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Basses
Not much changed for 1997, after
the major changes of '96. Prices remained constant, and many of the
catalog photos were the same.
Click 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 used the same photos
as in the '96 catalog.
The base prices of both these models
remained the same, at $569 and $629. The
HC17 ABS case for either model was $78, and the HC18 vintage tweed
hardshell case for either model was $108, although the HC17 was
offered for free with $80 in options on any bass.
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The BB75 was also
unchanged for '97, as was the BB70, which was still not
pictured.
The LB75 was unchanged as well.
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 & '95, 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 $108.
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The LB76 was also unchanged
for 1997, but the catalog had a new photo, showing the rounded body
side option that was introduced the previous year. The price on
the LB76 was unchanged at $799.
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The LB76A and it's 4 and
5-string counterparts were also unchanged, and despite the passing of
the 50th anniversary, the model continued to thrive.
Prices on these models went up
slightly, to $1129
(LB70), $1199 (LB75) and $1299 (LB76).
The HC17 ABS case for either model was
$78, and the HC18 vintage tweed hardshell case for either model was
$108.
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The AC40 and AC50 were now a year old, and
going strong. Options and features were unchanged, but they did
get a new catalog photo, showing in particular the Koa headstock
overlay that was available.
The base price on the AC40 was $699,
and the base price on the AC50 was $769. The HC18 was the
only case available for these models.
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Although Carvin had offered a wide range
of guitar and bass parts for many years, including necks, pickups,
electronics and hardware, in 1997, a complete kit was offered for the
first time. Three kits, actually - the BK4 passive 4-string kit,
the BK4A active 4-string kit, and the BK5A active 5-string kit.
These kits were comprised of the same parts used to make the B4 and B5
basses, and included everything needed to build a totally unique
instrument. All the routing and drilling was done at the
factory, making it very easy for the hobbyist to assemble.
Chrome hardware and H50N stacked humbuckers were standard, and
fretless necks and black or gold hardware could be optionally added.
The price on the BK4 was $339, the BK4A
was $399, and the BK5A was $449, and these prices would remain the
same for the next 5 years (at least). |
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