Carvin Legacy Combo

I bought this amp new in 2001 and really loved the tone. I play classic rock primarily, some heavier stuff and also blues and it does well across the board, although it takes really hot pickups to shred.

It's a good, all tube, 2-channel amp that certainly captures the Vai vibe for soloing. Unline complaints I read on reviews before I made the purchase I don't feel it's a one-trick pony; I've found it works well for rhythm, and the clean sound is outstanding.

Major gripes are the reverb spring is pretty whimpy, my previous amp was a Fender Princeton Chorus and I really miss that reverb. Another gripe is, since it's tough to hear the reverb on stage, I wish the footswitch had LEDs.

Another HUGE gripe - no master volume. This amp is LOUD! It's a 100W 2x12 combo, and it has a 50W switch to run at half power, yet I still need a power brake to play practices with my drummer and bassist. A master volume would allow you to get the same nice distortion without the high volume (something they've recently added to the new Legacy II and V3 amps). Without the break you can't get the full dynamics at low volumes.

Just figured I'd talk a bit about this amp since I recently did a review of my Carvin CT6M (which I love by the way), but I think down the road I'd like the full featured V3 from Carvin, or possibly a Mesa Boogie. But this is a great amp.

I use this amp primarily with my Carvin CT6M with Paul Reed Smith Dragon pickups. It sounds great with both the Carvin and my Paul Reed Smith, I also play with a Fender HM Strat (shredder with high output Seymour Duncans). When I play my Fender American Standard Strat it does great bluesy bite, but if I want more I need to use stomp boxes to get there with the lower output single coils. My Strat with EMG David Gilmour pickups wails nicely though, as do the higher output Seymour Duncans on my Mexi-Strat.

Overall I love the sound of this amp, which is why I lug the heavy beast for shows in favor of much lighter amps.

**Just remembered I retubed this amp with Groove Tubes before ever hearing the standard tubes, so keep that in mind when considering the high marks for sound. See reliability comments for an explanation.

I've owned this amp since 2001 and have been using it constantly, at least twice a week, and so far I haven't so much as retubed it.

I will mention it had a cracked power tube when it first arrived from Carvin, most likely due to rough handling by UPS.

I had to deal with Customer Support upon receipt of my Legacy combo due to a cracked power tube, and they replaced it no questions asked as soon as I called. It was a bummer to have to wait for the tube, but once I had it I was a happy guy.

Actually, now that I think back, I got impatient and purchased Groove Tubes while waiting and replaced the power quartet along with the preamp tubes, so I suppose I should comment on that above under sound quality...

I've been playing 21 years and this was my first high quality tube amp. Before my Legacy I had only played solid state due to economics, but now that I've played it I don't know if I could ever buy a non-tube amp again.

I am very happy with my Carvin's sound, but with the new V3 and Legacy II available from Carvin I may be upgrading soon to get the additional features of 3 channels and a master volume.

Overall the main issues with this amp are:
1. No master volume
2. Weak reverb
3. Only 2 channels
4. HEAVY
5. LOUD!! (only a problem due to #1)

Two Channel 2X12 (celestion greenbacks) all tube combo amp. Switchable between 50 and 100 watts. Built in reverb (footswitchable on/off). Has effects loop. Very easy to use, self explanatory controls. Anybody could walk up to it cold and dial in a useable sound in about 30 seconds.

I play mostly Blues and rock. Humbuckers in my two main guitars. I was really suprised at how clean this amp was. The greenbacks give it a warm woody tone. It has an excellent stock distortion that I don't really use (I rely on my pedalboard) but I know I could in an emergency and not have a problem. It is capable of very thick distortion but notes are still clear. I've never dialed in a Steve Vai type of tone, but I'm not that type of player. As other reviewers have said this amp is EXTREMELY LOUD. I had to buy a smaller amp for my cover band because the bar scene just couldn't handle the volume on this thing. I use it exclusively for my original band and get nothing but compliments on my tone. I run a PRS custom 24 through a Radial Hot British and have used the dirty channel on the amp for a lead boost... until I got my Keeley Katana so I wouldn't have to mess with the Carvin footswitch. Good plain reverb. My only complaint with the sound is the Bass gets overpowering very quickly. I have to keep it just above noticeable and turn up both the treble and presence. Even then I opted to get a separate EQ pedal to boost the highs.

When I got it, I had to change the pre-amp tubes (they were the originals) because the volume was fading in and out. I haven't had an issue with it since.

Haven't needed to contact Carvin for any reason.

I've been playing for 16 years and this was my first Tube amp. I bought it because I got an incredible deal on it from a college kid who couldn't stand carrying it up and down the steps to his dorm room anymore. The amp is ridiculously heavy. I put a set of casters on it after a few gigs carrying back and forth to the car. I actually did injure myself getting it out of my trunk once. It got tangled in my cargo net and I hurt my back trying to free it. I didn't go out looking to get a Carvin but have been pleasantly suprised with how well this one has done for me. I thought when I bought it that the Greenbacks weren't the original speakers (since found out that they are) because they are only 25 watt speakers and the amp is capable of up to 100 watts. I've always kept it on 50 and it's so loud already. I don't think I've ever gotten the volume above 4. If it were stolen or lost I'd like to have another 2X12, but I'd probably save up for a more boutique amp with a little less power (and hopefully a little lighter too.) I got such a great deal on this I couldn't pass it up at the time. But overall I've been very happy with it and it's treated me well.

2008 model that is able to handle any musical style with full bodied tone. Very rich and very musical and very touch sensitive...Gilmore fans would love this amp and I used Hiwatts for years. Two channels but I only use the lead channel with the drive around 2-3. Effects loop works very well and the channel switching foot pedals is what you'd expect of a top quality amp. I use this amp in the studio and live. Switchable from 50 to 100 watts is nice but 50 is all I've ever needed. 100 watts would blow the balls off a charging rhino at 50 paces! I love the classic feel of the amp.

I have many different guitars with strats being my favorite. I use seymore duncan jr's in all positions or the Fender noiseless depending on the need of the song. Playing progressive rock (Floyd meets Rush) it is perfect...tone rich, something in the low mid styling of Hiwatt or Vox not the high mid styling of a Marshall, but is totally all original sounding. A very musical amp. The distortion or gain on this amp is all you'd ever need. Clean channel is like glass...thick bulletproof glass but glass...beautiful!

