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

[TMart99]

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.

Okay. Obviously that post came in while I was typing/reponding to your other posts. Glad to see you've properly vented and now have landed in a more rational place.

Hey listen, I know how upsetting it is. While I haven't experienced these problems with Carvin, I have had similar problems with other basses (other brands) and with high end home audio stereo speakers. So I know how upsetting and disappointing it is. You get all excited ...waiting for it to arrive. You're practically jumping out of your skin as the box arrives (or pick the box up at the dealer). Then comes that rush and giddyness as your carefully cutting open the box and then....

You feel like someone kicked you in the nuts and slammed you against the wall, when you see it's damaged or defective. It's very frustrating and it pisses you off. Your whole rush of excitement gets hammered and trashed. Believe me, I know the feeling. Been there, have the t-shirt and sore nuts

 

[madbassplaya]

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.

Thanks, I thought so as well, but with text things can come across differently then they were intended.

I apologized to Bart for wanting a refund at first and he said he completely understood. My bass was supposed to arrive perfect. Anything less is unsatisfactory.

 

[TMart99]

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.

Nope, I wasn't being snarky. I typed those before seeing the post where he informed us all he had calmed down and called Carvin back. I was actually trying to talk him down and hopefully have him realize that he was in the over-reacting mode.

I've been where he was (a few times), I know when you're in that moment, you don't see or think rationally. It's always good to have someone there to talk me down, when I'm in that moment So I was trying to talk him down a little. Believe what you will, but I was trying to help.

 

[madbassplaya]

Believe what you will, but I was trying to help.

As I stated earlier, that's a problem when it comes to text. Things get lost in translation.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to getting the bass again!

 

[TMart99]

As I stated earlier, that's a problem when it comes to text. Things get lost in translation.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to getting the bass again!

I sure hope it's perfect. None of what I said should detract from the fact that Carvin has been slipping in it's quality control.

There's really no justification or excuse good enough to cover these problems. And they need to clamp down on this right now. Enough is enough!

I wonder is maybe Carvin are under-manned for the high volume of orders they are receiving for the SB Series.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems a majority of these problems are with the SB4000/SB5000 bass series. I rarely ever read of anyone having a problem with other models of basses and guitars. Sure, I have no doubt other models will occassionally have a problem....here and there.

But it seems odd and suspicious that so many of these SB bass series models have problems of varying degrees.

I finally pickup my new Fender American Standard Precision, this upcoming Friday. So now I'm trying to decide on whether to order my second B40 bass, or order my first SB4000. With all these problems, I'm leaning towards my second B40 and wait it out on ordering a SB4000.

 

[YCBass]

I owned a Carvin bass for 7 years (which I ordered new) and actually bought an SB5000 last year but returned it (for other reasons)... All the Carvin stuff I've played, given it's all been at their local stores, have been tops on the QC side... I doubt the reason is because those are store demo's so they "up'd" the QC.

I'm not making excuses for them or I'm not trying to say it's ok but one theory I have is maybe it's because they've never been as busy as when the SB basses were introduced, I just don't see enough Carvins around to assume that they've had the same flow of orders as they do now with the SB and the new Bromberg basses... So an increase in production needs adjustments in company structure or manpower.

I hope they address these issues, I think they're a good company and they make solid stuff. My issue with Carvins is the sound of their electronics (except for the SB basses)... But not in QC.

Sorry to those who have been affected... It's a real dissapointment. I once ordered a Custom Classic Fender Jazz 5 (Custom Shop) that came in with a stress crack in the neck pocket... Fender insisted it didn't leave the factory that way. After waiting 10 months, it took a while to get over it and just play the bass.

 

[Freddels]

As I stated earlier, that's a problem when it comes to text. Things get lost in translation.

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to getting the bass again!

It's too bad that the bass arrived with some damage but look on the bright side . . . you get to get all excited about seeing the words "Out For Delivery" all over again AND for free!!

Plug that bass in and play it while you have it and listen to the tone of it.

