has enyone one had a bad experience with carvin b40 kit or carvin b40 basses do you think the kit will be better than fretless or fretted mim.
(ps.I would buy a frettles b40 kit
(ps.I would buy a frettles b40 kit
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low end Carvin basses
- Thread starter bass rocks
- Start date
I have a B40 kit bass that I actually play more than my LB70's.I can't compare the quality to MIM because I don't have one.Mines light and rings like a bell.Check them out here...[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] I don't think you will be dissapointed.
I think Carvin has replaced the B40 & B50 with BK 40 & 50 kits. I built a BK50 kit and love it. I think I like it better than the Fender MIM 5 string I used to have, mainly because the Carvin B string is better. Overall, I think they are somewhat similar. Of course, with a kit, a lot will depend on your skill and the way you do the final setup.
Some possible advantages of the Carvin:
Hope this is helpful.
Chuck
Some possible advantages of the Carvin:
- Carvin's manufacturing is very consistent.
- If you opt for the swamp ash body, the instrument will likely be considerably lighter than the MIM Fender.
- The Carvin has more options in finish, tonewoods, neck and fingerboard wood, hardware, etc.
- If you're opting for a fretless, you can get an ebony fingerboard as opposed to the Fender rosewood one. (You may or may not see this as an advantage, but I do.)
Hope this is helpful.
Chuck
Carvins kits are among the best kits out there, if you do it right it will be considerably better than a similarly priced Fender.
However, for about the same money depending on the wood and finish you choose, you can get a Brubaker Brute, already put together that is (IMO) better than both of them. Open box, plug in! I don't think he offers Brutes in fretless though, if that's what you're looking for.
However, for about the same money depending on the wood and finish you choose, you can get a Brubaker Brute, already put together that is (IMO) better than both of them. Open box, plug in! I don't think he offers Brutes in fretless though, if that's what you're looking for.
I own both fretted and fretless versions of the orignal Bolt 5 stringers. The new ones have slightly different electronics and lay out of the controls. I have have enjoyed playing them for over 10 years, and have had no trouble with either of them. The fit and finish is flawless. I'd imagine the kits are as well made.
Best of luck with what ever you decide.
Best of luck with what ever you decide.
The only Carvins I've owned were Bolt basses (B4 passive, B5F active). They're tremendous values if you buy used. You can get a used B4 passive anywhere in the $300-$550 range. The 5's, upgrades, and actives are usually in the $450-$750 range.
Anyways, the kit would be a cool experience but I'd buy a used B4 or B5 for less first to try one out.
Anyways, the kit would be a cool experience but I'd buy a used B4 or B5 for less first to try one out.
A basic B40 build will run you $700, so they're an amazing value. They're relatively new, so I've not seem many used ones around.
The parts you get with the kits are the same stuff the B40s are made from, so its good quality stuff. However, since you're finishing and assembling it yourself, the quality of the fit and finish are all up to you.
Keep in mind, that once you factor in the price of a case (not included in a kit), you're saving about $200. You're also going to spend money finishing the neck and body. If that costs another $50, you're now saving about $150.
This might be worth it if you really enjoy this sort of project, but I'd recommend against it otherwise. I've seen quite a few of these kits turn out to look pretty bad.
The parts you get with the kits are the same stuff the B40s are made from, so its good quality stuff. However, since you're finishing and assembling it yourself, the quality of the fit and finish are all up to you.
Keep in mind, that once you factor in the price of a case (not included in a kit), you're saving about $200. You're also going to spend money finishing the neck and body. If that costs another $50, you're now saving about $150.
This might be worth it if you really enjoy this sort of project, but I'd recommend against it otherwise. I've seen quite a few of these kits turn out to look pretty bad.
The B40 & B50 basses are still being built by Carvin. Not just the kits.
And yes, they are very high quality basses and play beautifully. It's a crime to call them " Low End".
Definitely a gross misnomer.
I am a big supporter of Carvin's quality/feel/tone. (maybe a PuP upgrade)
And as said earlier; the tonewood options are vast, and feature good stock.
And as said earlier; the tonewood options are vast, and feature good stock.
Yeah, I wouldnt call them low end either but rather good value. A bolt-on guitar cost less and are quicker to manufacture than a neck-thru. So its more apples and oranges than high and low end. They're different animals where one just happens to cost a little less to make. And with all the attention Carvin is shining on the SB line, the B40 and B50s are flying under the radar at a steal. If youre really looking to build your own axe, I think the kit is an excellent choice. However if this is really a matter of saving money, I say just purchase one without going overboard with the options or keep an eye on their in-stock models where you just might stumble on a real sweet deal. Either way, I think youll get a far better instrument than an off the rack MIM Fender.
The only problem I find with a used Carvin is that person had the bass specifically built for them. Unless you have exactly the same taste in electronics and color and every other option that person choose, you can be looking for a long time for the right Carvin.
Example, I'm looking for a passive B40 with sunburst body and matching headstock with black hardware. The chances of me finding a used bass with those specifications are slim.
Now if your not fussy about the options there are used Carvins available.
Example, I'm looking for a passive B40 with sunburst body and matching headstock with black hardware. The chances of me finding a used bass with those specifications are slim.
Now if your not fussy about the options there are used Carvins available.
Sunburst finish, matching headstock, black hardware with hardcase - $784. I say go new and get what you want. Sure, saving a couple of bucks by going used would be cool but at this price and given the quality; I say go new and get what you really want.
I don't think I've seen a completed kit since they went to the new design. You got any more pics or info on the finished product? I've been debating on these since they came out.
If I go to a music store and have 10 red Fender jazz basses in front of me they all look the same.
the kits our on sale for 399and your can get them to go ahead and paint it you can order a custom kit the only thing is that it has no headstock name and that is annoying to me because if someone asks what brand why would they bielive you and the upper horn is kind of ugly to me.but playibilityis most impartant want to be able to learn some jaco on it
Ordered a B40 about two months ago and can't wait till it's done.
I'll give the Carvin J99 pups a try, but I'd also like to try the Dimarzio DP123 J Model pups in it. Just not sure if they'll fit the pup cavities. But I'm going to try and work them in there.
I'm a P-Bass guy to the bone, but I want a good representation of a J-bass type. Unfortunately, I haven't had much luck finding a Fender Jazz bass locally, that feels good in my hands and that I'm completely happy with. After trying out a B40 through a friend of a friend of a friend; I decided the Carvin B40 would be the way to go for me.
One day, I would still like to find a Fender Jazz that feels right in my hands.
I also want a SB4000 (or maybe SB4001), some time in the future. But I'm focused on getting a couple more P-Bass style basses, right now.
I've only heard raves about the J99 pickups barring the single coil hum that you'd get with any other true single coil pickup when solo'd. But if you do go with a pickup swap, I think both neck and bridge J99s are the same size so keep that in mind.
