Carvin X100B

Amp had GT tubes and I bought it in 1994. Two channels, but floor pedal not available. Plenty of knobs but the basic sound cannot be changed... X is very loud MF. Enough for club gigs.

I use manly Ibanez RG7-612 with custom DiMarzio Blaze II's. My playing style is metallish, music ain't though... Not optimal amp for metal sounds. Distortion isn't fat or thick enough. 5 band EQ helps a bit, but the basic crunch isn't good for metal. Good basic rock amp. Clean channel OK.

One power tube's socket short circuited and burned a hole to circuit board and melted a lot of wirings. Two power tubes out of use now. Repairing costed about 200$. One year after that the amp died again. I unplugged preamp tubes and put them back and now it works again.

N/A

I've played for 10+ years and Carvin was my first real amp (after solid state Marshall 100W). It was OK for a while but it never suited to my playing style.

I use Rocktron VooDoo Valve and Rocktron power amp live, I have Line6 Spider at home. Wouldn't cry too long if that Carvin was stolen, insurance company could give me more than guitar shop...

This a great sounding tube amp. I'm not a histroy major on guitar amps or a tech wizard on guitar amps, but I'm guessing that my Carvin amp is a 90's model because it has EL34's and 12AX7's. This cool amp has two channels that are simple to use, but it can have many different sounds if you play with it long enough. The controls from left to right are: Rhythm
(pull for bright, lead drive(pull on), Master(Pull Hi lead), Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, and Reverb. Then there is the really cool 5 band graphic eq. Three toggle switches: one for lead or rhythm, another for standby, and on and off toggle switch. The rear panel has an FX Loop(which I rarely use), Full, 50%, and 25% three-way switch, Footswitctch jack, and a speaker configuration switch for running different types of cabinets with different ohms. This is amp is way too versatile, simple to use, and sounds awesome. I never use the footswitch jack though because I bought it is used without a footswitch, and I hear that they are hard to find nowadays. I normally run my Zoom 505 and I normally just play with the eq on the amp. My band doesn't play too often, just practice once a week. This amp has all the power you need and the pristine tube sound you'll ever want!

I play in a punk band and an alternative band, and the distortion on the amp is great, but I solely prefer my Zoom 505 because of it's limiting effect and the disortion on the pedal sounds more compressed. You can get many different sounds on this amp ranging from blues to hard rock, however heavy metal purists may stray away from this one if they are looking for that seering and tight sound. It could be possible to get that heavy sound, but it'll take time to get used to the eq. I play with a stock Epiphone Les Paul Standard. The clean channel without my Zoom pedal is totally awesome. I never turned up the clean channel louder then 3 or 4 because those are very loud settings. The clean channel never sounded distorted at those levels. Nice, pirstine, brassy, and just the right amount of oomph.
When you are in a very loud band(we have three guitarists in my alternative band)of course there is going to be noise. Feedback is always going to be there, you just have to be smart and not face the amp. However, there is a crackiling static noise when I turn the rotary treble and bass eq, but it still gets my desired sound. For recording, it is descent and has very little noise. Overall, the sound is just prefect for me. Lots of tube tone and bottom end.

I've had this amp for more than a year. I bought it in Sept. '99 used from a friend who was moving away and he bought his new in '97. I'm not sure if he replaced the tubes since he got it. it sounded awesome when I tried it. So I bought it cause I was desperately craving for a tube amp and a big stack sound with tight bottom end for gigs, which I couldn't achieve through my tiny Fender amp. I have had no trouble with this USED Carvin X-100B. It's solid as a tank, but like any other tube amp you must handle it with great care.

Never dealt with them.

I've been playing for about 5 years now. When my friend used to own this amp, he would bring it to our local shows and it sounded so great, according to my ears. I had to get that amp. It also looked very intimidating besides the awseome, ripping sound. This amp was very loud and cuts through other sounds at those open area shows. I played a strat copy through that amp once when it wasn't mine at one of our local shows and the incredible sound just knocked me down. I also own a Fender Deluxe 112 Plus combo amp. My Carvin stomps that little amp in every way. I bought the Carvin cause it was a super deal, and I wanted a real tube amp. I never had a chance to compare it with other amps except my own Fender, but I trust my own ears, and my own ears said this amp has everything you need: Tone and Power. The only thing wrong with my Carvin amp, just like all other tube amps, is it's maintainence. I have to buy new tubes for it when the time comes. Right now I am recently looking for a used soli-state head, cause I don't want to waste the tubes during practice, but still have that tight bottom end sound. I recommend this amp used or new because it's simple, powerful, and gives a perfect tone for my playing style, but trust your own ears when looking for a good amp. All is said and done.

