Conference napalm::guitar

    Dave,
    
       Definitely try one out before you buy it. I also thought the
    Carvin stuff spec'd out well on paper. My roommate and I were both
    interested in them, so we borrowed someone's for an evening...what
    a dog! I didn't like the amp's dirty sound at all, it had a very
    nice clean sound, however. 
    
       There's a music store in Brighton, Mr. Music *maybe* who carries
    their stuff. 
    
    WJB

    thanks...
    
    could i get a price on the GK (for the unit and for just a head).
    Also back to the carvin...i noticed they use celestion speakers
    so am i to believe that their full stack for $399 (an add in Guitar
    for the PM) sounds as well as the marshall half stack for $319 (which
    i also believe use celstion speakers) ?
    
    Thanks again..
    			Dave

    A friend of mine has a Carvin XT112 (I think). It has an Electro-Voice
    12 " speaker and is housed in an oak cabinet. My opinion? Unbelievable
    amp. Delivers 110 watts, has separate master volumes for rythmn and
    lead settings, a five band equalizer with in/out switching, reverb,
    outputs for preamp and 4 ohm speakers, 60% or 100% power switching, 
    power amp in, slave out with volume control. He plays his bass thru
    it, and I am impressed by the tonal variations he is able to get. I
    have on occasion played my guitar thru it and was also pleased.
    
    The amp is built very well, and schematics are included when you
    buy. It uses standard tubes for the power section (6 6L6GLC), and
    if memory serves me, there are four preamp tubes.  
    
    He also has one of their guitars and a bass (made out of Koa). I'm
    not that impressed by the guitar, but the bass is of excellent quality.

    In all, Carvin is a very good company to deal with, but like anything,
    you need to try one out first.
    
    Dan 
    

	I have a Carvin bottom.  Two twelves. Don't  recall what make the
	speakers are.  I've had it for years and wouldn't ever think of
	getting rid of it.  I use it if I want to add a few more speakers
	to my Peavey Special 130 which only has a single 12.

	-gary

    I have a friend of mine that used to work as a salesman for Carvin
    in Escondido, Calif. When I was out there he left me in the sound
    room for 1hr. to try everything out. Like a kid in the candy shop.
    I had a great time. The solid state head were all very noisy, but
    the tube amps were very good. The 50watt head (marshall lookalike)
    had a great sound (at least that one did), very good saturation
    at any level. Very clean and crisp on the clean channel. a very
    nice overall amp. Yes WJB :^) ,there are dogs with anything, but
    the price was worth checking it out at least. A nice layout for
    the electronics, well built and they aren't that cheezy outside
    or in. A nice amp. If you couple the 4-12 bottom w/ 2-celestions 
    and 2-electrovoice speakers you'll have enough pwr in that bottom
    to blow out anyone around. PLEASE NOTE: PWR IS NOT EVERYTHING !!!
    It has a very nice tone in both channels. Marshalls are nice, 
    GK's are very nice also, but there really is a place for Carvin's
    also. I'll suggest also to you, that you should try one or two or
    three for yourself before you even think of buying anything anyway!!
    Most of all... buy the amp that you want (and can afford) because
    you want it and like it, NOT because everybody else swayed your
    opinion. YOUR EQUIPMENT + YOUR STYLE =  YOUR SOUND !!
    
                                               Have fun !!!
            
                                               Fred
    
    P.S. but what do I know ???
          
         notice the smiley wjb  :^)
    
    

    Personally, I don't think a Carvin cab w/ Celestions sounds like
    a Marshall cab, or a Laney cab, or a Hiwatt cab, or a Peavey cab,
    All with Celestions. A, It has to do with they wattage of the speakers,
    WHich type of Celestions they are, What the cab is made out of and
    the dimensions. The Peavey, for example, is smaller than the marshall,
    speakers closer together, made with lighter wood...thus resulting
    in a different tone. Hiwatt's have a denser wood than the marshalls,
    but are ported, so the whole low end of the cab is different. You
    really have to hear them!
    
    I realize all amps are different, and every manufacturer will have
    a few `dogs'...I will leave it there. Period.
    
    As I said before...listen, and then, buy what you liked...screw
    the name brand crapola...it's useless.
    
    WJB_who_thought_GK_was_the_balls_in_80_before_anyone_was_the_wiser 
    

    
    Well thank you all...
    
    I am aware that my ear is the most important.  I was just looking
    for (and i got it) some feedback; usually if everyone says something
    is a piece of s**t, then _usually_ it is.  I'm sending for the carvin
    catalog for some more prices and am also going to check out the
    GK (i've heard it before and been very impressed)...
    
    FYI: i'll probably get the stack depending on the sound, but as
    for the head to use -- that'll take a little more shopping around...
    I'm still in school and the college wants a lot more money than
    i'd like to give.....
    
    Thanks again and again
    				Dave

    Someone offered an opinion that the Carvin guitars were not of good
    quality.
    
    I disagree.  My main guitar for the last 4 years has been a Carvin
    DC200 Koa.   It's not a "special" guitar (like an old Paul or a
    strat) but in my opinion it's among the top stock guitars
    available today.   It has a very wide variety of tones, can be set
    to a very low action, has excellent intonation, and is very
    intelligently laid out.  In my opinion it also looks beautiful.
    
    Only complaint I've ever had is that the neck seems to be flakey.
    A friend of mine also has a Carvin and also had the same problems,
    but he sent his back and Carvin fixed it "no charge" even though
    it was out of warranty.
    
    Regarding your trying out Carvin equipment: if for some reason you
    can't find one to try out, but are serious about getting one, you
    can order one from Carvin and send it back if you don't like it.
    Carvin knows the reservations people have about mail-order and have
    very generous return policies.  I've talked to them a couple of
    times and I'm convinced they are an excellent company in terms of
    customer service and quality.
    
    	db

    I'm not familiar with the tech. term "flakey". Could you elaberate
    some?
    
    Dave.
    

    re: .11
    
    After having the guitar about 3 years, the neck became pretty straight.
    You actually need a slight inward curve to get good action, so I
    loosened the truss rod, but discovered that even with the truss
    rod effectively disabled (i.e. removing the adjusting bolt completely),
    the nec was still mostly straight but a lot more flexible.
    
    The flexibility of the neck made the guitar difficult to keep in
    tune (forget about using the Kahler), also made it seem like the
    guitar wasn't intonated properly (slight pressure on the neck
    caused it to bend which makes it go out of tune temporarily).
    
    Right now (to be honest) I'm pretty fed up with the guitar, but
    I can't really blame Carvin.   I diddled with the neck and basically
    screwed the whole thing up.   Carvin wants me to send it back to
    them but I have to go out and get a spare guitar before I do (the
    neck on my old SG broke) coz I can't be without a guitar for that
    long.  BTW, Carvin has a way of fixing this problem and has said
    that even thought the guitar is out of warranty, they will do it
    for free and pay return shipping.
    
    	db
    
    P.S.  Anyone got a decent guitar they could lend me?  I'm trying
          to do some recording right now and I don't have a lot of
          confidence in the Carvin.

    Hmm I visited the Carvin factory when I was living in
    California....after seeing the operation I would never buy one of
    their guitars...I hated every one I tried (this was ~8 years ago)
    they told me to bring my guitar back to try amps if I wanted (I
    was amp shopping) so I did and they refused to let me play through
    the model amp I was interested in because 1) tehy had sold the showroom
    demo unit and 2) the only unit in the building was a prepaid order.
    
    I never went back and never will
    
    dave

    re .12:  Dave, I'd be glad to loan you a guitar for the interim.
    I have a '72 Stratocaster w/ Lawrence stacked humbuckers, brass
    nut and bridge.  No whammy, because of 'return-to-pitch' problems.
    Five-position switch.  
    
