Guitars

There were some minor changes in Carvin's guitar lineup for 1963, but nothing dramatic.  The doubleneck models had redesigned bodies, and several models had a new electronics control layout.  Also, the famous Bigsby vibrato was added as an option on most models.  Despite the changes in the solid-body guitar line, the steel guitars remained unchanged.

1963 Basses 1963 Guitar Amps 1963 Bass Amps

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The Model #63-SGB (left) was similar to the #62-SGB from the previous year, but it had one obvious and significant change - the addition of an optional Bigsby vibrato.  This would be the first Carvin to offer a Bigsby, and would begin a tradition of these vibratos being used that would last into the 1970's.  The other obvious change from the '62 model was the reconfiguration of the electronics.  Instead of dual volume and tone controls, the #63-SGB had a master tone and volume control, with on/off switches for each pickup.  As in 1962, the body wood was specified as "genuine hardwood", with a 19 fret, 25 1/8" scale maple neck with rosewood fingerboard.  The #63-SGB sold for $159.90, and the optional Bigsby vibrato was $39.90.  Carvin's own Guitar Vibro could also be used, and it was $19.50.

The Model #32-SGB (right) was unchanged from 1962.  It had the same electronics configuration and other features as the previous year's model.  It was shown with Carvin's Guitar Vibro (inset), but could also be ordered with a Bigsby vibrato.  The #32-SGB sold for $119.90, and the Guitar Vibro or Bigsby was the same price as on the #63-SGB.  It could also be ordered as the #42-SGB, which had non-adjustable A-1 pickups.  The price on teh #42-SGB was $99.90.

As in 1962, the model #11-SGB (left) was Carvin's entry-level electric guitar for 1963, and it was unchanged from the previous year.  It was based on the #63-SGC, but with a single AP-6 adjustable pickup, and single volume and tone controls.  All other aspects were the same.  The model #11-SGB sold for $79.90, and was also available as the model #22-SGB, which had a single, non-adjustable A-1 pickup, and sold for $69.90.  Neither the Bigsby vibrato or Guitar Vibro were offered on this model.

The model #10-LSGB guitar (right) was the same as the #32-SGB, in a left-handed version, and was unchanged from 1962.  It sold for $139.90.  The Guitar Vibro was offered on this model, for an additional $19.50.

Both of Carvin's doubleneck models were redesigned for 1963.  Primarily, the bodies were redesigned to more closely match the solid-body guitars, which meant the outward point on the upper waist (similar to the #1-MB mandolin) was removed.  The electronics configuration on both was changed, also - instead of 2 volume and 2 tone controls with a 3-way pickup selector switch, these new models had a master volume and master tone control with an on/off switch for each pickup, which meant any combination of the 3 pickups could be used at the same time.

The Model #1-MS (left) had the same features as the Model #32-SGB guitar and #1-MB mandolin.  It sold for $229.90, and was also offered as the #2-MS, which had non-adjustable A-Series pickups, and sold for $199.90.  The Bigsby vibrato was offered on the guitar neck for an additional $39.90.

The Model #4-BS (right) had the same features as the #32-SGB guitar and the #72-BG bass.  The #4-BS sold for $229.90, and the #5-BS (without adjustable pickups) sold for $199.90.  The Bigsby vibrato was also offered on this model.

Carvin continued it's steel guitar tradition in 1963, offering  single and doubleneck models, in 6 and 8 string configurations.  Additionally, they offered a full line of accessories, including legs, cases and string changers.

The Model #6DHG-5B and #8DHG-6B (right) were Carvin's entry-level models for 1963, and were unchanged from 1962.  Both were constructed of maple, with plastic fretboard, molded nut and bridge, ivory tuners and single AP-6 or AP-8 adjustable pickup with volume, treble and bass controls.  The model #6DHG-5B 6-string sold for $49.90, and was also available as the #6DHG-6B, with non-adjustable pickup, for $39.90.  The model #8DHG-5B 8-string sold for $69.90, and was available as the #8DHG-6B, with non adjustable pickup, for $59.90.

The Model #80-B (left) and it's 6-string counterpart, the Model #60-B were Carvins upscale single-neck models for 1963.  It was similar in design to the DHG series, but had the 3-position tone changer (note the lever on the bridge) that allowed the guitar to be instantly retuned to A, E or Cm7.  The model #80B sold for $129.90, and the 6-string #60B sold for $99.90.

The model #C8806-D (right) was a double-8 steel guitar, that had the 3-position changer on the outer neck.  Construction & materials were the same as other Carvin steel guitars.  The #C8806-D with adjustable AP series pickups sold for $179, and the #C8806-E, with non-adjustable pickups, sold for $159.90.  There were some other variants available, such as the #C8806-SF, which had two tone changers on 8-string necks, and the #C6806-SF, which was a 6-string/8-string doubleneck with tone changers on each neck.

The model #6606-B (far left) and the model #8806-B (near left) were essentially the same as the #C8806-D, without the 3-position changer.  The #6606-B double-six with adjustable AP-series pickups sold for $89.90, and the #8806-C with A-1 non-adjustable pickups sold for $75.00.  The #8806-B double-eight was $119.90, and the A-2 equipped #8806-C sold for $99.90.