Question:
I ordered a Carvin SC90 (Les Paul style), played it for a few days, then sent it back. It was a beautiful looking guitar and the guys in my band as well as my friends couldn’t understand why I would send back such a great looking guitar. Again, it was a beautiful instrument, put together extremely well, mostly to my specs. So, why did I send it back? Well, to ge honest, I didn’t think that the guitar had any "soul" if you know what I mean. I had ordered the Alan Holdsworth p/u’s in the hopes that they would be of higher quality and better tones. The guitar, to me, sounded shrill and lifeless. 
Now, I had ordered the entire guitar to be made out of mahogany, with a flamed maple top. I figured with all of that mahogany, that it would sound at least somewhat mellow. I knew the maple top would give it some brightness, but I was hoping that the mahogany would offset that somewhat. It didn’t. The guitar sounded shrill, very trebly, it really had no warmth at all to speak of, very plain sounding. It didn’t sound to me like a custom instrument. I don’t want to come off like I’m slamming Carvin because I think they’re a great company. My sales rep (Sean) was great, an absolute gem to work with! I bought a Carvin amp back in the 70’s and I liked that. I was really, really hoping to like this guitar, especially since I had spent over $900.00 on it. But, as I started to play it, the limitations became obvious. I should also point out that Carvin guarantees that the guitar’s action will not be higher than 1/64 I belive. Mine was much higher, it had to be. I have a friend that has two Carvins, and his action is sooooo low and smooth (DC127 & DC135). My action came set up pretty high. I lowered the bridge as far as it would go (touching the wood) and the action was still high (I’ve since heard that the SC90’s action can’t get as low as their other guitars because of the tune-o-matic style bridge. Luckily, Carvin does offer a 10 day trial period for their gear, so I sent it back for a refund. It cost me close to $50.00 for shipping and insurance to send it back, but it’s a lot cheaper to do that then to get stuck with a $900.00 guitar that’s not cutting it for me. I will still buy from Carvin, but, when it comes to guitars or anything that requires touch or feel, I’m going to stick with buying in a reputable store, where I can try it out first. I waited about 7 weeks to get the guitar. For that money, and for the time that I waited, I could have picked up a nice used piece at one of my local music stores. Come to think of it, for some reason, I really even don’t like buying new gear. I seem to prefer buying used gear thats already "broken in" so to speak. I don’t want to steer you away from buying a Carvin, I just want you to know what some of the limitations of buying something untested are. It’s different if you’re buying an effects box or maybe an amp that you’ve already heard or are familiar with from ebay or online. But when it comes to a guitar, the feel, touch and tone are everything. From here on out, I’m not buying unless I get to try it out with my rig, first. Good luck! Mikey
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone using a Carvin, how is it? I am interested in ordering one. Anyone using it with the Floyd Rose Tremolo, are they any good? Regards Curtis
Response:
Anyone using a Carvin, how is it? I am interested in ordering one. Anyone using it with the Floyd Rose Tremolo, are they any good? Regards Curtis
Response:
I’ve got a Carvin, Bolt kit. I think it’s by far one of the better playing guitars that I’ve tried. Certainly it can’t be beat for the money. Some people take issue with the pickups, I don’t know that much about PU’s, you’ll have to get that from someone else. Best part about it as far as I’m concerned is the large radius fretboard, and the really low action (if you want it that way) The neck is certainly more like something you would find on a much much more expensive guitar. However, if you like those strat type necks that feel like baseball bats, you may not be pleased. I’ve got a Warmoth now as well, It’s not built yet, maybe by next week.
Response:
It’s too bad Jeff had the unfortunate experience with Carvin. Especially for about $1000. Like I said, mine was about 450.00 (US) and with no tremolo to fuck things up. I kept it simple and it performes fine as far as I am concerned. He’s probably right about the pickups, since I don’t really know any better. I bought Seymour Duncan APH-1’s for the Warmoth, when it’s finished, maybe then I’ll know if the Carvin PU choice was shitty.
Response:
Anyone using a Carvin, how is it?
I have an older Carvin DC200 (1981) which I am currently refinishing. That was my main guitar for 15 years before I went on a guitar buying binge in 1996… but that’s another story. Anyway, I’ve played a couple newer model Carvins and their quality seems as good as anything else out there. They have some nice standard features and their hardware is top notch (I personally love the ebony fretboards). They do have a fairly flat fretboard (15" radius), so that is definitely a consideration. As Far as pickups go, that is a matter of personal taste. My ‘81 DC200 had great pickups ("original" M22’s), but have since fried (long story). I decided to try a newer set of Carvin M22’s on it, but they’ve obviously changed the design from the ones I originally had (they added a magnet – changing the characteristics of the sound). I didn’t really care for it too much. Then again, I’ve tried Seymour Duncan pickups that sucked too… But, something I always like to point out, there are people who’ll buy a $2500 dollar Les Paul Custom and change the pickups, so it’s no big deal. I plan to try a set of DeArmond "GoldTone" pickups in it this time and see how it works out. I’d just like to add that, even after 20 years, my Carvin is still solid as a rock (and it hasn’t lived an easy life – believe me!). Also, I just recently stripped the paint off it (was black) and discovered a beautiful one piece solid "hardrock" maple body underneath (something they used a lot back then). I know this is a much older model, but if it is any indication of Carvin’s current quality, I’d say that you’ll be more than happy with it (even if you decide to replace the pickups). Good Luck! — Axeman
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