I've been using Carvin amps and guitars since the 80's and have never had any trouble with anything I've ever purchased...top of the line! If the amp ever went down I'd get another immediately! I didn't buy it because it was less expensive than other top of the line amps...I bought it because I liked it better than all the rest.

I've dealt with Carvin for over 20 years now and they have always treated me like gold! I've never had to have anything repaired so I guess the warranty could be lifetime on all their amps...I have three X-100B stacks, an MTS combo, a Nomad and this Legacy and have never had anything done to them except re-tubing them. And understand I tour and record for a living...my stuff has to work! It's how I pay the bills.

I've been playing for over 25 years and would get another if ever lost. Nothing else compares to it in my book.

This is my second 'go-round with a Legacy Combo.I sold my first one 4 years ago [Not sure why]. That one was a 2000 model. This one is a 2007.I am glad to have it back in my collection. One GREAT AMP!!This newer version seems better in the controls area.My last one would make huge volume swings between, say, volume 1 and moving up to 2.It was hard to practice at low volume. This has a much more gradual calibration.The clean channel is how I remember it...Fantastic! The best clean channel I have ever heard on any amp Vintage Fender,Boutique amp, what ever. The best clean hands down, and a beautiful spring reverb to match.I have a V3 head also, and it has a decent clean, but I wish that Carvin would have installed the Legacy Clean and reverb in that V3 amp.Then it would have been perfect!!On my old Legacy I was luke warm on the gain channel,but now I'm finally dialing in the EQ and I see just how damn nice that channel can be as well, especially just how good it makes all my single coil Strat's sound....Wish it did have a volume boost like the V3 does.

This is a great amp.No other like it out there with its original Vai voiced gain channel and absolutely great clean channel.I thought my V3 was my favorite Carvin amp, or my old X60 combo's or XT112, but this truly has to be the best Carvin amp ever.I still enjoy the ones listed above but this thing is superb!It is very sensitive and resposive to your picking or/finger attack and responds accordingly. Very cool.

Built like an absolute TANK!.Heavy, solid and very easy to see that it is quality built. My old one had 30watt greenbacks that just couldn't take the heat. These Vintage 30 60 watt Celestions are a big improvement.The amp looks great as well.This one was shipped from the factory with all Electro-Harmonix tubes?? Usually Carvin is exclusevly Groove Tubes.Well, I'm telling you I am now a big Electro Harmonix fan.They make this amp sing! Very warm great tube sound.I would love to see a single 12- 50watt version of the Legacy with a closed back cab.I hear there will be a Legacy 2 three channel amp coming soon from Carvin. Stay tuned!

Carvin has always treated me fair. No problems easy to deal with!!

I love this amp!! The best clean channel anywhere, bar-none!and a great over-drive/gain channel as well.The reverb is superb, and there is just that great warm/fuzzy feel from strings to amp that you only experience on a good tube amplifier. Vai got this thing right!I got a great deal used at $550 US in absolutely new condition!Hey at $1080 new from Carvin I'll gaurantee nothing can beat it.It will blow all those so-called 'high end'over-priced boutique amps [Matchless-orange/etc-etc], right out of the water, just like the V3 will.Carvin builds amazing stuff for the price$$, and this Canadian likes the fact it is built in the USA by our good neighbors down south in San Diego.I have many reliable Carvin products in my studio and more to come! I give this thing straight 10's because for the money paid it is an amazing deal!

The Legacy amp line was introduced in 1997, and was designed by Steve Vai. This is a simple and intuitive amp that is easy to use. The amp has two channels, but it is a welcome change from the 3 and 4 channel amps that are mostly useless. The combo comes with reverb, a bias selector, effects loop, and half-power switch (nothing out of the ordinary). The amp gets a seven in this category because it is a simple, easy to use amp that is not over the top in any way. This amp is LOUD! I have owned it for about five or six months.

I have a Jackson Dinky with a Seymour Duncan JB TB4 pickup that I use with the amp. I play progressive rock, metal, hard rock, etc. and the Legacy excels in these genres. This amp was made for lead guitarists. The amp features a smooth, saturated, articulate distortion that makes solos sound fantastic. That being said, I am not saying that the amp cannot achieve a solid rythm guitar sound. The amp sounds fine no matter what the settings are it seems. This amp can do metal sounds, depending on what your definition of "metal" is. The distortion is a bit too smooth for extreme genres though. The clean channel is amazing! I have it set up for a dark bassy sound, and I love it. I did not play clean often on other amps I have owned, but now that is changing thanks to this amp. The amp is not the most versatile around, and when the gain is turned up past eight there is a lot of feedback. Turning up the treble enhances this feedback and squeeling. This is to be expected with high gain amplifiers though. I would not change anything about this amp, I like the way it sounds.

This amp is very reliable as are all of Carvin's products. My amp has never broken down or had any serious problems. I have done nothing other than a tube change. The combo version of this amp is prone to tube rattle, so be conscious about this if you are thinking about buying one. My amp rattled so much (with the volume maxed), I had to change the tubes. I think this is to be expected with all tube combos.

Carvin is fantastic in terms of customer service. I have called them with questions about my order, and they were very kind and I did not wait long on the phone for an answer. The only problem I have with Carvin is that they are a mail order company, meaning if you want a repair, you have to send your amp to them to get it repaired (if you do not live close to a store). I ordered my amp and it took less than two weeks to get to my home in Eastern Canada (Carvin is located on the West Coast of California), and it was worth the wait.

This amp is all I have ever needed, and it has never failed me. I almost bought a Peavey JSX instead of this amp; I am glad I did not. I have only been playing for about four years, but this amp is one of the best I have played. I am so glad I got this amp, and I believe I will have it for a very long time.

Looking for good tone to your amp collection or just buying a new amp. Give the Carvin Legacy a try. The features on this amp is very basic, just the way I like it. Has two switchable independent channels:clean, overdrive, and a shared reverb. If your the type of guitarist who likes to run with an enclosed combo amp, you have the option to, I leave it open for more of an open sound.

The Carvin Legacy is what Steve Vai ever wanted in a guitar amp. It is very playable for a variety of music styles and it sounds better when it warms up, my Marshall JCM 900 can't even match it. I'm not going to say it's better then a Mesa, but it is warmer compaired to it and more affordable.

