New Carvin - worth it?

[Navybass]

Why do quite a few people judge something by resale value when someone asks if they should get an instrument?? First and formost, it should be based on whether the op wants the instrument. He's buying it to play, not to resell.

Now, let's look at something else. His Carvin sells new for $1000, the used resale value, with those options, is about $550 to $600, that's a 40% drop. Now, let's look at Sadowsky for instance. New, a Metro goes for around $2200, and a few sold on ebay for $1200, that's a 45% drop. Looks like the Sadowsky's lost about the same or a bit more. See, when you look at it that way it gives more of a perspective as to why the "it will depreciate" argument doesn't hold much water.

BTW, to the poster that did an "average of all carvins sold", you really can't do that and make it a valid argument. Why, you ask. Well, because Carvin has so many options and your search encompassed many different variables that it would be like just doing a search for Fender basses and averaging out every Fender bass that you found regardless of year, model, etc. See, it really doesn't work.

To the OP, if you want a Carvin, get a Carvin. Don't look at it in terms of reselling it because that's NOT why you're buying it.

 

[YCBass]

In general I would only buy new if I wanted something fully spec'd out... Regardless of whether it's worth it or not market-wise, it's exactly what you want.

But I am perfectly happy in the used market as long as the feature(s) I don't want is something changeable, i.e. a pickups, preamp, hardware, etc., but not woods or even the finish.

 

[WoodyG3]

Of course, nobody can say if it's worth it or not except you. It's your money! But, look at it this way - for LESS than the street price of an MIA Fender Jazz you get a bolt on, Jazz style bass that, IMO, is better constructed with better hardware. You added block inlays, active electronics, gold hardware, abalone logo, straplocks and detuner. All this and it's still less than a new MIA.

If you nixed all the cool options and went with a stock, passive B4 it would only cost about $150 more than the new MIM Fenders. That's about the best value out there, IMO.

Those are your hard earned dollars, though. I'm just sayin' what I would do.

P.S. It's really fun to order a bass to your specs. It makes me all tingly inside to think about it.

 

[Navybass]

Of course, nobody can say if it's worth it or not except you. It's your money! But, look at it this way - for LESS than the street price of an MIA Fender Jazz you get a bolt on, Jazz style bass that, IMO, is better constructed with better hardware. You added block inlays, active electronics, gold hardware, abalone logo, straplocks and detuner. All this and it's still less than a new MIA.

If you nixed all the cool options and went with a stock, passive B4 it would only cost about $150 more than the new MIM Fenders. That's about the best value out there, IMO.

Those are your hard earned dollars, though. I'm just sayin' what I would do.

Problem with that is that he might not want a MIM Fender Jazz. That's great that you would be satisfied with that, but the OP might not be satisfied. It's his decision, if he wants what he listed, then that's cool. Yes, there are countless different ways to go in the bass world, but there are also countless different players with different likes and dislikes. Not everyone is going to like the same thing.

 

[TimBosby]

NavyBass, I was the original poster and also the guy who averaged out the costs (which I understand is not accurate but it kind gives a ballpark). I understand all you are saying - very excellent points. I go through a LOT of gear, so resale value is at least SOMEWHAT of a factor for me. However, the idea behind ordering a bass customized to my exact specifications should minimize my desire to resell

All in all I appreciate the input on this thread so far - basically I just wanted to get a good discussion going

 

[TimBosby]

Also great points. And it definitely is fun to pick out the options... I just wish you could see an image of it as you add and subtract options. Maybe someday

Of course, nobody can say if it's worth it or not except you. It's your money! But, look at it this way - for LESS than the street price of an MIA Fender Jazz you get a bolt on, Jazz style bass that, IMO, is better constructed with better hardware. You added block inlays, active electronics, gold hardware, abalone logo, straplocks and detuner. All this and it's still less than a new MIA.

If you nixed all the cool options and went with a stock, passive B4 it would only cost about $150 more than the new MIM Fenders. That's about the best value out there, IMO.

Those are your hard earned dollars, though. I'm just sayin' what I would do.

P.S. It's really fun to order a bass to your specs. It makes me all tingly inside to think about it.

