Carvin California Carved Top ??

[rammer69]

I AM thinking about ordering one, does anyone here have one ? or played one? I would like the pros & cons of this axe if possible, & one of my main concerns is the NECK size they state that it is a (modified C) 14inch radius, well i have no idea what to compare it to, i have a 56 LPJR that has the best neck of all my gtrs,i even had another gtr (LOTHSON) made in 85 (copying the LPJR neck)that is almost as good, i havea 2000 - PRS cust 24, widethin, its a little too wide, a couple of BC RICH =76 mocking bird(really nice neck) 84 BICH (nice but a little fat) a 98 PARKER FLY DELX its a little too wide, , I LIKE the smaller necks( i have short fat fingers), also i would be Xing the PUPs to S-Duncan, i'm guessing i would have to X the pup rings, if possible, the carvin have 3 screws on the pup ring holding the pup ,sorry for all the questions & rambling, I would order the carvin tommorow if i knew the neck would be skinny enough............rammer

 

[Curly]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

surely you could just call them and ask about the neck - couldn't hurt

 

[rammer69]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

CURLY, i called them 2 times, but all they will tell me is its a modified C, i asked what they compared to, but they dont like to do (comparisons), thanks for the reply.........

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

Is there a carvin forum? -that'd be the place I'd start for questions like this when i'm not getting the answers I want. I don't think anyone on this forum has a CCT yet. Let me know what you find out, as I'm intrigued by them. Never thought I'd say that about a Carvin...

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

http://apps.carvin.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi

the Carvin forum

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

I visited the Carvin store in So Cal a couple months back and played five CCT they had on the rack, here's my impression:

excellent actions
excellent fret work
gorgeous flamed tops
excllent fit and finish on every guitar
no bleed on the binding
no crooked tuners
of all the guitars I played I thought the gold top was primo - beautiful deep gold finish
they were all relatively light as well - probably around 8lbs

here's what I didn't like

they all had two piece backs - the GP review I read said they were one piece, I think for a guitar in this price ranges (most ran over $1,300.00 - except the gold top) they should be one piece backs.

They all had scratchy pots - every damn one of them.

As for tone - I could only play them through carvin amps but they sounded good, I don't pariticularly care for sound of carvin amps - but the best overall tone came from the legacy 2x12 combo, it sang quite nicely. It's hard to say exactly what their pickups would be compared to, but I thought they were well balanced but a little flat - lacked overtones or complexity (may have been the amps, it's hard to say - I've talked with others who really like the M22 carving pickups, but they don't use carvin amps).

Overall - I think these would be a great deal at around a grand for their fully decked out version - at $1500 I wouldn't buy one - I think at that price the guitars should have one piece of high quality mahogany back and excellent electronics. There are other guitars out there in the same price point that offer solid backs, CTS pots and high quality wiring. I would look at Heritage, Hamer, Dean, G&L and some of the high end imports before going with this guitar or save some more and buy a used Suhr, gibson, baker...

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

I visited the Carvin store in So Cal a couple months back and played five CCT they had on the rack, here's my impression:

excellent actions
excellent fret work
gorgeous flamed tops
excllent fit and finish on every guitar
no bleed on the binding
no crooked tuners
of all the guitars I played I thought the gold top was primo - beautiful deep gold finish
they were all relatively light as well - probably around 8lbs

here's what I didn't like

they all had two piece backs - the GP review I read said they were one piece, I think for a guitar in this price ranges (most ran over $1,300.00 - except the gold top) they should be one piece backs.

They all had scratchy pots - every damn one of them.

As for tone - I could only play them through carvin amps but they sounded good, I don't pariticularly care for sound of carvin amps - but the best overall tone came from the legacy 2x12 combo, it sang quite nicely. It's hard to say exactly what their pickups would be compared to, but I thought they were well balanced but a little flat - lacked overtones or complexity (may have been the amps, it's hard to say - I've talked with others who really like the M22 carving pickups, but they don't use carvin amps).

Overall - I think these would be a great deal at around a grand for their fully decked out version - at $1500 I wouldn't buy one - I think at that price the guitars should have one piece of high quality mahogany back and excellent electronics. There are other guitars out there in the same price point that offer solid backs, CTS pots and high quality wiring. I would look at Heritage, Hamer, Dean, G&L and some of the high end imports before going with this guitar or save some more and buy a used Suhr, gibson, baker...

A couple of points when comparing Carvin to other makers:

*My Gibson and my Hamer both have two piece backs.


*I had to change out all the electronics on my Gibson before I truly fell in love with it.

*Carvin pickups are good (for stock) but definately need to be replaced.

Carvin makes a great guitar, but you do need to keep in mind that they won't sound like a Fender, a Gibson, or a PRS. Carvins very much have their own voice.

