Author Topic: Carvin Micro Bass Combo (Read 168 times)

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

hb3 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2011, 09:50:58 PM »

You pay shipping on the returns.

811952 · « **Reply #2 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.

precarius · « **Reply #3 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

pauldo · « **Reply #4 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

811952 · « **Reply #5 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

sonicus · « **Reply #6 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 .

811952 · « **Reply #7 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

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #8 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

bsee · « **Reply #9 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

88persuader · « **Reply #10 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.