    OR
    
    A mid 60's Gibson ES-355, which is much like a 335 w/ fancy trim
    and hardware.  This rig has a Velvet Hammer in the bridge position,
    a DiMarzio in the neck slot.  Mods have been made to the wirring,
    with pull pots and switches.  This guitar is used only infrequently,
    so it might need a litle TLC (...and definitely a set of strings!).
    
    Since you weere kind enough to let me test drive your Boogie, I
    got a chance to see your Carvin.  Based on that, I'd hazard a guess
    the Gibson might be more to your liking.
    
    Let me know...I told the guitars about this and they're both psyched
    to get out of the house!  ;^)
    
    Regards,
    Johnny Jupiter
    
                           
    

    FYI:
    
    I got my Carvin catalog yesterday and the prices seem fair on some
    things..But on the amps they're no better than Marshall or anybody
    else.  The heads _look_ nice with a Equalizer and all, but they're
    priced out of my range...oh well my search continues.
    
    Dave

    re: .15 (Dave Lingley)
    
    I'm confused.  Did you get a chance to LISTEN to a Carvin amp?
    
    re: .13
    
>    they refused to let me play through
>    the model amp I was interested in because 1) tehy had sold the showroom
>    demo unit and 2) the only unit in the building was a prepaid order.

    This shows you how two reasonable people can come to opposite
    conclusions based on the same data.
    
    I regard this as a demonstration of how reputable Carvin is.  They
    could have let you play through those sold amps and the owners of
    those amps probably would have never known (nor perhaps even cared),
    but they were willing to risk losing a sale rather than let you
    play through an amp that really wasn't their's anymore.

    I'm not trying to push Carvin (I rather like the fact that my main
    guitar is something you rarely see anyone else play).  I just want
    to understand the what's and why's about conclusions others come
    to about Carvin.
    
    	db
    
    P.S.  Oddly enough, one of my favorite Carvin products is the
          medium gauge picks that came with my guitar.  They are exactly
          the right size, thickness and texture for me.

    re: .16
    
    I haven't tried out the Carvin yet for sound...That's the second
    thing to do.  I'd to fall in love with something and not be able
    to afford it.  I'm still in school now (out on Co-op) and can't
    really afford the 860 dollars on a half stack, so my first judgement
    of an amp is price.  My second and most important of course is sound
    (ie if cheap but sounds cheap, then i don't buy)...
    
    i'm still looking over finanacial situations (waiting on financial
    aid) so who knows...
    
    Dave

    re:  .17
    
    Now I'm really confused.  Earlier you said they were no better than
    Marshall, etc.  Was this on the basis of the catalog description?
    
    Anyway, I'm not sure how one can compare Carvins and Marshalls.
    It's like comparing Boogies and Marshalls.  They are both excellent
    amps but for different things.  It's hard to imagine any comparing
    the two on any other basis but sound.
    
    Also, were the Carvins more expensive than "equivalent" (perhaps
    a bogus term in this context) Marshalls?
    
    One more thing, is there any particular reason why it has to be
    a half-stack?  What are your current musical pursuits (gigging,
    recording, jamming, learning, ???).  From your messages, it sounds
    like you might be going for the look, which is a legitimate thing to do
    in some circumstances.  But if your budget is limited, you could
    probably save a fair amount of money by getting a combo.  If you
    aren't gigging regularly, but are doing a lot of the other things
    I mentioned, you'd be much better off with a combo.  They are less
    expensive and far more portable.  You can get better basic sound
    (but less volume and "look") for less money by going with a combo.
    If (as you say) sound is second only to money, I'd get a combo now,
    and then get a half-stack later (if you end up needing one).
    
	db

    Dave I can see your/theri side of the4 story....as far as not allowingh
    me to demo a "sold" unit...except that if it was a quality product
    then they had nothing to fear from  a 10-15 min. demo....even if
    it was "at volume". The unit was not packed and had just left test
    where they played it at volume. What's the difference? If it had
    blown up they would have been better off, rather than shipping
    it to a customer and having it blow there. 
    
    What made me angry was the fact that they invited me to bring my
    guitar and try the amp I was interested in. They then refused to
    allow me to play through one even though it was available. They
    then tried to get me to try out a different amp (one that woudl
    not meet my needs, actually it exceeded them) and order the original
    unit (the one I could not play). I wasted a couple of hours of my
    time and 50+ miles of driving to do this. 
   
    I haven't seen a Carvin catalog in years ( I am expecting to receive
    one now....someday if they ever mail it) but their prices were no
    real bargan 8 years ago and probably still aren't, at least on amps.
         
    dave

    
    To Dave Bl.:
    
    I hope this explains.  
    
    
    I need an amp for recording (direct recording into the board), gigging
    ( i hope th band will be playing places this summer), and for
    practicing (but i can use the peavey for that).  I heard the Marshall
    stack (Mosfet head) and _Really_ liked the sound, but not the price.
     Some friends told me to check out Carvin, so i did (Prices first).
     Then I heard the GK and liked that also, bu once again price
    conflicts.  Since i recently got a 4-track i want an amp that is
    very versatile...I could get a smaller amp with direct output, but
    i figure if i'm going to get an amp for recording why not try to
    get an amp for gigging since i'm going to need one.  If i have to
    i'll look at the smaller amps and the band can rent a PA system,
    but i'd rather not.
    
    This probably still confuses...I know i'm confused...
    
    Dave
    

    Re -1:
    
    Dave, for the situation you described, I'd suggest you get a GK250
    ML amp. You said you checked them out, and liked them, but not the
    price?? Ever think of getting a used one?? I see them in things
    like the Want Ad all the time for $300 or $350. I know Mine is very
    flexible in all those situation you mentioned. I use mine for direct
    applications, practice, teaching, and gigging (either thru the PA
    or hooked up to marshall cabs for x-tra volume). You can also find
    good deals on Marshall 4x12 cabs in the Want Ads in the range of
    $250 - $450. So, you could in essence get a half stack for $550
    if you looked for it. That's not too bad.
    
    I've also seen marshall head/cab deals in there for as low as $450.
    
    bj

    re -1:
    
    Thanks...i'll pick up a want ad tonight (i usually check out the
    broadcast and the nashua telegraph..if your not familar they're
    jus local papers.)
    
    Dave

	On GK...this is not a personal flame, just an observation.  I don't
think they're as rugged as some of your other options, so keep that in mind.
They're very unforgiving if dropped or wired up incorrectly.  I know several
people with GKs putting them in the shop within a few months of purchase. 

	I recoginized that and bought a monster road rack to mount my 
GK bass head.  I can't touch the versatility and sound at the price I 
got it, but beware if that's an issue.

    Was looking through the yellow pages (the New England Telephone
    variety) and saw that there is an authorized Carvin dealer for N.H.
    Presumably, folks wanting to try out Carvin stuff can go there.
    
    The dealer is:
    
    	Milford Music Center
    	270 Elm St., Milford, NH
    	(603) 673-2882
    
    Milford is about 20-25 minutes past the NH/Mass bordering.  Worth
    the drive if you're interested in doing a serious evaluation of
    Carvin stuff.  Should probably call them first though to see what
    they have.
    
    	db

    To all those who offered to loan me a guitar while I was getting
    mine fixed,
    
    First of all, thank you very much for the offer.  The nature of
    the instrument and the way people often feel about their guitars
    makes this kind of offer among the most generous any musician can
    make, and I am very grateful.
    
    However, as it turns out, it's unlikely that I'll be needing them
    now.  For a long time, I've wanted to get a second guitar but wanted
    to wait until I found one that I really liked.  I didn't want to
    buy one in a hurry just to keep me going while my Carvin was fixed.
    Fortunately, I've ordered another guitar which I think is going
    to work out very well, although it may not arrive for 3-5 months.

