Carvin Impressions?

[jnavas]

Anyone have any experience with their instruments. Every review I read seems overly positive. I need a super strat style guitar for stage use and would like to keep it under a grand. Even if the pickups do suck (the only complaint I can seem to find), I have a half dozen or so different Dimarzio and Seymour Duncan pickups sitting around that I can swap in to them.


Resale isn't important, as I will more than retrieve my investment with whatever I purchase.


I picked up an almost new Jackson Soloist in the local want ads, and while it is an incredible instrument, the neck is too thin for me and I lost interest in having a Floyd years ago, so I have to find something a little more tame.

[6Tones]

I think the quality and value of their guitars is great, I own a TL60.I have owned a Bolt T in the past,nicely built but the body was too thin for me,I like the curves of a traditional strat.

[TechpriesT]

Build a Warmoth strat, you can make it pretty decent for under a grand.

[Joe]

A used Carvin or Warmoth can be had for 25% of a new one, I know this from having taken baths on resale.

[Mike Anderson]

Originally posted by Joe
A used Carvin or Warmoth can be had for 25% of a new one, I know this from having taken baths on resale.

Buy it used, or buy it to keep.

I have no idea why the resale value is so low. They're quality instruments. I've owned a Carvin amp, and I presently own a Carvin bass. Both are excellent.

[mge80]

You simply can't get the quaility of a Carvin for anything even approaching what you can get a Carvin for from any other manufacturer. Their guitars are the equal of those costing much more. In fact, I would stack my Carvins against ANY manufacturer's guitars with confidence.

I play Carvin guitars and amps exclusively, and don't even consider anything else. I don't know how much strongly I can state this or recommend them.

BTW, my Carvins are for me to keep and to play...not to re-sell, so I couldn't care less about what anyone perceives their resale value to be.

[mge80]

Originally posted by TechpriesT
Build a Warmoth strat, you can make it pretty decent for under a grand.

Build a Carvin Bolt. You can build a BETTER quality guitar (far better than "pretty decent") for about half "a grand".

[dzook]

I'm considering ordering a Carvin as well. I saw somewhere, however, something about the Carvin pickups not being the same size as Seymou Duncans etc and changing them would require cutting into the guitar. Is this just BS - or is there any truth in it?

[Mark C]

They're high quality, but you have to like skinny necks and flat fretboard radii. If you don't then they may not be for you. Personally, I'd build a super strat rather than buy a Carvin, but it's not because they don't build good guitars - they just don't float my boat.;)

[kselbee]

I have a Carvin CT6 that is KILLER and I've owned quite a few brands. I've considered a second Carvin and would highly recommend them.

[jnavas]

Thanks for all of the info.

This is the first place I've had someone mention the neck profile. That could be a deal killer for me. I have big hands (the PRS wide/fat option feels tiny to me), and a thin neck/flat radius is very uncomfortable for me to play. The Califonian models might have a beefier neck-but I really need a single coil or two.

The pickup compatibility issue is troublesome as well-but its nothing a routing bit and a little duct tape couldn't remedy.

[LeifK]

I have a mahogany Califonia Carved top CT3. It's built just as good as any of my other guitars. Very solid feeling. The neck is not thin...but not super chunky either. The pickups are pretty decent and the split tone is the best I've heard...much more like a single coil than the McCarty pickups ever got.

You could always throw in a set of p90's to get closer to a singlecoil sound.

[Reeek]

My two favorite guitars are Carvins. I can pretty much have any guitar I want within reason but I just have a hard time going anywhere else for an everyday super playable guitar considering the outstanding build quality and materials they use. I own a California Carved Top CT6M in Tiger's Eye on Flame and a Holdsworth HF2 Fatboy that is as sweet a player as ever.

The CT6M is simply an incredible guitar then when you consier I paid $1350 for this thing. After seeing it, feeling it and playing it, everyone I've shown it to and who played it are amazed.

I will buy other guitars and probably a few very nice guitars but I will always own two or more Carvins for as long as I play.