Now I'm a guitar player that has played for twelve years, can't say I play everything, but I like to mix it up. I have a variety of guitars: Gibson, Fender, and Jackson. Each guitar has it own sound, and they all are very pleasing to hear through the Carvin Legacy. Just to let you know this amp is very powerful!!! With lot's of headroom and everyone that shares the stage with you, will hear how clear this amp sounds.

Can't say did't have it long, but I bought the amp used and the original owner had it for three or five years with no problems.

Got it used.

This signature amp, I would buy again if it were stolen or faulty.
Another option I like is that you can interchange power tubes, that is a plus in a amp. The stock tubes are not the best, replaced it with Winged C EL 34's, JJ ecc83s pre-amp section, Mullard 12at7 (a.k.a. ecc81) in the phase inverter for more of a clean tone. This set up improved the amp sound buy so much. So if you are near a Carvin shop, drop by and try the Carvin Legacy...

Take some time to dial your sound.

A relatively simple amp considering some of the options that are out there. Depending on what you're looking for, that can be a good thing or a bad thing. In my contexts - solo jazz guitar, rockabilly and the single guitar in a hard rock band with bass and drums, it is perfect. Versatility may not be a strong suit of this amp - but it does what it does very well.

To my ears, the clean channel is the best I've ever heard. I've been playing semi-professionaly for 20 years.

"Clean" approaches how the channel could be described - other terms I use to describe clean channel: rich crystal, pure glass - pristine mountain lake...

I use the clean channel for solo jazz guitar (old brazilian style) and rockabilly.
When I bought this amp (almost three years ago) I had a number of musician friends over to compare it to a few other amps in the room. All were impressed by the Legacy's clean tone. The unanimous decision based on the the clean channel was "Get the Carvin".

Overdrive channel: I like the overdrive channel a lot when I'm the only guitar player in the given group. It has a very powerful mid-range sound - "big round balls" if you will. However, I've played in a band recently where limited versatility reared its head. The other guitarist played through a Mesa Boogie. The Mesa produces a crackling high end crunch that the Legacy cannot approach even with bass and mid turned all way the way down with treble and presence settings cranked... I'll say that I did feel some disappointment that the Legacy couldn't produce those highs... but again, when not 'A-B'ing against another product, in my usual context where I'm the only guitar player in the band (like the Van Halen tribute I've been part of) the amp produces plenty of highs on the foundation of awesome lows and mids making for a "brown sound" all its own - I don't know if you can create a grating tone with this amp... maybe that's a good thing...

My only other beef with the amp is that it is frickin' loud. It is a very loud 100 watts. There is a switch that allows you to bump the amp down to 50 watts, but in the times I've experimented with that switch, it doesn't seem to make too much of a difference (-4db is what it is supposed to do I think).

Anyway, I ended up buying a THD HotPlate in order to keep the amp at a reasonable stage volume - even playing a hard rock gig I was told to turn down the stage volume on this thing (from a setting of '3') which would've really removed the balls of my sound - the HotPlate is a real value to make a loud amp like this function at a reasonable volume.

I had to return the first Legacy I received due to a volume fluctuation problem. Carvin immediatly corrected the problem. They sent me a new amp that has been perfectly reliable over the last three years.

Carvin support was courteous and responsive.

Well, I've had this amp for about a year now so I thought I would give my 2 cents. Has just about everything I could want in an amp. Two channels, effects loop, reverb, and that great tube warmth. I do wish it had a second effects loop.

I play a Ibanez Rg-550 with Tone Zone bridge and Paf Pro neck, a Ibanez Rg-1570 with Evos, a Chavel with a EMG81 bridge, and a Fender Strat YJM stock. This amp is not noisy, but I do run a NS-2 in my chain because my Strat pickyups have such a low output, that I have to run a Rat distortion to play any type of heavy metal music. I also run a BBC stomp through the effects loop to mold my sound. With this amp I can play any style of music, depending on how you set up your amp. The only thing dislike about this amp is, the clean chanel breaks up at around 4, but so did the Fender HotRod Deville I played before I bought this amp. If any one says they can't did that Steve Vai sound with this amp, doesn't know how to set it up or they are using the wrong guitar.

Never had a problem.

Never had a problem with the amp, but I did call they to ask about tube replacement. Extremly helpful, said I should talk to JJ Tubes, and gave me thier number and web site. Hats off to thier customer support, in my case.

I've been playing for about 25 years, and this is my first tube amp. I'm very happy with it. I spent so much time shopping, looking for an amp that would fill most of my needs and this one does it. For the price it's hard to beat. Before I bought this amp, I tried a Fender HotRod, Peavey JSX and XXX, Laney, Marshall, Mesa, VHT. All good or great amps depending on the sound your looking for and how deep your pockets are. If any thing happend to this amp, I would get another one.

Two channels, reverb, all tube switchable from 100 to 50 watts.

Very versatile sound. Very clean amp.

I am a steve Vai fan..
This is the first time I have played an "Artist endorsed" amplifier that actually sounds like the artist.
I can play my Ibanez with the DiMarzio evolutions through this, it sounds like Vai.

Love it.

Hasnt broken down yet!

Carvin is fantastic other than the inflated prices from replacement Chicken Head Knobs.

5 bucks a piece plus shipping and handling...

I guess they need to make profit some where, the amps are priced so weel I cant imagine they make too much on them.

Best Amp I have ever owned.. I have been through Boogies, Marsalls, Fenders, Peaveys, and ever at one point a Tube Works.

This is the best amp I have owned..
I would say it sounds like a modded Marshall... put a Tube screamer in front of it and its the best thing since sliced bread.

Steve Vai Legacy combo. 100 watts switchable to 50. This amp is all tube with reverb. EL34's or 6L6's may be used. Clean chanel has a brite switch. Seprate tone controls for clean and dirty channel. Presence knobs for each channel with shared reverb knob. Footswitch has channel select and reverb on/off. Combo comes with celestions. Removable back panel to make it a closed back or open back...VERY useful feature.

