the only bass I would buy like that. Owned a used Carvin for a short time and it was nothing but fantastic. I would have no regrets buying a new Carvin sight unseen.

 

[cman227]

I am considering a Vader, but I'm concerned about the top nut. Will this fail to hold the proper string tension over time? How difficult is it to replace this system if something goes wrong. Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[BassikLee]

Those string clamps are fine. I would have no issues with them. If they do fail, replacing the whole piece is usually a two screw operation.