[angelo]

Originally posted by jnavas
I have big hands (the PRS wide/fat option feels tiny to me), and a thin neck/flat radius is very uncomfortable for me to play.

Then I think you're out of the game. I have only played a handful and all were fine -- but all had the same neck

[mge80]

Originally posted by angelo
Then I think you're out of the game. I have only played a handful and all were fine -- but all had the same neck

All Carvins do not have the same neck. The DC/SC neck-through models have the thinner neck and compound radius fretboard, the CTs have a thicker (but not a Les Paul thick) neck with a straight 14" radius, the bolt-on necks (Bolt, Bolt Plus and C66) have yet a different neck from these other two...sort of an in-between, and then the Holdsworth models, H2 and HF2 Fatboy ,have a neck all their own...which is bigger and has a wider fretboard.

So all Carvin necks are not the same. They are made however, to be a "fast" type neck. But like anything, they are not for everyone. However, for me...the CT is perfect.

[angelo]

Originally posted by mge80
All Carvins do not have the same neck. The DC/SC neck-through models have the thinner neck and compound radius fretboard, the CTs have a thicker (but not a Les Paul thick) neck with a straight 14" radius, the bolt-on necks (Bolt, Bolt Plus and C66) have yet a different neck from these other two...sort of an in-between, and then the Holdsworth models, H2 and HF2 Fatboy ,have a neck all their own...which is bigger and has a wider fretboard.

So all Carvin necks are not the same. They are made however, to be a "fast" type neck. But like anything, they are not for everyone. However, for me...the CT is perfect.

Thanks, I should have said that of the few I have played they were all the through body 24 fretters. Sorry if I misled or tried to sound like an expert on carvins. I should have been more clear.

[mge80]

No problem at all. I assumed that's what you meant. I was just clarifying for everyone and providing a bit more info. That's all.:)

[Reeek]

The Holdsworth models have a 20" radius . . . VERY flat and the neck is a bit thicker than the other models, to me anyway. Regardless, if anyone feels they play well on flat fretboards, the Carvin Holdsworth neck is simply amazing. I still feel like I'm a better guitar player when I play the Fatboy.

[mge80]

You know Rick, just when I think I have all the guitars I could possibly want or need, I start thinking about a Fatboy. Somehow, I believe I see one in my future. This after getting "the most perfect guitar I have ever played" in my CT4M and now waiting for a DC145M that is being built....:p

I do think I'd like to play one first though, since the fretboard IS significantly wider than the other models. I guess I'll have to take a trip down to SoCal and visit one of the showrooms...or show up at your house one day...:D

[Reeek]

Gordon, not so much wider as flatter . . .

I used to call the Fatboy the finest guitar I ever played until the CT6M came along. Now they're stall mates.

And for those who may have read about neck heavyness on the Fatboy, I did the bounce test again last night. I use flat, real suede straps. I let go of the guitar with Dunlop Straplocks, bounced up and down and the neck never dives. Ever. It doesn't feel like it points up like the CT6M but it doesn't dive whatsoever. Stays at a slight upward angle securely.

[Gary Ladd]

Originally posted by mge80
You simply can't get the quaility of a Carvin for anything even approaching what you can get a Carvin for from any other manufacturer. Their guitars are the equal of those costing much more. In fact, I would stack my Carvins against ANY manufacturer's guitars with confidence.

I play Carvin guitars and amps exclusively, and don't even consider anything else. I don't know how much strongly I can state this or recommend them.

BTW, my Carvins are for me to keep and to play...not to re-sell, so I couldn't care less about what anyone perceives their resale value to be.

I just built 3 Warmoth's with Indian Rosewood neck, Ebony board with Stainless Steel frets (white korina, maple top, mahogany body combos) and I've never seen a Carvin that could hold a flame to ANY one of these guitars! :cool:

If you weren't a Carvin Addict you'd venture-out and find there's a whole world of options Carvin doesn't offer, in the same price range, and you aren't forced to eat some cheezy-arse electronics like Carvin makes...LOL :moon

IMHO, Warmoth & USA Custom Guitar make the best guitars for the money...

[Reeek]

I want to do a Warmoth project soon!

