Guitars

Although the guitar models were the same as 1981, there were some new options to get excited about - specifically, the addition of red or white finishes, which were proudly displayed on the '82 catalog cover.  Additionally, the DC160 was shown in curly maple, versus the flamed maple of the previous two years.

Click each picture for a larger version.

The photography in 1982 started to take a turn from the blue-background, utilitarian photos to more artsy photos - a reflection of what was happening with Carvin's guitars, as well.  Although some catalog photos were carried over from 1981, the new photographs showed the direction that the marketing department was moving in.

The DC200 series of guitars entered it's 2nd year of production in 1982.  As in 1981, it was offered in standard finishes, as well as koa.  In those days, koa models were actually given their own model specification, rather than koa simply being an option to a standard model - so, in this case, this is a DC200K (left).  Although koa used in the 80's was not necessarily considered "figured", the abundance of the wood meant that better looking pieces were used.  The model shown at the left is considered "standard" koa, but actually has very nice grain - better than a lot of the koa used today.

The DC200 Koa came standard with chrome hardware, MOP dot inlays, stereo wiring and the same electronics of the DC160.  Gold hardware was a $50 option, and abalone block inlays were a $60 option.  The base price of the DC200K was $460, and the HC11 hardshell case was $60.

The DC200 was also available in standard finishes, including new-for-1982 red or white, or the existing black or clear finishes.  Abalone block inlays were standard on the ebony fingerboard, but MOP dots could be ordered as well.  Chrome hardware was standard, and the same electronics of the DC200 Koa and DC160 Stereo were utilized, including stereo wiring.  Gold hardware was an additional $50, and MOP dot inlays reduced the price by $40.  The base price of the DC200, in clear, red, white or black, was $495, and the HC11 hardshell case was $60.

It was also available as the DC120 12-string guitar, which had a base price of $495.

The DC100 was also showing off the new colors for 1982.  This was considered Carvin's "entry level" guitar, and did not have the stereo wiring, coil splitters or phase switch of the DC160 models.  Other than that, it was the same instrument, sporting the same quality and construction of it's siblings.  It was constructed of hard rock maple, with clear finish, or red, white or black finishes.  The upscale options of the DC160 (abalone block inlays, gold hardware) were not offered.  A left-handed model was also unavailable.  Base price of the DC100 was $319, and the HC10 hardshell case was $60.

The DC150, which was displayed using the same photos from 1981, split the difference between the DC100 and DC160.  Material and finishes were the same as the DC100, but the upgraded stereo electronics and options mirrored the DC160.  Additionally, a maple fingerboard was offered.  As in other instruments of the time, it had 3 different model designations - the DC150BE, which had a black finish and ebony fingerboard, and sold for $435; the DC150 CM, which had a clear finish and maple fingerboard and sold for $415; and the DC150CE, which had a clear finish and ebony fingerboard, and sold for $435.  Red or white finishes were an additional $20, and gold hardware was available for $50.  A left-handed model was offered, at $30 additional to the model desired, and natural koa was also offered for an additional $40.  The HC10 case was $60.

Also unchanged from 1981 were the CM130 (left) and CM140 (right).  These Les Paul-style singlecuts were essentially the same instrument, with the CM140 offering stereo wiring and abalone block inlays, while the CM130 was mono with MOP dot inlays.  They had the same options, at the same prices, as the DC150.  The CM130CE and CM130BE were $395, and the CM130CM was $375.  The CM140CE and CM140BE were $485 (a "CM" model was not offered) and a left-handed version was $515.  The HC10 case for any of these was $60.

The SH225, made by Hofner for Carvin, was basically unchanged for 1982. The one exception was the addition of fine-tuners on B6 bridge/tailpiece (making it an FTB6).  By 1984, the B6 and FTB6 would become the standard hardtail bridges on all Carvin guitars.  Standard features on this semi-hollow electric were dual M22 pickups, dual volume and tone controls, pickup selector switch, ebony fingerboard, abalone block inlays and natural finish.  Also offered was the SH225S, which featured stereo wiring, and coil and phase switches.  Gold hardware was an addition $50, and a black laminated pickguard could be added for $15.  Base price on the SH225 was $620, and the SH225S was $670.  The HC18 form-fitted hardshell case was $79.