1. The Kiesel breakoff seems to have hurt Carvin as far as BASS guitars go. IMO
2. Unusual bass styles no one has really taken to. IMO.
3. Instruments so good these days from everywhere that Carvin is not price competitive anymore.
4. But still pay US wages.
5. Poor reputation for amp failures.
6. So many quality boutique builders at competitive prices.
7. Incredible deals on all kinds of used instruments, way below Carvin prices.
8. I saw a poor instrument reveal video by the Kiesel son, which seemed unprofessional and desperate to me.
9. Carvin name is just not as powerful anymore.
It seems that until technology had caught up - that Carvin filled a real need. A quality American instrument, at below Fender prices with some customization. BACK IN THE DAY. Now, you can get what you want almost anywhere, and below Carvin prices for comparable quality or better.
I'm not too in tune with their guitar business, but I imagine that it's their pro audio gear and regular guitars that will keep them in business.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion-- however, if you are going to make an assertion as you did in #1, it helps to explain what you're basing it on. Otherwise the credibility of everything that follows is questionable
#5). I've owned several Carvin amps over the years and all-- without exception, have been bullet proof. Any product is bound to have failures, and internet forums tend to highlight those failures.
#6). "So many boutique builders at competitive prices." Really? Maybe we have VERY different definitions of "boutique" and "competitive" on this one. I generally use G&L, and Music Man as my "standard." You can get just about anything from those two for between $1,000 - $1500. Boutique builders begin somewhere around the $2500 mark... I have a hard time finding "competitive" in that comparison. Even if you go crazy with a special build through Kiesel, a like item from a boutique builder will not likely be competitive. Granted, a lot of subjectivity going on here...
Prices/competitiveness: Your comments make me wonder if you have you been to the Kiesel website lately... not just their "guitars in stock" section, but the build area. P-basses start at $799, and that's before the $100 in free options-- for a USA made instrument. Many MIM Fenders go for more than that, not to mention Asian imports sporting "boutique names" which are often well above $1K. Perhaps you should re-visit the web site...
The split between the two companies appears to have been a boost to the guitar/bass side of the house; i.e. Kiesel. They are moving into a new, much larger facility, continuing to improve their equipment, hiring additional people, build times have increased due to increase in orders... these do not appear to be signs of trouble, rather quite the opposite.
Maybe I'm just 'out-there,' because I have NEVER bought a guitar/bass (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) with the intention of selling it. Every time that concept appears it makes me wonder what the heck people are thinking-- maybe it is some sort of millennials thing. I just do not understand that logic.
One thing you said that does indeed make sense is that, "Now, you can get what you want almost anywhere..." We live in arguably the best time in history to be a bass player. The level of quality from entry level manufactures is far and away better than what was available when I was a kid. Perhaps a latent result is that people have become jaded, and hyper focused with the item rather than the purpose of the item. Sorry, I'm getting sidetracked.
The vast majority of players I've met who have
actually owned Carvin/Kiesel basses, guitars, and amps are quite happy with the quality, reliability, and customer service the company provides.
Only time will tell if your prediction will come true. However, I would not bet the farm on it