I use a 1985 Alder bodied PRS bolt-on with Duncan 59's in the bridge and a tapped Duncan stagmag in the neck for the single coil sound. I also own a late 80's EMG 81 equipped Les Paul Standard and a 1995 PRS custom 22 with the stock dragon 2's. The neck pickup in the custom 22 is also tapped. I use this amp for all my band's clean tones believe it or not. I have two early Mesa dual rectifiers but more on that later. The clean tone on this amp is totally UNDERRATED! I have read very little regarding it's incredible clarity and massive headroom. Regarding the clean channel: the frequency response is excellent! I tune down to "C" and the amp completly covers the sound with no problems whatsoever. I have a rack unit for delay effects only and this amp KILLED my Mesa Tremoverb combo for this type of thing. It was louder and clearer and WAY more articulate. Note distinction is glassy and clear. The amp seems to LOVE effects. Highs where sparkly ans shimmering and mids where musicle and compatible with all of my guitars. I really cant say enough about the AWSOME clean channel! SUPERB! The dirty is...well...dirty! I do leads with this because the open back allows for more mids to jump through. I have this at home as my practice amp and it is LOUD LOUD LOUD! I am not a huge fan of the dirty channel for rythem. I have the recto head for all of that. When I compared the two running through my recto 412, the dirty was too "loose" and lacked the "focus" that the Mesa's are known for. It seems like guys who want the recto tone just need to buy a recto and be done with it! Guys who want more or want to sound unique should investigate this amp. The tone knobs do a lot. They have a wide sweep and can really change the sound drasticly. This is a good thing if you use multiple guitars on stage. It took a while to dial in a usable sound but I learned the sweet spots just like when I bought my first Mesa. For the clean sounds, both my PRS guitars have tapped neck position pickups and the sound is crystle clear. Lets face it, if you want a strat sound, BUY A STRAT! If you want your humbucker equipped chunky guitar to sound clean this mod paired with the Vai Legacy is the clincher! I have a hard time with my Gibson because those EMG 81's are hell bent on distruction. I found if I roll back my volume it cleans up and sounds smooth and jazzy through this amp. The leads sing with this amp! I read a review that said it has a "vocal" quality and I understand now. This is probably why I prefer the rectos for rythems. They are simply tighter. I cant wait to track with this thing!

I actually purchased this amp "broken." It was sold to me with the reverb not functioning. I soon learned that its the tank itself not the amp. I'll get it fixed soon. The only other issue is it takes a while to warm up. It will crackle and pop for the first 5-7 minutes when turned on. My Mesa's dont do this. Everything else seems to be fine.

N/A I have not contacted Carvin about the crackling. After the reverb I may do this.

I wrote this review because inevevitably, "metal guys" and "rockers" will look into this amp. This is very unfortunate. I do play music on the heavier side but also have played funk/gospil music for 8+ years. I once met a country player who used a Mesa Tremoverb combo exactly like the one I owned. He said he bought it for the CLEAN! The same holds true for my old Mesa 2 channel Solo head. I met a regge guy who used one. So this is for the guys who do the beefy stuff but are skilled and live in other sounds. I will never get rid of this amp for the stupendous clean sounds it produces. I played on a Bogner Ecstacy recently for an hour straight and this Cravin Legacy Amp has more crisp highs, more sweet mids and usable lows with out the Bogner price tag. Carvin has a 10 day trial period for products purchased by mail from them. Check one out! The prices are resonable and the worst is you hate it and send it back! No big deal.

Just got this amp over a month ago. Basic features and that's what I wanted. If you want all the effects get a Line 6 or a Fender CyberTwin, which I used to have. I was a novice guitar player and those were recommended to me and they were great but I eventually wanted to go with an all tube amp where I could put in my own effects. Definitely loud enough; haven't put it past two. Both Channels are great, you just have to tweak them to get the right sound. I agree with those who say that it's not for Nu Metal.

I use American Fenders with noiseless pickups, Texas Special pickups and an American Delux Fat Strat. I also use a Ibanez RG 620 (I think) It's made in Japan but I replaced the stock pickups with Dimarzio PAF Pro (Neck) and a Steve Vai Evolution F Spaced at the Bridge. I can get Blues, Classic Rock and Hard Rock, which is what I wanted the amp for. I use a Ibanez TS9 tube screamer and I also have a Rocktron Xpression effects unit that I run through the effects loop. If you keep it simple, remembering that tone comes from the flesh, you can easily get those sounds with this amp.

Have never gigged it and nothing has broken yet. I will concur with the guy who said that his delivery box was shoddy at best. When I opened mine there were a bunch of broken styrofoam pieces. It seemed like it may have been a return. Everything seems to work fine though.

Haven't had to deal with them yet on repairs, but they processed my order pretty fast.

I really like it. The gain has a good crunch at about 5 or 6 and the clean channel is pristine. It's a basic amp and for the features (The tube selections and the Vintage 30 speakers) there isn't one out there that is cheaper. Marshall, Peavey and Fender costs more for comparable combo amps. If it breaks down on me in five years, like the guy below, my opinion may change but for now I'm happy. If it got stolen, then I would probably buy another.

made in 1999.this amp is perfect for clasic rock,blues and jazz. Not for Heavy metal. This amp is Super loud. i play in my bedroom and never can go higher than 2 in volume without driving my family crazy.This amp is very basic and that is what i like about it.

i use a jem and a tele. perfect for what i play. Satriani,Santana,classic rock,even jazz. Is not made for metal,but i use the clean channel With my Keeley mod MT2 and My KFK1 MXR 10band EQ and you are in METAL heaven. I also have the extended cabinet. the dirty chanel has a mild distortion. i use mostly the clean chanel and my top end effects.

The amp went nut acting after 6 years. Very loud and annoying static and popping. i replaced all power and preaamp tubes and no solution.I only play in my house and was angry that the amp was acting like that. I will score low in this category because I COULD NOT AFFORD to pay $1000 and have the amp fail after 5 years. I dont think i neglected it.Also, in the small city where i live, the repairman had another legacy combo with similar problems.This is the only amp i have kept for so long. Is normal to fail after 5 years?

I took my amp down to Carvin in Sunset Blvd. for repair. They sent it to San Diego and they told me it will take 3 weeks to get it fix. Even when i called almost daily for information, they went over the 21 days as promised. so they said they would repaired for free and i only have to pay $39 for shipping to my house. Does Carvin has too many of their products breaking that could not fix my amp in 3 weeks?. Finally the amp arrived in my house after a whole month. AND THEY DID NOT FIXED IT!!!!!!!. Fuck i was piss. I called Carving next day and they pick the amp from my house and returned back to me in working condition a week later. FOR FREE. So i have mixed opinions about the way they handle my amp. Too bad my amp failed, too bad they took too long to not fix it and send it to me without fixing it. However, the guys in Carvin are very good with their clients. They were nice all the time and eventually fixed my amp for free.

