• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Carvin or Gecko

Carvin Icon or Warmoth Gecko

  • Carvin Ic6

    Votes: 18 40.9%

  • Professionally assembled/setup Gecko 6

    Votes: 26 59.1%
  • Total voters
    44
  • Poll closed .
bajistapromedio

bajistapromedio

Apr 25, 2006
597
183
Los Angeles
#1
So, I want to either get a Carvin Ic6 or a Warmoth Gecko 6 (assembled by an experienced and skilled luthier/repair man). Which would you recomend for a guy who really wants an MTD 635 but can't afford it? I play in "nu-jazz", latin, gospel, pop-rock, and classic rock bands. The sound I really like is that of an MTD 635 with wenge neck, ash body, and walnut top. This is the exact woods that the Gecko would have, together with Bartolini "Classic" soapbar pickups and an Aguilar OBP-3. The Carvin would have a 5-piece Walnut neck with ash body and walnut top with Carvin SP pickups and electronics.

So, what is your verdict, and why?
 
#5
it all depends on what you want out of the bass, as they are quite different creatures

* neck-thru vs bolt-on
* symmetrical vs assymetrical rear contours
* 34" vs 35" scale

depending on the options you specify, the Carvin will most likely be slightly less $$$ as well. both will have about the same resale value, should you ever decide to move on to a different instrument

if you do go the Gecko route, spend the extra $35 and omit the gecko inlay from the fingerboard.

all the best,

R
 
#7
Rodent said:
it all depends on what you want out of the bass, as they are quite different creatures

* neck-thru vs bolt-on
* symmetrical vs assymetrical rear contours
* 34" vs 35" scale
Click to expand...

In this respect, the Gecko would be a better fit because I can have everything I like about the MTD (wood combination, scale length, bolt on neck) without the things I am not too comfortable with (like wide string spacing and price).
 
#9
I have a local builder/repairman with decades of experience who I’m sure will be able to do as good a job (if not better). I just need to find out about the price for his labor. He recently built a replacement neck for my guitarist’s Gibson, and he charged $300 (including some extra parts like Schaler machines, bridge, and new wiring for the pickups). His hand built instruments are supper. If he is too expensive, I might spend the shipping cost and ask our very own Rodent to put it together for me (if I go with the Gecko, which I am leaning towards right now).
 
#10
A quick update: I spoke to my local builder/repairman, and he gave the project, and Warmoth parts, a thumbs up. Said we could build it in stages as and when I have the money. Got a good quote from him for his labor and from the pickup supply guy for a pair of Bartolini P46CBC pickups. So, I will be ordering the neck and some hardware tomorrow, and hopefully my builder can start applying the finish on it by next week. My plan is to buy the body and hardware next month, and have him put it together and string it up and have it under tension, so it will be good and…tight?...when it is time for the final setup (why do builders string it up long before it is ready?). Then, about a month later, I will buy the pickups and preamp for him to install, and it should be ready for the final setup. My hope is that I will have a sweet gigging bass by the time the busy Christmas season comes along. Will post updates as and when there is any progress. Hope to include lots of pictures :bassist: . Thanks to everyone for taking the time to vote and for expressing your thoughts on this matter, specially Rodent and MikeBass.
 
#11
that gecko setup sounds like it would slay. i love ash. i love wenge necks. I like barts. i like the look of walnut. i guess we share some of the same tastes. mind you, i'd opt for a 4 banger but thats just me...

good luck on you purchase, i know i'd be torn between the two, that's for sure.
 
#12
congrats on deciding to go forward on with a new bass build - it's always exciting when the first parts start to take shape or delivery.

why do builders string it up long before it is ready?
Click to expand...

the answer is that the neck woods need to settle in to being under tension from the strings. I like a neck to cease moving (bowing) before I add any counter adjustments from the trussrod - I really want to know where it's at without inflicting the additional stress of the trussrod. This usually takes anywhere from a couple of days to a little under a week for everything to stabilize. Once stable, I'll work the trussrod adjustments to bring the neck into playing action over the course of several days

looking forward to seeing the progress pix on this over the next few months. Feel welcome to drop a note anytime if you want to bounce an idea

all the best,

R
 
#14
Rodent said:
the answer is that the neck woods need to settle in to being under tension from the strings. I like a neck to cease moving (bowing) before I add any counter adjustments from the trussrod - I really want to know where it's at without inflicting the additional stress of the trussrod. This usually takes anywhere from a couple of days to a little under a week for everything to stabilize. Once stable, I'll work the trussrod adjustments to bring the neck into playing action over the course of several days
Click to expand...

I get it now. Thanks Rodent. This sounds like high end luthiery. It makes total sense.
 
#16
So...just to keep y'all informed, I made up my mind. I have decided to go with the bass with the little lizard on the fretboard. Just got off the phone a few minutes back. The order is placed, and when the frets are installed the neck (wenge/bubinga with edony board) will be shipped to me, within a week. The tuning machines will be comming with the neck.
 
#17
Man, I feel so nervous. When this bass is put together, it will be my first ever bass over a grand. I feel kind of guilty spending so much money, but I feel like I am ready to stretch, and I need an instrument that will help me take my craft to the next level. Still…it is a lot of money (for where I currently am in life). Do you guys experience any negative emotions when you spend large sums of your hard earned money (or when you trade such a large part of your life, which you spent earning that money) on a bass or other equipment?
 
#18
malicous said:
Man, I feel so nervous. When this bass is put together, it will be my first ever bass over a grand. I feel kind of guilty spending so much money, but I feel like I am ready to stretch, and I need an instrument that will help me take my craft to the next level. Still…it is a lot of money (for where I currently am in life). Do you guys experience any negative emotions when you spend large sums of your hard earned money (or when you trade such a large part of your life, which you spent earning that money) on a bass or other equipment?
Click to expand...


Not when the quality of the bass exceeds most of what you can buy "on the wall". :smug:

I have a Gecko neck on a custom body that I did a while back. They do very nice work. You won't be disappointed.

As far as the money goes, . . . I may be spending around $2,500 on my next bass, . . . .. perhaps even around $3,000 if I go with a Roscoe. That. . . . is a lot of money.

Or I may just spend a little over a grand and build a 6 string Warmoth myself. :)
 
#19
DaveCustomMade said:
I have a Gecko neck on a custom body that I did a while back. They do very nice work. You won't be disappointed.
Click to expand...

That is reassuring.

Did you get it with the Gecko inlay, or did you have it removed. I see from your profile that you play in a church. How was the reaction to the little critter on your fingerboard (if you have it)? I’m not worried about my church, and it certainly won’t be a problem in my other non church bands, but I was a little concerned about the church bands I sometimes get called to sub in, or for convention and retreat music teams.
 
#20
malicous said:
That is reassuring.

Did you get it with the Gecko inlay, or did you have it removed. I see from your profile that you play in a church. How was the reaction to the little critter on your fingerboard (if you have it)? I’m not worried about my church, and it certainly won’t be a problem in my other non church bands, but I was a little concerned about the church bands I sometimes get called to sub in, or for convention and retreat music teams.
Click to expand...

Most people like the Gecko inlay. I'm not too certain if I would get a 6 string with the inlay though, especially since I have a 5 string with it. But, no one has been offended by it in a church setting. If they were, I'd probably just tell them to "calm down". If they want to see "evil" in it, then that's their problem, . . which is a problem with reality. It's an inlay of a Gecko, nothing more. :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back