[mge80]

Rick,

Thanks for clarifying that. Still, I'd like to try one to see how I like it. If I do, then I think there is a strong chance that I will get one at some point. I had an AE185 that I sold to flake since I hardly played it at all. For some reason I just didn't connect with it., I think the Fatboy would fill the role that the AE185 didn't.

Take care, buddy.

[mge80]

Originally posted by Gary Ladd


If you weren't a Carvin Addict you'd venture-out and find there's a whole world of options Carvin doesn't offer, in the same price range, and you aren't forced to eat some cheezy-arse electronics like Carvin makes...LOL :moon

IMHO, Warmoth & USA Custom Guitar make the best guitars for the money...

To each his own. I HAVE "ventured-out", for almost 40 years now, and found that, for me, Carvin makes the best quakity guitars, period. I have no need and no plan to play anything else. After all, when you get right down to it, only my opinion couts when it comes to the equipment I play, since I'm the one playing it.

Everyone has to do what's best for themselves, and for me that is and will always be...Carvin. :D And for the record, I've never seen a guitar that can "hold a flame" to my Carvin CT4M. The only thing that comes close is my Carvin Bolt Plus and DC145M.

There are a LOT of "Carvin Addicts" out there. Must be a reason for it....:p :D

[Gary Ladd]

Originally posted by mge80
There are a LOT of "Carvin Addicts" out there. Must be a reason for it....:p :D

There are a lot of people that do a LOT of stupid things, but that don't mean they're right either...LOL

I own PRS, Gibson & Fenders and as one that tried to like Carvin over the years (I lived near a So Cal showroom) I just could NEVER do it...especially the neck throughs. :NUTS

Check this babe out:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/gary/w1.jpg

Even if Carvin made something that looked as kewl, it would NEVER play or sound even close... ;)

BTW, after playing stainless-steel frets, other than collectibles, I'll NEVER BUY silver/nickel frets again! :dude

[mge80]

Hey, have at it. Like I said, you do what you need to do. I'll do what I need to do.

One thing I didn't mention is that even more so than the quality of their products is the quality of the company. They have never failed to do anything I have asked of them. The relationship I have with Carvin is far and away better than I could hope to have with any other company, and that is why I am with them. Their customer service is second to none. There is NO way I could call Gibson and ask for what I can ask of Carvin. They would laugh in my face.

I don't need to justify my reasons to anyone but myself, just as you don't need to justify your choices to anyone either. Carvin takes very good care of me on any and all issues. I don't need to be "kewl". I leave that to those that have a need to pose with a PRS standing in front of a Marshall LOL.:D

If you feel the need to call me "stupid", then go ahead. That's your right. I'll just go on knowing that I am playing the finest guitars and amps around and working with a company that will gladly take care of whatever I want or need.

If you don't like Carvins, that's "kewl" with me. It makes me no difference whatsoever.

BTW, that "babe" does nothing for me. And that should make no difference to you. i do agree with you about the stainless steel frets. I will never have a guitar without them.

Take care and enjoy your PRS, Gibson & Fender. I'll enjoy my Carvins. Then we can both be happy. Amd that's what it's all about, right?

And with that, I don't see the point of carrying on this "discussion", You have your preferences and are happy with them, and I have mine. Take care, man.


:cool:

[robmarch]

Originally posted by Gary Ladd
There are a lot of people that do a LOT of stupid things, but that don't mean they're right either...LOL

I own PRS, Gibson & Fenders and as one that tried to like Carvin over the years (I lived near a So Cal showroom) I just could NEVER do it...especially the neck throughs. :NUTS

Check this babe out:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/rfdee/gary/w1.jpg

Even if Carvin made something that looked as kewl, it would NEVER play or sound even close... ;)

BTW, after playing stainless-steel frets, other than collectibles, I'll NEVER BUY silver/nickel frets again! :dude

CT's compare very favorably with that guitar for looks. check them out to see if they sound ok to you. I have a feeling you're mind is already made up, though. Carvin also offers stainless frets on all models and kits, I wasn't sure if you were considering that a warmoth advantage or not.

just to correct your rant, you can customize a warmoth project more than you can customize a bolt kit, but the prices aren't even close. even for tame versus tame. And, if you don't like their electronics (which it sounds like you're one of the few people that may have actually played them before making that judgement), factor in canning the stock electronics and buying the same ones you'd be buying for your warmoth, and you're still ahead. And, you can even get the kits with any of their body woods or top woods, though the selection isn't as diverse as warmoths.

