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**Snoogans** · 07-10-2003, 04:49 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Carvins are damn good guitars! Obviously, the build quality isn't up there with US Jacksons, but its way better than most. The only downside, if you're used to Jackson thru-necks, is the lack of binding on the fingerboard.
However, if you want a Floyd, remember that for some unfathomable reason they don't automatically install a locknut(?)so you have to specify that as well...

**jgcable** · 07-10-2003, 07:17 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Carvins are great guitars. The model to look at to replace your 72 Les Paul would be an SC or for a double cut a DC400. Let me know if you want to sell that 72!!!!! The build quality/options/and cost of Carvin products is outstanding. They also give you a 10 day money back gaurantee if you don't like the guitar. I bet they don't get very many guitars back. I would like to mention that if you are looking for a DC1xx Carvin you should seriously consider a Jackson Soloist. USA Jackson Soloists are really nice guitars for any style of music.

**k65h** · 07-10-2003, 09:54 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Originally posted by Snoogans:
Obviously, the build quality isn't up there with US Jacksons, but its way better than most. The only downside, if you're used to Jackson thru-necks, is the lack of binding on the fingerboard.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I dont agree!

Maybe at one time, yes. I'll admit my '89 Carvins arent as perfect as the Jacksons of the same era.
Nothing structural, just cosmetic. A few tiny, tiny paint specs on my Dc127. The floyd route on my Dc200 is not perfect but does not effect playability what so ever.
Now my '94 Dc400 and '02 Dc727?
They're impeccable. Easly as well built as any Jackson USA Select. They are flawless. I am very, very pleased with the quality of construction of these two guitars.

The nice thing about Carvin is that you can take a production model guitar and add options to it.
So, for someone that wants just a few simple upgrades without having to go to a full blown customshop and pay the higher prices, Carvin is a great value.

Jackson Customshop has the advantage that your imagination is the only limit.
Well, that and your pocket book.

By the way Carvin has also changed it's neck design from a D shape to a C shape now.
Supposed to be much more comfortable .

Oh! and if binding is what makes a great guitar, than Epiphone KICKS ASS on anything.

Kent

**pro-fusion** · 07-10-2003, 10:14 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

I've owned several Carvins over the years--I currently own an '89 DC145.

You definitely don't want an older Carvin if you are looking to get away from the 24.75" Gibson scale neck, because all Carvins before about 1993 used that scale as well. They now use a 25" scale that is the same as what Paul Reed Smith uses--compared to the 25.5" scale on your RR1.

I find it difficult to compare Carvins to other guitars. They very much have their own sound and feel. They tend to be somewhat 'bright' sounding, although if you ordered a guitar made out of mahogany, you'd probably get around that. As far as playability, I don't find them quite as easy to play as Jacksons, but once you get used to the feel and shape of the neck, they play very nice. Carvins can be set up with incredibly low action, and they intonate as well as any guitar I've ever seen.

I recommend them to anyone, but you might consider buying a used one on eBay to evaluate before plunking down the cash for a new one--unfortunately, they don't hold their value well at all. Which has nothing to do with their quality.

Edit--actually, I forgot that Carvins have a full return policy if you don't like them for any reason, within a certain period (10 days?), so that takes some of the risk out of buying a new one.

[ July 10, 2003, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: pro-fusion ]

**k65h** · 07-10-2003, 10:46 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Originally posted by pro-fusion:
unfortunately, they don't hold their value well at all. Which has nothing to do with their quality.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Actually that has changed quite a bit over the last year. Your seeing Carvins fetching a better price now. Used to be a Dc127 would only fetch around $250-$300 used. Now your seeing them go for around $450 or so.
A Dc400 you were lucky to get $350. Now their fetching around $600, sometimes higher.

I think that now that people are getting so used to shopping online, that they arent as worried about buying sight unseen as they once were.
I truelly believe the information highway has helped make Carvin a more recognizable guitar company than they once were.

Gee's how many of us really buy from a local store anymore? Most of the time we're buying deals online.
Many here have bought from
Online gear, guitar trader, Guitarland , Guitar Asylum.
Without ever touching the actual guitar.
I think people are really starting to open up to the factory-direct idea. Once you get used to it, it's really nice to deal one-on-one with the manufacturer.

[ July 10, 2003, 10:48 AM: Message edited by: k65h ]

**Snoogans** · 07-10-2003, 11:11 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Hey! I only said Carvin's build quality wasn't as good as Jackson so as not to piss everybody else here off! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] My Ultra Vee is the best-playing guitar I've ever owned - period. I just wish it had a bound fingerboard. (Makes it easier to see where you are on the neck on a dark stage!)

**toejam** · 07-10-2003, 11:44 AM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Carvins kick ass! I've got a 2002 SC90 and a 2001 DC400, and the neck profiles feel just like my '88 Charvel Model 5A and the '87 Model 6 I used to have. Carvin pickups are pretty great, too. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] They're also 25" scale like a PRS, so it's in between a LP and a Strat.
Here's mine:

http://carvin.electricshockmusic.com/toejamsc90_2.jpg
http://carvin.electricshockmusic.com/toejamdc400_2.jpg

[ July 10, 2003, 11:46 AM: Message edited by: toejam ]

**pro-fusion** · 07-10-2003, 01:29 PM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

Hey Snoogans, didn't mean to sound like I was pissed off or anything. I would agree that Carvins may not have quite the quality of a USA Jackson, but then, try to find a new USA Jackson for $700!

For the money, there's nothing that touches Carvin in terms of quality, certainly none of that stuff coming out of the Samick factory these days under a variety of brand names...although the Schecter C1 Classic is pretty nice.

**jgcable** · 07-10-2003, 02:19 PM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

My DC120 12 string with actives is a work of art. A stunning toneful masterpiece of Carvin craftsmanship. By the way, 89' had the best headstock!!! Let the comments begin..

**slayer** · 07-10-2003, 04:39 PM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

For Sale at a killer price!! 2002 DC150 with Case [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] Jack.

[ July 10, 2003, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: slayer ]

**guitarforceone** · 07-10-2003, 06:11 PM

Re: Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

I agree with Joe/Toejam that the necks on the Carvin DC models feel similar to the Charvel Models 5 and 6. I have some of each of these guitars and can compare them side by side. On my particular guitars, the Carvin DC 127 (2001) neck is a LITTLE bit thicker than the Charvels. But not at all difficult to play...just a little different. I also agree with the comments that Carvins have their own sound, and they do tend to be bright. Great guitars for the money, IMO.
Dana <~~~

[ July 10, 2003, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: guitarforceone ]

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Carvin lovers in here please, Ive got a few questions.

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