Carvin PB200-15

Bought from the Cartvin online store for $400. Bought it mainly on Carvin's reputation.

Solid appearance, lots of features, enough power for the places we work.

After a year and a half of packing it around it developed a problem with the input PCB ( circuit board )that caused volume levels to drop by 2/3rds at first and then to go away. Found that hanging a set of keys on the input line at the input end got around that for the rest of that show.
Called Carvin for a replacement input PCB and found that they won't sell the PCB but will sell you the individual components of the PCB. You may also ship them the amp (cost approx. $100.00 round trip) and pay them $50.00 to repair it. They did send me the schematic to help.

Was pleased with this until the input problem

Buy something you have a chance to repair easily. Carvin doesn't appear to it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I didn't buy it myself, but it is in the room where we practice with out band.

There is not really much to like. Execpt for the pre-equalizer, this is reallt nice and easy to use.

The volume is not that good. It has 160watts, but I know a lot of amps with much less watts that still go louder. Also the volume doesn't get any louder after about 6. And the compressor is really bad!! It sounds awfull as it cut's in way to much. And the tweeter sound is terrible, and you can't do anything about it.


The construction is pretty solid.

I would not recomend this combo to anyone who needs some volume and quality.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought it direct from the Carvin catalog for somewhere around four hundred.

Great for practicing in small spaces with the band. Cuts through enough and works well with you if you have a EQ on your axe.

Sounds terrible after the volume is passed five or so, and also doesn't become much louder after that point. This makes it difficult to play shows with, especially if your guitarist has any kind of concert equipment.(Stacks and such)
Also goes insane if you have any kind of grounding problem with your bass or pedals. The speaker shakes in the cab and produces an awful sound.

Came well packaged and has an impressive look. Can take a few hits, also.

Ok for small jam spaces, awful for bigger than tiny shows.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

First of all, I wanted a good quality bass for an accesible price and a good number of watts, I needed at least a good 100 watter for my gigs.I found this great amp at carvins' web page retailing at $400 and with a wattage of 160 at 8 ohms fully bridge, of course I fell for it.I bought it directly from carvin at their san diego store/showroom in sale for $366 with taxes.The store is not to big, but considering is just their products (carvin) they have a ton of things, the staff is very friendly, they speak spanish (as my parents) and they even let me try the amp with my choice of the many custom basses they have...cool!!

When I recieved the amp (in the box) I was surprised how light it was, considering the power. At home when I plugged it I inmediatley felt the punchiness and clarity of the amp; plus it has a compressor and a noise gate wich is elemental for my band when it comes to practicing (noise is a "stressed out" band worst enemy). Anyway, some other features include 5 band EQ (adjustable) pre-shaping (low,mid's and high's). The slapping noise is very nice because of the addition of a tweeter which has an ajustable pad in the rear of the amp for individual adjustment.
It has effect loop inputs (for my POD), headphone jack (practicing) and other speaker outputs at 4ohm's each.

I really can't think of something that I didn't like...

Well, it's very light, it's made out of poplar wood(7 ply laminated), and covered with duratuff II black carpet, which looks kind of durable and it's quite comfy when you sit on it to practice...absolute satisfaction

Overall it's a great amp with lots of power and clarity ,not to mention punch!
Looks durable, versatile and it has a cool metal grill in front...You should check out carvin and there other awesome products...

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com