 |
Basses
1998 saw a few significant changes,
including 2 new models, the B4 & B5. The Hipshot bridge was
now standard on all electric models, and the 2-Tek bridge was
available on some models with rounded body sides (all but the LB20,
BB75 & lefthanded models). The new 501B electronics
models featured active/passive modes, and the mid-range boost control
was standard.
Click each picture for a larger
version.
|
|
This year, Carvin introduced
a bass for Everyman - the B4. This was an entry-level,
bolt neck bass, but what made this stand apart from other bolt basses
was that it was offered with all the options and features of Carvin's
high-end models. Most other manufacturers only offered a handful
of colors, and maybe chrome or black hardware, but with the B4, and
it's 5-string counterpart, the B5, you could choose from over
20 colors, plain, flame or figured tops, black, chrome, or gold
hardware, active or passive electronics, and much more.
The B4 started at a very reasonable
$469, and the B5 started at $599. The HC17 ABS case
for either model was $78, and the HC18 vintage tweed hardshell case
for either model was $108.
|
 |
 |
The LB20 and LB70 sported
the new Hipshot bridge, as well as new active electronics on the
LB70. Colors, woods and most everything else remained the same
as '97.
The base prices of the LB20 was $579,
and the LB70 was $649. 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 any Custom Shop order.
The LB75 was unchanged as
well, except for the new electronics and Hipshot bridge.
The price on the LB75 was $719. The HC17 ABS case
for either model was $78, and the HC18 vintage tweed hardshell case
for either model was $108. The free HC17 was also available for
free with any Custom Shop order.
|
|
|
 |
The LB76 (left) was also unchanged,
with the exception of the items noted on the LB70 & LB75, and the catalog had a new
photo for these models.
The price on
the LB76 was unchanged at $819, and it had the same case options as
the other models.
The BB70 (right) finally got some
representation, alongside the BB75. These models also
sported the new features that were available on the LB series basses
(with the exception of the 2-Tek bridge).
The base price on the
BB70 was $749,
and the base price on the BB75 was $819. The case options were
the same as the LB series basses.
|
|
|
|
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 go strong.
Prices on these models were also
unchanged from 1997, at $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.
The AC40 and AC50
continued to make their mark, and were unchanged for 1998.
The prices and case options on these
models were unchanged from the previous year.
|
 |
|