    Thanks again,
    
    	db

    Re: .25
    
    Aw, c'mon, Dave.  Don't leave us in suspense.  What did you buy????
    
    Rodney M.
    

    I originally decided not to explicitly mention what I got cause
    there's an element of embarressement to it, but since you asked
    what the hell?:

    I ordered a Ernie Ball/Music Man Steve Morse signature model.
    
    It's described briefly in this months Guitar Player in the article
    on the NAMM show.
    
    Basically, it's a copy of "Frankenstein", the distinctive 
    blond tele/strat job made up of parts from many other guitars (hence the 
    name) that has always been Morse's main guitar.  The guitar I ordered
    is an exact duplicate of the proto-type that Morse has been using
    recently except that it won't have a guitar/synth interface.
    
    It's got 5 pickups of widely differing kinds, and a whole lot of
    hardware to get certain pickup combinations quickly.   The guitar
    itself is a pretty ugly beast and is sure a hardware intensive method
    (perhaps overkill) of getting a variety of sounds.  But he demoed
    the prototype at a clinic I attended and I remember how impressed
    I was with how the range of sounds he could fly through just by
    flipping one or two things on the guitar.
    
    And of course, I won't deny that some part of my decision was based
    on my known idolization of Morse.  But really, I think this is a
    really fine guitar.  They are only making 50 of them, and
    each one is personally signed by Morse.

    	db

    In case you're still looking....how about a Fender Bassman head?
     The original Marshall 50 watt head was basically a cop from the
    Bassman and I've loaned my Bassman head to a few guitarists who
    blew up their Marshalls and they all loved it.  They don't have
    master volumes, reverb or channel switching if that's important.
     They usually can be had for $150-200 used, which is cheaper than
    anything else you've talked about.
                                                       
    I use mine for bass and I don't play guitar well enough to be anexpert,
    but I think it's probably the best inexpensive amp you can find.
    Any other Bassman fans out there?

    Guitar Player has an article this month about the 4X10 tweed Bassman,
    a classic old amp.  Very interesting.  My first amp was a late 60s
    Bassman head.  The thing was solid as a rock.

    /rick    

    re: -.2
    
    Where did you get your info that the original 50WT Marshall was
    basically a cop from the Fender Bandmaster design? Just wondering
    as its not the info I have on early Marshalls, in fact, the 50 came
    much later, the first Marshall was 45WT's for the longest time.
    
    WjB

	A Fender Bassman like a Marshall? It could be that the late 50's
to early 60's vintage Bassman's(brown control panel)were similiar to the Mark
series of Marshalls. 
	Maybe in sound not in internal design as I had a 61 Bandmaster
which I remember having a controls similiar to a Marshall but the sound
didn't have quite the middle that a Marshall had ,but it did have a presence 
control. But any Fender after that really didn't have any circuit similarities 
to Marshall or visa versa.
	BTW, Mesa "Boogies" are closer to being similiar to Fenders circuit-
wise(exclude the active eq,extra preamp's,and channel switching)as Randall 
Smith use to modify old fender's for people. Mesa even recomends using
Fender parts in an emergancy.

    I've seen two people making the mistake of equating Bandmasters
    to Bassmans.  Although roughly the same in RMS power, the Bassman
    is designed to provide much more bottom and middle, which is why
    old Bassmans (particularly the combos with four 10's) are highly
    prized while old Bandmasters and even Showmans are considerably
    less so.

    
    For all of the Carvin fans...
    
    According to the '89 catalog, the DC200 KOA, as well as most of
    Carvin's more expensive guitars and basses, now include active 
    electronics (preamp/9-volt battery) as standard equipment.
    
    You can also buy the active electronics kit for $99 if you want to
    retrofit it to an older model.
    
    
    Kevin
    

    I'm curious about the Carvin FET400 power amp.  I think I remember
    someone in here mentioning that they had one and I've been wondering
    what they sound like.  Looks like Bob Bradshaw (famed rack designer of
    the stars) is recommending them for his rack systems. 
    
    It's about 200wts/channel (stereo) and costs around $450.  Two rack
    slots.
    
    Greg

    Not everything Bob endorses is cool.  LIke he does all the rocktron
    stuff...and while the Hush unitsare ok, their compressors and exciters
    really stink.  The Carvin power amp is a great SS power amp...clean
    and powerful...if you want that sound, great. 

    I can believe that.  I know I tried a Rocktron (rack mount even)
    preamp/distortion unit awhile back and thought that it was the worst
    thing since my Ross distortion box that I bought for one dollar.
    
    What do you mean by "that sound"?  That loud clean sound?  Or do you
    mean that it has a "sound" of it's own?  If so, what does it compare
    to?
    
    My interest is to use with effects (SGE, probably a preamp) that will
    do all the distortion and such.  What (I think) I'm looking for is
    something that will be reliable, clean, and not color the sound it's
    fed excessively (like inducing bad sounding distortion).  Stereo would
    certainly be a plus.  Maybe this is a contridiction, but I tend to like
    tube amps (to give you an idea of where I'm coming from).
       

>================================================================================
>Note 1329.29     Metaltronix -- Marshalls for the 90s and beyond        29 of 29
>USRCV1::REAUME "the defense rests"                   17 lines  20-SEP-1989 11:48
>                              -< totally tubular >-
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>    the sound I don't think the Metaltronix really does that, it's more
>    a matter of the way it clips. I tried my rack through a Carvin FET400
>    and even though it's a great power amp for PA it doesn't do as good
>    a job on the guitar. Then again this is all based on the sound your
>    after! If you want a clean sound (or overdrive/dist done thru effects)
>    and you don't clip the power amp then most PA power amps will do.
    
    Could you somehow explain the difference?  I also had visions of
    teaming up a Carvin FET400 (due to power/price) with an SGE.  How is
    the sound different or what does it lack?
    
    Mike
    
    BTW - I moved this to keep things organized.

    
    
       Carvin sent me a catalog this past weekend that has a amp I'm
    curious about. Has anyone tried their FET450 ...It's a FET based
    amp that is capable of 450 watts bridged at 8 ohms and 225 watts
    per channel stereo. Carvins retail is $699.00 but they have it sale
    priced at $499.00. If anyone has test driven one of these Rack units
    let me know.
    
                                   R.B.

    -1
    
    For guitar?!?!?  Who needs 225wts/side?
    
    Go MOSvavle, dude!

    
      Buck..
    
         Mosvalve is on the top of my list...I was just curious about this
     beast. In a room the size of a toilet, anything over 1 watt is wasted.
     The stool in my room has a dual purpose.
    
                              R.B.

    Yo RB, I've not tried the Carvin power amp, but 225 wpc does seeem
    excessive...  Bucks right.
    
    Now I might be interested in checking out Randalls power amp line,
    and also Carvers little brute (14lb, 160wpc,  1 rackspace).
    
    jc

    
     jc,
    
       Scary sold me on the idea of Mosvalve's amp a few weeks ago...It
    seems the 450 watt Carvin was designed for the touring bands/major
    arena's. Hell for that matter the 60 Watt Carvin I have now is a
    great tube amp!
    
                             R.B.

    My impression was that those Carvin power amps were primarily aimed at
    PA applications.  I imagine they'd be pretty good for that.
    
    Greg

        225 Watts per side ?  I'll take it ! 
        
        Bassists know no limits when looking for POWER ! :^)
        
        Matt

    
        Matt,
    
         They have the equivalent FET amp for the Bass, plus I think
    they've got one in the 500 per channel range! I'll bring in the
    catalog tomorrow. I didn't think they were marketing this amp as
    a PA amp.....they have one designed for that already.
    