Made in 1980's
Not Versitile
It 3 Channels, Effects Loop, No Headphone jack
Used it for gigs, enough power.

I've tried many different guitars, including an Epiphone Les Paul Custom Flametop, a 1962 Fender Stratocaster, and a stock PRS at Good Music Co.
I took it in, and the guys at Good n Loud Music said it was an ok amp. It tends to distort a lot on clean sounds when you play your guitar with a pick. The Distortion is not good, it sounds a lot like a 60's fuzz turned up way too much. The EQ doesn't help it much. I play music from Incubus to Taproot. It doesn't fit my likings.

Its a sturdy amp.

I called Carvin to get a footswitch for it, they would not help at all. They said they don't make them anymore, and they said go find a custom technicion to do it.....click. Called them back, and they got very impatient.

Amp is Ok. Kinda Sucks.

This amp was made in the mid/late 80s and pretty much sucks for anything modern. I still respect carvin, this just wasn't made for modern punk or hard rock. It's pretty versatile however...Great for blues, classic rock and jazz. I wanted to play punk and metal/rock but it just couldn't hang. The EQ knobs plus sliders was a great plus for tone! Also, the 25/50/100 watt switch is way ahead of its time, a great feature, it allows you to get distorted sound at low level. I just wish it had crunch! If you're looking for a good classic tube amp, go for this one though. Beware though! If you buy one, make sure it has a footswitch that works with it! Those old 3 prong ones are hard to find.

I played it with a Les Paul copy and humbuckers...Like I said, it doesn't have the modern distortion i was looking for, but it was great for classic styles using that les paul tone. It doesn't suit my band's style however. It also fed back like crazy using a DOD GS-30 mult fx, so that sucked.

Never had a problem with that...I only put about 4-5 hours on it before i sold it.

N/A

Don't pay anymore than $250 for this amp...I made that mistake! Make sure, if you do, that you have the footswitch and try it a lot before you buy it!

I just wanted to submit an update to an earlier (positive) review of this amp. In that review I stated that the amp sounded like Marshall and Boogie. After playing this amp with a different guitar than the ones I had at the time of that review allow me to clarify. This amp is basically a Boogie knock-off (push pull knobs, five band slider EQ). It is basically the clean channel from a Mk IV and the Lead Channel from a Mk IV. However, the tone is a little less pure (not as well made as Boogies). I like this however...that's where the Marshall comparison comes in. It gets a little more overdriven/saturated than the Mk IV does with that same guitar. Some folks would call this buzzy pre-amp noise, to me it sounds like a little gainier, looser feel like a Marshall (I have EL-34s in this X-100B). This is where the Marshall comparison ends however....you do not have the loose, growly distortion of a good old Marshall (I call this ass tone like 1980s VH, Ratt, Randy Rhoads, etc tone). Tighter and brighter than that (again like Boogie).

I have 2. A 1987 with 6L6 tubes and a 92 with EL34 tubes. The EL34 is a spare backup.

I hot rodded the lead channel with a Torres kit, added a master volume, and added an input jack on the back. I use the amp for rock leads (I have a GCX audit switch that switches amps in real time). It is LOUD. I sometimes use the clean channel in place of my 65 Deluxe Reverb. The head is very versitle and is solid.

Two mods I wish ALL manufactures would do is a MASTER vol on the power amp stage and rear inputs that makes cabling from a rack easier. Once you understand the purpose of a master volume you'll never go back!

I bought a new Carvin 4x12 cab and it's great.

I use a hot rodded Tele mongrel and the X100B rocks with it. I play rock and blues and the amp cuts through when I need it.

I bought it out of a pawn shop with no tubes for $150. Re-tubed and sent it back to Carvin for a tune up. They replaced some small stuff that was broken (a slider on the graphic equal.) and tweaked it. So far no problems (7 months)

I found Carvin's customer support to be good! Prompt service and resonable rates for out-of warrenty units. BAse on my expierence I bought a Carvin PA, a rack power amp, and two 4x12 cabs.

I've been playing over 20 years. I have a Fender Deluxe Reverb '65 reissue, a ton of rack stuff, a Roctron Chamelleon powered by a Carvin HT150.

Th X-100B head is heavy! I would buy one again (In fact I have a backup on hand should this one stop!)

The foot switch uses an XLR connector and is very hard to find now that Carvin doesn't make them anymore.