 

[DanielleMuscato]

Having owned three used Carvins that I paid between $300-400 for apiece, I never thought buying a new one would be worth it. However, I've never used a custom shop before, and as far as custom shops go, it's relatively cheap. I've always liked their instruments, they just sadly have very low resale value. I'm not sure the bass below is worth it. I paid less for my '78 Fender Jazz in outstanding condition w/ a tweed case. Then again I've been combing Ebay for years looking for the EXACT used Carvin I wanted, and haven't been able to find it. And when I've found things that have come close, they're often $700-$800 even used.

Thoughts?

B4 Bolt on

MA - Maple Neck/Alder Body (Standard) $0.00
CG - Clear Gloss Finish (Standard) $0.00
TR - Crimson Red $25.00
TN - Tung Oil Finish Back Of Neck (Standard) $0.00
CTH - Carved Top Headstock $20.00
PH - Headstock To Match Body Color $20.00
EB - Ebony Fingerboard (Standard) $0.00
AB - Abalone Block Inlays $80.00
FR - Med-Jumbo Frets .048" H .103" W (Standard) $0.00
R12 - 12in Fretboard Radius (Standard) $0.00
H50S - H50S Stacked Humbuckers (Standard) $0.00
AC - Active/Passive Electronics w/ Coil Splitters, Phase Switch $50.00
G - Gold Hardware $50.00
4011 - Nickel Roundwound .040 .060 .080 .100 $0.00
ABL - Abalone Logo $30.00
SL - Dunlop Straplocks $10.00
HS - Hipshot Bass Detuner $40.00
/RUSH - RUSH BUILD (30 Days) $100.00
HC17 - ABS Hardshell Bass Case $0.00
Guitar Total: $1,094.00

Take off the rush build and you're down to $994. That's only a few hundred more than what you've been able to find used, that wasn't quite right. It's only an extra 2-4 weeks without the rush option, and as you said, you've been combing eBay for years already, so it doesn't seem like you're in that much of a hurry, LOL.

By the way, the fact that you paid less for your '78 is irrelevant. It's comparing apples to oranges, and that's a good deal for a vintage Fender, especially one in outstanding condition. It has nothing to do with the cost/benefit ratio of the Carvin.

Is it worth $1k for the perfect Carvin, with the exact options you want? That's the question you need to ask yourself.

For what it's worth, I think Carvins are fantastic values, new or used, simply because they are factory direct, and they have very high-quality workmanship. I think this video really says it best:

http://www.carvinchannel.com/

Also, a big drop in value is not terribly uncommon for custom-ordered instruments. But since this will be a custom order FOR YOU, and you already know you like Carvins, you probably won't be selling it anyway, so does that matter?

Hope this helps!

 

[fivestringgecko]

Simply because they're mail order and you can't try them out in stores. I've been seeing their ads in magazines and reading good reviews about them for years...

That's exactly the situation I'm in. I've been eyeballing Carvin's stuff for years and I really want an Icon (I've got it all spec'd out and everything), but just can't seem to work up the nerve since I can't play one...

5sg.

P.S. Thanks for the good advice, Dave!

 

[TimBosby]

To partially offset this problem, they offer you a 10 day trial period and you can get your money back in full, minus the cost of shipping it back to them, if you don't like it.

That's exactly the situation I'm in. I've been eyeballing Carvin's stuff for years and I really want an Icon (I've got it all spec'd out and everything), but just can't seem to work up the nerve since I can't play one...

5sg.

P.S. Thanks for the good advice, Dave!

 

[MobileHolmes]

I've got two carvin basses, one bought new, one bought used. I don't think they are a bad deal new, but they aren't the bargain that they are used. Of course, they are so cheap used because you are essentially buying one to someone else's specs. If you want your specs, you pay the premium. If that stuff is important to you it is worth it.

 

[DanielleMuscato]

I've got two carvin basses, one bought new, one bought used. I don't think they are a bad deal new, but they aren't the bargain that they are used. Of course, they are so cheap used because you are essentially buying one to someone else's specs. If you want your specs, you pay the premium. If that stuff is important to you it is worth it.

Although, look at this in context... $200 is almost nothing in the custom bass world. Some makers charge that much for a pickup alone.

 

[jim777]

To partially offset this problem, they offer you a 10 day trial period and you can get your money back in full, minus the cost of shipping it back to them, if you don't like it.

I don't think that's a blanket 100% thing. I know there are guitar options (I don't recall which ones, it's been a while since I got my 7 string) that they'll only take back for 'store credit', as it were. It's true most of the time, but it's more like 90% money back than 100%.

jim

 

[Barkless Dog]

He's buying it to play, not to resell.

