Mark Thomas' DC200

This is a very interesting and unusual vintage DC200 - in fact, it may be the only like this out there.  mark ordered this in 1984, and wanted the DC200 body shape, with the solid flamed maple body and neck of the DC160.  Carvin, of course, was able to accommodate his request, and the result is this stunning instrument.  Like the DC160 of that era, the body was solid flamed maple, not just a top as modern Carvins are.  The set neck is also flamed, and has an ebony fingerboard with abalone block inlays.  The headstock also has an inlaid Carvin logo, and the double diamond inlay that was used in the 1980s.  It had gold hardware, with a Kahler tremolo with locking nut.  Electronics consist of M22 pickups, with stereo wiring, coil splitters and phase switch.

Bob Triplett's DC200K

This is a very cool DC200.  Back in the 80's, Carvin used solid figured koa (versus a figured koa top) on their koa-bodied instruments, and this is a perfect example.  Additionally, it's had some special modifications.  Bob says: 

"The DC200k was ordered at the end of 1981 and showed up in Jan.'82. The options were the abalone block inlays and gold plated hardware, and of course the koa. It's true, the "stock" koa at that time was very nice and this guitar has what might be referred to today as a "flame koa" body. Two or three years ago I took it out to my shop and stripped 'er down to bare wood everywhere except the black on the headstock. I reshaped the body to a "contour style", and changed the shape of the neck to make it easier for me to get my thumb over the top. I used a product called Watco Oil (dark walnut) to finish, everywhere but the headstock which was rubbed out and polished back to a high gloss. More recent changes include the black C22N and B humbuckers, new volume pots, and the black 5/8" control knobs. Great sound, great looks, what can I say, Its a Carvin!

The amp is '81 or '82. XV112E, and matching extension cab.  Three 12AX7's, four 6L6's, EV12L speakers.60/100 watt selector switch."

Bob also has a really nice new TL60 - check it out right here.

Michael Reif's DC200K

This is the epitome of an early 80's Carvin guitar.  It appears to be in excellent shape, although the M22 pickups that were standard in the 1980's were swapped out with a pair of custom hand-wound Tom Anderson humbuckers.  Additionally, the original plastic knobs were replaced with metal dome knobs - a fairly common occurrence.

What makes this DC200K especially interesting is where Michael found it - in Costa Rica, where he lives.  If this guitar could talk, it would probably have all sorts of interesting stories to tell!

 

Dan Chase's DC200

Here's an unusual and nice DC200 from 1981.  What makes this one interesting is the custom cherry refinish that Dan did, as well as the chrome pickup cover which add a touch of class.  Dan says:

"I purchased my DC200 new in 1981 when I was 16 years old for the "kingly" sum of $540 (a lot of money for a kid)! As you are probably well aware of, 1981 was the first year for the DC200. I originally saw the ad for it in Guitar Player magazine and was immediately fascinated. I knew I had to have one and soon started saving my pennies, eventually getting enough money to place that fateful order. The only color options at the time were black and natural, so I opted for black.

The DC200 was my only guitar for 15 years, but by 1996 time had taken it's toll. The top and back were basically mauled and the electronics were shorting out. I had to put it into temporary retirement status while I considered my options. The first step was to get new pickups. I tried replacing the original M22's with new Carvin M22's, but the design had clearly changed (more magnets that were placed in different positions) and it didn't sound the same to me. I tried Seymour Duncan pickups (Model '59-neck/Pearly Gates-bridge) but I wasn't thrilled with them either. Finally I decided to try Carvin's C22 pickups. I decided to put nickel plated covers on them, mainly for aesthetic reasons, and pirated the pole screws off the Seymour Duncan's. The DC200 finally sounds excellent again and I have regained the sonic nirvana I remembered so fondly.

The next step was to refinish the body. I couldn't find anyone to do it so I decided to do it myself. I basically sanded the top and back flat, leaving the original black finish everywhere else. Underneath I discovered a beautiful hard rock maple body. It was a shame to hide it, so I chose to give it a translucent finish. After sanding it down I tinted the body with "black cherry" colored stain and clear coated it with 7 layers of polyurethane, finally buffing it to a brilliant shine. I decided to add the Schaller fine tuner bridge, which is fitting since the original bridge was also made by Schaller. New knobs and strap locks round off my custom job."

Dan also has a nice blue-covered X60-A amplifier - see it right here.
Randy Stagg's DC200K

This is a great example of an 80's era Carvin DC200 - in this case, a 1984 model.  It's fully loaded, with gold hardware, abalone block inlays and Kahler tremolo.  At the time it was produced, this was Carvin's top of the line model, and this is a beautiful example.