                              R.B.

|                      -< Does it go BOOOOOOM BOOOOOOM ? >-
        
        As long as it'll scare the hell outta' small furry creatures,
        I'll take it ! :^)
        
        Matt

    >    As long as it'll scare the hell outta' small furry creatures,
    
    Like Sodom Kitty?

    re:.39 who needs 225 watts per side,
    
    	Hey!  haven't you ever heard of stage left and stage right????
    
    8<)
    

    re: .39 Buck
    
    > Who needs 225 watts per side
    
    I think you do Buck.  The Hudson police left a message on my machine
    last practice that you should crank it up - they could barely hear you.
    
    ;-)

    -1
    
    Naw, 50wts is fine.

     
        Watt?
    
                           R.B.

    Does anyone have any words of wisdom before I call the friendly folks
    at Carvin and order a DC135 six-string electric?
    
    It's a neck_through_body design in Koa wood, humbucker in the lead
    position, two single-coils, 24.75" scale length (24 fret), ebony
    fingerboard.
    
    I'm thinking about forgoing the Floyd-Rose and going with fixed bridge
    to save $100 (since I don't use the thing).  I've also decided to keep
    the 3-on-off-switch configuration instead of the optional 5-position.
    
    These are sold mail order only... bottom line with a finish upgrade,
    some trim options, case, and freight is $684, normally $804.  Ten day
    no questions asked trial period.
    
    Any input appreciated... send mail or reply here THANKS!
    \Gary

    If you don';t use a Floyd, get the fixed bridge...it'll save you a
    multitude of tuning headaches!!!

    I've probably said it in here already, but my main guitar has been a
    Carvin DC-200 Koa w. a Kahler and I love it both for it's tone and
    the way it feels.
    
    I have other guitars, but I almost never use them.
    
    It has also held up very well over the years.  

    Gary:
    
    I used to own a Carvin.  They make nice stuff.  And by all means, if
    you don't think you'll use the whammy, you're better off without it.
     
    Jim

    I've played a couple of Carvins and thought they had excellent tone,
    however the necks on both of them were fairly fat, kind of reminded me
    of an older Les Paul.  I'm not sure which model they were, but they
    were the smaller body sort of Gibson-y shaped ones, not the more modern
    looking Strat style ones.  
    
    I've heard that the more modern looking ones have thinner necks, so
    take this FWIW.  If you like the thicker necks, then maybe these would
    be great for you.
    
    Greg

    On whether or not to get the whammy.
    
    I don't do much whammy bar stuff even though my Carvin does have a
    Kahler (Locking) unit.  Normally I don't even bother putting the bar
    on.
    
    However, it HAS been my experience that:
    
    	a) Having the tuners on the bridge is VERY desirable. 
    
           First, I find tuning with those MUCH easier and more accurate
    	   than tuning with the pegs.  Second, I find that it makes it
    	   possible/easier to tune WHILE you are playing because you
           tune with your left hand as opposed to tuning with your right
    	   hand or having to reach across with you left.
    
    	   Basically it means that if I hear a string out of tune, I can
    	   hold the chord (the frets) with my left hand, and very easily
    	   and quickly make an  adjustment using the tuners at the bridge.
    
    	b) It stays in tune better
    
    	   My experience is that guitars armed equipment that locks the
    	   string behind or at the nut, and has rollers at the bridge
    	   (as most locking trems like Kahlers and Floyd Rose's do)
    	   just stay in tune better than guitars without this. 
    	   Even (or rather, "especially") if you don't use the bar.
    
    It should be noted that Carvin sells the nut locks separately so you
    can get a nut lock without having to have a trem bar.
    
    It should also be noted that Carvin also sells fixed bridges with
    tuners.
    
    Basically, if you aren't planning to use a bar, I would order the
    guitar with the nut lock and the tuning bridge.  I really think it's
    worth it for the reasons given.
    
    	db

    
    
    
    		I own a couple of Carvins and I have been very pleased
    	with them. I have a DC150M and DC200 Koa both have fixed bridges
    	but the 150 has tuners on the bridge and like Dave, I would 
    	recommend the bridge with the tuners. I really like the Carvin
    	M22 pickups as well.
    
    	DonH
    
    

    Any other replies/mail messages still welcome... the power of Notes is
    awesome.
    \Gary

    Oh yeah, while I don't particularly prefer the neck on db's Carvin, and
    I esp. hate the Kahler system (I'm a Floyd man), the M22 pickups need
    note.  They sound mint through my Marshall...hmmm, might even throw one
    in the ole I-been-had!

    
    
    
         Has anyone seen or checked out the new preamp that Carvin has???
    
    
         It's a Quadpreamp, I got my Carvin catalog monday and it looks
         hot!!!!!!!  
                           $449.00   BIg difference from Boggies Quad!!!!!
    
    
    
                                                  Marko

    Re: .62
    
    Also notice all the stuff that got dropped:
    
    SX transistor preamp
    60 watt X-series heads
    EVM and Celestion speakers as options
    
    This year's catalog is a lot thinner than the last one they sent me.
    
    						Brian

RE .62

I just got the new Carvin catalog that had the Quad X preamp for $469.
Here's some of it's features for others with interest:

* Contains 9 12ax7a tubes
* 4 individual channels
* Headphone jack
* 2 space rack size


X-4 Quad Preamp Features               |ch1|ch2|ch3|ch4|
--------------------------------------------------------
Crystal clean sound                    | * | * |   |   |
Tube crunch                            |   |   | * |   |
Tube cascade sustain                   |   |   |   | * |
Active tone controls                   | * | * | * | * |
Cloaking filter (cuts your bottom end) |   | * | * |   |
Reverb (w/select memory)               | * | * | * | * | 
Channel effects loop                   | * | * | * | * |
Master effects loop (w/select memory)  | * | * | * | * |
Graphic EQ (w/select memory)           | * | * | * | * |
Noise gate                             | * | * | * | * |
Midi selectable                        | * | * | * | * |   
External reverb loop (w/select memory) | * | * | * | * |
Boost & Bright                         | * | * | * | * |

I don't understand the midi selectable feature because I can't find any midi
jacks on the unit.  It looks like a neat unit but of course I'd be interested
in hearing how it sounds.

/marc

    I just got the new "Winter Sale" brochure from Carvin as well.  I
    *have* to say that I have NEVER seen more beautiful figured maple then
    on some of the guitars and basses shown in this catalog!!!  There is a
    bass with a quilted maple body where the figuring looks about 2 inches
    deep.  WOW!
    
    Greg

    
    re:-.1
    
    	Agreed.  Quilted maple is simply gorgeous.  How about that DC135
    	neck-thru with the tung oiled KOA finish?  WOW!

RE .65 & .66

I'm still drooling over that Emerald Green DC400.

/marc

The preamp sounds baaaaaddd too.  I wonder whats the scoop on the MIDI
implementation... ?

jc (TOneQuest!)

    I have a Carvin Stereo DC 200 Koa with a Kahler locking trem and
    gold-plated hardware.
    
    I love every little thing about this guitar: it gets a very wide
    variety of tone, it has very low action, and the neck is so comfortable
    for me, I can hardly play with anything else.
    
    The electronics are laid out in a very intelligent way on this guitar
    (which is a standard Carvin config).  There is a coil-tap switch for
    BOTH pickups (so you can select single or humbucking individually).
    
    There's another switch that is multi-function.  An extremely clever
    wiring of the pickups causes it to be an in/out-of phase switch when
    both pickups are selected.  With the lead pickup selected in single
    coil mode, this switch determines which of the two sets of poles
    in the pickup is used.
    