Perfect amp for soloing. Perfect for clasic rock. if you are into metal,this is not your amp.If stolen i would buy an amp that wont breake after 5 years even if cost more. Overall I like this amp for its simplicity,high output,excellent for soloing,value. Too bad it broke but i guess that can happen with all amps.

This is actually a follow-up to the review I posted below. That volume issue came back when I recently played without my effects one night at rehearsal.
I tried replacing all the tubes and it still did it. Before I took it in to have it looked at, the tech told me it was probably the effects loop acting up but he couldn't be sure till he looked at it. I took it in but oddly and predictablly enough the amp didn't do it when it was in the shop. I got the amp back and played it the following week at rehearsal WITH MY EFFECTS IN THE LOOP and it ran no volume drops at all.
Then, I let a guy in another band rehearse with the amp. He didn't use any effects and the amp started acting up on him. He just plugged a cord into the effects send and fed it to the effects return and it stopped doing it. So, I got the problem solved sort of.
I'll probably let this problem go since all I have to do to correct this is either always play with effects plugged into the loop, or run a small patch cord from the effects send to the effects return of the amp. I'm too lazy to lugg it back to the tech just to have it run perfect for him again. Regardless, I bought this amp used and it's a piece of electronic equipment and nothing is perfect.
I'm still very happy with this amp.

I won't go into the features of this amp because it's been done to death all ready.
I will however agree with the reviewer below me that this amp isn't really feature laden. If you want bells and whistles than look at Line 6 I guess. Or if you are looking for a 3-channel amp than stop reading right now cause this isn?t it. But, if you are in the market for a no frills ballsy amp, keep reading.

I use Ibanez RG 500 series and Jem guitars and a Fender American Lonestar Strat with this amp.
I play 70s to current rock style covers and I'm really into solo artists such as Vai (imagine that) and Satriani. This amp can pretty much do those styles with no problem. I don't play any nu-metal really but this amp can do it with a little tweaking and EQ.
Tone is so subjective and I've had various amps over the years including a lot of rack gear and I'm not going to go into all of it. But, I will say that I had Peavey XXX before this amp. I liked the XXX but in order to get the low end I wanted out of it at rehearsal or gig volumes, I had to turn the mids basically to 0. Than, in order to hear myself in the band mix I?d have to tweak the highs and the amp got a little too hollow sounding. I am by no means dogging the XXX. But, in my opinion it?s voiced for a different generation and style of music.
The Legacy is a midrange-voiced amp. But, it's not a pierce your ears mid range. It's got a nice balance of low end and mid range. Basically, it's got the low end thump I was looking for with the cut through that I just couldn't get out of the triple X. I'd compare the lead channel to a kind of suped up Marshall tone. The distortion or lead channel on this amp is smooth. You don't need to turn the gain knob past 7 to get a nice smooth distortion sound out of it. Also, playing covers, I need a good clean sound and the XXX just didn't have it. Sorry XXX fans, but it was mediocre and kind of sterile and not very powerful. The Legacy clean will break up a little at higher volumes but that?s the nature of tube amps

This is a well built amp. Dependable and I'd gig without a backup.
The only problem if you want to call it that I had was when I first got it. The amp seems to have a sweet spot on the volume knobs. If they are below 1 at all the amp cuts out. But if you keep the amps volume knobs above 1 than it runs fine for hours. Kinds weird I guess.

I've heard good things about Carvin customer support and that's about it. I did e-mail them about the volume issue I mentioned above and they were quick to respond.

If this amp were lost or stolen I'd kill the f***er that did it.
I love the overall tone of this amp.
Like I said, tone is very subjective and I've given my example above.
Basically, if you're into nu-metal or scooped mids chugga chugga than this amp probably isn't for you unless you place in EQ in there to cut mids.
But, in 21 years of playing I've noticed you really need a nice balance of mids in your mix. Especially if you do any lead work.
Also, I've never needed to turn the volume knob past 2 on this for rehearsal or gigging. IT'S LOUD! Although, like any tube amplifier, it sounds best when you open it up. For this amp, it?s around 6ish on the volume knob. But, damn that?s just incredibly f?n loud!
So, this amp isn?t apartment friendly at all. But it wasn?t designed for that now was it?

My rating on this reflects as lightly-above average rating for features. It is not a particluarly feature-laden amp. This is not meant to be a bad rating, it just a basic tube amp, swicthable 50/100W with reverb and master volume.

I did not want to be overly harsh here but this is my opinion. I took advantage of the 10 day trial period to make my assessment. In that time I also purchased a Mesa Lone Star amp and tried out several other tube amps down at Guitar Center.

When I first got it I thought it sounded OK, I was expecting to be blown away. I really wanted to like this amp, and had I not tried out a buch of other amps I might have kept it. I just was not blown away, I am actually surprised Steve Vai put his name on this thing. That's marketing for you.

First, it came very poorly packaged for UPS shipment, I'm almost 100% sure it had been shipped/returned before because the shipping box was in such bad shape. There were no form-fitting buns, just a bunch of broken chucnks of styrofoam shoved in there. The amp had a damaged front grill (dented), but amazingly it appeared otherwise undamaged and functional. It simply made a really bad first impression.

As I spent a couple of days with it, I was at best lukewarm on it. I wanted a tube amp mainly for clean and slightly distorted blues tones, but I just did not feel like the amp had the warmth or squish to it I had hoped for. And the distortion was not great... maybe if I had pushed the power section it would have sounded better, but the amp was too damn loud for that (even at 50W). If you want a LOUD amp, this fits the bill.

When I tried out a Fender Hot Rod DeVille, it had a much better sound. Then I found the Mesa LoneStar and found nirvana! So I bought it and A/B'ed the two amps side by side in the quiet of my house. It was even close. Now I could hear all sorts of things I had not noticed before. The Carvin was a much noisier amp in general, did not have any warmth or squish, it has a harsh midrange, and the distortion was not particularly musical to my ears. My opion of it generally worsened after I compared it to the Mesa, which I obviously liked a lot more.

Lesson - if you buy anything from Carvin, be prepared to buy and compare it to something else because you just can't try these things out in the store.

