GMW vs. Carvin

[PowerTube]

I'm thinking about a custom. Which do you prefer between these two and why?

[neilli]

I've not played a Carvin, but I have a few GMWs and they're great (I have a ton of custom Jacksons, but my favourite guitar is a GMW). I know some people hate the 'new' headstocks, but they look a lot better in person than they do in pictures. Carvin seem like great bang for the buck, but I'm not a big fan of their styling.

[shreddermon]

I've owned both, and I'd have to agree with neilli. Lee is very good to deal with, always took good care of me. Quality for both is excellent, maybe a slight edge for GMW. Styling-wise, though, I'd go with GMW by far. Although I'm not a fan of the new GMW headstocks, I'd prefer either of theirs to the Carvin I6 style head. If I were looking for a single cut or PRS style axe, though, I'd go Carvin. That's probably the only exception, and I'd otherwise go with GMW all the way.

[chrisolson]

Don't forget GMP...

[Rich#6]

I can't complain about the carvin I got from their damaged stock on ebay or the custom order I still have(except for maybe their pickups). great built quality. Never played a gmw but I would say the quality is higher. I would say it depends on how much you are willing to spend and how long you are will to wait.

[Venomboy]

Carvin's don't have a neck angle. Some people notice and don't like it. All the NAMM Carvins have great action and feel really good. With a Carvin you are limited to their shapes and options.

With a GMW *almost* anything goes in terms of shape and finish. You can spec your neck profile and other details that you might not be able to on a Carvin.

[toejam]

Carvin's don't have a neck angle. Some people notice and don't like it. All the NAMM Carvins have great action and feel really good. With a Carvin you are limited to their shapes and options.

With a GMW *almost* anything goes in terms of shape and finish. You can spec your neck profile and other details that you might not be able to on a Carvin.

Actually, you can spec your neck profile on a Carvin. I think it falls under the "Option 50" where you pay a little bit extra. There have even been customers that have supplied their own wood for the necks. There's a lot of stuff not listed on their site or in catalogs that they can and will do.

I've never played a GMW, but I've enjoyed every Carvin I've owned... an SC90, DC400, DC120 12-string, DC727. I still have the SC90 and the DC727.

[Shawn Lutz]

GMW...there is just something a bit odd with the overall look of the Carvin body shapes that is unappealing to me.

[Venomboy]

Good catch Toejam. I've heard of people ordering "secret" options but didn't know if you had to catch someone on the right day to do it.

I really wish Carvin would do neck binding

[toejam]

Maybe if they're busier at certain times of the year, they might not do certain requests, but with credit card in hand, they'll do quite a bit of different options. I also think neck binding would be a nice touch.