    What's really cool about the design is that all this switch really 
    does is reverse the sense of the wiring coming out of the lead pickup.
    
    They must have patented that because it's a cheap thing to do and
    yet gives you a lot of options.
    
    My Kahler unit doesn't seem to stay in tune that well, but I think it's
    mostly because I haven't quite mastered the knack of setting it up.
    When I have the shop do a setup - it never goes out of tune.
    
    The new models only come with a special Floyd Rose setup that was
    custom made for Carvin.

    In the latest issue of GP (July?), a Carvin DC127C won out over an 
    American Std Strat and 17 other solidbody axes (in the <$750 price
    category that the article covered).  The Strat was rated "best clean
    tone" but the Carvin got "best overall".
    
    This is a follow-on to the 50-w tube combo shootout of a couple of
    months ago under GP's new no-hold-barred review policy.
    
    Maybe this will put Carvin on the map?    :7)
    \Gary

    Curious, who won the 50wt combo battle?

    The Matchless unit at $2400.  (Sorry I can't give you a pointer in this
    file but there is some discussion elsewhere.)
    \Gary

    
    Or for $50 more, you can have the KOA tung oiled DC135 - an awesome
    (looking) axe with a single/single/hum set-up.  
    
    -pat
    	

    .73   go up to the DC135
    
    an *excellent* recommendation!
    
    \Gary

    >     Maybe this will put Carvin on the map?    :7)
    
    Oh without a doubt... NOT!!!!
    
    However, I'm thankful for that.  I sorta like the fact that you don't
    see a zillion other guys with my guitar.

    A coupla weeks ago I received a Carvin catalogue. I keep it and look it
    over every time I visit the throne. The DC 135 is a tremendous looking
    guitar, no doubt about it. And the price of the base model is
    attractive. So I got to thinking about upgrading my Strat to a Carvin
    135. Well by the time I added on the options that I would want, such as
    a wiggle stick, a 5 position switch instead of the three switches, a
    case, etc, the guitar would cost me close to a grand. Hard to justify
    that kind of expense when it won't do anything my Strat won't do.
    
    One thing about the Carvins is the headstock looks very similar to
    Ibanez. If I were to get one, I'm not sure I'd whether I'd take it or
    get the "traditional" (more Les Paul like) headstock for $50 more.   
    
    
    "sakman"

    
    	My ideal set-up on a DC135
    
    	basic axe (tung oiled Koa)	569
    	Carvin/Floyd tremolo		100
    	case			 	 70
    	gold plated h/w			 40 
    	shipping			 15
    	-----------------------------------
    
    		you pay ---->		794
    						
    

    I woludn't look at "all those add-ons" as a negative thing; the
    "build-to-order" concept enables you to buy a top-rated (and I didn't
    need GP to tell me that) guitar, custom made to _your_ preferences,
    WITHOUT paying "Custom Shoppe" prices.
    
    Basically, every guitar is built-to-order for you from the base models
    and options and finishes listed.  There is a 10-day "keep/no-keep"
    trial period.

    The one I ordered last October and got in January '92:
    
    DC135 (3 pickups)
    fixed-bridge model (the trem adds $100 to the price)
    black chrome hardware
    strap locks
    no dot inlays (side dots only)
    tung-oil finished Koa (no gloss)
    Sperzl locking tuners
    hard case 
    freight
    
    bottom line $704 delivered
    
    PS:  The DC135 actually has 3 humbuckers.  The M22 lead pickup looks
    like a humbucker, and the mid and neck are M60 "stacked humbuckers"
    that only look like single-coils but aren't actually SC's. 

   (I couldn't decide whether to put this under the Carvin bass amp note or
   here, but this one won out.)

   I just received my latest toy:  A Carvin PB150 bass combo.  It's a little
   1x10 combo with 150w (!) micro head in the same ozite-covered box.  Uses
   Carvins 200w PS10 speaker.  I've just had it a couple of days now, so I'm
   still learning all it's ins and outs, but so far I'm pretty impressed.
   It's got a built in compressor and noise gate, 4 band EQ with parametric
   in the mid band, plus bright and deep circuits, and external speaker, line,
   and headphone outs.  And even with just the built in 10" it's LOUD.

   Two really odd things about it that I have to work around and/or get used
   to:  The effects loop has a footswitchable bypass, I didn't buy the foot-
   switch ($30 more) and only upon trying to use the loop did I find that the
   "default" mode of the switch is "off".  That is, you can't use the loop
   unless you buy the switch!  I was pissed at first, as I bought this thing
   to double as a small combo and to be the power amp section of my rack rig.
   But a quick discussion with my local techo-wiz (thanks again Roger!) and
   a look at the factory-supplied schematic showed how to work around the
   problem.  I wired up a XLR plug in the right manner, plugged it in and
   viola:  I have an effects loop.  And being a MOSfet power section, it
   sounds real nice with the Soho feeding it.

   The other weird thing I'm not sure is fixable, but I'll have to learn to
   live with it.  The effects loop returns BEFORE the preamp stage!  That's
   right, use your effect loop and all the front end controls still affect
   the now-effected signal.  Strange.  Well, at least I now have that
   "master volume" that the Soho doesn't have (at least on it's front panel).

   Carvin is having a great sale right now, and I picked up this little
   brute for $343, delivered, and including the "rack mount kit" (two pieces
   of angle iron they charge $15 for...).  A head only version is available
   for $279 plus about $19 for shipping.  Considering it's very similar to,
   but has more features than the G-K MB150 and costs $250 less, I'd say it's
   a good deal.  Sale ends mid July (10th, I believe).

   -- Sam

Pre-Preamp ??  Odd.  I thought FX loops came out (send) post-preamp, 
and the return, pre-powerstage.  Do you run the SOHO into the FX loop 
return effectively bypassing the Carvin Preamp stage ??  (I think thats 
normal).

You coming over tonight ??

jc

    RE: .79
    
    Does the single 10" speaker put out enough bottom end?
    
    Jim
    

   re: Coop
   
   Yeah, that's what I mean about it being real weird.  Normally your effects
   loop is after the initial preamp stage, so when you put effects in you're
   "effecting" the preamped, EQ'd signal.  Not so in the case of this amp. 
   I'm not a real wiz at reading schematics, but from doing so (and from
   observed behavior) it's clear that this amp places the loop before even the
   volume control.  Given the funkyness of the "needing the footswitch to even
   USE the effect loop" situation, I'm not surprised.  Never seen anything
   like it, though.

   re: Jim
   
   Well, the 10" is good for low volume playing (practices, jams with no
   drummer, etc) but you'd clearly need another cab for anything bigger, just
   to move enough air.  It's an amazing little 10" speaker, though.  It's
   rated at 200w @ 8ohms and is in a heavy, ported cab.  Real boomy for such a
   little tyke.  Fortunately, there's an external speaker jack on the amp, and
   I currently have several extra cabs that I'm experimenting with.

   -- Sam

>    Normally your effects loop is after the initial preamp stage, so when
>    you put effects in you're "effecting" the preamped, EQ'd signal
    
    That would be normal for a *guitar* amp.  Don't know what's normal for
    a bass amp.  Perhaps Carvin's research showed that most people used it
    there?  Have you called up to discuss it with 'em?
    
    

    Many bass amps have effects loops right after the input.  Some have
    them after the master volume and some have both (mine included).  Bass
    players usually don't need the byproducts of the preamp (like
    distortion, etc.) to be fed into FX anyway. 
    
    By putting it pre-EQ it's also pre-compression and pre-noise gate which
    would be a good thing in most cases.
    
    						Brian

Brian, as always you're a wealth of information.  I hadn't thought of the
distortion angle.  I also wondered why so many bass amps I've seen ads for 
mention "multiple effects loops".