Lesson 2 - you will have to pay for shipping both ways, so I am out over $100 for the experience. Don't buy direct unless you have had a chance to try it out somewhere beforehand.

Did not keep it long enough.

When I called to complain about the shipping box and damage, Carvin was nice and very accepting of the situation and did not give me any problems.

Been playing 25 years. I didn't really like it, although I suppose it could be made to work, it was in no way a "sweet" amplifier. Heavy and loud, noisy and harsh, and a big bill to try it out and return it, shipped in a beat-up box and damaged, I would hesitate to buy anything from Carvin again. I don't think I would buy anything mail-order again without trying out a friend's or in a music store first.

I compared it to the Fender Hot Rod DeVille Mesa Lone Star and it finished last. Mesa on top (in sound and $$$). The Fender was really nice too, and the cheapest of the three. I might get one of those too.

This amp is great and is very versatile for the styles of music that I play, which is jazz, blues, rock, classical, and jam band type of stuff. It works well with all of those styles, and it has enough power to get the job done.

I use a Gibson sg with 490t and 490r alcino humbuckers and let me tell you that this amps sound is out of this world. It's clean channel is one of the best cleans I have heard, and also one of the most unique. The "dirty" channel is smooth and mellow.

yes.

if it were lost or stolen, i would replace it

The amp is a 2000 year model. It has 2 Celestian Greenback speakers, 2 channels,effects loop,voiced line out and most other features common to combo amps.

This is one tight, smooth sounding amp. Closed back cab adds to that sound. Just installed a new set of JJ Tesla EL 34's. While most combo's have you running for the humbuckers after trying to make single coils sound rich and full,this amp is the exact opposite. It doesn't matter what guitar, what processor, what pedal you use, this amp stays solid with great warm tone. The tone with a Strat on either channel is great, a LesPaul is amazing. I own several amps and this one is definetly unique from any other. Has it's own original voice that is very useable in any style of music. The clean channel is one of the best I've ever heard. The gain channel has a warm, real, sounding sustain to it. Not too over the top, and not that fake buzzing annoying sounding distortion on so many combos. If you want a full on , over the top tone through this amp try a Metal Zone on the clean channel for the best thrash tone you'll ever hear. Add a Boss GE 7 EQ and a DM 2 Analog delay too make it even better.

I own 2 other Carvin amps and they've been very reliable. My 20 year old Carvin X60 1x12 amp has never let me down.

This is a great amp.I own several amps [ Marshall JCM 900 4102 combo-JCM 2000 TSL 122 Combo-Carvin X60-Carvin BelAir 2x12 combo and the Legacy]. Like a selection of fine wines I like them all for there subtle and sometimes overwhelming differences.The Legacy offers great warm tone and drive. Good for all types of guitars, but especially makes a single coil strat sound incredible.

I don't know what year it was made, but I bought it used for $140 and was not working due to being dropped or something. I had a tech(Noteworks in Phoenix- a great music store!!)look at the amp and they replaced the bias filter and resoldered some joints on the board and it works flawlessly. Some people have reviewed this amp and claim it has one channel, well it has two channels and one input(maybe they should look at their amp more closely)and a nice effects loop. It has all the features I need and the independent tone controls for each channel are a plus.Tubes I am using are:12ax7's and JJ EL34s

I am using a Carvin DC-150 and a Ernie Ball Music Man Silouette with Carvin M22 pickups in the Carvin and Seymore Duncans in the Ernie Ball. This amp suits my style perfectly, It can go from crystal clear to heavy saturation with ease.The amp is quiet and does NOT distort on the clean channel, which in my opinon, is the best sounding clean channel I have ever heard. The distortion is almost as brutal as my 5150 and not as harsh.I can get great blues tones out of this amp also.

No Problems so far....

I have called them a few times to ask questions and such and they have always been helpful.

I have been playing for 15 years now and I have owned Marshall JCM 800's, 900's and JMP's,Peavey 5150,Carvin X-100, Carvin X-60,Laney Pro-tube and this amp sounds the best, in my opinion. It has the best clean channel and the distortion is not as harsh as the 5150, better overdrive/distortion/sustain than any of the Marshalls and makes the Laney sound like a toaster with a speaker crammed inside! The other Carvin amps I mentioned were great sounding too but the Legacy is simply better.I simply cannot find anything bad to say about this amp! If it were stolen, I would definately get another one!
More people need to try Carvin stuff, you will be amazed!

The combo that I own was to my knowledge manufactured this year, 2003. For my use the amp is very versatile in that it will make great tone at low volumes as well as high volumes. It has one channel but for me this not a problem as I would only use this amp for my guitar and little to nothing else, so having more inputs is not a requirement for my use.

One great feature is the 50/100 amp split as well as the closed cabinet/open cabinet option. You can really change the tone and also direction of the sound. The cab option is one of those usable, great options to have for small and large rooms.

The effects loop works very well in that any "noise" was lower using the loop as opposed to direct through the guitar input.

I cannot imagine anything else I would want on this amp as I am into function and tone/sound way more than I am bells and wistles. And, I certainly use the effects as it only has reverb which is truly one of the best I have heard as an included feature.

At this stage in my life I have little to no interest in playing professionaly at all. I have a good freind who is a bass player as well as a darn good guitar player and we have a great time renting time at the local practice studio. So for me this amp allows me to go blooooow my ears out when I feel like it, yet sit at home and play at very low volumes with nearly that same sound.

I'm playing a 1983 G&L S-500 with the wonderful stock pickups through the Legacy and the sound shimmers at low volume, especially when you use the reverb. But when you want it to crank, it will hurt you! It would take a good sized hall before you were lost for volume and then I am sure you could add the extension cabnet and keep up in most any situation.

The overdrive channel reminds me of when I used to have a Showman, great ballsy sound, very blusey but when you played an SG through it, it could just whale! This is what I hear coming from this amp.

I don't know yet but if the store in Santa Ana is any indication, I can't imagine I will have any problems.

Same answer again, the folks at the store were great to deal with, a lot of fun, very straight forward about their product and did their best to work a solid price and were just very good all the way around.

I have only been playing with this amp for a short time but I have owned what are now considered the be the GREAT amps and I can say without any hesitation that this is the best amp pound for pound that I have ever owned. I don't know if "Steve" really had anything to do with the design, regardless, a great amp and I am very thankful for the way Carvin does business.