Besides, what other Custom shop gives you a 10 day unconditional return policy? :burnout:

 

[rammer69]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

THANKS H-grits--Kherman-- R RAffer-- & Benji-------RRaffer what do you compare the neck size to ? as far as Electronics , i already planned on Xing them out, im just pretty much concerned about the neck size..the 2 piece back does not bother me at all , i've got a 76 BC-Rich mockinbird, & 84 BC -R BICH both neck thru - both are 3 piece.. i'm interested in the CCT because i like the look (deep blue quilt) & can get it W/out the binding (yea i know i'm weird, but have never liked binding on 99%of gtrs) & I can have choice of hardware, (bridge) would it be my main gtr ? probably not, i have others that i go thru phases with,so it would just be in the rotation.. anyways THANKS AGAIN for the replys......rammer

 

[Usurper666]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

I would check the reviews on Harmony Central; there are a few for the guitar you are looking into. The Carvin message board will probably be pretty biased and tell you it’s the greatest guitar ever, which it’s not. Carvin makes some nice guitars but if you think it will be on the same level as a PRS (which they are obviously copying) for less money think again. Better than a Gibson but it’s not on the level of a “boutique” guitar.

Cheers,

CJ

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

PRS are not boutique guitars. (not nowadays)
CNC production guitars like every other Production guitar out there.

You can request a 1 piece body from Carvin.
Though good 1 piece Honduran mahogany is getting more scarce. This is why Gibson has gone to 2 piece bodies on the Classics and under. The LP LE is 2 piece as well.
Much rather have a quality 2 piece body than a 1 piece with a dead spot.

Kent

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

Rammer - the neck was comparable to the gibson slim taper - fit nicely - I'm not saying the guitar is a bad guitar, not at all, they play great and the Carvin store has always been very responsive and pro customer on anything I've ever purchased with them (I've owned a few Carvins over the last 20 years and have always been happy with them - I went in looking at an AC275 and fell in love with it - it's on my list). My only thought was that for this particular guitar I think they've over priced it, although the goldtop was only around $1200.00 which I feel is more like where the guitar should be priced.

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

Rammer - the neck was comparable to the gibson slim taper - fit nicely - I'm not saying the guitar is a bad guitar, not at all, they play great and the Carvin store has always been very responsive and pro customer on anything I've ever purchased with them (I've owned a few Carvins over the last 20 years and have always been happy with them - I went in looking at an AC275 and fell in love with it - it's on my list). My only thought was that for this particular guitar I think they've over priced it, although the goldtop was only around $1200.00 which I feel is more like where the guitar should be priced.

For what reason do you feel they are over priced? Please explain.
Most guitars with
Honduran mahogany neck and body.
2 piece bookmatched highly figured carved top (not a veneer).
Ebony fretboard.
Sperzel tuners.
Abalone inlays.
Etc..

Fall in the $2000 + range.

Here's is a instock from the Carvin website.

Model #: CT6M
Serial #: 64684
Direct Price: $ 1294.00
Sale Price: $ 1194.00
Shipping: $ 19.99
this guitar comes with the following options:


407 - Cream and black coils and cream bezel
ABD - Abalone Dot Inlays
FDK6 - Deep Black triple-step stain on Flame Maple


Quite reasonable in my eyes for a guitar of such materials and build.

PRS Custom 24 will cost $2000 new.
Gibson LP LE $2200.

As for the pickups.
I quite pleased with them.
http://www.digitalsoundplanet.com/Members/000046117_000023267.mp3
I put the in my Diodati 59Q (LP type). H22n/C22b pickup combo.
There are 3 solos.
1 = Neck and Bridge.
2 = Bridge.
3 = Neck.

Obviously pickups are subjective, and everyone has their preference.
That doesn't mean that a pickup one does not fancy is a bad quality pickup.
The Carvin H22n/C22b are quite good quality. Just as good quality as the Jazz/JB combo in my Ravelle.

Kent

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

For what reason do you feel they are over priced? Please explain.

Mostly because I see guitars like the one in the link below regularl, priced around a grand, used but in excellent condition. based on my experiences playing the CTT and guitars in this class there is no comparison.

Hamer Artist

 

[aleclee]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

PRS are not boutique guitars. (not nowadays)
CNC production guitars like every other Production guitar out there.

What does CNC use have to do with booteek status? Joe Driskill and Ron Thorn proudly use CNCs to the greatest extent practical. A lot of folks would be surprised if you described them as non-boutique.

Just because the guitar is carved by a computer doesn't mean that a lot of TLC isn't needed to create the final product.

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

But, that's used.
What will the Carvin CT6 sell for used?

But, we are talking new here.
A new Hamer USA is in the $2000 range.

And as mentioned Hamer USA can be 2 piece bodies. 3 piece laminated necks.
Same with a Dean USA Hardtail. 2 piece body. Poly finish. $1800 + - .
But, these aren't overpriced?

I don't see your rational.
All these guitars are of similar materials and build quality.
But, the used Hamer or Dean is a great deal, while the Carvin which is a slightly more new is overpriced.