Changing from bass to guitar isn't something I do in the middle of a song
(or even set) anyway, so if I have to adjust the overall volume it's not a 
big deal.  And yes, I like the compressor and noise gate available at all
times.

-- Sam

Well, just for your information, I am now the proud owner of a Carvin DC200
stereo guitar! This is an older model from a few years ago, when the headstock
looked more like a Les Paul than one of them pointy-headed-thingies. 
Unforunately, its not the way-cool Koa body, but it is a real nice, 
sharp-looking red color. 

Its got a Kahler tremolo on it, with a locking nut. And its got the Carvin
M22 humbucker for a pickup (with a switch to go from single to double-coil,
and an out-of-phase switch), and a Seymour Duncan (active) for the other 
pickup. Neck through body construction, solid maple body (heavy!), with an
ebony fretboard.

I haven't had much chance to play it yet, just arrived last night. But on 
first impression, I'm thrilled with it! It plays a lot like a Les Paul,
but it sounds quite different. (Which is perfect, since I love my LP, but
I don't need those tones duplicated!)

Best of all was the price - with hardshell case, delivered to my door, was
under $270! Cool!!!

alan
_a_happy_camper_

    Hey Alan,
    
    You said its an older guitar, but from what you said, I inferred that you 
    got it mail order. did you get it from the factory as leftover or
    something? 
    
    Great deal BTW!
    
    "sakman"

Yo sakman,

> You said its an older guitar, but from what you said, I inferred that you 
> got it mail order. did you get it from the factory as leftover or something? 

Nothing like that, its just that I bought it from an advertisement on the 
USENET, and the guy was in California. So he had it shipped to me C.O.D.
for a trial period (since I was pretty sure I was gonna keep it anyways, 
which of course I am).

> Great deal BTW!

Yeah, I'm a totally happy camper about it! Although I expect my LP and Strat
to still get most of the work, its fun to have a "heavy metal" guitar 
around sometimes (ya know, with a whammy bar and real high-output pickups
for that total distortion sound!).

alan

    Welcome to the Carvin world Alan.
    
    I may be biased, but I think their guitars are highly under-rated,
    mainly because "how many people do you know that own one and where
    could you even try one if you wanted to?"
    
    If your guitar has the same pickup arrangment as mine (two coil taps
    and a phase switch), I don't think you'll find any ONE guitar that's
    as versatile as that.  I've been able to get some very good
    approximations of the "big three" sounds: Les Paul, Strat, Telecaster.
    
    Only sound I really can't seem to get at all is that 4th position
    Strat sound (i.e. my favorite), but other than that, I don't find
    myself wanting any other guitars.
    
    Do you have the "manual" that explains how that guitar is wired.  It's
    a VERY clever setup (the phase switch also picks WHICH of of the two
    sets of poles you get from the lead pickup in single coil mode).
    
    If you didn't get any documentation - I'd be glad to photocopy mine.

    I don't have a Carvin, but I'll put in a plug for the Marshall JCM900
    since that's what you're comparing it to.  I love the sound of mine and
    have yet to hear any amp that has the "Marshall sound" that didn't have
    "Marshall" on the front of it.
    
    I'm not a brand bigot, and I tried and used a lot of different amps
    before I got my Marshall.  For "that" sound, it's the only one that
    cuts it for me.
    
    I never played the Carvin X100B, but I've played an X60 combo.  It
    sounded good to me.  Very versatile, but I still don't think it make
    "the" Marshall sound.  But hey, Carvin offers a money back guarantee,
    so if you don't like it you can send it back.
    
    I think it's a good sounding amp, it might work out for you.  The price
    is certainly good!
    
    Greg

    Dave,
    
    Carvin's are ok, but for what it's wroth, they really don't sound like
    a Marshall to me, and I've played Marshall for 18 years now.
    
    If you want the Marshall sound, get a Marshall.  They're not that
    unreliable!!  I'd also check out the NEW Peavey's, which have captured
    a very good Marshall-like tone.

>    The Marshall did get louder, but it was also pushing 3 more speakers.
    
    You shoulda run your Carvin through his cab!
    
    Greg

    > You shoulda run your Carvin through his cab!
    
    Yeah Greg, I was thinking the same thing as I was driving home last
    night.  I'm going to try that next time I'm there...
    
    Dave

    .93
    
    I also just bought the Carvin XT112, and I wholeheartedly concur.  I am
    very impressed with this amp, my ten-day test period is up tomorrow and
    I ain't sending mine back either.  I love the clean channel,
    particularly with the bright knob pulled out.  I think the reverb is
    just excellent.  I'm sure at some point I'll find some limitations with
    this amp, but for the money (and there is a sale on until March 20th),
    I'm one happy camper.
                                                                       
    Al
    
    

    How much and whar do you order from?

    .98
    
    Sorry, I just saw the request:
    
    Until March 20, 1993, the following prices are in effect:
    
    XT112   50 Watt 1x12 Tube (EL34s) w/ Tube pre-amp (12AX7)   $449
    								$ 29 ship
    
    XV112   100 Watt version of XT112				$529
    								$ 29 ship
    
    XV212   100 Watt 2x12 version				$599
    								$ 34 ship
    
    
    Footswitch for all of the above is $30.  Footswitch has three
    selectors:  Channel, effects loop, Reverb.
    
    Contact Carvin at 800-854-2235
    
    Hope that helps,
    
    Al
    
    
    

That footswitch for the efx loop seems like it'd be something really handy!

Greg

    Re: .100
    
    According to a note in here on Carvin bass amps, without the footswitch
    plugged in you can't even *use* the effects loop.  I think Carvin fools
    people on price a bit, because that $30 switch is standard with almost
    any other brand of amp.
    
    							Brian

    Now, that's pretty annoying!
    
    Greg

   Yep, that was me that put the comment in about needing the footswitch to
   use the effects loop.  At least that's the way my Carvin PB150 bass amp
   works.  I assume it's the case with the other amps, too.

   I got around the problem (I want the e. loop active at all times) by taking
   an XLR plug and soldering the appropriate two leads together.  Just leave
   the XLR in place an I have a full time effects loop.  I actually put a
   micro switch in the XLR's barrel, so I can shut off the loop, should I ever
   want to.  Unplugging it would work too.

   Other than that slight inconvenience, I'm _very_ happy with the little
   guy!  A single 10" speaker with a 150w head, and I have no problem playing
   with a live drummer (Jason is "live", isn't he Greg?  :-)) and guitar
   player.  Granted, Greg's using lightweight equipment too, but we're not
   suffering from lack of volume.  For real earth moving I have a 1x18"
   external cab, but it rarely leaves the house.

   Oh, and I haven't shopped for guitar amps in a while, but a brand new 2x12
   100w tube combo for just over $600 (including shipping and the f. switch)
   sounds like a good deal to me!  If I were looking for such a thing I
   wouldn't hesitate to give Carvin a call.  Though buying "blind" without
   being able to even hear it first is a hard decision to make.  I know;  I
   did it with my bass amp, and I lucked out.

   -- Sam

>(Jason is "live", isn't he Greg?  :-))
    
    He's the closest thing to a "live" drummer that would continue playing
    with me...  ;^)
    
    Greg

    Last night I picked up a CD that was a compilation of guitar material
    recorded by Merle Travis & Joe Maphis during period 1977-81. It turned
    out to be some pretty slick stuff. Anyway, what does this have to do 
    with Carvin, you might ask.
    
    Joe Maphis sort of jogged some brain cells somewhere. Back in the 60's,
    I used to be on Carvin's mailing list and received their catalogs. Back
    then, they were much more oriented towards country guitar. They
    offered, as I recall a line of pedal steel guitars. Back then, I hadn't
    the foggiest idea who Joe Maphis was, but I believe that Carvin did
    offer a "Joe Maphis" model of some sort. Might have been a double neck.
    
