Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 4!

[TMart99]

Update!

I always bash Fender because of their quality control, but it seems that Carvin and Fender are pretty much dead on. If you get a good one, you're GOLD. If not, better luck next time.

This is a damn shame. Carvin needs to pull their sh*t together. There have been way too many problems with people's instruments, lately. Carvin should perceive this as embarrasssing and damaging to their reputation (because it is) and they should clean up their act.

Fortunetly, I lucked out with my very recent B40. It's beautiful....plays beautifully and sounds great. No problems with the build, whatsoever. Nor did I have or have had any problems with my Carvin SH60 guitar.

One thing for sure, Carvin is more than willing to correct the problem and build you a new bass, should a new bass be needed. And they'll do it with no resistence or bullsh*t.

So to claim it's a "better luck next time " scenario is without a doubt disingenuous and a misrepresentation of the facts. It's only a "better luck next time" scenario because you choose to claim it is. But it's not. Carvin we'll correct the problem and even build you a new bass if the current bass you have is actually damaged to a point that makes it necessary.

 

[Panthera]

Update!

After looking over the bass some more, I also found a finish flaw. However, there is no screw in the HSC. It was left off apparently.

Anyway, I called Carvin and spoke with Bart. I told him my issues and he seemed shocked. He wanted me to tell Albert about my problems as he seemed genuinely concerned about them letting basses of this quality go out. Albert took my info and told me he'd have UPS come pick it up and fix it. I told him I appreciated that, but that I wanted a refund. He then told me that I just needed to ship it back then.

It kind of pisses me off that they will have UPS pick the bass up if I want them to fix it but if I want a refund (because of they're screw ups) then it's on my dime? I can understand if I wanted to return it for no reason, but oh well.

I know a lot of you guys may think this is hasty and that I should let them fix it, but this is not acceptable to me. I paid them good money and I waited on their deadline. It was finished before schedule, so maybe if they would have spent a few extra weeks on the bass they could have at least put the missing screw in the damn pickguard.

I could allow Carvin the opportunity to fix this bass, but I would rather go with a company that can get it right the first time around.

I'd take this over to the Carvin BBS (on their website under Community)and start a thread there telling your story. I know they watch what goes on there.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I think they watch this thread too - just not all the time. This isn't the first sad final QA story we've had on this thread...

As for this particular case, I'd let them pick it up and fix the problem(s). I'd expect (perhaps foolishly) that they'd make sure to do an extra good job on the bass the sent me in the end...

 

[Vic]

On the finish crack issue, FWIW, I've had Zon basses with those same cracks in the finish. It's only in the finish, not the wood, and it's tight enough you don't need to worry about bad things happening due to the environment. The wood is still very well protected. It just happens if the finish is thick enough, and that corner is just sharp enough, and the bass takes just the right impact. So yes, it probably did happen in shipping, but probably not because of any specific abuse, and the instrument is in no danger.

That said, it is a flaw, and IMHO you should be entitled to a replacement, repair, or refund. A brand new bass you paid full price for should of course be defect-free, and it's their responsibility to get it to your door that way.

Personally, I'd shoot for a discount, because it'll never affect the integrity, playability, or tone of the instrument, and it's all but invisible except under close scrutiny. But that's only my choice of course, so FWIW on that.

On the screw, while adding to the irritation, to me is a complete non-issue. Have them send you one, put it in, forget about it forever. Yeah, it shoulda' been in there, but really, it's such a microscopic thing. IMHO on that tho.

I'm gonna' send some more feedback Carvin's way tho. I'm sure they'll put fixes in if they keep getting feedback (tho honestly, they should be getting it internally from Albert and the rest too, and likely are).

 

[Handyman]

As for this particular case, I'd let them pick it up and fix the problem(s). I'd expect (perhaps foolishly) that they'd make sure to do an extra good job on the bass the sent me in the end...

This is one of the strange things about Carvin. They seem to be really good about resolving warranty issues like this, yet let these problems out the door in the first place.

