Carvin or PRS?

[Watroba]

I'm currently looking into a new guitar and have narrowed it down to two models. I'm stuck between the PRS CE 22 and Carvin CT6M. I have not played the Carvin because I haven't been able to find a dealer anywhere near me, so I have to sort of choose in the dark. I hear great things about the company, however, and how they are often compared to Paul Reed guitars. If I plan to change the pickups regardless of my final choice, so which guitar would you recommend based on fine quality and tone?

--Thanks

--Watroba

 

[aleclee]

Re: Carvin or PRS?

Both companies make good guitars. If you simply want a guitar that sounds good and is well built, either will do.

The trick is figuring out which one would be better for you. So much about choosing a guitar is about feel and nobody here can tell you what's gonna feel better to you. I assume you've played a few PRS guitars to get a feel for the different neck carves. It might behoove you to take advantage of Carvin's 10 day trial policy to figure out how it works.

If you want a trem on your guitar, it might be a little simpler. Want a Floyd? Get a Carvin. Want a non-Floyd trem? I'd suggest the PRS (I'm not a big fan of Wilkinsons).

If you're a stoptail guy and use odd string gauges (e.g., light/heavy) or very heavy gauges, the PRS stoptail probably won't intonate well enough so you're looking at shelling out for an adjustable tailpiece. That might be a factor in favor of the Carvin.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Carvin or PRS?

OR... you could buy my Brian Moore C-55, save yourself some money & have no wait !!! :burnout:

 

[Sniper-V]

Re: Carvin or PRS?

PRS Rule!!! :headbang:
They have set the bench mark for high end guitars and really opened the door for other similar guitar makers. I can't stop buying them, even thought the are high in $$$. There at least 3 more PRS that I plan on buying in the near future. I love all of mine.

Carvins have a great thing going though. I like how you can get a high quality USA custom built guitar to your specs for well under 2000.00 (being fully loaded with all options I might add) and the best thing of all is that you get in weeks. Athough I have never played one being they do there own distribution, I think the California Carved Top looks great! I would go with one of those if I went Carvin...but it would look very much like a PRS.

Both are great! But did I mention that I love PRS...

Sniper-V

 

[kherman]

Re: Carvin or PRS?

Just remember the Carvin will have it's own vibe.
As will the PRS have it's own vibe.

So, don't look at the Carvin as though it's a copy, and expect it and the PRS to sound, play, and feel exactly the same way.

Yes, the Carvin is designed to compete with the PRS. But, it's not a replica like say a Tokai LS320 is to a Gibson LP.

The Carvin is just another alternative like say a Hamer Studio is.

All are quality fit and finished guitars.

It's really going to boil down to you personal preferences.
Neck feel.
Fretboard radius preference.
Upper access ease.
How it balances and sits on you.
Which gets closer to the tones you hear in your head. (not the voices you hear. The tones. )
etc.. etc...

In the US and Canada they are sold only factory direct. Unless you live in Cali., and can go to one of their outlet stores.

Everywhere else, you need to find a dealer or distributor.

One thing for me personally. I prefer set neck (Carvin CT) over bolt on(PRS CE). Which is better is debatable. Set neck and neck thru just feel more solid to me. The guitar just feels like it's all one piece then.
Again it's just a preference thing. Not factual thing.

Kent