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 Basses
1992 was the last year for the large 8½ X 11
catalog, published annually. The next year, the catalog would be smaller
in size, and would be published 4 times a year, allowing for the addition of
new models and options at various times of the year, versus just once a
year.
'92 would also see Sperzel locking tuners replace the Carvin-brand
tuners that had been in use for several years, and a new headstock design,
which allowed for straighter string pull, and was less Jackson-seque.
The H50B pickups were replaced with the new H50N, which provided a fuller tone
and extended top end. Finally, a new model with an extra string would be
added for multi-string enthusiasts, and a "mystery photo" would
suggest things to come...
You can click on each picture for a much larger
version.
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As in previous years, and year to come,
the LB20 and LB70 (left) were basically the same instrument,
with the LB20 being a passive bass and the LB70 being active.
These models, with their now-expanding features and options, remained
the same as '91.
Base price on the LB20 was $519, and
the LB70 was $599 - both of which were the same as '91. The HC17
hardshell case was $80.
The catalog photo showed an LB20F in
Classic White with black hardware, and an LB20 in Pearl Blue with
chrome hardware.
Cosmetically, the '92 LB75
(right) was almost the same as the current model. The major exception
was the 3 X 2 headstock, although the '91 5-inline headstock could be
ordered as an option.
The base price on the LB75 was $669, a
slight increase over '91.
The catalog photo showed an LB75F with
fretlines, koa body wings and gold hardware, and an LB75 in Jet Black
with black hardware.
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1992 would see a completely new model
added to the line up. This was the LB76 (left), Carvin's first
6-string bass. This featured the same string spacing as the
LB75, making the transition from 5 strings to 6 relatively
easy. This was the first Carvin bass to show
a quilted maple top, versus the AAA flamed maple tops that had been
shown in previous years. Interestingly, quilted maple was not
listed in the available options in the '92 catalog.
The base price of the LB76 was $799,
and it was available with all the options of Carvin's other basses,
including lefty and fretless versions.
The catalog showed an LB76 in clear
quilted maple with gold hardware and matching headstock, and an LB76
in Sapphire Blue on flamed maple with black hardware and matching
headstock.
All three doublenecks were
still available, but wouldn't be for much longer. And, as in
previous years, only the DN612 (right) was shown, not the DN640 or
DN440. The 12-inline headstock was dropped, although an inline
headstock could be ordered on the 6-string neck. The base price
for all 3 models remained the same as '91, at $1399. |
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An interesting photo was shown on the bass endorser
page. Without fanfare, Carvin was announcing it's first-ever
signature instrument (the Holdsworth guitar was still 4 years
away). This was the BB75, created in conjunction with longtime
Carvin endorser and bassist extraordinaire Bunny Brunel. And what you see on the left is
all there was regarding this model. A picture, and a request to
call for more information. Clever marketing ploy, or was it just
not ready for production when the catalog went to press? You
decide. Either way, it was an unusual introduction for an
instrument that was destined to become one of Carvin's most popular
models.
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