 

[madbassplaya]

So to claim it's a "better luck next time " scenario is without a doubt disingenuous and a misrepresentation of the facts. It's only a "better luck next time" scenario because you choose to claim it is. But it's not. Carvin we'll correct the problem and even build you a new bass if the current bass you have is actually damaged to a point that makes it necessary.

Sorry, but I disagree. Even though Carvin is willing to redo the bass could this not happen again? The QC issue coming up once is one thing. This is happening a lot!

On the finish crack issue, FWIW, I've had Zon basses with those same cracks in the finish. It's only in the finish, not the wood, and it's tight enough you don't need to worry about bad things happening due to the environment. The wood is still very well protected. It just happens if the finish is thick enough, and that corner is just sharp enough, and the bass takes just the right impact. So yes, it probably did happen in shipping, but probably not because of any specific abuse, and the instrument is in no danger.

That said, it is a flaw, and IMHO you should be entitled to a replacement, repair, or refund. A brand new bass you paid full price for should of course be defect-free, and it's their responsibility to get it to your door that way.

Personally, I'd shoot for a discount, because it'll never affect the integrity, playability, or tone of the instrument, and it's all but invisible except under close scrutiny. But that's only my choice of course, so FWIW on that.

On the screw, while adding to the irritation, to me is a complete non-issue. Have them send you one, put it in, forget about it forever. Yeah, it shoulda' been in there, but really, it's such a microscopic thing. IMHO on that tho.

I'm gonna' send some more feedback Carvin's way tho. I'm sure they'll put fixes in if they keep getting feedback (tho honestly, they should be getting it internally from Albert and the rest too, and likely are).

Vic, you are a wise man and I trust your opinion. I have been considering keeping the bass or exchanging it for another one, its just SO disappointing to open that box and have something wrong with a new custom bass.

 

[TMart99]

Update!

It kind of pisses me off that they will have UPS pick the bass up if I want them to fix it but if I want a refund (because of they're screw ups) then it's on my dime? I can understand if I wanted to return it for no reason, but oh well.

If yuou immediately ask for a refund and refuse to allow them to make it right; then, you should pay for the shipping back to Carvin.

How does Carvin know that the "damage" occured on their property and that it left the building that way? You know how many scams and under-handed jerks Carvin has seen and had to deal with over the years?

I mean, this not situation or problem like a bass's truss rod that's already been maximized and ruined on a new bass.

Ultimately, you're all upset over a missing screw and a crack in the paint which may only be a superficial crack in the paint and not a crack in the wood itself. No one knows for sure where that occured.


The only way for Carvin to determine the depth of the problem, is to take a look at it; with you giving them an opportunity to evaluate the problem and see what needs to be done. But you're refusing to do that. So why should Carvin eat the shipping cost.

Maybe you can work something out with them and after they determine what the problems is and if it's determined to be a QC based problem; you can request they refund the shipping costs you paid for. If they refuse to do so at that point, then, you'd have a legitimate gripe.

 

[madbassplaya]

If yuou immediately ask for a refund and refuse to allow them to make it right; then, you should pay for the shipping back to Carvin.

How does Carvin know that the "damage" occured on their property and that it left the building that way? You know how many scams and under-handed jerks Carvin has seen and had to deal with over the years?

I mean, this not situation or problem like a bass's truss rod that's already been maximized and ruined on a new bass.

Ultimately, you're all upset over a missing screw and a crack in the paint which may only be a superficial crack in the paint and not a crack in the wood itself. No one knows for sure where that occured.


The only way for Carvin to determine the depth of the problem, is to take a look at it; with you giving them an opportunity to evaluate the problem and see what needs to be done. But you're refusing to do that. So why should Carvin eat the shipping cost.

Maybe you can work something out with them and after they determine what the problems is and if it's determined to be a QC based problem; you can request they refund the shipping costs you paid for. If they refuse to do so at that point, then, you'd have a legitimate gripe.

Why not have UPS pick it up and if there are no QC problems with the bass just charge me shipping out of the 1200 dollars that they have of mine?

 

[Handyman]

Sorry, but I disagree. Even though Carvin is willing to redo the bass could this not happen again? The QC issue coming up once is one thing. This is happening a lot!