    Is there anyone out there still alive that might confirm this? Or is
    this just a 60's halucination?  Did Joe endorse Carvin??
    
    jim

    Joe Maphis had double necks built for him by Bigsby and Mosrite.  It's
    certainly possible that Carvin had a Maphis model, too.
    
    							Brian

    Why is the DC135 that much better than the DC127 if they had the same
    options? 

>    Why is the DC135 that much better than the DC127 if they had the same
>    options? 
    
    Don't be dense, it's 8 more!
    
    Seriously, I think it's the difference in wood/finish and pickups.  The
    135 is a natural finished instrument, which means they have to be more
    careful about picking pieces of wood that look good, and it takes
    longer to finish.  It's got one more pickup then the 127.
    
    Greg

	>It's got one more pickup then the 127.
    
	AND DOES IT'S VOLUME CONTROL's GO TO ELEVEN?????
    
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!  :_)
    

    Acually, having two single coil pickus that can be combined to a 
    humbucker is kinda neat. I think I'd shell for the 135 since its only
    a few bucks more.

    The wiring of the two pickup Carvins is IMHO, very unique and flexible
    and produces about as wide a range of sounds from one guitar as any
    I've heard (short of my *5* pickup Steve Morse model!).
    
    Somewhere in here (probably earlier in this topic) I wrote a note
    about it.  The design really takes advantage of some neat things.

    See 172.69

    Re: .111
    
    The Carvin wiring isn't unique; many other companies (B.C. Rich,
    Pedulla, Aria, Ibanez) offered similar setups but they became unpopular
    due to too many switches.  Peavey even did it one better: you tapped
    the coils without a switch, just rolling the tone control from 0 to 10
    ran you from humbucking to single coil.
    
    I'll admit that Carvin still offers that wiring on the current DC200,
    while most others have long since dropped it.  It is quite flexible,
    although it can be fussy to make quick tone changes.
    
    							Brian

    Oh you can't fool us, dude.  We all know you're droolin over having a
    new NJ series in yer hand...

    oh yeah, the thought of an NJ Seagull is givin me a semi

    I can see you with a NJ warlock, in that florescent green color...
    Yeah, definitely you.

    re.113
    
    a guy here had an Peavey guitar(can't remember the model)that could
    have the humbucker split from no.7 on the tone control onwards 'til 10.
    They did a model that goes to 11 but the humbucker just went off
    altogether~ 8)
    
                                               ian

    Actually the thing that really interests me about carvin is I don't
    think I can get that quality in another guitar for that price -- and
    Carvin does real good in the GP reviews and people here. And I can
    get one made left handed.
    
    Jay

    Found this on Usenet, thought people here might be interested.
    
    Greg
    
    
Article 35387 of rec.music.makers:
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From: Thomas.Sullivan@cs.cmu.edu
Newsgroups: alt.guitar,rec.music.makers.guitar,rec.music.makers
Subject: Carvin X-preamp review
Date: Thu, 15 Jul 1993 10:06:37 -0400
Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Lines: 126
Message-ID: <sgFKFhm00aPCM1MGI1@cs.cmu.edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: po4.andrew.cmu.edu

Ok, it has been a couple months since I bought one of these Carvin 
Quad X-preamps and have since sent it back (within the 10 day trial 
period), and I meant to do a review sooner, but better late than never. 

Let me preface this by saying that I own a Carvin X-100 head, and I 
like it, it just isn't flexible enough for me for my current band, and I've 
also played Carvin's SX-15 FET preamp and liked it well enough, but 
it in and of itself isn't flexible enough either (ie, I need more than 2- 
channels) so that is why the X-preamp caught my eye. 

When I sent the unit back, I wrote them a letter to explain what I did 
and didn't like about the unit, so I'll just quote myself here and present 
parts of the letter.  I've inserted (Note:) sections to explain to the net 
about some of the features which I'm referring to, in case you haven't 
seen the catalog.  I didn't do anything with the MIDI implementation, 
but basically it just maps the four channels to 128 possible MIDI 
program selections.  Problem is, they have a 7-pin DIN jack on the 
back instead of a 5-pin, so you have to make your own cable.  The 
extra 2 pins are to provide power to your MIDI footswitch so you don't 
need another AC line or wall-wart.  

So here is most of my letter to them: 
------	 
Listed below are some comments on the unit.  Please take  them as 
constructive.  I own other Carvin products (MX1644 mixer, X100 amp 
head) and am still pleased with their quality and I have also tried an 
SX-15 preamp in the past (wasn't as happy with that, but that is my 
"tube-bias"!).  

	I think much of what you've included in the Quad X-amp is great. 
You've thought of much that most other makers of preamps do not include, 
and these are the things that attracted me to the unit in the first place. 
Things like: 
	-- individual tone controls for each channel 
(Note: this is a big plus, my Marshall 9001 doesn't have this, and it is 
kind of a bummer.) 
	-- 2 clean and 2 distortion channels 
	-- noise gate 
(Note: also a big plus, though theirs didn't operate as well as I'd hoped) 
	-- assignable reverb, FX, and EQ 
	-- input boost (I play a Strat) 
	-- 5 band assignable EQ 
(Note: only one setting though, can't assign a different 5-band EQ'ing 
for each channel) 
	-- Separate FX loops for each channel. 
	-- MIDI implementation 

	However, it seems that in some cases, you didn't go quite far 
enough with these ideas.  Here is a list of things that I wasn't happy with, 
and why: 

1)  Both distortion channels are not the same.  Almost all makers of 
preamps insist on making a "rhythm" distortion and a "lead" distortion 
channel.  I cannot get enough "crunch" on your rhythm distortion channel 
for my liking (ch. 3).  Even with the gain boost in (it is a bit better,
but still 
not enough with my Strat, or my Epiphone Sheraton, a 335 copy, for that
matter). 

The reason I'd like more is that I'd like to be able to maintain a nice heavy 
rhythm sound (like ch. 4 gives) but then switch in a bit more for leads. 
If ch. 3 and ch. 4 were more identical, I could do this.  My suggestion would 
be to make ch. 3 and ch. 4 both 11-stage cascades.  If players want to
back off a bit on ch. 3, they could do it with the overdrive knob, but
you 
can't squeeze more out of it the way it currently is. 

(Note:  on this preamp, Ch. 3, the "crunch" channel is implemented with 
a 5-stage cascade of tube-gain, each stage is 1/2 of a 12AX7.  Ch. 4 is 
an 11-stage cascade, and each of the clean channels, Ch.1 and Ch. 2 are 
one stage each, just followers mainly, for a total of 9-12AX7 tubes in the 
unit.) 

2)  The gain boost isn't present individually for each channel.  For me, 
a Strat player, the boost is necessary for overdrive channels to get good 
sustain, however, the music I play is really varied, and I often need a really 
clean sound too (one reason I've liked Carvin amps for years!).  The clean 
channels get a bit muddy when I switch in the gain boost though.  I'd love it 
if that is something that could be "memorized" for each channel too, or just 
included as switches on each channel.  (Same goes for the "Bright" switch.) 

3)  The memory isn't preserved after the unit is turned off.  Having the 
EQ, FX and reverb memorized for each channel is nice, but the settings 
should be remembered after the unit is turned off.  One does not want to 
have to reset everything for all 4 channels before a gig. 

(Note:  While using the unit, it will remember if you have the EQ, main 
FX loop, and reverb enabled or not for each of the four channels, so you
don't have to dance around on stage disabling things that you don't want 
after switching channels.  But, the unit clears all the memory every time 
you turn off the power, so before each use, you have to set up all 4 
channels again!) 

