IMO it's an image thing. They are incorrectly perceived as a budget alternative to boutiques. IME the quality is up there with MUCH pricier basses. Ditto for their current line of amps and cabs. Have you seen the deal currently available?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Very cool video about how Carvins are made
- Thread starter DanielleMuscato
- Start date
I have a BB75 and it's hanging position is absolutely neutral. It will sit exactly where you place it. The big deal for me is the asyncronous neck profile combined with 19 mm string spacing. Even at 19mm, it's the most comfortable 5 string neck I've played on, very thin front to back.
The strap lock in front is an interesting idea. BB seems like a really cool guy.
During the painting part of the vid, I heard some Stanley Jordanesque guitar tapping, but only with one hand it seemed. I wonder who that was?
Dave -
I think Carvins are absolutely beautiful instruments and every six months or so, I consider having one built.
My problem is that I've had one and while the workmanship was excellent, the electronics were lackluster. Personally, I have a real problem with buying a custom-made instrument with the plan to rip out the electronics. You spend $1500-1800 on a brand new bass and then another $250-$400 on new electronics? Now we're in (used) boutique territory. Let's not even talk about resale value.
And, oh by the way, Mike, Roger, Pete, Carey, or Dan will stand behind you and support you way more than Carvin will.
Don't get me wrong -- if I could find a used Carvin in a flavor that that I liked (LB or XB75 in Claro Walnut with the wide neck option), I might buy it and change the electronics to suit my tastes. I'm just not ready to order a brand new one with that plan.
FWIW, SOME people also have issues with Carvin's necks going bad but I can't speak to that directly.
I'd bet that one could get Carvin to install no pups or pre with a couple of polite and persistent phone calls.
Edit: Who has had issues with Carvin necks?
Based on my experience, and that of others, this is a non-starter. Carvin considers this to be out of the question. Perhaps you know something we dont?
I have read more than a few reviews here and on other forums about broken trussrods in Carvin Basses.
I don't know anything others don't about Carvin, but I think getting the right person on the phone would be key along with what the buyer would want taken off the price.
You guys don't have to convince me. I'm a big fan of Carvins. I like the old Carvins too. I own two. A nice neck through body LB75 and an old 4 banger, not even sure of the model name (I bought it used in 1990 and it was my main bass for about 8 years). Love it. My LB75 was under a 1000 bucks new. Granted I bought it about 12 years ago, but back then the neck thu stuff was only found on more expensive basses. As far as resale, that suits me fine. I'll just keep em I love em anyway. I'm not looking to buy a bass to resell it. I'm buying a bass to play it to death.
Recently I bought a Warwick Corvette $$, because I really love these guitars. This is my main bass now, but I will never dump my Carvins. NEVER!!!!
Recently I bought a Warwick Corvette $$, because I really love these guitars. This is my main bass now, but I will never dump my Carvins. NEVER!!!!
I asked once and it was a very, very emphatic "NO!" According to one of the sales guys that used to be on their old forum, they were in talks with Seymour Duncan about offering their pickups as an option, but nothing came of it.
Thanks for the video, Dave. It was incredibly hypnotizing, I liked it.
Too bad I can't afford a Carvin.
Too bad I can't afford a Carvin.
That video is mesmerizing. It, and most of the others are on the Carvin DVD. I encourage anyone to get it. All you have to do is fill out the online form and give carvin your address. Of course they will also send you thier catalogs, but how is that a bad thing!
As for carvins, My 2000 lb75f is a work of beauty. Carvin's workmanship is top knotch and it sounds good also. It was only $880 new! Unfortunately, the LB70 series is very 90's styled. If I were buying today, I probably wouldn't purchase it today on looks alone. The icon series is a bit better, but as someone who likes a vintage styled instrument, Carvin just doesn't offer such a beast.
As for carvins, My 2000 lb75f is a work of beauty. Carvin's workmanship is top knotch and it sounds good also. It was only $880 new! Unfortunately, the LB70 series is very 90's styled. If I were buying today, I probably wouldn't purchase it today on looks alone. The icon series is a bit better, but as someone who likes a vintage styled instrument, Carvin just doesn't offer such a beast.
I agree with the first paragraph. I had a Carvin fretless 6, walnut, ebony, beautifully built bass. High end touches in a reasonably priced bass. I also sold it for almost what I paid for it - with Bartolini electronics.
The 2nd paragraph is why I think they aren't more popular. They are easy enough to swap out and I did but it helped the sound - to me - a lot. If they would sell them with the option to have a different preamp or no electronics so you could install what you wanted, that may be a different story.
That said, the guys in the videos sound pretty good.
My first five string was a Carvin. I thought it was really well made, but it really didn't suit me. I need something more Fender-ish. Right now my main fretted basses are a Skyline 55-01 with Nordstrom pickups and an old Tokai P-Bass. Somehow they suit me a lot better. I still occasionally look longingly at the Carvin catalog.
As to why they take a beating on the used market, I don't know. I guess that once market resale value starts out low it takes a long time for it to go up. How is Frankie going to sell his for $600 when Joey, Johnny and Jill are all selling theirs for $300?
If I saw a nice walnut Icon four or five string for cheap I'd probably snap it up.
KO
Anytime the assembly line stops, it is a major (that is spelled EXPENSIVE) problem. That's why they don't do it. They are a very sophisticated manufacturer and could do it if it was in their best interest. Obviously they don't think it is.
I don't think Carvin pickups are as big an issue as they're made out to be. It's a matter of taste and personal preference. If the electronics were really that bad, Carvin wouldn't be selling many basses. Plus they sell pickups too.
Let's not even talk about resale value.
Who cares about resale value? You have 10 days to decide if you don't like your Carvin. If you don't, send it back and you don't have to worry about resale value.
Damn... Johnathan Butler is a monster on the guitar! I knew he was but it was great to see him just riffin' around casually. The Carvin looks and sounds great too!
