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Peavey vs. Carvin

Lonesomedave

Lonesomedave

May 13, 2011
783
30
Nashville, Cats
#1
ok, have followed the Peavey=Garbage thread and the opinion seems to mixed...some agree, some disagree, some are in the middle, liking some Peavey offerings but not others.

I think this is a fair comparison because both Peavey and Carvin offer moderately priced amps, instruments etc, and both seem (to me at Least) to be somewhat out of the mainstream as far as snob appeal etc. (or maybe i am wrong on this...if so, please feel free to chime in and straighten me out)

anyway, which do you prefer? for amps, instruments, cabs, anything at all really.

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#3
My only experience with Carvin is with a 16 channel console we used with a band I was in for about 10 years, my reel mounted snake that is part of my PA now, and 2 friends who have/had a Carvin bass. The console was solid, sounded good, and was very reliable. My snake has never failed me and I LOVE the fact it's mounted on a reel. Unfortunately, they don't make them like that anymore. I don't know why, because reel mounting makes it so much easier to handle. The basses feel great and sound solid. One of my buddies is considering ordering another one since his was stolen a few years ago. As far as Peavey goes, I've never had any issues with their gear. Like I said on the other thread, it isn't flashy or sexy, but it's solid and reliable. It won't let you down.
 
#4
I have limited experience with Peavey, but the Peavey equipment I have owned or used was good. The only two Carvin pieces of equipment I've owned are a 4X10 bass cabinet which I have abused the s#!t out of and it still keeps going and a PA head which I used for 10 years and then gave to my nephew who used it for another 10 years and I now use as a backup.

I have found them both to be good for the money, but if I wanted top of the line equipment I would probably look elsewhere.
 
#6
I love Carvin but I keep going back to the fact that they will only service their stuff in California and you have to ship it back out there and hope it comes back in one piece? Guitar Center sells Peavey
 
#7
mjac28 said:
I love Carvin but I keep going back to the fact that they will only service their stuff in California and you have to ship it back out there and hope it comes back in one piece? Guitar Center sells Peavey
Click to expand...

This. I've used a ton of Carvin stuff in the past and occasionally something goes "poof" not necessarily Carvin's fault, just Murphy's Law. Anyhoo, Carvin has to go back to Cali for repair, Peavey is sold EVERYWHERE.
 
#8
I have much love for my Peavey and Carvin gear.

Bass wise I have 4 Carvin LB50 basses including my main Squeeze Taz and all Koa bass I have played for 30 years now. Peavey I have 6 basses and they are all great basses if not near perfection and were all amazing bargains.

I have a small Carvin PA that has done a fine job for many years of rehearsals and gigs.

I gigged and toured for many years (20+) using Peavey bass gear some of which I still have an use, it has never failed to sound just fine rocking loud and hard!
 
#9
Don't like Carvin's basses at all. Way too generic looking and not much to choose from as far as passive electronics go. They could be the best playing basses in the world and I'd still not play them for those two reasons. Peavey wins the bass category on the T-40 alone. :D Really though, I dig the look of the USA Peavey basses. Peavey's newer stuff is pretty generic looking too though... There, I said it.

I've never played through anything Carvin so I can't comment but the Peavey gear I've had has been solid, if not good (PA, PA speakers, amp, and preamp).
 
#10
Never had an issue with either. Rock solid gear for the blue collar guys. I have used older Peavey power amps & speakers. I still have my Peavey Probass 1000 preamp. I also have used Carvin power amps, mixers and PA speakers. I use a HD1500 to power my bass cabs. No snob appeal, just good gear for those of use who don't have wads of cash to blow.
 
#12
I like Peavey stuff. I've played their amps in the past. Very reliable power sections. Their basses are nice, but in my opinion they are not on par with what Carvin is putting out right now. Unfortunately, most players will never know that.
 
#13
Tied for me. Had some nice Peavey basses and a couple bass amps over the years. Started playing guitar on a Classic 50 Peavey amp. Owned and gigged an x100b guitar head and custom Carvin cabinets for years with no problems. Never had issues with any Carvin or Peavey products.
Don't understand those who say "garbage" about either company's offerings. (I haven't tried anything new from either company in years though, so maybe things have changed.)
 
#14
I learned to play in Daddy's Junky Music territory in the 80's, so I'd be hard pressed to think of a musician in my peer group who hasn't used a Peavey bass/guitar/amp/cab at some point.

I only played a Carvin bass once, but it was quite nice.
 
#15
I have owned a couple Peavey basses and many amps when I was younger because of the low $ of used gear locally. Never really liked them, always seemed cheap and not much build quality from my experience. I have heard they made some nice basses in recent years but I just don't trust/like them.

Bought my first custom Carvin 5er about 3 years ago and could not be happier with it. Looks, plays,and sounds incredible. Can't wait until I can afford a new Icon 5er. No experience personally with there amps, but I had an old guitarist who loved Carvin amps/guitars.
 
#19
Nah, its process. Gotta play the expensive stuff long enough to know you don't need it. Otherwise you'll always think there is something better out there.

I wish I had the $100k back I've blown on the gear hunt over the last 20 years :bawl:
 

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