Carvin.com BBS

Product Suggestions :: RE: Carvin's focus on guitars and basses

Author: MachineHead
Subject: re: Carvin's focus on guitars and basses
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:53 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 75

The problem is, "everybody has 1 or 2 options" that they want or is a deal breaker. You can't accomodate everyone all the time. A good many of the "suggestions" I have seen on the product suggestion board are just way out there. You know, the bottom line is, Carvin, unlike a lot of other comapnies, has asked for our suggestions; but they have not hired us as their business consultants.

Non-Carvin Gear :: RE: Egnater Renegade!!

Author: canon_mutant
Subject: Re: re: Egnater Renegade!!
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:52 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 22

FastRedPonyCar wrote:

It will soften the bass attack slightly. I flipped it to 18 watts on the overdrive channel at sound check friday night and even at stage volume, there was a minimal dB drop overall and no real loss of punch or power.

It may need to be at ear blistering recording studio volume to hear a noticeable difference.

to put it in perspective, someone could have flipped the thing to 18 watts during the show and I wouldn't have noticed much, if any, difference.

Ooh, that's not good. Don't know what purpose this would serve then. I was expecting to see a 1/3 cut in power output but like Egnater's Rebel series, the wattage control just reduces the amount of DC overhead in the power tubes. When you reduce it to 1W it just means the power tubes are going to clip almost immediately yielding more distortion.

Did you lose headroom on the clean channel when you switch to 18W mode?

Carvin Photo Gallery :: JK of Further/DSO... DC Siting

Author: brutusbuck45
Subject: JK of Further/DSO... DC Siting
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:51 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 0

Here is John Kadlecik's DC that may have been previously mentioned in a thread or two. Its heavily modified and contains Mike Wald's (Waldo) TPC-1 (Tiger Preamp Circuit).

I am not totally sold on the whole Further "thing" but ...the "Music Never Stops".

Further Terrapin - JK DC

Carvin Guitars :: RE: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?

Author: LeftyJay
Subject: re: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:45 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 4

and remember that blue to purple burst with BEM fretboard that was on the GIS page...until Rob_l bought it
_________________
Sex. Avouez que j'ai eu votre attention / admit I got your attention

Product Suggestions :: RE: New Product Alert

Author: igoleft
Subject: re: New Product Alert
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:39 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 6

I thins Spuds is right. But he usually is.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?

Author: delph
Subject: re: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:35 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 4

What spud said. There have been a few non-Holdsworth guitars with the 20" radius. Jfine's koa TL60 is one of them, I believe.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Wow, my Burl CS6 almost done!!!! Pic from factory

Author: igoleft
Subject: Re: re: Wow, my Burl CS6 almost done!!!! Pic from factory
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:34 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 24

spudmunkey wrote:

Every review I've read talks about it going right under the pickup...I'd assume they are similar. All CSs will be just like that, not sure on the CT, but I'd imagine it would be the same.

Same here.
Wooooah! That is awesome. And I, too, am jealous. Wonder what the GEM is looking like right about now?

Carvin Guitars :: RE: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?

Author: Rex
Subject: re: What ARE the choices of FB radius Carvin offers?
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:34 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 4

Yes I think you can get 20in if you call them. There have been a few now

Carvin Guitars :: RE: String tension vs scale length question

Author: t0aj15
Subject: Re: re: String tension vs scale length question
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:34 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 9

Lonegigger wrote:

That all now makes perfect sense and I appreciate having that cleared up from all the great responses. I can't believe I didn't think of that, especially adding in the fact that my CT6 is a TOM hardtail while my Strat of course has a trem. I switch back and forth a lot between the two, and find that after 'wailing' a lot on my Strat I tend to play my CT too aggressively causing the notes to go 'sour' from too much pressure, strumming, picking, etc. So, now I'm thinking I'd be better off going up slightly in gauge on my CT6 to equate the string tension that I'm used to on my .010's equipped Strat. Sounds like others have already done that on LP's vs Strats and/or Bolts.