Vic, you are a wise man and I trust your opinion. I have been considering keeping the bass or exchanging it for another one, its just SO disappointing to open that box and have something wrong with a new custom bass.

It could happen again, but I doubt it. Most of the QC issues we've been seeing here are really quite minor. The crack in your new bass is pretty darn bad compared to most of those.

Still though, opening up your new bass and seeing that sounds like a huge bummer. They really should have caught that at the factory.

 

[madbassplaya]

It could happen again, but I doubt it. Most of the QC issues we've been seeing here are really quite minor. The crack in your new bass is pretty darn bad compared to most of those.

Still though, opening up your new bass and seeing that sounds like a huge bummer. They really should have caught that at the factory.

Agreed. I feel that I have properly vented about it now and maybe I should give them a chance to make it right. There's really no other bass that fits what I want quite like this one. Gosh, it's beautiful too!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

This is one of the strange things about Carvin. They seem to be really good about resolving warranty issues like this, yet let these problems out the door in the first place.

Indeed. And you know that covering these issues must cost them much more than having a qualified employee being the final inspector. Of course, it could be sales-quota driven thing, where up-front costs are the only thing that matter to the VP with the bigger office (like where I work!!!)

 

[Vic]

...its just SO disappointing to open that box and have something wrong with a new custom bass.

I COMPLETELY understand.

 

[madbassplaya]

I COMPLETELY understand.

Thank you for the empathy Vic.

Another Update!

Alright, I have calmed down and after reading what a few of you have said, I called Carvin back. I began looking at what else I could get for the price and truthfully there is nothing else that I would like to have more than this bass.

Bart understood my complaints completely and is having UPS pick the bass up tomorrow morning. He asked me to put a note in the box and said that they will fix the problems and send the bass back ASAP.

Sorry for the rant earlier. It's really hard to be so built up and then be disappointed.

I will say this about Carvin, Bart has been awesome through this and their customer service has been great so far.

 

[TMart99]

Sorry, but I disagree. Even though Carvin is willing to redo the bass could this not happen again? The QC issue coming up once is one thing. This is happening a lot!

You don't have to apologize because you disagree. Different opinions and different perspectives is what makes life interesting.

Again, I know Carvin has had some issues of late with some of their QC. But it's not every bass/guitar that has issues. Just because that other guy had 3 or 4 or 5 basses that he seemd to find a problem with, every time; doesn't mean you're going to have repeated problems, too. Every day, Carvin gets many basses and guitars out the door and into the hands of their customers, without a single problem.

Just seems like your being a bit reactionary with this whole thing. Seems like you're trying desperately to make a mountain out of what could very well be nothing but a very minor blemish of a tiny ant hill.

By refusing to let Carvin make things right for you, over what appears to be and could very well be a very minor superficial aesthetic problem; you're manufactoring the drama and desperatly trying to embelish and superficially multiply and exaggerate the reality of the problem.

In your mind, it's a "better luck next time" scenario based on assumptions and what could happen; not on what has happened to you. And Carvin has been nothing but cooperative and willing to make it right. Carvin hasn't jerked you around, played games and been rude to you.


I know it's disappointing to pay that much money, wait a long time and then get an instrument with a defect or minor blemish. But your situation...your scenario could be very minor. Nothing to get all bent out of shape about and refuse Carvin the opportuniy to make it right. Maybe something for you to think about.

 

[TMart99]

Why not have UPS pick it up and if there are no QC problems with the bass just charge me shipping out of the 1200 dollars that they have of mine?

Because you requested a refund. Did you read their policy and agreement? Why should they change their policy for you, when you won't even allow them to pay for the shipping and give them an opportunity to evaluate the bass and determine the problem, so they could make it right? You immediately asked for a refund. Immediate requests for a refund often raise Red Flags for companies.

And there's a very good reason why it does.

 

[madbassplaya]

Sorry, but I disagree. Even though Carvin is willing to redo the bass could this not happen again? The QC issue coming up once is one thing. This is happening a lot!QUOTE]

You don't have to apologize because you disagree. Different opinions and different perspectives is what makes life interesting.