 

[Bassmunnky]

But it seems odd and suspicious that so many of these SB bass series models have problems of varying degrees.

Not sure if this forum is an accurate representation of all the people who purchased basses from ANY manufacture. Also, people are more likely to jump on to report an issue than say "Hey this is perfect"..

I've noticed on TB mega threads, that they are big in juicey at the onset..but as time and pages wear on...looooong discussions about issues live on and skew the view.

10 Return Policy, and hell, they're pretty cool.

 

[Vic]

No offense, but a few people could learn a lesson from today's events.

When you're very upset about something, take some time to calm down, think through things, and let your rational side prevail before taking something to a web forum.

In the cases when you see someone post up overly emotionally because they're upset about something, don't attack them for being human. Cut'em a little slack and put yourself in their shoes... a little counsel goes a long way.

 

[Vic]

Not sure if this forum is an accurate representation of all the people who purchased basses from ANY manufacture. Also, people are more likely to jump on to report an issue than say "Hey this is perfect".

I've noticed on TB mega threads, that they are big in juicey at the onset..but as time and pages wear on...looooong discussions about issues live on and skew the view.

+1

 

[macribas]

Agree with the last couple of posts, and one more thing. Unless we need to ask our fellow owners on how to proceed on a particular situation, I don't think we need to hear about every single imperfection that is found on SBs. Take it to Carvin directly.
I always ask my customers: if you liked my service, go and tell the world. If you didn't, please come and tell me. Not the other way around.
To try and get things back on track in the thread... What strings are you using in your SBs? My original Labellas are starting to lose their brightness. I like them, but wanted to know what else you have been using.

 

[ThumbyAche]

My SB5000 is not perfect and I noticed some QC issues but I didn't have the same expectations as when I got my other "boutique" basses. Here is something I DO like though, the J99A pickups...they sound really, really good. I am having too much fun with the tones out of the bass to notice or care anymore about any QC issues. It's making me want to hold on to the bass for a little longer but still have it posted here as a "feeler". To be honest, I got this bass for gig situations where I didn't want to take a Nordy or F-bass. I planned on it being my "beater" bass but it sounds really good. Lovin' the J99A's!!!

 

[madbassplaya]

No offense, but a few people could learn a lesson from today's events.

When you're very upset about something, take some time to calm down, think through things, and let your rational side prevail before taking something to a web forum.

In the cases when you see someone post up overly emotionally because they're upset about something, don't attack them for being human. Cut'em a little slack and put yourself in their shoes... a little counsel goes a long way.

I initially posted about the bass because I wanted to know do I have a legitimate complaint to call about or am I being anal? From the replies I got I felt that it was legitimate. Yes, I was upset, however, I did what I was supposed to do. I called Carvin and voiced my complaint. I am still disappointed that the bass arrived the way that it did and with Jarrett's SB's having issues as well, I think that people need to be prepared to send their new bass back, because it may have some problems.

There is a part of me that still thinks they should have got it right the first time, but because this bass seems really awesome I want to give it another shot.

I know a lot of you guys may not agree with how I handled the situation, but I did call Carvin and spoke with them directly rather than just bashing them on here and not doing anything about it.

Also, Vic, I talked to Carvin about the stress cracks. They didn't want to take chances and said they'd rather redo the bass.

 

[Vic]

I initially posted...

You don't have to explain anything to me, and you had every right to be disappointed and even upset. But if you take a look at the posts, the ones that happened later were much more productive and helpful than the first ones before you'd had a chance to calm down and talk more with Carvin about it.

That's all I'm saying.

Peace bro, and when they finally make it right for you, trust me, it'll be no big deal in the grand scheme of things, and you'll dig the bass much longer term.

 

[madbassplaya]

You don't have to explain anything to me, and you had every right to be disappointed and even upset. But if you take a look at the posts, the ones that happened later were much more productive and helpful than the first ones before you'd had a chance to calm down and talk more with Carvin about it.

That's all I'm saying.