Just to be clear, I buy from both companies. Both have positives and limitations. the cost equation favors Carvin, so if you aren't looking for exotic wood combos, and like their neck profile, check them out. There are also wacky people out there (including many boutique builders) that don't summarily dismiss through body necks, so if you like them, check out carvin too.

ps...comparing people who like carvins to "people who do stupid things" is extremely classy, and defintely bolsters your already well supported points. :rolleyes:

[bikerdude2]

Originally posted by kselbee
I have a Carvin CT6 that is KILLER and I've owned quite a few brands. I've considered a second Carvin and would highly recommend them. I love my CT6! I sold a PRS CU22 to buy mine, and never looked back! As for not being smart, or right :rolleyes: I've owned a McNaught, McInturff, Various Gibsons, a Custom Shop Fender strat, a Baker, and 4 different Warrior's, among other brands, to base my opinion on. Is the Carvin better? At some things yes, at other things no. Can the Carvin be beat by any of the above at value vs price? Not in my opinion. Just my 2 cents.

[TechpriesT]

mge80 this discussion was never about you it was about helping this guy trying to get a super strat. dont let your ego blow up on you

[Paul Secondino]

I owned 2 carvin basses(LB 5+6 strings) and 2 carvin guitars (DC727 and DC 145)

I must say that the basses gave me big problems.The necks constantly bowed in over a year and a half until the truss rod ran out of room to adjust. Then I said the hell wit hthem and sold them both.And the pickups were very blah.None of the punch or depth of Bartolini's offerings. Actually, the pickups were better than the on board preamp. I played those basses with the preamps defeated because they literally sounded fuller passive through a good amp.

My DC 727 seemed to have a stable neck.It never gave me issues, even with 11 gauge strings. The 7 string Carvin pups were really bad though.THin as could be and a ugly sounding high end response.

My DC145 has been ok.The fretwork was nicely done as on my other Carvin instruments but the neck on this one has constantly moved on me.I am almost out of truss rod adjustment.Next time it moves, I'll have to do a fret level to compensate.

My mass produced Ibanezes in comparison have been much more stable but half of them came to me with mediocre fretwork.

Overall, Carvin does some things great and other things like Pickups,preamps,choosing neck lumber not so great. I am concerned that Carvin uses green lumber for their instruments.I have a squier strat beater that is more stable than all of my Carvins.My hosue is very damp in summer and very dry in winter but my other guitars hang in there.

[Gary Ladd]

Originally posted by Paul Secondino
Overall, Carvin does some things great and other things like Pickups,preamps,choosing neck lumber not so great. I am concerned that Carvin uses green lumber for their instruments.I have a squier strat beater that is more stable than all of my Carvins.My hosue is very damp in summer and very dry in winter but my other guitars hang in there.

I agree with your experience with Carvin, but you should REALLY look into getting a humidifier for the room you keep your instruments in...I keep my studio at 35-40% year round after learning the hardway and having a LP get a warped neck from dry winters.

Not only that, but instruments sound better at 35-55% (especially acoustics) and your axes will be much more stable, giving you the ability to REALLY dial-in the action and intonation.

The Holme's Harmony Humidifier has a built in humidistat with read-out, and works flawlessly...

[robmarch]

Originally posted by Shovelhead
I agree. As a clarification, I didn't mean to imply that neck-thrus are 'inferior', but just that they don't work for me. I spent lots of money in the '80s and '90s buying Custom Shop Jacksons, only to realize that the flat necks and neck-thru construction didn't do it for me after a period of time. There are lots of folks (including builders) that love them. Carvin offers many options on neck-thrus, but they just don't work for me.

no problem, some people gravitate to bolt on, some to neck through, and some to set neck. I've played good and bad examples of all 3.

to the best of my knowledge, all of the options available on the through body necks are available on the bolt ons and set necks (minus maybe some inlays on the bolt ons?).

warmoth does offer more (and meatier) neck profiles, so if that's what you're looking for, check them out too.

