Guitars

Quite a few things happened in 1992.  The catalog photography was basically the same style, but a new headstock design necessitated new pictures of the complete line.  New options and standard features were added, including colored pickups, Sperzel locking tuners and a quick-release arm for the Carvin-licensed Floyd Rose tremolo.   The LS-175 was discontinued after only one year, and the long-running DC150 was retired...more or less.

1992 Basses

1992 Guitar Amps

1992 Bass Amps

The SH body style (below) was no longer standard on the DC145, but it was still offered as an option on any DC200-style guitar.  Also, the DC150 was officially retired, but the DC150 body was offered as an option on other DC200-bodied guitars.  The guitar below is actually considered a DC127, with the "DC" option.

The Kahler Pro tremolo was also offered again, and the new standard bridge was the FT6.

Also in 1992, quilted maple tops were added to the available list of wood options.  This one feature would prove to be one of the most popular optional items Carvin would offer.

 1992 Carvin Catalog Cover
1992 Carvin Guitars

1992 Carvin Guitar FeaturesThe addition of Sperzel locking tuners meant that a locking nut was no longer needed on guitars equipped with tremolos.  These were available in gold, black and chrome, and could also be purchased separately.

1992 Carvin PickupsIn addition to the M22N, M22T and M22SD, a new pickup was added for 1992, the M22V.  This pickup was designed for the neck position, and had a sound similar to a '59 PAF.
1992 Carvin DC125 Guitar

The DC125 (left), like all Carvins in 1992, got a new headstock shape.  As in 1991, the body was poplar, with rock maple neck-thru construction and ebony fingerboard with MOP dot inlays.  Base price on the DC127 remained $469, or $569 with Carvin Floyd Rose tremolo.  The HC10 case was $70.

The DC125 in the catalog was Ferrari Red, with Carvin Floyd Rose tremolo, red M22SD pickup and black hardware.

Except for the new headstock and FT6 bridge, the DC127 was unchanged from 1991, although the M22N pickup was replaced with the new M22V.  The DC127 remained priced at $519, or $619 with tremolo.

The catalog showed a DC127 in Electric Green with black hardware and Carvin Floyd Rose tremolo, and one in Sapphire Blue with black hardware and FT6 fixed bridge.

 1992 Carvin DC127 Guitar

The DC135 (above) was unchanged, using the same electronics and construction of it's predecessor.  The base price of the DC135 held at $569, or $669 with tremolo.

The catalog photo showed a DC135 with tung-oiled koa neck & body, Carvin-licensed Floyd Rose tremolo, and gold hardware.

The Ultra V and X220 remained unchanged (except for the new headstocks), and was given a similar two-page spread as in 1991.  The X220 also got coil splitters as a standard option for this year.  This was the last full year either model would be offered, although the Ultra V would still be in the 1st quarter catalog on 1993.   Base price on the Ultra V was unchanged at $529, or $629 with tremolo.  The X220 was also priced the same, at $569, or $669 with tremolo.  The HC19 hardshell case for either was $80.

1992 Carvin DC120 & DC200 Guitars

The DC200 (near left), DC120 (far left) and DC400 (right) were essentially the same as 1991, although the DC400 got the new M22V pickup in the neck position, and an M22T in the bridge position.  Base price on the DC200 was still $669 ($769 with tremolo), and the DC120 rose slightly to $769.  The DC400 dropped to $1099 ($1199 with tremolo).

The catalog showed the DC120 in black with gold hardware, DC200 in gloss koa with gold hardware, and the DC400 was shown in Emerald Green on quilted maple with tremolo, reverse headstock and gold hardware, and flamed Sapphire Blue with tremolo and black hardware.

 1992 Carvin DC400 Guitar
1992 Carvin DC145 Guitar

The DC145 (left) changed significantly in 1992.  It no longer sported the "SH" rounded body option as a standard feature.  The reverse headstock was still standard, but a standard headstock could be ordered.  Electronics consisted of black pickups - an M22V, M22T and H60N.  Base price on the DC145 was unchanged at $599, or $699 with tremolo.

The catalog showed a DC145 in Jet Black with black hardware and tremolo, and in Pearl Blue with black hardware, tremolo, an optional inline headstock.

The DN612 (right) & DN640 (not shown) were unchanged from 1991, but the 12-inline headstock was dropped.  Traditional headstocks were standard, but 6-string inline headstocks, as well as 4-string bass inline headstocks, were offered.  As in previous years, only the DN612 was shown, not the DN640 or DN440.  The price remained the same, at $1399 for any model, Plus $90 for the HC15 case.

The DN612 shown in the catalog was Jet Black with chrome hardware.

1992 Carvin DN612 Doubleneck Guitar
1992 Carvin Swag

For a number of years, Carvin had been offering a wide variety of swag, which continues to this day.  Customers could choose from a variety of tee shirts, jackets and caps, so they could show their love for their Carvin gear!