Late 80's model. dual channel w/reverb + lead boost. 5 Band EQ and knobs. Selectable power out 100/50/25watt. 4/8/16 ohm selector switch. xlr preamp out. foot switch

Sounds like a hot roded Marshall! But better. Real fat and hot. I like that alot because my style is heavy riffs and single note phrases-the newer style metal. The clean sound is decent. I play through a straight front Marshall 4x12. One thing that I was'nt to happy with, was that it was'nt as LOUD as a Marshall. I lacks that 'put you through the wall' volume of the Marshalls. Dont get me wrong, it's loud, just not as loud as Marshall.

Just bought it used a week ago.

Ive heard mixed results here. I dont know, I havent dealt with them yet.

I've been playing for 15 years. And I've played Mesa's and Marshalls and this amp is just as good as them. I'd buy it again. This is a good head for the money absolutly. I would recommend it.

Basic 2 channel guitar amp. I run 6L6 power tubes in mine. Bought used about 10 years ago.

I play original hard rock/funk and this amp gives me good versatiliy for the price. In agreement with previous reviews the lead channel doesn't quite get over the hump as far as having that true singing characteristic. But running a TS-9 in front does the trick. I can get the Neal Schon-Santana ultra sustain that really cuts through. I also run the graphic EQ on the lead channel in a V curve, but I run it below the flat line so it compresses the sound. This does cut the overall output but I think it adds to the smoothness of my leads.

The clean channel provides a snappy response also. Great with my crybaby for that seventies Parliament funk sound.


Overall, you can do quite a bit of tweaking with this amp to shape your tone but you do need a little help if gain is where its at for you. It's not a triple rec. after all.

What can I say. I havehad this amp for about 10 years and it has never left me hangin'. It has been re-tubed at regular intervals.

My original channel switching pedal did crap out on me and the replacement I ordered was wired differently. It required some re-working to operate properly.

Carvin as a company has been a bit of a pain to work with. I guess when you only distribute yourself the distance provides a cushion for bitchy customers. They were little help when it came to the foot switch I bought from them.

Overall, I like the amp. It will do until I can afford that much desired Triaxis that I want. Luckily, I still have the original operation maunal with the techincal bits should I need to get it fixed. I am sure that Carvin would be of little help in that department.

It's like the 80s all over again. On amp EQ, and all the standard features you deserve in an amplifier. Came with an excelent footswitch to call the gain channel, FX loop, or reverb. 25%, 50%, and 100% power settings, good lovin'. A fun all around tube amp.

Em...'94 Hamer Chaparel and a '97 Strat Plus. This thing is all about sharp, clean tone. Cuts through your soul like a knife but if you're not careful it'll cut through ears as well. Don't think you can make a mistake and get away with it. The gain channel is pretty weak compared to the clean tone. I have sound guys yelling at me during sound checks to turn up my gain or turn down my clean but it just doens't happen...the gain doens't punch through. Even when it does it comes out muddy and it almost sounds like I'm playing clean tone through blown speakers.

The beast is like 13 years old and still works. when I push the button the light comes on every time. the imput jack is kinda sliding on me but it's cool 'cause it has two of 'em.

people suck. I'd rather buy a new amp.

it's a good amp to start off with if you're short on cash and think you're pretty rad with your fingers. I like the outer covering, it's fuzzy.

I bought this new from Carvin about 15 years ago (it was just a couple of years before they changed the Logo, but after the 'slave' feature[x-100?]. I bought the ampainly for playing very loud very hard stuff. I had two very comfortable channels, clean and wicked dirty, great hammond reverb, output selector (100/50/25)very nice eq layout (both graphic eq and very active tone selectors), and had an ohmage selection switch on the back that was a bit ahead of it's time. Also includes a boost/cut' switch you can set for the footswitch which is a very nice feature for leads, whithout having to hop around channels.

Two changes I would have liked would include the graphic eq being able to be used for both channels, you could only use it for the clean OR dirty channel, but there are some obvious reasons when you are using the amp why that was designed that way. The footswitch tended to be a little tight as far as the switch displacement was, at least for me, I tend to be a bit animated on stage and jump around abit so possibly chalk that up to my 'ham-footedness'

I used this amp almost EXCLUSIVELY for HARD stuff, (hardcore punk-rock) and all I wanted this thing to do was scream, and I was never disapointed. I almost always played pretty close to 8 1/2 or above and ran this head through a 4 X 12 Marchall cab with 4 Mesa Black Shadows. This amp screamed, I never used a distortion or overdrive effect and had just a Gibson SG and this amp overdriven to the sky. The clean channel also was very nice tight and bright at high volume.
I would dhose this amp every day of the week over any other head at my disposal for hard overdriven music. Can't say enough.

