Why is this Carvin amp so inexpensive?

[Scionreality]

I've been looking at a used BX1200, deciding if I want to part with the cash. I checked Carvin's site, and I can buy a brand spankin' new one from them for $600.

On paper, that looks like a ridiculous amount of bang for my buck. Power, options, they seem fairly well liked here on TB...

Why, then, are they only $600? Is there something I'm missing?

 

[fenderhutz]

Carvin sells direct. Not a bunch of stores to pay salesman salaries and rent.

 

[Blues Cat]

As Funderhutz stated no middle man to get between you and your gear.

 

[fenderhutz]

Can't anyone get my name right?

Funderschlutz

Wunderhutz

Fenderschlitz

Fenderhitz

 

[Grueber]

+1 to what everyone has said.

I own the BX1200 and I really like it. I run it through a BR 4x10 and a BR 1x18

 

[fretlessman71]

The Carvins do sound good, FumbleSchmutz(JK!). They're worth a look and a listen.

Another oft-maligned but terrific sounding rig is a Peavey Firebass 700. Pair it with a 4 ohm 2x10 and a 4 ohm 1x15 and Holy Crap Is That Loud.. and clean, too!

 

[plexibass]

hmmmmm sounds interesting. where are their bass amps made? ie: usa, china, japan?

 

[Scionreality]

I looked at Firebass too, but I think it had a minimum 4 ohm load, and I'd like to have the option of a single 8 ohm cab.

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

 

[WarriorJoe7]

I agree with hugmyn***

 

[~ignited~wings~]

I looked at Firebass too, but I think it had a minimum 4 ohm load, and I'd like to have the option of a single 8 ohm cab.

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

Any bass amp will allow a single 8 ohm cab...ANY. The word was minimum, meaning don't go bleow 4. 8 is not below 4.

 

[srxplayer]

The Firebass has a minimum 2 ohm load rating. It can safely run at 2 ohms and will put out the full 700 watts. The new Tour 450 and 700 heads that replaced it will only go to 4 ohms.

The Carvin heads (actually all Carvin amps and cabinets) are built in San Diego, California. The old Firebass and MAX 700 (later version) were also made in the USA. (Mississippi I think.)

 

[vinxbass]

Carvins bass amps are made in the USA. I've owned a BX1200
with 4x10 & 1x18 cabs for almost 2 years and it sounds great. I've had no problems with it whatsoever and I play almost every weekend. I usually use just the 4x10 when I play indoors; it's plenty loud and for outdoors I use both cabs. It definitely pushes air. Great bang for the buck. I've been very pleased with my setup.

 

[cheezewiz]

I wasn't too interested in the 1200 because of all the bells and whistles. I certainly don't need a graphic and a parametric EQ, but the bang for the buck is second to none. I bought a B1500 instead, and it just KILLS. Simplicity. Great tone, TONS of power. What else is there?

 

[puff father]

Can't anyone get my name right?

Funderschlutz

Wunderhutz

Fenderschlitz

Fenderhitz

I agree with Fingerhuts. Carvin has no middlemen to pay so they're cheaper.



JK Fenderhutz

 

[Rattman]

hmmmmm sounds interesting. where are their bass amps made? ie: usa, china, japan?

Heck no!!! Right there in good old San Diego, Ca. US of A!! The Carvin factory (there is only ONE btw...) does-it-all...

 

[DaneB]

The only dealers for Carvin I can find in this country all have absolutely useless websites. The only one I can find that actually has prices wants about $1200 for one.

Sucks that even the cheap stuff costs stupid amounts here...

 

[Rattman]

Hey Dane... Next time you take a holiday from 'down under' there in WA... come up this way and we'll go to all the Carvin showrooms you can handle: Santa Ana, Corona, Hollywood or maybe even take a southbound train to San Diego itself. There are also used Carvins to be had in Los Angeles and Orange Counties both.

 

[DaneB]

I wouldn't mind doing that someday, but I can't see myself ever having the funds to be able to go jetting around the world to look at bass gear It'd be fun though.

 

[MakiSupaStar]

Fiddlenutz pretty much nailed it. No middleman

 

[Rattman]

I wouldn't mind doing that someday, but I can't see myself ever having the funds to be able to go jetting around the world to look at bass gear It'd be fun though.

Yes.. I understand Dane.. But I did have a mate come here once with his Missus, all the way from Sydney!! They did it more than once too.. However, that was back in 1999 when jet fuel, petrol & food were much more affordable than they are currently... things have definitely changed quite a bit since then.. and very quickly too... ..