 Basses
1996 was a big year for
Carvin. This year marked their 50th anniversary, as well as a
move to a new factory. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary,
an Anniversary model guitar and bass were added to the lineup.
Click on each picture for a larger
version.
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The LB20 and LB70 remained
the same as the past four years, and the catalog showed new versions
of these basses. The only significant change was the switch back
to Carvin premium tuners, due to availability problems with Sperzel.
The base price of the LB20 dropped $10
to $569 and the LB70 remained the same as '95 at $629. The
HC17 ABS case for either model was $78, and the HC18 vintage tweed
hardshell case for either model was $98, although the HC17 was offered
for free with $80 in options on any bass.
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The BB75 saw a minor
cosmetic change in '96. Gone was the engraved truss rod cover,
and it was replaced with Bunny's signature on the headstock.
This also took affect on the BB70.
The LB75 was unchanged for this
year, with the exception of the Carvin premium tuners.
The inset photo also shows another new
option for Carvin basses, the 5-piece neck, in several combinations of
wood, which made for a much stronger, more stable neck.
Prices on the BB75 and LB75 were the
same as '94, at $799 and $699. The new BB70 had a base
price of $729. The HC17 ABS case
for either model was $78, and the HC18 vintage tweed hardshell case
for either model was $98.
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The LB76 had the same change to the
tuners as the other models, but was otherwise unchanged. The
base price on this model stayed the same at $799, and the available
cases were the same as the other models.
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In celebration of Carvin's
50th anniversary, the LB76A (pictured), the LB75A and LB70A
were introduced. These were arguably the finest basses Carvin
ever offered, and had features only available on this model, in
addition to many "standard" features that were considered
options on other models. The 3-piece body was made from alder,
with a thin layer of Koa in the middle, and a flamed or optional
quilted maple top. The matching headstock, midrange boost
control, and 5-piece neck were standard, as was fully rounded body
edges, which was a new option for LB series basses.
Prices on these models were $1059
(LB70), $1129 (LB75) and $1229 (LB76).
The HC17 ABS case for either model was
$78, and the HC18 vintage tweed hardshell case for either model was
$98.
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The AC40 and AC50 were
reduced in price slightly from their introductory prices to $699 for
the AC40 (from $709),
and $769 for the AC50 (from $789). Also, black LaBella
tapewound strings became standard on these models (bronze acoustic
strings were standard in 1995). Other than that, they were
unchanged.
The catalog showed an
AC40 in clear finish on spruce with traditional headstock and gold
hardware, and an AC50 in classic sunburst with body binding and chrome
hardware.
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