Alembic Guitars Club

Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: pauldo on January 14, 2011, 07:17:46 PM

Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: pauldo on January 14, 2011, 07:17:46 PM
I really need to consider downsizing my rig as the shows I am playing for recently do not require my GK800RB bi-amped or even ran mono into my two ten cabinet - cripes the GK weighs almost as much as the smallest Carvin Micro Combo.  
I saw an ad for these Carvins, they look like they may be the right thing for me - but how does one get to 'try' the three different models from a mail order company?
 
tia
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: hb3 on January 14, 2011, 09:50:58 PM
You pay shipping on the returns.
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: 811952 on January 15, 2011, 10:40:34 AM
Road trip to L.A...
 
I recently picked up a BX500 head and like it a great deal.
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: precarius on January 15, 2011, 12:24:13 PM
Carvin has a 10 day return policy. If you try it and you don't like it - Send it back. the only thing you will be out is the shipping cost usually about $35.
Mike
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: pauldo on January 15, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
John -
Does the BX500 give clean as well as an overdriven tone?
Do you use the compression on it?
 
tia
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: 811952 on January 15, 2011, 02:18:44 PM
I use just a hint of compression and keep the drive turned up a bit for a little bit of tube-ish-ness.  I don't think I've really cranked it up without having the drive up.  With the drive up quite a bit, it gives a great Mel Schacher -ish tone..  Honestly, I pretty much just plugged-in and it sounded good, so I haven't needed to experiment..  If I have a chance to play with it a bit this evening, I'll do so and report back..
 
John
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: sonicus on January 15, 2011, 08:53:15 PM
OH yes _ Mel Schacher !  Grand Funk Railroad  . He was  trend setter as far as Bass timbre goes ; one of the pioneers that helped define what tones the Electric Bass was capable of at the time .
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: 811952 on January 18, 2011, 10:05:33 AM
I didn't get to experiment the other night, but I've got a gig Friday and will play with the clean tones.  I have no reason to expect any shortcomings with the clean settings..
 
John
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: cozmik_cowboy on January 18, 2011, 11:34:37 AM
And let us never forget, Mel also replaced Frank Lugo in ? and the Mysterians (post 96 Tears)!
 
Peter
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: bsee on January 31, 2011, 07:41:18 PM
I really want to downsize as well. As much as I am jonesing for a Boogie 400, I sure don't want to carry it on a weekly basis. I've been lugging a rack of power/pre amp of late and it gets old.  
 
I have my eye on the TC Electronics heads, either the RH450 or the Staccato 51. I'd love to carry a sub 50 lb cab in one hand, a bass in a bag on my shoulder, and maybe a small duffel or backpack with a small amp, cables and accessories. One trip. Anyone try these yet?
 
The small Carvins may be light, but the wattage is low and there can't be a whole lot of speaker area in such small boxes. I also like the idea of the head separate from the cab. I think you can carry more of a system as separates and remain super-portable.  
 
Of course, if 250w is enough for your purposes, then it matters little.
 
-bob
Title: Carvin Micro Bass Combo
Post by: 88persuader on January 31, 2011, 08:53:19 PM
I like Carvin stuff (I own a few of their basses, GREAT bang for the buck) but for an amp I'm running a Markbass Tube 800 head(500WTS at 8 ohms and 800WTS at 4 ohms) and it really has some kick and tone to it, it weights only 6 and a half lbs and fits in my bass gig bag! You could run one of those heads (or the LittleMarkII head which is 300WTS at 8 ohms and 500WTS at 4 ohms) and a 2X10 or 1X15 cab and have a great sounding powerful portable system. The Guitar Center sells used gear on line and has several LittleMarkII heads for sale under $400. Something to consider.