The Carvin has been a very fine bass and an excellent partner in my quest to make some noise and have a little fun. Over the years the upkeep on this bass has been minimal. New strings and a set-up after my new years eve gig is usually all that's required. The bass is built like a tank. There has never been any hardware failure and the neck is still in excelent condition. Although the polyurethane finish has peeled in a few areas, it is still a very handsome instrument (unlike its owner).

I initially purchased this bass because it appeared to be a quality instrument at a reasonable price. (Alright, the real reason I bought it was that my wife told me to stop whinning and buy a bass or shut-the-heck-up, but that's another story). When I priced other name brand instruments, I didn't feel the construction was comparable to this instrument.

The Carvin bass has a wide range of settings and tones. My own style is very deep (hey! I'm a dinosaur from the 60's) and I tend to play in the low register. However, the bass can produce a lot of treble; I just don't happen to utilize it a lot. I bought a new violin bass not long ago,(a lightweight bass that is a concession to age). Although it is also a fine instrument, it just doesn't 'fit' me like the Carvin does. The Carvin is very comfortable, and the action remains incredibly light. Over the years, I've continued to do business with Carvin and they have always proven to be a reliable and reputable firm. I recently tried one of their electronic products and found out that it didn't really fit my application. When I called them to inquire about a return, they were very accomodating. If you have a concern about dealing with a mail-order company, be assured that Carvin is top-notch.

I'm sure their electric bass has evolved since 1981. With every catalog, I see new pick-ups, finishes, necks, and 5&6 string models. It's nice to see that they are in step with the times. There is probably no comparing a $4,000 handmade bass to any standard production bass. (I wouldn't know!) But dollar for dollar, I'm sure that the Carvin stands at the front of the line. If you ever see one in the used market, don't hesitate to check it out. If you want to purchase a new Carvin bass, you can do so with confidence.

P.S. Thanks to the people who maintain this very cool site!

Construction	95%
Playability	95%
Appearance	90%
Sound	95%
Value	98%
Cust. Service	99%
Overall	99%