PlayJazzGuitar.com Forum

[randyc]

The Johnny Smith that I posted recently (in the L-5 post) got my attention in a big way. I mentioned reasons why that guitar couldn't stick to me. But because I even CONSIDERED buying it an idea occurred .... recently, five associates from various parts of this country have been spending a lot of time (and $) reviewing a couple of neat little amplifiers about which some of you have expressed an interest.

This is a guitar that has also attracted a lot of interest (as an alternative to the ES-335, I think) :



Many of you know my attitudes regarding Asian-made instruments (who couldn't know them since I express them frequently and stridently). I've tried to point out that there ARE affordable alternatives with equal/better quality. Guild is the mainstay of my personal program, for used guitars. I own one and think it is a superb example of thin, hollow-body guitars at an incredibly reasonable price - especially when purchased new back when. Perhaps even better now, purchased used !

Several other companies that I've mentioned are Heritage and Carvin. Last year, I actually bought two Heritage guitars with the express intention of passing them along to members of the two jazz forums for my cost - plain and simple. (Reason was the complaints that "quality" guitars were never available locally.) Didn't get any takers so I gave away the Golden Eagle (number 249 of 1000) to a relative and kept the little H-575. I really like it, by the way.

At about that time, Carvin introduced the above semi-hollow guitar that attracted me. It's reasonably priced and apparently of high quality (based on the little bit of information available and intense scrutiny of every photo I could find). I have no need for this guitar (actually I have no need for any guitar other than my $100 classical). That's because my skills, reactions and mental acuity have eroded considerably over the past two years. Not to mention that the last time I performed with a guitar for money was well over a decade ago, LOL.

However, I am considering purchasing this guitar as another evaluation project. Most likely, the evaluation team would be the same diverse group that I was able to attract for previous projects of this nature.

I'd like to hear from some of the membership - perhaps those that may be considering the purchase of a guitar of this quality and general characteristics. Would such an exercise be useful to YOU? I hope to obtain responses that are serious - as serious as I am about the exercise. In other words, if you don't have the disposable income for this instrument or if it's not on your short list or you just don't like Carvin guitars then obviously this will be of no interest.

Open to comments - anybody want to discuss this? Scale length is 25 inches and the neck radius made to order - dozens of other options but many of you seem to feel that neck radius is of importance so comments on that subject would also be of interest.

randyc

PS: http://www.carvinguitars.com/catalog...hp?model=sh550

[randyc]

I'm no expert of the marque. But Carvin claims that they can accomodate most requests including top material, neck inlays. Headstock shape (or more importantly headstock mass)? I suppose it has something to do with controlling the resonances of the neck.

I bought my Carvin in 1978 (still have it) and it's a good instrument. Current pictorials are impressive. The action (on my '78 DC-150) is stunningly good although that's easier to obtain from a heavily constructed solid body guitar and mine is solid rock-maple (HEAVY).

(FWIW, when I purchased the Carvin, my natural finished Les Paul Deluxe was passed on to a friend. The Carvin had way more versatility.)

cheers
randyc

[M]

As Randy points out, Carvin has numerous options and configurations available for tailoring the looks (and performance or sonics, too).

Like other manufacturers, I think they try to distinguish themselves with certain headstock shapes; although, you can ask them to match different shapes on different models.

Note that, for my tastes, they have much nicer finish combinations than what is shown here. Sunset burst on burnt umber stain is a personal favorite.

For as much as I've looked at their models, I've never owned nor ordered one, although I think it would be fun. I was particularly interested in their Holdsworth "Fat Boy," at one point, but was turned off by reports of its "thick, chunky neck" shape.

[planetguy]

count me a fan of CARVIN as well.

i own or have owned a 6 string CARVIN fretless bass, an older DX1642 mixing board (which i still use), a PRO 500 bass amp, and a PA1200 powered mixer.

great bang for the buck from all. i've also had the op to check out several of their different gtrs and basses over the yrs...i give them high marks, all.

come to think of it....the very first CARVIN i ever played was a long discontinued 335 type axe they used to make! nice axe it was too.

and M....i too have given serious thought to those FATBOYs. count me a fan of big mass/fat profile necks. one day i suspect i'll have to have one but there are a few other items on the "wish list" that will come first.

Randy, like you....i too am a big fan of Guilds. i'd be real interested to hear/read your thoughts on that CARVIN should you decide to proceed.
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just groove baby!

[randyc]

OK, next will be the "discussion" with Mrs. randyc - will keep posted.

[JAWellcome]

Just in case you weren't aware of it, Carvin has a store/showroom in Sacramento. Might be worth the drive from Eureka just to be able to check one out before buying, rather than ordering by mail. I'd call first, however, to make sure they have one in stock.

Best regards,
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John

[randyc]

Thanks, I wasn't aware of a showroom in Sacramento !