Thinking of getting a Carvin.

[vinxbass]

I've got 2 Carvins that I bought brand new, a LB75AP Anniversary that's drop dead gorgous and an Icon IC5. I'm swapping out the pups on the Icon for the new Carvin J99AS soapbars (the same pups that come with the SB5000). Neither bass is a bolt on neck. As far as craftsmanship, they are top notch. The Anniversary has all the bells and whistles and the Icon is pretty much a "Plain Jane" except that it has a flame maple top. I like the sound of both, though I don't like the slap and pop sound that the Icon gives so that's why I'm swapping out the pups. Either bass is no longer my main stick, that's been for almost the last 2 yrs an '08 MIA Fender Jazz V.

As far as the Carvin's go they make excellent basses and their electronics have come a long way in the last 4 yrs, and I mean a long way from what they used to be like.

You should probably like the sound of their J style bass, because they put alot into making their instuments work nicely.

One last note, Carvin resale is not good, but then I don't plan on selling either one of my basses so I'm ok with it.

 

[mgauge]

Carvin is a great brand... Im too fixated on Musicman at this point in my bass life, but I've been to their store in Hollywood and played their basses.. Very solid construction.. Very playable... Very fair prices too.

 

[Uncle Snake]

I've owned (5) over the years and still have (2), fretted and fretless 4-strings. I generally end up putting passive Bart's in them but I've done that with half of the basses I've owned...... Build quality is awesome as well as playability. I will own more......

 

[chipvibe]

My six has served me well for a longg time. They're simply "not cool".
As far as trade-n, that's because music stores don't want to even see them.

 

[bound'n'blocked]

Dont have one of their basses but I have two of their guitars. As others have said, build quality is excellent. The neck on both of my guitars is to die for. I bought mine because the bass player in my band at the time had one (BB75) and just was nuts over it. If the resale thing doesn't bother you (it doesn't me, I dont buy with the intent to sell) then get one. You really wont go wrong. Nicest thing is, if you buy and dont like it, you can just send it back.

I think they have the best looking finishes on the market too. Some really vivid colors.

Anyway, here's one of mine...

BnB

 

[Bob C]

[QUOTE
I'll call them tomorrow. I really don't want a single HB pickup, I want a single MM pickup. If that's an option, I'll order one.[/QUOTE]

HB is Carvin's catalog name for the Musicman style pickup. Actually, I think there is a HB4, HB5, HB5W and HB6. Something like that.

 

[UncleFluffy]

HB4/5/6 are the MM style.

HB50 is the stacked humbucker.

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[pica]

Sounds like most of the people who have Carvins really like them. Thanks for the input.

 

[MNAirHead]

Carvins rock (until you sell one)

I've owned several.. buy them used.

Tim

 

[nato101010]

I played one used at a store, and it was great! It was a 4 string neck thru blue one. No idea what modeal it was. I loved that bass.

 

[SteveC]

I played one at a local GTG last weekend; it was very nice. B-string was killer! Pretty, too. I'm personally not a big fan, but they are well made basses. Electronics and pickups are often cited as the weak points, but are easily replaced.

Much like Peavey stuff, horrible value retention makes them a great value used.

I had a Carvin fretless 6 string. It was really nice. The build was excellent. Right up there with many other "hi end" basses I've had. I agree the electronics seem to be the weak link.

I think they would have more success if they didn't insist on their own electronics. Be like other builders and offer theirs, Bartolini, Aguilar, Nordstrand, whatever.

Peavey also makes great basses that are a great deal used - especially the USA Cirrus bass.

 

[pica]

Carvins rock (until you sell one)

I've owned several.. buy them used.

Tim

With all the features and colors Carvin offers it's nearly impossible to try to find one used that has the features you want. I bought a used bass once and vowed never again to buy a used bass.

 

[pica]

Get an SB4000

You know I'm probably in the minority but I don't really like the look of the SB4000.

 

[tombowlus]

I have always had a decent level of respect for Carvin equipment and instruments, but I must say, their new line of amps are blowing me away, as are the new SB's. You really owe it to yourself to try out the SB4000/5000, IMHO.

 

[tombowlus]

You know I'm probably in the minority but I don't really like the look of the SB4000.

I did not care for them at all until I saw them in person. Though I must admit, I still think that the headstock looks a tad bit small.

 

[dgce]

You know I'm probably in the minority but I don't really like the look of the SB4000.

You know, I felt the same way when they first came out. Beautiful? Ugly? For a while I couldn't decide. But they really grew on me. I plan on ordering a new 5 string and I'd been going back and forth between the SB5000 and B50 for a while. You can't lose with either. However I really appreciate the unique look of the SBs. The B50s are quite conventional in style which is fine but these days I find I want something a bit more "out there." For the options I plan on ordering, I suspect my SB will turn a few more heads than the B50.

 

[pin_head_47]

Keep in mind that the guys who have an sb5000 on here all seem to say that they are quite heavy compared to the B50, and heavy in general.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Get an SB4000

+1

 

[WoodyG3]

Keep in mind that the guys who have an sb5000 on here all seem to say that they are quite heavy compared to the B50, and heavy in general.

A couple of people here have said their SB5000 was a little heavy, but by no means have "all" said that. The size and design are very similar, so I don't see how there could be any significant difference in the average weight.

 

[tifftunes]

I bought a Carvin LB50 bass in 1980... It still rocks! Last time I tuned it was over 2 years ago! Very solid bass.

I've a matching guitar from '82, and played the frets off of it! Great instruments, that play well and last a long time.

Carvin basses consistently win recognition and Bass Player "shoot-out" awards for their build quality, playability, and over-all fit n finish and sound.

Sorry this does not answer the OP's question!!! If you can afford a bass you'll never sell, Carvin basses are great!