[mge80]

Originally posted by TechpriesT
mge80 this discussion was never about you it was about helping this guy trying to get a super strat. dont let your ego blow up on you

Never said it was. But thanks for the advice. :rolleyes:

I thought it was about "Carvin Impressions" and I was giving mine. And saying others were just as free to give theirs. Simple as that. Sorry if you took offense. No ego here, bud... Anyone that actually knows me will tell you that, and that I'm one of the most easy going, laid back guys around that really doesn't take much of anything seriously....especially myself. :D

[TechpriesT]

alright man, just seemed like you took alot of offense to criticism of carvins

[davetcan]

Looks good, plays great, sounds great, didn't break the bank! I couldn't be happier. Took me a couple of weeks to get really comfortable with the flatter radius on the neck but now I don't even notice when switching from LP or Fender. As far as the pickups go don't believe everything you hear. I've got the C22N and C22B and they sound incredible. I would also hold up the finish of this guitar against most any other out there (not all but most) and for the price nothing I've seen so far touches it.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/d.thorburn/c66sigpic.JPG

http://www3.sympatico.ca/d.thorburn/c66front.JPG

I really need to take some better pictures, these don't do the finish justice.

Dave

[robmarch]

Originally posted by Robal
I also know a bass guitar tech who says that the wood that Carvin uses is so cheap that warped necks are a genuine issue in his experience.

I know a guy who knows a guy who says that Fender and Ibanez basses are made of SAWDUST!!! :eek:


seriously, every manufacturer has some warped necks. wood is a natural product and is impossible to predict. From my experience, and from a knowledge of guitar building, carvin does not use cheap woods. I have a fretless carvin 6 string without issue too, in addition to the guitars I've built from their through body necks without issue.

It is funny how it seems that carvin is the only manufacturer that gets bashed this way by "a friend says" or "I've heard the pickups stink". I've yet to see anyone bash more deserving examples this way, (with the exception of people finally telling the truth about gibson's quality control, but those people at least play them first).

[mge80]

Dave and Rob,

I agree. I will also say that I have owned (and DO own) several Carvins (guitars and basses) and don't have now, nor have had in the past, any issues with any of them. If there were issues, I wouldn't be coming back again and again. Take it for what it's worth from someone that actually PLAYS Carvins instead of someone that heard from someone that heard from a friend of someone's brother..... ;)

See y'all...
:cool:

[Gary Ladd]

Originally posted by TechpriesT
alright man, just seemed like you took alot of offense to criticism of carvins

You weren't off in your assessment...he's one of those guys that is dedicated to Carvin. Kinda like people that are hopeless Ford or Chevy fanatics...LOL

There might be hope though, in his apology post he was able to restrain himself and didn't plug Carvin once! :eek:

[Ian Anderson]

Carvins are high quality very well playing guitars. The value for the money and customization options are second to none. However they are heavy, have ebony fretboards, a thick poly finish, and their pickups and electronics suck.


This is fom my standpoint as an AVH so take it as you will. I also live about 2 miles from the factory and have played them all.

[hawkeyeinexile]

i tend to agree w/Ian above, but actually like ebony fretboards. still have my early '80s DC150 stereo. put Seymour p'ups in it (JB & AlNiCo Pro II) and the weight is still well under my '71 LP Deluxe.

:cool:

[bluegrif]

I always thought Carvin was missing the boat with their "one size fits all" neck approach. Especially for a company that trades so heavily on customization. If I could order a Carvin with my choice of body style AND a choice of neck profiles I would have given one a try long ago. Because I don't doubt the quality. Yes, the Holdsworth model sounds like it may have a neck more to my liking, but I'm stuck with that body style. In all fairness, it's probably one of the reasons they can keep their prices relatively low. Still, I think they're losing a lot of potential business. I'm not the only one who prefers a big 50s style V-neck. So if they're going to advertise themselves as a "custom shop", give us some choices.