Guitfiddle, over at the Carvin forum, two years ago sold all his Shred Carvins. He totally switched to Hamer USA exclusively. Until the CT came out. He purchased a CT3. With one piece body I might add. It's one of his main guitars now, right along side his Hamers. That's how impressed he is with it. Just an FYI.

Kent

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

What does CNC use have to do with booteek status? Joe Driskill and Ron Thorn proudly use CNCs to the greatest extent practical. A lot of folks would be surprised if you described them as non-boutique.

Just because the guitar is carved by a computer doesn't mean that a lot of TLC isn't needed to create the final product.

Fine.

But, PRS are still a Production guitar. Not a one man shop guitar like Driskill.
PRS have not been a boutique guitar since the late 80's early 90's.

 

[RiffRaff]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

But, that's used.
What will the Carvin CT6 sell for used?

But, we are talking new here.
A new Hamer USA is in the $2000 range.

And as mentioned Hamer USA can be 2 piece bodies. 3 piece laminated necks.
Same with a Dean USA Hardtail. 2 piece body. Poly finish. $1800 + - .
But, these aren't overpriced?

I don't see your rational.
All these guitars are of similar materials and build quality.
But, the used Hamer or Dean is a great deal, while the Carvin which is a slightly more new is overpriced.

Guitfiddle, over at the Carvin forum, two years ago sold all his Shred Carvins. He totally switched to Hamer USA exclusively. Until the CT came out. He purchased a CT3. With one piece body I might add. It's one of his main guitars now, right along side his Hamers. That's how impressed he is with it. Just an FYI.

Kent

Kent, I get that you dig Carvins - not a problem - I wasn't specifically talking new or used - I was talking relative value - the CT out of the blocks isn't a great guitar - that Hamer is killer. If you still don't get my rational play the carvin then go play the hamer - I have, you'll understand then

 

[aleclee]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

But, PRS are still a Production guitar. Not a one man shop guitar like Driskill.
PRS have not been a boutique guitar since the late 80's early 90's.

Depending on what you mean by "boutique", PRS has never been a boutique guitar company. Since the PRS company's inception in 1985, they've taken an "industrial" assembly line approach to production. The only significant changes in PRS' production techniques are the use of CNCs instead of duplicarvers and the robotic buffing machine. There's still plenty of hand work done today.



As someone who owns PRS instruments from '89, '94, '01, and '04, I can tell you that the earlier guitars are great instruments but, to be honest, the newer ones are put together better than the so-called "handmade" ones.

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

Kent, I get that you dig Carvins - not a problem - I wasn't specifically talking new or used - I was talking relative value - the CT out of the blocks isn't a great guitar - that Hamer is killer. If you still don't get my rational play the carvin then go play the hamer - I have, you'll understand then

"excellent actions
excellent fret work
gorgeous flamed tops
excllent fit and finish on every guitar
no bleed on the binding
no crooked tuners
of all the guitars I played I thought the gold top was primo - beautiful deep gold finish
they were all relatively light as well - probably around 8lbs"

Now your saying it's not a great guitar.
Only two complaints you had were the preference for a 1 piece body and a crackly pot.

Again, a one piece can be requested.
$10 for a couple CTS pots. Or $5 for a couple of switchcraft.
Personally I only had one electronics problem with my DC400.
A little quality contact cleaner, problem solved.

My point is the way I read yours and others statements.
You guys say what a heck of a guitar the Carvin is.
It's using top notch woods. Fit and finish is impeccable. Action and playing is great. But, you still consider it a $799 guitar like a Schecter C1, LTD EC1000, Ibanez SZ520.
You may not have come out directly with that statement. But, I feel that is what you and many others are implying.
That Carvin should be lumped in with a bunch of Phillipine mahogany, veneer topped, scarfed jointed headstock, 4 pieced body, cost cut guitars.
All because it sold factory direct and says Carvin on the headstock.

The quality of craftsmanship, the build, the fit and finish, the materials Carvin uses are all superior to those guitars, and on par with the likes of Jackson USA, PRS, Gibson Production, Hamer USA, Dean USA, Parker, ESP Japan.
But, doesn't seem to matter. It's a Carvin.
In your mind it will always be a budget guitar.
No matter the truth.
Thus, never getting the respect Carvin deserves.

I totally respect each of those quality guitars I mentioned and would love to have one of each in my collection.
But, I still don't veiw my Carvins as a lesser guitar.

Enough said. You guys believe what you want to believe.
To me it's just a bunch of spreading mis-truths.

Aleclee, I apologize and stand corrected on the CNC comment.

I'm done with this subject.

Kent

 

[rammer69]

Re: Carvin California Carved Top ??

Rammer - the neck was comparable to the gibson slim taper - fit nicely - THANKS R-RAFF that is the answer i was looking for...... rammer