I have heard alot about the design of this amp, and it's vulnerability, cheap components etc....maybe I got lucky with mine but it has been all over the country on several US tours, and spent seven weeks with me in Europe on tour, and I never had a problem with it - and I am VERY hard on gear. For example at one show I took a misguided leap off of the stage misjudging the length of my guitar chord, I had the chord rapped aroung the head's handle as a strain relief and had my cabinet ontop of another Marshall cab. The head fell the full 6+ feet onto the stage and spilled the tubes everywhere. As it was the last ssong of the set and we were in the company of another band I didn't worry too much. Put the tubes back in the next night just for a lark and turned it on and didn't have a single problem, not even a new hum or buzz, and managed the nest 2-3 years with the same head with no doctor visit. So, I share this anecdote [and I promise it's true] for relative measure.

I had some sort of transistor burn out in it one time and the local shop replaced it for about $60. That's the only problem I had with the head in 10 years of heavy regular use.

Never had a need for customer support.

Been playing about 22 years, and used this amp with a stock 84 Gibson SG exclusively, to play Hardcore punk rock in a touring band.

I chose this head because I have always been attracted to the more 'renegade' gear that was out there, stuff you didn't see too often. Mesa Boogie was out of my price range, but everyone had a Marshall, I liked the graphic EQ, ohm selection and lead boost and was very pleased when I bought this amp new from Carvin.

This is a great head for very HARD overdriven music. Can't speak to it's other possibilities as that was all I ever used it for, but I will say that I kept it (and have loaned it out to younger musicians) because I like the OVERALL sound of the amp.

If you can find it at a good price, put in some GT 6L6's and a hot set of 12AX7 and I don't think you could possibly be dissapointed.

I wanted to update my reivew of 3/9/2000. The last two weeks I have been plauged by "gear/tone neurosis." Freaking out over how perceivedly buzzy this Carvin's gain sounded. Our rehearsal room is mostly cement, so things always sound brighter there than at a venue. Even factoring this in the amp was sounding way too buzzy...shitty. At rehearsal last night it was awful.....struggling to be heard over the drummer and just generally weak. I should mention I was using the lead five band EQ....note this works WITH the three EQ knobs. Finally I did a little tweaking....all I did was dial the bass knob from just under 5 to just over 6 and it made all the difference in the world. Added balls to the tone and smoothed out the buzzy character that almost had me trading this in for a JCM 800 2205. What you have to remember is that while this amp's gain is like a hot rodded Marshall, its eq section is wired like a Boogie...VERY SENSITIVE. This allows you a wide vareity of tones but this, plus the fact it works in conjunction with the five band EQ, means you have to spend some time tweaking. You can't merely dial up your scooped mid/smiley face on the five band and go....after you do that you must then go back and tweak the three knobs (including presence I have it on about 3) to achieve your ideal tone. Ideal EQ for gain will not be ideal for clean but the end result is worth it....hotrodded Marshall gain (assuming you have EL-34 which mine does) with Boogie EQ sensibility. You can easily compensate for this by adding a good EQ pedal in the loop for the clean channel. Take as much time with this amp as you would with a Boogie...I have had it since March and am just now getting the EQs set where they need to be.

I have had it for six weeks a pre-amp tube (Groove Tubes 7025) fried on my but I replaced it with a Sylvania 12AX7. Also the volume knob for the clean channel has busted....when you turn it to maximum or minimum it clicks past (like your locking gas cap). The Carvin combo I had did the same thing....could use better QC on the control knobs I will get this repaired it doens't impact use of the clean channel.

Dual channel, 100 watt all tube head. Effects loop and switch to allow you to run the amp at 50 or 25 watts. Separate EQ for each
channel...five band slider EQ for distortion channel. I bought mine used and it had three 12AX7s and four EL-34s (all Groove Tubes). Accutronics spring reverb. Unfortunately you cannot switch EQs when you switch channels so that's why I give it a 9.

This thing flat out rips. I have played some other X-100 heads that didn't have the quantity or quality of gain...I also had the XV-212 combo...very similar design and it didn't get half this gainy. I don't if it was modded or what...maybe it's the Groove Tubes or perhaps like Marshalls everyone of these is different. I run it through a Marshall 4x12 with 25 watt greenback reissues and it smokes...I was going to buy a late 1970s Marshall JMP MastrerVoluem and run a TS-9 in front of it, but this sounded better and was cheaper. The clean tone is great too...very full and articulate but it will break up with strumming at 25 watt setting. Reverb is nice and very lush. Overall gain is similar in characteristic to a higher-gain Marshall, but not quite plexi-ish. A bit more modern sounding...not quite like a Boogie, but. Definite has its own heavy vibe going on.