I prefer to use .009-.042 guage strings on my guitars and to make up for the difference in tension I simply tune my Strats/Bolts down 1/2 step & play one fret higher on the neck.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: My Second C66 Arrived Last Week

Author: igoleft
Subject: re: My Second C66 Arrived Last Week
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:32 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 15

Very nice It definitely looks catalog-worthy

Carvin Guitars :: RE: String tension vs scale length question

Author: igoleft
Subject: re: String tension vs scale length question
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:29 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 9

Thanks, Lonegigger-that's a question I'd never looked into. Once again, great info here for self-taught guitarists like myself. Also explains why I don't have fret/scale length/bridge preferences; if I'd learned this early I might have gravitated toward a particular build. Instead, I enjoy many types of guitars, mostly Carvin

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Looking for a replacement for my Les Paul...

Author: robertkoa
Subject: Cs slightly Fatter tones than CT Models
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:25 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 8

Dvlsadvoc8- I noticed in another thread that you mentioned a slightly warmer neck pickup sound in your CS compared to the CT.

I think this is significant also what you've posted here, and maybe not widely known that CS Models are a bit darker and fatter than CT Models.

Do all your CS models have the Stop Tailpiece ? And are the CS models a bit thicker body-wise ?

Thanks for posting your impressions on the different models.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Looking for a replacement for my Les Paul...

Author: igoleft
Subject: re: Looking for a replacement for my Les Paul...
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:23 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 8

Y'know, it's info like shandrazar has that helped me realize the CS is close enough to a Paul for a lefty like me. Others have said the S22 pups will thicken up the tone as well. And I'm quite certain the body design is more comfortable. Carvin does not disappoint unless you have to have the real deal. At worst, you end up routing for different pups. I have not modified any of my Carvins except for a "Snapdragon" truss rod nameplate Good luck BTW, remember you can choose your bridge, which can significantly affect sustain/tone.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: DC 400 with Floyd Rose

Author: Sandlin
Subject: re: DC 400 with Floyd Rose
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:20 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 2

Thanks for your reply. Your info was a big help!

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Wow, my Burl CS6 almost done!!!! Pic from factory

Author: robertkoa
Subject: re: Wow, my Burl CS6 almost done!!!! Pic from factory
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:12 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 24

WOW!

(my most intelligent post so far )

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Carvin amazes once again

Author: igoleft
Subject: re: Carvin amazes once again
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:09 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 6

My drummer friend James has played with several other guitarists and says my Carvins are more beautiful than anyone's and sound better than most. He compares them to a couple of Hamers and only the nicest, most classic LPs. That's music to MY ears.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: DC 400 with Floyd Rose

Author: PaulaCarvin
Subject: re: DC 400 with Floyd Rose
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 9:08 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 2

You can install a Tremol-no which requires no permenant modification. You then set it to 3 positions, locked for fixed trem, foward trem only or full floating trem. You have to leave the trem cover off or cut a slit in the cover to accomidate the small thumb screw, but Carvin sells trem covers very cheap.
Check out YouTube for a demonstration of installation and use. I've seen them for $59

Builder's Forum :: RE: New project...

Author: Jesus_Freak
Subject: re: New project...
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:54 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 25

That's looking awesome man...!!!

Carvin Guitars :: DC 400 with Floyd Rose

Author: Sandlin
Subject: DC 400 with Floyd Rose
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:38 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 2

Hello,

A few years ago I purchased a Carvin DC 400 with a Floyd Rose. I love the guitar but I hate the Floyd Rose. Is there any way to stabilize the Floyd Rose so that the pitch does not change when I rest my palm on the bridge?

Any suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks

Keith

Carvin Bass Amplifiers :: RE: About to Purchase BX500

Author: Wannabe1
Subject: re: About to Purchase BX500
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:23 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 2

But one plus about the 8ohm cab is he can run another 8 ohm cab and still get full power. Running 2 ohms on the BX500 kinda freaks me out, but idk why...