Again, I know Carvin has had some issues of late with some of their QC. But it's not every bass/guitar that has issues. Just because that other guy had 3 or 4 or 5 basses that he seemd to find a problem with, every time; doesn't mean you're going to have repeated problems, too. Every day, Carvin gets many basses and guitars out the door and into the hands of their customers, without a single problem.

Just seems like your being a bit reactionary with this whole thing. Seems like you're trying desperately to make a mountain out of what could very well be nothing but a very minor blemish of a tiny ant hill.

By refusing to let Carvin make things right for you, over what appears to be and could very well be a very minor superficial aesthetic problem; you're manufactoring the drama and desperatly trying to embelish and superficially multiply and exaggerate the reality of the problem.

In your mind, it's a "better luck next time" scenario based on assumptions and what could happen; not on what has happened to you. And Carvin has been nothing but cooperative and willing to make it right. Carvin hasn't jerked you around, played games and been rude to you.


I know it's disappointing to pay that much money, wait a long time and then get an instrument with a defect or minor blemish. But your situation...your scenario could be very minor. Nothing to get all bent out of shape about and refuse Carvin the opportuniy to make it right. Maybe something for you to think about.

Maybe you should read everything that I've written? Yes, I was extremely upset and I believe I had a right to be. A bass that is supposed to be untouched and new was delivered to me with issues. I wanted a refund immediately and now that I have thought about it, I am going to let them fix it.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

...

I will say this about Carvin, Bart has been awesome through this and their customer service has been great so far.

Wait until you get a bass in your hands that meets your expectations... Talk is cheap. I hope you are right, though.

good luck!

 

[phillipkregg]

You don't have to apologize because you disagree. Different opinions and different perspectives is what makes life interesting.

Again, I know Carvin has had some issues of late with some of their QC. But it's not every bass/guitar that has issues. Just because that other guy had 3 or 4 or 5 basses that he seemd to find a problem with, every time; doesn't mean you're going to have repeated problems, too. Every day, Carvin gets many basses and guitars out the door and into the hands of their customers, without a single problem.

Just seems like your being a bit reactionary with this whole thing. Seems like you're trying desperately to make a mountain out of what could very well be nothing but a very minor blemish of a tiny ant hill.

By refusing to let Carvin make things right for you, over what appears to be and could very well be a very minor superficial aesthetic problem; you're manufactoring the drama and desperatly trying to embelish and superficially multiply and exaggerate the reality of the problem.

In your mind, it's a "better luck next time" scenario based on assumptions and what could happen; not on what has happened to you. And Carvin has been nothing but cooperative and willing to make it right. Carvin hasn't jerked you around, played games and been rude to you.


I know it's disappointing to pay that much money, wait a long time and then get an instrument with a defect or minor blemish. But your situation...your scenario could be very minor. Nothing to get all bent out of shape about and refuse Carvin the opportuniy to make it right. Maybe something for you to think about.

Because you requested a refund. Did you read their policy and agreement? Why should they change their policy for you, when you won't even allow them to pay for the shipping and give them an opportunity to evaluate the bass and determine the problem, so they could make it right? You immediately asked for a refund. Immediate requests for a refund often raise Red Flags for companies.

And there's a very good reason why it does.

Both posts unnecessarily snarky.

Looks like MadBassPlaya is being very reasonable if you ask me.

It's a disappointing situation for sure, but he seems to be giving them a second chance and the benefit of a doubt.

 

[madbassplaya]

Because you requested a refund. Did you read their policy and agreement? Why should they change their policy for you, when you won't even allow them to pay for the shipping and give them an opportunity to evaluate the bass and determine the problem, so they could make it right? You immediately asked for a refund. Immediate requests for a refund often raise Red Flags for companies.

And there's a very good reason why it does.

Ok, I get it. Moving on...

 

[madbassplaya]

Wait until you get a bass in your hands that meets your expectations... Talk it cheap. I hope you are right, though.

good luck!

I agree. As a counselor, empathy goes a LONG way! Bart was very empathetic and understood why I initially wanted a refund. I calmed down and I am gonna give them a chance to fix this and if its fixed, I will be happy. If not, I will ship it back to them and get a refund.