[robmarch]

Originally posted by Ian Anderson
Carvins are high quality very well playing guitars. The value for the money and customization options are second to none. However they are heavy, have ebony fretboards, a thick poly finish, and their pickups and electronics suck.


This is fom my standpoint as an AVH so take it as you will. I also live about 2 miles from the factory and have played them all.

my bass is finished in the full tung oil treatment, which I like a lot. it's not for everyone, though. it works well with the koa sides on my bass, as well as feeling great on the maple neck.

a chambering option on the guitars with fancy tops would be a nice option, for those who prefer lighter guitars. They listened to the customers on their board who were hounding them for a carved top set neck guitar, so there's a possibility that the chambering option could happen :)

they also listened to the board and now offer rosewood, maple, and birdseye maple fretboard options for those who want something other than ebony. it's kind of funny, the other manufacturers use rosewood primarily, and when they put ebony on a guitar it's the highest end one, and carvin chose to make everthing ebony for consistency, and now people are asking for the other stuff :) preference and variety rule, of course. I have rosewood and ebony guitars aplenty, and my brain vastly prefers fretboard woods that don't require a finish from a logical perspective. Still, part of me has gear lust for a nice nitro finished maple fretboard on a beat up strat :)

the guitar necks work for me, but I wouldn't turn down the option to get a bigger profile.

[3Sides]

So if they're going to advertise themselves as a "custom shop", give us some choices.

It's been said here before, but Carvin is more an options shop than a custom shop.

[robmarch]

Originally posted by 3Sides
It's been said here before, but Carvin is more an options shop than a custom shop.

there's a fine line in there somewhere :)

what they offer is a lot of options, and the opportunity to select the ones you want. neck carve hasn't been one of those options, to date.

this isn't a whole lot different than most of the "custom shops" out there that are tied to a body style, headstock shape, or other. I can see how neck carve could be a hot button issue for some people, though.

it's like custom motorcycle shops. some fab everything down to the frames, some do piece and paint.

the amount of customization options available at the price point is unmatched, though, from what I've seen. If you want even more options or control, there are more expensive and more flexible options out there.

[mge80]

As far as the necks go, about a year or so ago they went from the very thin, flat neck profile to a more rounded "c" shape. The bolt neck and neck throughs are virtually identical...only slightly different, the CT neck is a little bigger and rounder, although not the "V" shape referred to earlier, and then the Holdsworth neck is different, still.

I guess for me the bottom line (and then I suppose I will have said all I have to say about my "Carvin Impressions") is that they provide a consistently high quality product, with a fairly extensive array of options, have reasonable build times and perhaps the most important of all, absolutely oustanding customer service. All at prices that are very reasonable and extremely competitive.

This all combines to make me an exclusive Carvin player. But again, this is just what works for me. Others may not think this is for them and that's cool.

(Trying to express my opinions and at the same time get along and be accepted on this board...:D )

[Reeek]

There are several neck radiuses and scale lengths in the Carvin lineup. You can get 25 1/2 and 25 inch scales lengths and there is an all 14" radius neck on the Carved Top models, 12"-15" compund on the neck throughs and bolt ons and a 20" on the Holdsworth models

[royd]

