• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

low end Carvin basses

#21
dgce said:
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.
Click to expand...

On my Carvin they are the same size. If |I get a chance, I'll come back w/edit and tell you if the both of them match the Jazz'es neck or bridge PuP.
 
#22
pin_head_47 said:
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.
Click to expand...

I still have pics that show the nice quality of the swamp ash body and neck before I finished them. My neck is maple with a birdseye maple fingerboard.

I'll try to put the pics up when I get home.
Chuck
 
#23
Handyman said:
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.
Click to expand...

Handy man, your numbers are right on. My kit cost me about $100 less than it would have if I had just ordered the finished bass. But it is pretty cool to play an instrument that you helped build. These kits are so good that the only thing that really requires skill is the finishing process.
 
#25
pin_head_47 said:
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.
Click to expand...

OK, here ya go:

Unfinished kit (The fingerboard came already finished with tung oil):
Link Removed

Body with burst applied:
Link Removed

Finished job. (Masked out the fingerboard and sprayed the rest of the neck with stain to give it that yellowed, aged look while keeping the fingerboard light.):
Link Removed

Headstock/neck closeup:
Link Removed

First time out jamming with some buds:
Link Removed
 
#28
I had a truly awful experience with Carvin. I ordered a B4, and a couple months later, the truss rod had come loose and was rattling around. Replacement neck came, it did the same thing. I am not a Carvin fan. Lots of people are, I just had terrible luck with their product.
 
#29
Thanks for the kind words, guys. It's a nitrocelulose lacquer finish. I used mostly stuff from ReRanch Guitar Refinishing and STEWMAC.COM : Guitar, Bass, Banjo, Mandolin, Parts, Tools, Supplies, Free Information. Both have great online information to help you get a nice finish.

I had a slight advantage, having been a spray painter in a "previous life." But I think a reasonably skilled person can get a good result using the aerosol products and a lot of patience.

Snarf, sorry you had such a crappy experience. I had no problems with the kit parts. I called Carvin a few times to ask questions and they were pretty decent.
Chuck
 
#31
bass rocks said:
what is that decal chuck did it come from carvin
Click to expand...

The decal didn't come from Carvin. And they won't sell you a Carvin decal either. Guess they're afraid someone will do a terrible build and ruin Carvin's rep.

It's a custom waterslide decal I got from Dec Art Decals in the UK. Simon is a great guy to work with. He even tweaked the black and white artwork I provided to make it work. I got 2 of them in case I messed up, but the process worked so well, I still have the spare. I think I paid under $15 US including cost for mail from the UK.

The decal is applied over about 6 coats of nitro lacquer, and then sealed under 8-10 more very light coats for protection.

I found Simon at decartdecals.com. If you browse that URL now, you'll be redirected to Rothko and Frost - Finest Waterslide Decals and Guitar Finishing Supplies. Not sure if the buisiness was sold or what.
 
#34
Chuck Sylvester said:
I hear ya. Agree.

BTW, the Dec Art Decal is a true waterslide decal. There are some cheaper ones that are printed on an inkjet. They don't have the crisp edges or the staying power. If you're going to buy a decal, make sure it's the real deal.
Click to expand...

Your build looks great, by the way. Once you add in for finishing and such, did you end up saving any money compared to having Carvin build you a B50?

You obviously can't get a nitro finish from the Carvin shop, of course.
 
#36
MikeBass said:
You can flat out steal Carvin basses on the used market.
And to be honest, most are pretty damn sweet.
Click to expand...

This. I'm into DIY as much as the next guy, but for the extra cost of ordering the Carvin Humbuckers, a 35" scale, paint supplies, preamp, etc., I can find a 35" scale Carvin 6er on eBay for the same price or less in a color that I like.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back