4)  I wish the overdrive had a bit more "Marshall" characteristic to it. 
I know, you folks aren't Marshall, you want your own sound, but the 
overdrive sounds a bit harsh and raspy to me.  But that is just a personal 
opinion. 

5)  It would be nice if the individual channel FX loops were also switchable 
but this is something that isn't even advertised, so it is just a suggestion. 

(Note:  Each channel also has its own effects loop, so if there is an 
effect you'd like only on a particular channel, but don't want to sacrifice 
the main stereo effect loop, then you can insert it where you want it. 
Pretty flexible.) 

	In all, the unit is a good step, but for the money, I don't think it 
is there yet.  I may be the only one who hasn't been completely pleased 
(I've seen the catalog quotes from happy users, and the order backlog was 
long!), so I may just not know what I'm talking about, but these are my 
impressions, and I hope you take them constructively.  I intend to keep 
considering Carvin in the future, and will anxiously await new products 
from your labs. 

Thanks for the test drive. 

							Sincerely, 

--Tom 



P.S.  I'll call in a week or so to make sure the unit arrived back at Carvin 
	safely. 

 


                                                                  

    I aired out a Carvin 50w tube combo last night.  I want one.
    
    sd

    Hey, Les, I was wrong about the price of that thing.  Check out .99.
    
    Dave

    
    I recently picked up a CARVIN LB-75 5-string bass. Although I am quite
    impressed with this bass overall, I find that I'm not overly impressed 
    with their active electronics/pickups. It may be that I've been 
    spoiled a bit from the EMG's in my ex-Steinberger (I'm actually
    considering replacing the carvin's PU's/electronics with EMG's or
    Alembic actives). 
    
    Any other CARVIN bass players out there ??? Comments??? Complaints???
    
    
    /Billy_K (who really misses his 4-string Steinberger - 
              treat it gently, Sam....)
    

>    /Billy_K (who really misses his 4-string Steinberger - 
>              treat it gently, Sam....)
    
   It's been seeing quite a bit of use lately, as a matter of fact.  Great
   sounding bass!  Thanks!

   -- Sam

   P.S.  Interesting (and timely) observation about the Carvin pickups.  I'm
   considering replacing the ones in my Ibanez 5 string and was looking at the
   Carvin units since they're considerably less expensive than the EMGs and
   Lace Sensors I was looking at.  Maybe I'll rethink that now.  I've played
   EMG J-bass stacked humbuckers (in addition to the soapbar 'buckers in the
   Steiny) and they _do_ sound great.

   -- Sam
   

    Sam,
    
    I like the sound of the Carvin electronics, but they just don't have
    the same "punch" as the EMG's. If you're checking out active electonics
    try the ALEMBIC actives. I put these in my old Fender Jazz and was
    absolutely floored by them (I actually prefer them to the EMG's).
    
    Now that my band is back to "working" status, I'll be heading off
    to "First Bass" in Denver to pick up some new pickups ...
    
    /Billy_K
    

    Yo, Knox-meister!  Do you recall the exact model of the Alembic J-bass
    pickups you installed?
    
    /rick

    Rick,
    
    No I don't remember the model (I'll look tonight to see if they are
    labeled w/ mod#). I DO know that these pickup absolutely kick-a$$.
    I'm not all that techno-whiz literate, but I do know what I like,
    and I like these PU's. The wide range of tones is truly impressive
    and the pu's themselves are much "hotter" than the EMG's on the
    Steinberger (that is, they are louder than the EMG's when volume
    on the guitars are turned all the way up).
    
    /Billy_K
    

   Carvin has jumped on the "retro" bandwagon.  Got a new catalog recently,
   and they're now offering "tweed" looking tube amps in 30w(?) combos and
   bigger head/cab setups.  Got the cream tolex, brown "pointer" style type
   knobs, and everything.  Of course I haven't heard any of them, but thought
   it was interesting that they saw fit to get into this market.

   Also had a new thinline acoustic/electric guitar model, made specifically
   for amplified work.  Looked pretty good, too.

   -- Sam
   

    
    re-1
    
    I recently received the new Carvin catalogue and there was very
    positive write up about their retro amps from some guitar rag.Has
    anyone out there actually bought one or at least tried one out?
    
    
    							ian

    
    I don't think I've ever even run across a single 'used' amp 
    or guitar ar anything (!) in *any* music store.  Now I know
    the bottom line with Carvin is that you "Order Direct" from
    them out in California, but I would think that some used stuff
    would find its way into local music stores.
    
    Perhaps I just wasn't looking hard enough.
    
    Kev --
    

    
    I saw a 100watt head for sale in want ads once about 9 months ago and
    that's about the extent of 2nd hand Carvin stuff I've seen for sale!
    
    btw....one thing that worries me about the Carvin catalogue
    
    
    
    
    there's waaaaaayyy too many people in it who endorse Carvin and wear a 
    stetson....it makes me nervous! 8)
    
    
    						ian

    -1
    
    Yes!! I know what you mean about the yeee-hawws in their
    catalogue:  everywhere.  I too got their new one in the mail
    (as I have every year since I wrote to them like 7 years ago), 
    and I wouldn't mind giving some of their gear a test run for
    the absolute heck of it!!!!  How is their recording gear?
    
    
    Kev --
    

    thats funny... I use to think there were to many pictures of people
    with large hair and tight pants...
    
    later,
    rj

    A friend of mine and occasional noter has a Carvin 60w combo for sale. 
    It includes a 1x12 extension cabinet and is in showroom condition. The 
    price is right too. The reason he's selling is because he has taken up 
    bass and sold his guitar. His new bass rig includes a Carvin preamp, 
    so he is still very happy with Carvin gear. I'm not sure what the model
    number is but it is one of the newer high-gain amps that channel
    switches, it has reverb, and every other feature known to man.
    
    I think his for-sale ad is somewhere in note 2. If anyone is interested 
    in checking it out, send mail to Dave Uttley at MILKWY::UTTLEY.
    
    Mark

    
    I saw it and thought about it but vacations in Scotland were of the
    priority at the time and money was(still is)scarce.
    
    
    						ian
    

        Nice coincidence, Ian - I just spent the  day  with  a guy from
        Livingston (well, Blairgowrie originally) who is trying to sell
        us some LAN monitoring systems - he's over here for  COMDEX and
        "just  popped in for a wee visit" so we had the  "gathering  of
        the clans" in miniature in LKG this afternoon.  I've got to get
        back  over  the  pond  soon  for  a pint of heavy and a puddin'
        supper     :*)
        
        obguitar -  and  to  check  out the prices in the local shops..
        
        Andy in MKO
        

    
    
    re-1
    
    
    what's the most said phrase in a guitar store in the UK???
    
    
    
    
    how much?????      'kin' hell!!!   8)
    
    
    ian
    
    

        Yep -  I  can  remember  using  that very phrase on a number of
        occasions back in Uk. ;*)
        
        Andy
    

    
    especially when it came to Les Pauls and even home grown Marshalls!
    
    
    
    						ian

    
    how nice it is when your wife buys you a Carvin vm100 head for your
    birthday! 8)
    
    
    					ian the lucky git! 8)

    Dood !  Too cool!!
    jc

    I thought so too!I was farting about wih it yesterday when there was
    no-one home and it sounded great...way better than the Marshall I owned
    in Scotland!
    
    
    						ian

    >    I thought so too!I was farting about wih it yesterday when there was
    
    who won?  you or the amp?

    
    me...amps can't fart!
    
    
    							ian

    I don't know about that.  I've heard some stanky-cheese ones.

    
    not mine...
    
    
    
    					ian