Carvin’s serialization is sequential, but there appears to be no logical order in the way they are assigned. A TL60 built in 2002 has a serial number of 63663 while a Bolt built in 2000 has a serial number of 82398, and an LB70 bass built in 1998 has a serial number of 63094. The VIN 1LNHM17 decodes to a 2004 Lincoln Town Car with a 4.6L V8 SOHC 16V engine. This VIN decoder can decode most makes and models from the 1950s through modern day.

Okay, I have now tried SWR (current), Mesa Boogie (current), Trace Elliot (early to mid 90's), Laney (1980's model), Hartke (current), Ampeg (current) and Carvin (current) bass amps. I still want to check out Gallien-Kruger before I make up my mind for good, but I think I'm going to go with Carvin. This is the set-up I played my 4001 through today at the Hollywood Carvin store: Head: 2 X 10 Cabinet: 1 X 18 Cabinet: This thing, solid state though it is, gave such a full, rich sound it made me smile instantly. The Ric growled and snarled with only a little provocation and, even though I only tried the 600 watt version of the 1200 head above, it was as loud and clean as I'll ever need.

And with just a couple of tweaks of the graphic EQ, I found MY sound. Now I just need to find the $1266.50. I primarily use a rack system (E.V. Q66 power amp; SWR Grand Prix preamp; Bag End 410 cab). However, I do have a Carvin Cyclops that I mainly use as a backup, or if I'm plugging up my upright.

It's got the R/L 600 head. It's really a great amp. I especially like the fact that it has a 15, two 10's, and a tweeter (similar concept to the old SWR Triad cabinets). Nice clean sound. If it were my primary amp, however, I'd prefer the R/L 1000 head.

I got this one used for a great price and couldn't pass it up. Bottom line is Carvin does make quality gear. Their guitar amps are very impressive also. 'Evening to All. While I realize the original intent of this thread was to find something bi-ampable, I would not rule out the B1500 head. While it is a mono amp, it has turned out to be remarkably even-toned and capable for me. And the reason I bought it was because I needed to have something capable every f%*$# time my SVT4-pro Ampeg was down with the flu.

Or in St Louis. Aside from ohmage problems with a single-channel amp (in my 4-piece band, I use four 4-ohm cabs.no good with a 2-ohm limit), this thing produces a remarkably sweet tone in our duo using two two 4-ohm cabs. There was little difference between it and my Ampeg, I thought. And I could have done more tweaking with the controls. Pepper seed riddim zippy.

Just something to keep in mind.and if you have a Carvin store nearby, all the better!! The thing with Carvin seems to be that they have ZERO snob appeal. There may be good ones and lame ones, but for the most part, the products in general seem to be of decent-or-above quality. My duo and band bud swears by the stuff. I think he may have messed around with the ohmage physics at times, but they were more than accomodating to fix the problem, he's said. Best and Cheers. I came across this thread and had to comment on Carvin amps.

I was 17 in 1975 and played an old 1957 Fender P-bass I found in some kid's basement. It was sanded of all finish so I put clear poly on it which it wears to this day.