Questions about a custom Carvin......

[Russian Hammer]

How "custom" can you actually get with Carvin? Are there things that aren't on the website that you can do? Body styles, other woods, etc.? I want to have a custom explorer built and I really like Carvin stuff but will they do that type of thing? I haven't tried calling them yet, I thought some of you may have asked before.

[mesa/kramer]

I don't think they will do body shapes different then what they offer

[EADGBE]

The best thing to do is to ask them.

[g0phish]

They do a lot of custom things not listed. One thing you'll run into is that if it's something odd, they won't let you return it. I did get a few things customized for me though. Love the guitar!

[dspellman]

Originally Posted by Russian Hammer

How "custom" can you actually get with Carvin? Are there things that aren't on the website that you can do? Body styles, other woods, etc.? I want to have a custom explorer built and I really like Carvin stuff but will they do that type of thing? I haven't tried calling them yet, I thought some of you may have asked before.

I don't think Carvin is where you want to go for this. I haven't seen a case where they've built a guitar body that isn't their own (though it's always possible). In essence, they build custom versions of their own guitars. There HAVE been things I've asked for that they've simply said "no" on. Want a neck-through version of their carved-top guitars? No. Want your own headstock design on one of their guitars. Probably no.

[Whiskeyrebel]

A reverse body V220 would be close, if they would do the lefty silhouette with a righty control layout.

[tbonesullivan]

for the most part, Carvin guitars are production line guitars made to order. It's like ordering a car. You have a set list of options, which with Carvin is QUITE extensive. Outside of that though, you can't do much. You can call and ask, but in most cases it will end up being an "option 50", which means you will not be able to return it, unless it is defective or built wrong. It basically waives the 10 day review period.

Most of the option 50's I have seen are for electronics. custom electronics, or a bass with only one pickup, etc.

[gulliver]

There's a company called Gibson that can build you an explorer type.

[robertkoa]

Agree with previous posts about custom options on existing models.

However you can get other neck profiles and they have some on file which match certain specs which are/were not originally Carvin profiles.

Someone recently ordered a Korina Carved Top.

Best to call when actually ready to order and place a deposit on special orders, but they will not create a new type of Guitar for you, as others have said, but the number of models they have is fairly large and they do very precision work IMO.

[dspellman]

Originally Posted by gulliver

There's a company called Gibson that can build you an explorer type.

Unfortunately, Gibson's not very custom-amenable, either. Unless you're one of their major endorsement deals. Don't go asking for a neck-through LP or even a custom fretboard width or radius from the Custom Shop. Mostly ain't gonna happen.

[playerss]

One thing you'll run into is that if it's something odd, they won't let you return it.[IMG]http://www.****.info/g.gif[/IMG]

[Russian Hammer]

I'm OK with not being able to return it if they'll do it.

[Fred132]

Wonder if they'll install other branded pickups.

[dspellman]

Originally Posted by Fred132

Wonder if they'll install other branded pickups.

Nope.

[Wesman61]

Originally Posted by dspellman

Nope.

Which is my only gripe.