Carvin Bass Amplifiers :: RE: PB100-10 combo amp replacement bsx500?

Author: johnnybottom
Subject: re: PB100-10 combo amp replacement bsx500?
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:22 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 25

Done. still to mount though.

Carvin Pro Audio :: RE: Setup assistance please

Author: Oranuf
Subject: Re: If it's any help...
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:13 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 29

Wolfie wrote:

The folks here are right. Sub cabinets typically offer a lower dB output rating than do mains or monitors.

The true purpose of a sub cabinet is to give your tone warmth and depth. Granted, they'll rattle the walls if that's your gig. But the longer wavelengths of -90 Hz signals need more room to develop and may not seem as loud as your mains.

The true system tweaking will be at a show. Do your sound checks ahead of time and get it adjusted to your liking. Then you should be in set and forget mode.

By the way, sonic maximizers can cause more issues in a pro sound PA than they supposedly solve. With the system you describe, one shouldn't be necessary.

Add another vote for a compressor/limiter. A C/L can help with shaping vocals and will protect your drivers as long as it's set correctly.

I agree with everything above.

During rehearsal yesterday, we ended up with just a little more than -10db attenuation on the mains to balance them with the output of the subs, running stereo and diligently keeping unity gain from preamps to board main output, through the EQ's with some boost at 40, 50, 80 and 110. This was better than the near -30db I was originally dealing with. The DCM2000 was clipping just a tiny bit on kick drum hits, and that was lessened even more with the lo-cut engaged on the crossover and the EQs. I'm sure this room really isn't big enough to get the full energy of the subs without having them up that loud, and if I were to pair them up side by side and put them in a corner, physics will take over and give me another bottom boost.

As you said -- it all comes down to live, room-dependent tweaks from this point forward. I was certainly able to set up a nice, round, full sound for rehearsal!

Overall, the subs made a huge difference just in rehearsal, as far as feeling some real "energy"... just being able to hear that kick drum gave us all a nice fresh taste of our own music. And the lead vocalist and I are using in-ears, too. So even though I'm not happy about having been sold a blown speaker, the overall pain has been low. I'm not exactly following the buy once/cry once philosophy recommended on the pro audio circuit, but we have a lot of groups using Carvin gear around our area with success. Even mediocre or "non-pro-grade" gear can sound good, in the right hands, and in our context it's going to work just fine.

Anyway... having the attenuation on the mains drop as it did tells me (A) the problem was not as pronounced as it was with the mp3s I was using for initial testing/sound check, and (B) with the new speaker replacement that's coming, the difference will probably be even more workable while we still get good overall volume from the system. If I need more lows from here, I'll probably need an additional pair of 18's and another amp... I doubt we will for some time, though.

And YES, the BBE Sonic Maximizer is coming out of the rack this evening. I worked with it a bit, and can see where it's use should really be limited to specific tracks, in a studio setting.

But, rather than just say "don't use it" (like all the other hundreds of posts I've read all over the place), I will offer my specific experience with the device, so that perhaps others can understand why they are frowned upon in this context:

I found that when the sonic maximizer was used during mixdown using poor gear (old cassette 4-track , to a stereo tape deck, etc.), it added a good dimension back into the recorded program. Used with individual tracks for recording, it was always able to quickly liven up a track that was lacking, to some degree.

For live sound, however, the effect was quite different. While the "Lo Contour" could come in handy for shaping the low end of the spectrum, the same overall effect could be achieved using a good ear the DBX EQs we already have in line. The "Definition" function, which usually added some sparkle in moderation on recordings, simply became much too harsh on the high end. Use too little, and there was no noticeable difference... cross the line, and I could tell right away how quickly one's ears would fatigue.

So, it's out... but I was happy to be able to try it. I can see how those with no EQ might benefit from the Lo Contour, and perhaps with speakers that are much less bright and on the edge of harshness already, maybe a little of the Definition knob. But for live sound reinforcement, the money is better spent on a decent EQ in my opinion.

