Faulty Carvin BX700

[JEBassman]

I just bought a new Carvin BX700, after much research and debate. I was really looking forward to getting the new amp and plugging it in. The head arrived and I connected it to one of my Markbass Traveler 151P cabs. Here's the problem: there was no sound!!

After some troubleshooting I found that the BX700's input jack is faulty. If I press my bass cable at the amp's input jack, I get intermittent sound. Once I let go of the plug, there is no sound.

I called Carvin and I'm just going to return the amp for a refund. I'm really annoyed at the lack of basic quality control: sending out a brand new head that doesn't produce sound is just stupid and slipshod. I definitely don't want the headache of worrying about the amp's quality and reliability; that takes away from the pleasure of making music.

My next move will be to buy a second Markbass head, which I almost did originally. I do have a LMII, but I gave it to my son and so I'm looking for a replacement. Now I need to decide between the small Markbass heads. Time for more research

 

[BassmanPaul]

Even the very best quality control will miss an occasional problem unit. That goes for every manufacturing endeavour out there.

For interest what guitar cable were you using? Some so called "premium" cables feature oversized connectors that damage input jacks.

 

[BassmanPaul]

To add: IMHO you should have let Carvin send you a second unit.

 

[Bass_Pounder]

Did not even give a fair trial............

 

[JEBassman]

To add: IMHO you should have let Carvin send you a second unit.

I certainly thought about asking for a second unit. I decided not to, which is obviously my prerogative.

I've heard about faulty input jacks, in different brands. There's always room for discussing causes and theories, but this amp did not make sound on arrival. It's just not worth my trouble.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I'm assuming you tried different cables? It sucks getting a bad amp and that does happen with pretty much everything in our fast paced disposable society. Hope you have better luck with the next amp.

 

[JEBassman]

I'm assuming you tried different cables? It sucks getting a bad amp and that does happen with pretty much everything in our fast paced disposable society. Hope you have better luck with the next amp.

Hi 1stname, I did try some different cables, for my bass and I also tried another Speakon cable (both Speakons are new). I also plugged the same bass and instrument cables into my other amp, to ensure that I had a strong signal chain. The culprit (or at least the first part of it) is the Carvin's input.

I agree, our fast paced, build to breakdown and throw away society has its casualties. I appreciate your good wishes for my next amp! Thank you kindly

 

[buldog5151bass]

That's why I don't like buying stuff over the net. But that is the first time I have heard of any issues with that head.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Yeah I haven't used a lot of Carvin gear but I have the MB15 amp and ext and love it. Had it for about 3 years with no issues. In fact I love the thing and put a plug in for it whenever I can. That's why I get bummed out when I see someone having an issue with their stuff. But then I see folks having issues with pretty much everything so Carvin not alone in this.

 

[BassmanPaul]

I have a boatload of Carvin stuff and all of it has been flawless apart from two glitches. Both were cured by cleaning the ribbon cable connectors.

 

[eightyearsapril]

That's why I don't like buying stuff over the net. But that is the first time I have heard of any issues with that head.

I've had a BX700 for about a year, and I've had zero issues. I love mine.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I've had a BX700 for about a year, and I've had zero issues. I love mine.

I know the 500 is kinda modern voiced (that's what I have). Is yours the same way?

 

[eightyearsapril]

I know the 500 is kinda modern voiced (that's what I have). Is yours the same way?

Yes. The BX700 is very similarly voiced to the BX500, I believe.

 

[yakmastermax]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully Carvin can step up their quality control.

I got my BX700 last month and I couldn't be happier though.

 

[David Jayne]

I just returned a custom ordered bass by a very well known, quality brand whom I won't name because the truss rod broke the very first time it was adjusted. BROKE. They'll fix it. It happens.

 

[BassmanPaul]

David unless the brand was Carvin I don't see how this post applies. If it IS Carvin all I can say is that I own three of their LB76 series instruments and they have been flawless in every respect. My avatar shows my LB76WP bass.

 

[Bigskybassguy]

My `10 Carvin BX1500 and a newer 500 have been flawless loudification devices.

Maybe the 700 amp sensed that the OP wasn't ready for 700 USA watts?

 

[Paul LF]

Things like this always scared me away from Carvin, with the exception of their cabs. The reason is they are only in California and if something went wrong (it seems like they also have a 50/50 rate for failures from what I've heard over the years) I'd have to ship it all of the way back there. At least with something like Fender or Ampeg, they have places all over the place in case of help, etc. I will say though, I've never had any trouble with their cabs. They're pretty good, especially for the price.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Things like this always scared me away from Carvin, with the exception of their cabs. The reason is they are only in California and if something went wrong (it seems like they also have a 50/50 rate for failures from what I've heard over the years) I'd have to ship it all of the way back there. At least with something like Fender or Ampeg, they have places all over the place in case of help, etc. I will say though, I've never had any trouble with their cabs. They're pretty good, especially for the price.

Yeah I was hesitant to but I'm been three years with my MB15 and its been great up to this point. 50% failure rate sounds kinda high to me,and I've seen plenty of other name brands having problems also. But having to ship to California for repairs would be a pain no doubt.

 

[Paul LF]

I meant 50/50 from people who had experience with them that I've known. I should have clarified that it's not an actual statistic. I know Ampeg wasn't getting any love with the PF500 when it came out, too. Really the only issue that worries me would be the shipping scenario in case something did happen. Then again, I do have an extra amp these days for back up, so at least it would be less of a gamble.