came into this one late...
I have a Carvin bolt kit.
I've been playing a little more than 40 years and had stopped playing electric for about 10 years... FWIW, my last electric rig was a '68 tele and a '64 Deluxe Recerb. When I went looking for an electric about two years ago I wanted to stay under about $700 and find a nice strat-style guitar. I played a bunch of Fenders and wasn't impressed by any in my price range. I played some higher price strat style guitars and found some very nice ones but they were more than I wanted to spend. I ordered an alder body hardtail bolt kit thinking it couldn't be worse than the Fenders I had played and was a good bit cheaper plus it would be fun putting it together.
The body and neck fit together perfectly. I like ebony boards. The nut is wider than most of the fenders I played which was easier for me coming from a 1 3/4 inch acoustic nut (Lowden). The tung oil finish is easy to do and doesn't impede the sound. I went into the project planning to replace the electronics but found myself really liking the sound of the guitar as is so I haven't replaced anything.
Two weeks ago my band played the local primo club (SOhO in Santa Barbara) for the first time. During the sound check the soundman asked me about the guitar and commented that it was one of the best strat sounds he had heard there.
All that said, the bolt is worth a look. I'm sure that you could put together a warmoth or USA Custom guitar as nice that might fit your taste better - given the multiple choices in neck shape, pups, etc. - but it would cost a lot more than a bolt kit. I'd have to go with those who say that you can't get anything better for anything near the price.

[robmarch]

the bolt kit is a cool and inexpensive way to get into guitar building. and, for those that end up not liking the pickups, there's more fun you can have replacing them with something else you want to try.

I've really wanted to check out some of the stuff in the warmoth showcase too, though, but I keep talking myself into super custom stuff instead, and can the whole thing :)

[Reeek]

That's what happens to me too, robmarch. I dink around at Warmoth then by the time I mentally build an ax that I want, it's $1200 . . . :mad:

[JoeB63]

Carvin rocks!


No, they suck!


No they rock!


Maybe


or maybe not.

And that's all I have to say on this topic.

[robmarch]

Originally posted by Reeek
That's what happens to me too, robmarch. I dink around at Warmoth then by the time I mentally build an ax that I want, it's $1200 . . . :mad:

they do have some great options, though. I'm not saying it would be a bad $1200 guitar, it's just that I keep upgrading myself to that price point without even trying. warmoth's wood choices are impressive too, that's where I always get bitten. I mean, if you're going to make a neck, you might as well make it out of solid ebony, right?

[Reeek]

I agree whole heartedly! I don't think it is money poorly spent at all. Warmoth enjoys their fine reputation because they earned it.

I'm just sayin . . . :)

I will likely build one someday when I'm finished buying guitars that someone else made :D

[jnavas]

Strange thing happened. I decided to spec out a Carvin and order one just to see what they were like. If I hated it, I could always give it to my nephew (whose father refuses to let him spend money on a good guitar even though the kid can play very well and only has an off brand strat copy).

So, after spotting a hum/single style C66 at the Carvin musuem, I called and asked if they could do the same for an upcharge. I was told absolutely not. A few hours later I called back, spoke to a different person, and was told they could do it, but he would have to check on the upcharge (also told me that spalted maple might be available as well-cool), so I'll be calling back to get the details.

In the interim, I discoverd a small company called GMW guitars, who look like they do nice stuff. Their stuff is a little more than I wanted to spend, but not so much to totally rule them out as an option.

[baald]

i was inquiring about a bolt on neck for a project and asking if they could grafts option not shown on the catalog page onto just a neck -- bigger frets, no inlay. the rep said "hey man -- we're a custom shop. no problem". you might just try calling them and asking if they could do something like XXX guitar with the holdsworth neck carve or something like that.

baald

[robmarch]

Originally posted by baald
i was inquiring about a bolt on neck for a project and asking if they could grafts option not shown on the catalog page onto just a neck -- bigger frets, no inlay. the rep said "hey man -- we're a custom shop. no problem". you might just try calling them and asking if they could do something like XXX guitar with the holdsworth neck carve or something like that.

baald

yeah, the options are available on the necks. my last one was shipped without inlays (NIN).

[Gary Ladd]

Originally posted by Reeek
I agree whole heartedly! I don't think it is money poorly spent at all. Warmoth enjoys their fine reputation because they earned it.

I'm just sayin . . . :)

I will likely build one someday when I'm finished buying guitars that someone else made :D

After you build your own custom guitar from Warmoth you'll never buy another guitar "that someone else made" LOL

[Reeek]

That's a very provacative statement :cool:

Addendum:

Do me a favor and in an informal list style, bullet off the steps that it takes to get everything. Is that too long a list? I'm thinking probably not. Which components did you buy from Warmoth versus somewhere else?