I'll stick my old Quadraverb Plus back in the rack, perhaps for some special effects during live performance if we want it somewhere in the mix.

As for a Compressor/Limiter (hereafter, "C/L")... I've used compression on my guitar (G-system) and have learned to dial it in pretty well in that context, but I'm just not sure how to apply C/L in live performance. I've done a lot of research so far in building this little consumer-grade rig, and as far as C/L goes, I've seen half of the gurus suggest it's not needed (and can actually make feedback more of a problem), while the other half recommend it, both for vocal enhancement/leveling as well as system protection.

Feedback is probably less of an issue for us, since half of us are using in-ear monitors. The drummer and bass player will probably not jump on board the in-ear thing just yet.

The Carvin amps have limiters in them, and given the size of the rooms we're playing, I'm hoping we won't be pushing the system so hard that a mic mishap could actually damage something... but it would be nice to be prepared.

I'm more interested in C/L for possible benefits with keeping vocals well-placed in the live mix. We have a relatively inexperienced female vocalist, who is doing fine with her parts BUT at times lacks the vocal "power" (volume) of a male equivalent. I'm a little concerned about getting the volume up for the softer parts, while making sure the loud parts are not too loud... the very use-case for compression. My own vocals sometimes pop out as well (proximity effect from forgetting to back off the mic, as well as just having a more powerful, sometimes "booming" voice). But advice I've seen, that ALSO makes sense, is that these problems are easily corrected with proper vocal training and mic technique.

So the questions for me now, if I'd LIKE to have this tool in my toolbox, are: (A) which device do I purchase, (B) can I apply it to just our vocal channels given the equipment we have right now, or do I slap it on the whole mix (REALLY hesitant to do that), and (C) what are some good settings to get me started (i.e. Having the Carvin rep tell me "start your crossover at 110 and go down from there, given your equipment list" was a HUGE, HUGE help when learning how to work with a crossover...)

Yikes... sorry for the wall of text. I appreciate everyone's insight!

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.

Author: Nightrain
Subject: Re: re: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:09 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 9

LeftyJay wrote:

Keep the guitar !

Seriously, what would be your budget for a new amp ? Maybe we can help you find that perfect amp for your situation.

Considering your reputation here on the board, I don't think it's necesseraly to ask what type of amp you want...UP THE IRONS BROTHER !

Used to I would simply go down to my local BRO and pickup a nice solid state Crate amp as I could get a killer tone out of it for the stuff I like. But now they have sold out to a below standard company and moved everything to china and they are just JUNK. They were made in the USA in St. Louis MO. Now that they are gone I have to look else where for my amps or spend a ton on an all tube one. The solid state market is not what it used to be.
Nightrain

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.

Author: Nightrain
Subject: Re: re: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:04 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 9

Gunner4Life wrote:

It won't be a one off, he can reorder another at a later date with the same exact specs.

What do you NEED more, an amp or a 7 string? What are you playing through right now?

Right now I play more at work than I do at home as I set in an office in the wee hours of the morning I can squeeze in an hour of play time between the phone calls from my drivers.
I play through a Peavey Vypyr 75 watt amp. Its portable.
I had already about decided to keep the guitar build and get a cheaper head for now. I found a clip on You Tube of a Kustom KG100HFX head with an overdrive pedal in front of it that sounded KILLER.
Either that or a Vox Valvetronics Head. Both are under my budget right now and I think both will suit me fine for now then sometime in the next 9 months I can save up for a V3.
Nightrain

BTW thanks for all the input thus far.

Carvin Guitars :: RE: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.

Author: arellanon
Subject: re: Guitar and Amp Dilemma.
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:37 am (GMT -5)
Topic Replies: 9

Ah, just keep your build bro. You can always get another amp.

We all want to see Maple Monster

_________________

igoleft wrote:

Maybe start carrying cans and bottles , especially six-packs by a few fingers and eventually by two or one finger. It works.