Carvin LB76 Reviews?

Never had an LB76 but another Carvin I had felt kind of 'chunky' to me...

 

The Carvin electronics have changed over the years so you will need to specify what year the bass was made if you know. I'm puzzled by the 'chunky' comment in the above post. I have a LB75F and the neck is very thin front-to-back. Any 6-string bass is going to have a wide neck, some will be wider than others depending on the string spacing.

The big band that I play in almost never notices what bass I am using. The sax section always commented on how good the LB75 sounded with the stock pickups and electronics. This is the early 90s 2-band EQ and humbucking Jazz pickups. I had the bass routed for EMG DC pickups and put in an EMG BQC tone circuit and the comments about sounding good stopped. I put the original pickups (under dummy soapbar shells) and original preamp back in and the band started commenting on how good the bass sounded again. Not a scientific study but at least my particular bass sounds best with the original electronics.

Rick B.

 

One of the best bangs for the buck in a used 6-string, imo. As mentioned above, the electronics changed over the years. Early ones were humbucking with 2-band (what I have), then later single coil with 3-band, and maybe some other variations as well. I'm actually quite happy with the electronics in mine, but note that Bartolini makes a drop-in replacement for these basses. At the price these usually go for (I paid $600 for mine, in very clean condition) it doesn't hurt too much to have to upgrade the electronics if you want.

/rick

 

My LB76 is a circa 2000 model. OBP, 3 band EQ and 2 jazz style pickups that I believe are hum cancelling. If they aren't they are the quietest single coils I have ever heard. The preamp is good and the EQ offers a lot of flexibility but I am finding that I prefer to use the passive mode for recording.

 

Ok, not a lb76, but a 6 string fretless Icon here. Love the neck and string spacing (I have small hands), preamp is ok, however the pickups didn't work for me that well. Not enough highs for me - they have a roll off in the treble area and somewhat exaggerated high mids. It was mentioned above, there are a few options for an upgrade, I chose Delano and very happy with them so far.
Also, please keep in mind that wood choice will affect the tone as well and had I ordered something brighter sounding (mine is mahogany) the stock pickups could have very well worked better for me.

 

I never saw this thread until now--sounds like you took the plunge and like what you've got. I also have an LB76 (fretless). Would love to see some pics, if you've got 'em.

 

Nice! I get seasick looking at that upside down thing, but she is a beaut!