Thanks!

[Gary Ladd]

Well,

I recently built 3 Warmoths, besides the PUPs/elctronics and a Floyd Rose/tuners #1, I bought EVERYTHING from Warmoth...

Of course, I have an excellent luthier that assembled it all in a snap for a song...LOL

If you're in the NYC area, Rob DiStefano is the BEST!

FretTech (http://www.frettech.com/)

I'll email you the complete laundry list of items I ordered from Warmoth for my first project...

:dude

[Reeek]

Appreciate it :)

[royd]

Gary,
this may seem a bit gauche... but could you put one of those lists up here with prices for a comparison?
roy

[afm409]

i put together a bolt kit.

likes:

neck pocket fit excellent.
wider neck at highest fret w/ wider bridge (hardtail) width.
pickups - their newest hb and their sc.
i tung oiled the neck and body.dislikes:

i felt the sound was "brittle-ish". replaced the neck with a compound warmoth maple w/rw. the guitar instantly warmed up. beautiful sound.comment:

the kit is great. i really like the wider width neck at the pocket - i think that is really good. the pickups sound good with the 250 or 500k pots. the sound of the neck did not do it for me. it played fine.

to install the warmoth neck i made two spacer shims to get a nice snug fit. drilled four new holes to attach the neck because they did not match. i also had to shim the back of the neck up so the end of the fretboard was not up against the pickguard.

conclusion:

the carvin is proprietory. i sold the neck and now i am going to sell the body with the bridge. keeping the pickups. received many compliments on the sound of the modded carvin. the hardtail definitely works for me.

[MOJO]

Well,

I recently built 3 Warmoths, besides the PUPs/elctronics and a Floyd Rose/tuners #1, I bought EVERYTHING from Warmoth...

Of course, I have an excellent luthier that assembled it all in a snap for a song...LOL

If you're in the NYC area, Rob DiStefano is the BEST!

FretTech (http://www.frettech.com/)

I'll email you the complete laundry list of items I ordered from Warmoth for my first project...

:dude

Any pics of yours Gary? i'm in Brooklyn NY and was thinking of having Rob put my Koa VIP kit together...

[FPFL]

I've got a CT4 - birds eye maple neck, stainless frets, hard tail... you couldn't get out of my hands except with a gun. It plays beautifully and sustains like a dream.

I did swap out the pups for a Duncan Custom Custom and an Alinco II Pro, I modded the pickup rings - SD pups fit fine.

I'm not a fanatic for any company but the CT series is the real deal.

[kmanick]

I have a DC727 on order.
there seem to be a lot fewer companies out there that offer up nice 7 strings.
Ibanez necks are too thin for me and I don't like basswood so they are out.
I currently own a Hellraiser 7 and although I really like it I miss not having
a floyd.
A USA JAckson will cost me 3 times what a Carvin would cost,
so they are out too (too bad I'd love to have a 7 string soloist)

Carvin is offering me the options I'm looking for at a reasonable price.
The neck shape on their 7's is supposedly right between the Schecter and
the Ibanez.
I should absolutely love it (if that's what it truly is)
The neck and body wood choices will obviously make a big difference with
tone so the pick ups will need to be evaluated with my choice of woods.
Throwing Duncans in there is not a big issue to me, playability is.
I ordered a Mahogany neck/mahogany body with a birdseye maple board
and a quilted maple top. Stainless steel frets and a locking nut will round it
out. that should be a bit fatter sounding than the maple/alder that Carvin
offers as their 'standard" wood combo.
Re sale on Carvins is a bit low , but I've been tracking some on Ebay
and it seems that, the ones that are loaded re sell for far more than their basic
models.
I have 10 days to check this thing out , If it's not a mind blowing 7 string
experience, back it goes, I've still got my Hellraiser.
This is my first dealing with Carvin so I can't rave about them (yet)
I would never hold an 'allegiance" to a particular company anyway.
They're just guitars , lots of people make real nice ones.
oh and to the poster who recently discovered GMW.
I own several and have a new one on order, they make incredible strats.
Lee Garver is very good to deal with.