dukbut Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 I have bid $300.00 for a Carvin 5 string fretless bass, described below; This is a fretless Carvin BK5A kit bass, that has the same features and options as does a Carvin B5 bass. In this case, I had it professionally assembled and set-up after applying a very unique, "primitive" finish on it. The concept for the bass was "Old Denim," which is the name it bears on its truss rod cover. SL - Dunlop Straplocks G - gold hardware HB2 - bridge humbucker and coil tap, with active/passive electronics FI - fretless neck with fretlines BF1G - 5 gold bass string ferrules (for routing strings thru body) ETR - engraved truss rod cover The bass has the following controls: volume (pull up for passive mode), pickup fader, bass, midrange, and treble. There's a coil split switch for the bridge-position pickup and, in the rear control cavity, it has an active pickup output level control. Opinion? Am I in the ball park, am I safe in increasing my bid if necesary? I no nothing about Carvin equipment, have read some good stuff. I don't think I have ever even seen one. Let me know what you think. Thanks. DUKBUT "If you wish to better understand seemingly incomprehensible things, help another to better understand." Dalai Lama Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 That's a tricky one. It came as a kit, which means it was assembled by someone other than Carvin. If I were you, I'd find out who assembled it and what his or her credentials are. It may be duct taped for all you know. "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 Are there pictures? That will help you some. Yeah, someone else assembled it, so that's certainly a big variable (like what Addix M wrote). Also, go to the Carvin website to see what the kit itself would have cost while in pieces. Even though someone has put in the labor already to build it, I don't think I'd pay more than what it would have cost disassembled. Lastly, check out the prices for any Carvin 5s in "Items Completed" on eBay. Definitely don't outbid any of those. Good luck. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodfixer Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 I have a B4 kit and like alot.I think that this is a good deal. The set up issue is not that great. Any issue should be setting up how you like it. http://www.carvin.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi http://www.81x.com/Woodfixer/Restorer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fog4003 Posted June 15, 2003 Share Posted June 15, 2003 IMO Carvin is great.. I use all carvin amps and have one of the "build your own" carvin bass I got a few years ago and theres not much you can do to mess it up.. its pretty dang easy... the holes are pre-drilled and the wiring is already done... Call and find out what a new one goes for and I wouldnt pay more then that.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
73 P Bass Posted June 15, 2003 Share Posted June 15, 2003 From the description you posted, it doesn't sound like the seller is very knowledgeable. I'd try and get more info from them. I had a Carvin LB20 that I later added the active pre-amp to. It was very well built, and fairly transparent sounding. "Start listening to music!". -Jeremy C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dukbut Posted June 15, 2003 Author Share Posted June 15, 2003 Thanks to all of you for your responses. The auction ends today and after communicating with the seller I have decided to go for it. I think I can ultimately get it for around $450. He does have pictures, (it's a beautiful multi shaded blue color) and he did have a luthier assemble it for him. If I get it I will do a follow up. Thanks again for the advice. DUKBUT "If you wish to better understand seemingly incomprehensible things, help another to better understand." Dalai Lama Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burntapplestingray Posted June 16, 2003 Share Posted June 16, 2003 Stop wasting your time with Carvin. Get a Sting Ray or a J Bass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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