It's all you should need for a trusty tube amp.

I use this amp with a Fender Fat Strat. I play in a band who does mostly covers. We play Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, and a variety of other stuff too. I also play at church. This is more of a rock/blues type of playing. I also play in a jazz band. We do all kinds of jazz styles. I think the only thing this amp can't do would be the mesa sound. To be honest I like this amp MUCH more than any Marshall, except for the plexies. The Legacy has the ability to become very smooth, which is a MUST for the Phish songs I play. But when you need that rock crunch it's capable of that just as well. It definitely has a ton of balls. When ever I play it, I want to bite into the sound because it is so thick. It's great. It can do anything with the help of a few eq adjustments. And for that mesa sound, save the money and just buy the v-twin preamp pedal. The clean channel is nice and full, which is what I wanted, since a lot of the time, I am the only guitar player. I don't want a thin fendery sound. Even though I'd love to have a del. reverb someday. It's a very rich sound. The half wattage swith is nice. It doesn't cut down on volume that much, but it makes tha amp clip at a lower level. The V30 speakers are the best. They sound a little better now that I've broken them in throughout the past few months. I like to have my speakers break up just a hair. Go to www.carvin.com/vai and check out some of the audio clips. You'll be amazed as I was and still am.

I think it will stay with me a couple of years.

Carvin is awesome!!!

I've been playing for nine years. (ever since I was in third grade and I'm in eleventh now). I compared this amp to everything. For a guy/gal on a budget, you can't go wrong. If it were lost or stolen I would consider getting a Vox AC30, but I'd probably end up with this again, because it's such a good deal.

1999 Model, VL212 Combo, ALL-TUBE. I bought this amp used on EBAY.. I was told that the stock Celestion Greenbacks didn't hold up well to the output power, and were damaged. The previous owner replaced them with Celestion G12T-75's. Also the tubes were shot when I got the amp. The previous owner had Sovtek 6L6's in there along with some VERY noisy No-Name 12ax7's.. VERY poor sound!! I had the amp retubed with Electro-Harmonix 12ax7's, and 4) MATCHED EL34's.., WOW!!!

I run this 2x12 combo, with a Carvin Legacy 2x12 Extension Cabinet, and an 8 ohm THD HOTPLATE speaker attenuator. (believe me, you need it!!). The 2x12 cab has Celestion Vintage 30's, and I plan to buy 2 new Vintage 30's for the combo speakers soon.

Everything you need, and nothing else. VERY, VERY LOUD!!! (no joke)

I have a 2001 Schecter C-1 +, in Transparent Black Finish. I have several upgrades done. Pickups replaced with DiMarzio's (PAF Classic/NECK, and Air Zone/BRIDGE). Push/pull pot installed for coil-tapped bridge pickup. Cheap stock bridge replaced with a TonePros Metric. Ernie Ball strings (.09-.42).. I play classic rock (Black Sabbath/Rolling Stones/Cream), 80's-90's Heavy (Judas Priest/Iron Maiden/Metallica/Pantera/Slayer/Anthrax/Megadeth), '90s-present alternative rock (Nirvana/Soundgarden/Alice in Chains/Pearl Jam/Chili Peppers, I like Seven Mary Three / 3 Doors Down / SevenDust / GodSmack / Monster Magnet. WIDE VARIETY.. Only thing I can't nail is the REAL heavy stuff. Like Slayer, or Pantera. I use my Mesa/Boogie V-Twin, and Kerry King LEAPS from my speakers. Don't turn it above 4 1/2!! you won't EVER need to go any higher than that..

Never Broken Down on me yet. Excellent..

Never dealt with Carvin.. I hear they are great..

Been Playing seriously for around 10 years. Was shopping around, and ran across an ad in a magazine. This is TWICE the amp, compared to a Marshall TSL combo, with out all of the USELESS bells and whistles. Tried all of them (trust me), I spent 6 months looking/trying out EVERYTHING that Guitar Center had to offer..

I use this amp with a Schecter C1+, George L's vintage red cable, Boss Compression/Sustainer, Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah, ToneBone Hot British 12ax7 overdrive/distortion pedal, Fulltone '69 Fuzz, Digitech Whammy (I only use the octave up, and the Divebomb), Boss Acoustic Simulator, Boss Noise Suppressor. I use the TC Electronic G-Major, in the effects loop. With the noise suppressor, and the gate from the G Major, there is almost NO unwanted noise (very minimal). Overall, I am very happy with my Carvin Legacy Combo.. It CAN'T be beat for the price..

I am a very critical dude when it comes to equipment, tone etc. The features on this amp are a pretty basic (but tried and true) setup. Would have scored higher if it had 2 things on it, a Master volume for the power amp and a reverb control for BOTH channels.

Trust me, this is a very high score. I would give it a 10. But like Harmony Central says, NOTHING is perfect. I play Ibanez RG 570's exclusively. Tone Zone pickup in the bridge and PAF in the neck. I cut my teeth on 80's metal, classic rock and metal. The Legacy NAILS it. In my younger days (I'm probably a few years younger than Vai himself) I searched for razor sharp, chainsaw gain. No more. Tone is the thing. Gain is no good without the tone to drive it. And this Amp is full of tone. I always played with 6L6 tubes. This is the first amp I've played with EL34s and will never switch back to 6L6's. The only thing I HAD to do was to replace the stck tubes with Groove Tubes EL34's. I love the 'verb on this amp, if used sparingly. I never use too many effects anyway. What I do is set the lead channel exactly how I like it, then when I want just a little extra gain, I run an Ibanez tube screamer. The clean channel is awesome as well. It breaks up at just the right spot! Plus, running the tube screamer on the clean channel I can nail SRV's sound. I wish the tubes sockets were of the ceramic type. I run this amp through a Celestion loaded Peavey 4X12 cabinet when I need to move more air. It sounds awesome. Overall, a well made amp. If it's good enough for Vai, it's good enough for me.

It hasn't broken down on me in the 6 months I've had it. I take very good care of my equipment. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

Have never dealt with them for service and hope I never have to. Cause that means something is wrong.

I've played MANY different amps and think this one will stay with me.

Already listed quite a few times so I will skip this part. If you need the specs...go to www.carvin.com. This ones has the older greenback speakers but my 4X12 Legacy cab has the newer V30's. Like most tube amps, they do not have bias leads in the back. All tube amps should have this and this one is no exception.