Only if he has lock & key employment. In today's economy I don't think there are many sure things.

 

[Jared Lash]

I don't think that's a blanket 100% thing. I know there are guitar options (I don't recall which ones, it's been a while since I got my 7 string) that they'll only take back for 'store credit', as it were. It's true most of the time, but it's more like 90% money back than 100%.

jim

I don't know about that being true at all on the bass side. I've returned one Carvin that just didn't come out like I expected and I know a few others who have returned theirs within the 10 day trial period. All were refunded completely other than shipping.

Maybe if you convince them to do something that isn't a normal option that might be the case, but as I noted, I talked Carvin into dual HB4s on my B4 and there was never a mention of not getting full money back if I returned it during the 10 day period.

 

[spade2you]

Tim, your retention rate is less 10% on basses. Just sayin'.

 

[Philbiker]

Yeah good call. I hardly ever de-tune anymore. And if I need to, I have other basses with a de-tuner.

Well that brings us down to $954.00. Still expensive for Carvin's cheapest bass.

Not expensive for what you get IMO. Carvin's stuff is easily worth what they ask for it (but not the hilariously inflated "list prices"). If you end up not liking it you'll take a massive hit at resale, but that's a given on almost any custom build.

I say do it.

 

[jim777]

I don't know about that being true at all on the bass side. I've returned one Carvin that just didn't come out like I expected and I know a few others who have returned theirs within the 10 day trial period. All were refunded completely other than shipping.

Maybe if you convince them to do something that isn't a normal option that might be the case, but as I noted, I talked Carvin into dual HB4s on my B4 and there was never a mention of not getting full money back if I returned it during the 10 day period.

It's definitely true on the guitar side. It may be that they make so many fewer basses than guitars they can just put returns right up in their "In Stock" section and count them as sold.

At any rate, getting a custom from Carvin is a great feeling, and I think if you have a strong feeling this will be a keeper I'd go for it. They make fantastic stuff (as you know already). I just got off the phone with my wife and I have a new (to me at least) BB75 sitting in my living room waiting for me as I type this. I say lose the expedited build, let them take their time and get it right, and get your custom.
I'll also say that when I ordered my 7 string the build was delayed a month due to an issue with the mahogany they were using for the neck that didn't present itself until the body and neck were done. I was upset for about a minute, then I was pretty pleased that they decided "this isn't good enough" and started from scratch on my instrument. Far better to toss it and start new than send out something iffy.

 

[WoodyG3]

Problem with that is that he might not want a MIM Fender Jazz. That's great that you would be satisfied with that, but the OP might not be satisfied. It's his decision, if he wants what he listed, then that's cool. Yes, there are countless different ways to go in the bass world, but there are also countless different players with different likes and dislikes. Not everyone is going to like the same thing.

Um, I think you misread my post. My point was that the basic Carvin is a LOT more bass for only $150 more than a basic MIM Fender, and WAY less than an MIA Fender. Even the B4 he had speced out with tons of cool options was less than an MIA Fender, and, again, I think it's a lot more bass for the money. The point being, the Carvin is a great value. His original question was whether the Carvin he had speced out was worth the price.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

+1 to this.

I like Carvins and have owned a few over the years, some new and some used. Used is a great way to go if you're either patient or not that picky. Personally I've been somewhat seriously watching for one that is close to the specs I'd want if I got another one new and haven't seen anything close in over a year.

At the moment I own one Carvin and it is also a bass that I doubt I would find another one like it on the used market. First because I was pretty specific about the finish I wanted and secondly because I talked them into doing dual humbuckers which apparently they really don't do often on a B4.

So I guess my answer is that it's worth it if you think you'll have trouble finding one you want used.

That is about the nicest Carvin I've ever seen. No kidding. It looks to be the exact right balance of... well, stuff. Not too flashy, not to spartan. Carvin would do well to make THAT bass their flagship model. Do you recall how much that cost you, just as it is right there?

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Now, another thought...

If you want CUSTOM and are willing to work. I sat down with pencil and paper to see just how much a fully custom Warmoth build might be... Nice wood, finish, pickups - I was seeing if I got the best of everything, now much it would cost. It came out to around $1500 for a very cool J bass - plus it would be fun. Something to think about.