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How come we all don't play Carvin instruments & amps/cabs?

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#81
Direct Box Rox said:
Unless we are all wealthy (I am not), how come all of do not play Carvin?
Just a thought.
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Most don't like mail order instruments that you can't try out before you buy them.

I want to try out a SB5000 but if I don't like something about it I then have to pay to ship it back. I tried the LB75 and I found it to be a bright modern J bass but it was missing the meat of a jazz bass....very light sound with high and low end. ......lacking the middle character I liked. The SB 5000 has the same wood and pickups though the electronics are different. However with the right amp I am sure the SB5000 would sound awesome. Listen to Ed Freeland of the bass whisper review it. It sounds great there though it still misses some mid umph. But as a second bass for me it just may provide a great option.
 
#85
I owned a Carvin once and hated it, so it went back.....I hear they are better these days, but I don't think they compete on the same level as a lot of other high end luthiers.......if ya like em play em, that's why it's great to have options
 
#88
Gotta say I love my basses! I've been happily endorsing these guys for 20 years, but I'd get a little cranky if someone said, "Why doesn't everyone play a P Bass with flats?" as well....
Oh, wait! They do?:hiding:;)
 
#89
Because I play smith, status, kubicki and modulus. And euphonic audio lol. Basically I think carvin is a mid level company, and as far as basses go,it just can't hang with super high end bass luthiers. And same for carvin amps, cabs, etc. it's decent gear,but it doesn't get me excited like a neck thru Smith or something.
 
#91
Direct Box Rox said:
Unless we are all wealthy (I am not), how come all of do not play Carvin? It would seem to make sense if you are willing to pay $3000 for a Sadowsky (or fill in "Sadowsky" with any other boutique co.) that we would be willing to pay half of that for something that is arguably equal or better.

I once wasted the better part of an entire weekend "virtual building" their basses. Whenever the final price appeared on the screen my jaw would drop because I couldn't believe how low the price is. Then I go thinking, if thats the case, how come all of us dont have one (or more).

And in other scenario's, it's even more obvious. If you are willing to pay say $1200 for a Korean made Zon, than you would be willing to pay $950 for a US made Carvin with better options, right?

Just a thought.
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Because I have my own personal tastes!!!
 
#92
Direct Box Rox said:
Unless we are all wealthy (I am not), how come all of do not play Carvin? It would seem to make sense if you are willing to pay $3000 for a Sadowsky (or fill in "Sadowsky" with any other boutique co.) that we would be willing to pay half of that for something that is arguably equal or better.

I once wasted the better part of an entire weekend "virtual building" their basses. Whenever the final price appeared on the screen my jaw would drop because I couldn't believe how low the price is. Then I go thinking, if thats the case, how come all of us dont have one (or more).

And in other scenario's, it's even more obvious. If you are willing to pay say $1200 for a Korean made Zon, than you would be willing to pay $950 for a US made Carvin with better options, right?

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

I really hope Carvin's paying you to shill for them like this.
 
#93
They're very ugly, to me. I take looks of a bass into serious consideration when buying one.

Also when I buy something, I wanna be able to resell it for close to what I have in it, should I not like it or need to sell it for other reasons. Even when bought used, they don't resell for jack.

Every Carvin I've played hasn't come anywhere even remotely close to the quality of the Sadowskys, Dingwalls, Foderas, F Basses and other boutique builder's instruments I've played. However, this is just my experience/opinion and it really means nothing. :cool:
 
#94
I just bought a "used" B50 that looked like the person I bought it from had it built and then sold it for a few hundred less than he just paid for it. The thing was virtually untouched. What I really wanted was a Fender 5 string Precision Bass, but didn't want to spend $1200. The Carvin cost me $500. To me, the B50 has a Precisionish feel, with a more Jazzy sound and fits me like a glove. I love it. The fact that it's made in the USA makes me love it even more. I'd love to have a fleet of Carvins.

Having said that, if I had the money I'd have Valenti make me up a 5 string Precision and may still go for the Fender 5er.
 
#95
I never dug the electronics or tone. My band at the time told me to ditch it and play my Fender passive and give up the active bass. At first I disagreed but after not feeling the bottom at shows like I did with the Fender I sold it. My Carvin B5 I think did have the softest or flexible neck I have ever seen on any bass and it concerned me.
I only owned one so I'm no expert but was not overly impressed.
 
#97
^^ I'm in the same boat as this guy, kind of.

I have a Bunny 5 string Carvin I got literally for free off a guy in pristine unused condition in trade for a 4 string Warmoth I had built. I also have a Warwick and they both have the same string spacing, comfortable necks and all. The Carvin has a more jazz sound to it actually with the alder body and it looks sick with the flame maple classic sunburst top.

I think the truth is people are hung up the image that other brands give. It's like smoking Marlboro...it's all about the image. I got over that pretty fast and love Carvin.
 
#98
I'm sure they're better than they used to be, and they aren't as ugly as they used to be, but they used to be over priced El Cheapos that were horribly set up off the shelf. I've never felt the need to revisit them.
 
#100
Because I find that Carvins are very limited and that they offer a very limited range of options. It's like asking why everyone doesn't just play a Fender PJ because it's obviously the most versatile and offers all of the "Real" bass tonezz. Not everyone is so traditional, and there are so many different flavors of bass it would be a shame if everyone played the same thing.

Why don't we all play with flatwounds and use our fingers all the time and only use Monster cables and always plug straight into the amplifier...

Boring indeed.
 
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