I use a Peavey Wolfgang Special, a Visual Sounds H2O, Ibanez DE7, and an Ibanez Flanger in the effects loop. This is an incredible amp for clean and distortion tones. I retubed and rebiased myself so mine sounds a little warmer than when I first got it two years ago. I have to admit, it was not what I was expecting from the amp in the beginning...loved it at first and then after a month it just seemed too fuzzy when pushed. Later discovered it was actually the Greenbacks. I think they would have been fine if I had a 4X12 cab but the combo of course only has 2. My Legacy (w/V30's) 4X12 cab makes a huge difference - much deeper bottem end and clearer tone when pushed. Very loud amp but I can get pretty good tone at low volumes. Cranked it is nice! Just don't stand too close to it anything higher than 3 on the volume. Good clean pedals sound great through this amp.

Keep in mind, not a Mesa, Fender, nor Marshall...I would say it is somewhere inbetween all three amps but a little closer to a Marshall JCM800 withouth the harshness. I haven't tried to swap out the power tubes for 6L6's but I did A/B an MTS with 6L6's and liked the warmthness of the Legacy better (not to say that the MTS is the same amp...they are not). The Legacy has a sound all it's own and is not for everyone. I actually thought about selling it when the Peavey XXX's came out...I A/B'd them and kept the Legacy. The Legacy can't get that high gain sound but the XXX didn't have the warmth (would still love to have an XXX though...very nice amp!)of the Legacy. Chords chime well (both channels) and single notes are just sweet!

The Legacy is a keeper...if I want a different sound I will have to get a new amp but keep this one for sure!

Gee...mine hasn't caught on fire yet so I guess it's ok! I know that several people complained about the reliability of these amps but I think they are full of it! I mean...they come on HC and bash the amp but never say anything on the Carvin.com forum complaining about it burning to the ground!

These guys are great! I bought the amp used and they were very helpful with questions and instructions on biasing the amp! Dr. Sound is right on! Very helpful dude. Email...phone...or forum -very helpful.

I think more people would own this amp if it weren't for the mail order thing but that's what keeps the prices down! I have been playing on and off for over 20 years and my favorite artists are EVH, Satch, Vai, SRV, Lnych...a lot of 80's bands.

This is a great two channel amp, switchable 50 to 100 watt power, able to change tubes from EL34 to 6L6 or 5881's. It has a presence knob for the clean channel which I think seems to thin the sound out too much but many people have seemed to find it to their liking. Separate presence chicken head knob for the dirty channel which adds a nice sheen but can again be over the top if over used. I am a regularly gigging musician and must say that the amp is loud, smaller clubs I have to resort to my lower wattaged Fender, but the bigger venues it is great to open it up a bit. Still really have not pushed either channel much past 4 in a live setting. Yes, it's that loud.

The dirty channel is amazing. Being a Fender amp man for years I have found that the 6L6's are great for clean but you can't beat an EL34 to really crunch up the channel. The distortion impresses me more with every show. It clean up well when you lower your guitar volume and Carvin calls this the "Vai Feature" like it was something special but doesn't every amp clean up when the guitar volume is rolled back? Granted this amp does it well but Carvin did not reinvent the wheel here. The clean channel is nice with humbuckers and a little thin and muted with my single coil strat, I retubed the amp with Svetlana power tubes and E-1 12AX7's which are a kind of Telefunken rip off. The amp breaks up earlier than I thought and I lowered my humbuckers a little. It breaks up a little as early as 4 but can stay pretty nice with single coils to 5 or 6. The amp is quiet overall. The reverb is nice but can be over the top and "boingy" if over used. (can't they all) Lastly, and overall it's a great amp and I enjoy playing it, however I just think I am a Fender man and love the 6L6 sound. Maybe I'll swap the tubes again. Also took the optional back off to open it up a bit and cut the midrange.

Amp has no problems, Carvin has been very nice with the exception of some punk know it all that actually knew nothing. I have owned it and gigged with it for about 4 months now without an issue.
I don't gig without extra tubes and a back up, I don't care what amp I am using. Things break, tubes are great but let's face it they are an antiquated technology that happens to sound great so we (guitarists) use them.

First one came shipped and I sent it back because I thought it broke up too quickly on the clean channel. Carvin mailed me a brand new one and apparently it's just the characteristic of the amp...the people that list the amp as breaking up around 7 I think are nuts. First of all if you got the amp that loud you must now be deaf and secondly it starts the break up around 4 if you are wailing.

I have been playing for 10 years, and 4 years in an original/cover band. We gig just about every weekend and I run a few extra distortion pedals before the amp. I have a Boss floor tuner, a Blue Collar Overdrive, a Boss metal zone and a boss delay. I have owned tons of pedals and gear and to date this set up is good stuff. I play mostly strats and teles but have some ibanez. Les Pauls is the next purchase. If broken I would get another amp but only because I am on a quest for new tone. I would not be buying something cheaper though. I am very impressed with Carvin. To end I would love for someone to contact me with their ideas on this amp especially if they swapped out the El34's with 6L6's, I'd like to know how it sounds.

First let me say that I have never felt compeled to do a review on a product. But right from the get go this is a profesional amp in all respects. As you have probably read in other reviews this amp is compatible with el34 tubes or 6L6's, wich makes this great for whatever you are looking for in tone. What I found to be a great feature is the open back or closed option. I love both for different reasons, but let me say this, the change is dramatic between the two. If your looking for a work horse that can do the job, this amp is it.

For years I have used a all tube 30 watt amp. I have gotten a lot of great compliments on my tone. The 30 watt amps that I use use 12ax7's with eL84 power tubes. I was a little concerned about a drastic change in my tone with the eL34's. The Legacy provides enough versatility to sound like yourself.....even better. This amp provides the tone I worked hard to find with the added punch I was looking for.

Has not let me down yet!

Overall this is a great amp. I have used everything from Marshall to Fender. This amp is a sweet machine. I do however recommend getting the combo unless you decide to buy the whole stack. I have the combo with the greenbacks and they sound great. I do have a old Laney 4 12 cab that I plugged it into and it rocked also. But I love the greenbacks. Signiture amps in my opinion can be cheezey. But in my long search to complete my tone I am proud to use this amp.