Peace bro, and when they finally make it right for you, trust me, it'll be no big deal in the grand scheme of things, and you'll dig the bass much longer term.

I understand what you're saying and this has been a new experience for me. I have never bought a bass that has taken this long to get here. Usually its already made and is here in 3-5 days! Man, this was definately an experience.

If this bass didn't pan out I was going to buy a Bongo 5HH.

 

[madbassplaya]

Also, Vic, I appreciate your coolness about the situation. With the advice about the flaws as well as he empathy you showed. I was upset and venting and it helped a whole lot more to hear: you have every right to be upset. I think that's what really hit me with Bart. He seemed really upset that Carvin let a bass out the door like that and seemed genuinely sorry.

 

[Jarrett]

I've been out of pocket and just catching up. I've been in that spot several times with Carvin now and I know how bad it sucks. I do give them props on the good customer service when fixing screw ups but I scratch my head on why it keeps happening in the first place.

I think the idea of not talking about QC issues in this thread is ridiculous. I'm a huge fan of the SB series but i would be doing the Talkbass community a disservice if I didn't inform other potential buyers about the high amount QC related issues I've encountered with Carvin and the SB series. I hope that this type of discussion (including emotional responses) will show Carvin what the effect of poor QC can mean to sales.

 

[TMart99]

Not sure if this forum is an accurate representation of all the people who purchased basses from ANY manufacture. Also, people are more likely to jump on to report an issue than say "Hey this is perfect"..

I've noticed on TB mega threads, that they are big in juicey at the onset..but as time and pages wear on...looooong discussions about issues live on and skew the view.

10 Return Policy, and hell, they're pretty cool.

I'm not using this thread as my sole source of information or sole source of customer feedback.

I have my own personal experience with Carvin; I own two of their instruments and plan on having them build more for me. I also know several people who have owned and continue to own Carvins. There's also the Carvin Community forum and a few others to draw from.

And I am one person who has expressed his delight and satisfaction with a Carvin (B40) instrument, both here and at Carvin's forums. With my B40 and with my SH60 guitar.


I still believe Carvin is a great company and that their instruments are wonderful, high quality pieces; for reasonable prices. And their customer sevice, policy and warranty are second to none. Carvin stands behind their instruments and they will make it right.

But these issues need to be addressed by Carvin. It's ridiculous that these type of things continue to happen. These instruments should not be making out the door.

 

[Vic]

...I do give them props on the good customer service when fixing screw ups but I scratch my head on why it keeps happening in the first place.

+1

I think the idea of not talking about QC issues in this thread is ridiculous. I'm a huge fan of the SB series but i would be doing the Talkbass community a disservice if I didn't inform other potential buyers about the high amount QC related issues I've encountered with Carvin and the SB series. I hope that this type of discussion (including emotional responses) will show Carvin what the effect of poor QC can mean to sales.

I 1/2 agree. I think it makes good sense for everyone to tell the truth... good or bad... about their experiences with any vendor... including Carvin. BUT, I'll stop short of saying the overly emotional stuff is good... at least on a web forum. C'mon, you know how these things work... all that does is get people all spun up, bickering and jabbing at each other. I say post up, but keep a cool head. Goes MUCH farther, and accomplishes everything.

...I still believe Carvin is a great company and that their instruments are wonderful, high quality pieces; for reasonable prices. And their customer sevice, policy and warranty are second to none. Carvin stands behind their instruments and they will make it right.

But these issues need to be addressed by Carvin. It's ridiculous that these type of things continue to happen. These instruments should not be making out the door.

+1

 

[WoodyG3]

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

I hear you. I remember the second car I ever got, it was brand new off the lot. The third time I went to drive it somewhere it wouldn't start. I hated that car for about an hour, then wanted the garage to hurry up and fix it because I wanted it back, then drove it thousands and thousands of miles.

You feel like someone kicked you in the nuts and slammed you against the wall, when you see it's damaged or defective...

Yeah, but the pain doesn't last as long. LOL.