Just got it....the Carvin combo I had was fine. Some other people here on H-C have had problems with Carvin reliability I know where there are a couple of more used I might pick up an extra just in case.

n/a....I did call them for a footswitch they informed me they no longer made one for this amp but that I could have one made.

I have been playing for 13 years..most hard/progressive rock. I have had Marshalls, Boogies, Hiwatts, Ampegs, Groove Tubes. My favorite amp is the late 1970s Marshall JMP II Master Volume with a TS-9 in front but I needed something a little more versatile and cheaper. Like I said I have played other X100s that didn't sound this good...they didn't sound bad, they just didn't get this kind of gain. This one is special. A lot of thump and singing leads through a Marshall 4x12 with 25watt greenbacks (don't underestimate the importantce of speak/cab choice!!!). No this is not hand-wired like Boogie or Hiwatt but for the price...plus I like the gain better than any Boogie or Hiwatt.

loaded with features, eq, effects loop, channel switch, power switch. Wow what great tricks

Good clean sound, muddy reverb, wanker distortion

I don't own this amp, I repaired it for a friend. If I were a good friend I would have removed the board and hand wired a good all tube preamp for him. But he liked the amp as is so I fixed the problem.

They sent a schematic to me no questions!!!!

I woulden't hit a hog in the butt with this crappy low grade amp. The board is thin solder joints crappy, wire leads are too short to service the amp easily, cheap tube sockets, pots, jacks, not a heavy duty design.

i would guess that the amp is from 80s.two channels + lead/rhythm mode.tubes are (gt) EL34 and 12ax7.5-band graphic eq.pretty versatile unless you want to play heavy metal.

i have charvel guitar (i will get new guitar very soon...) and boss dual overdrive + super chorus pedals and i play rock music from progressive to blues (very badly...).even with poor guitar like my charvel, the amp has a big sound with nice low end. the clean channel is excellent and reverb is fine (maybe little muddy).amp sounds "soft" (in a good way) and does not have lot of distortion so heavy metal players should propably buy marshall...i use laney 4x12 cab with stock h/h speakers.

no problems at all. this amp is made to last...

no answer here im sorry...i live in finland (really far from the carvin company!!!)

i could recommend this amp to anyone that wants a big-sounding, versatile amp without pantera-distortion. i am happy with this amp, but if someone would steal it, im not quite sure what would be my next amp...

I think that I have one of the early models of this amp. The switch pedals connect via 2 1/4" jacks. Has the 5-Band EQ, two channels, two inputs (one of which isn't working on mine).

I play with a mid 70's Epi EA-235 with the factory pickups(very worn and warm at this point), and the sound is what I was looking for for Chicago style blues, and a little bit of heavier stuff. It's a little bit noisy at times, but after warming up a bit it quiets down. I haven't had this thing up too loud, so I can't speak for the higher volumes, I've cranked it and it sounds better and better as it goes though. The distortion gets me to that fat raspy blues that I was looking for.

I can't speak too much here, b/c I haven't had this amp very long. I have other amps that I do rely on, so only time will tell. As it stands, it works when I've needed it.

I have 2 opinions here:
1)I called Carvin looking for a manual, the guy was really friendly and got my name and address, then said that I'd be getting it in the mail. COOL!
2)I got an invoice saying that it was out of print (permanently). I sent them an email just trying to find out how I could get one, and got a reply that said something to the effect of "Badgering us won't make the manual appear, and besides it's easy to use what do you want from us?" Thanks guys.....

I've been thrilled wiht this amp. I looked for a tube amp for about 2 years (I always used solid states) and this had the sound I was looking for (and a nice price to boot). I recommend it.

The Crvin x-100B is a 100 watt, two channel, tube head with reverb and a five band graphic eq. It uses the same bass, midrange, treble and presence controls for each chanel. The eq is switchable between the lead and rythm chanels. It uses 4 6l6GC output tubes(curently sventlanas) and 3 12ax7 preamp tubes. Power is switchable between 25-50-100%. I have put a mullard in the predriver position, which improved the tone.

The only guitar I have used with this amp is my Epiphone g-400(SG), with the factory humbuckers. Lately I have been tuning down a fifth. I use a Carvin 4X12 with Carvin speakers. I play Hardcore Punk and Sluge Core. I have not played this amp for more than 10 minutes with out the either full distortion or the use of a pedal. With the right eq I can get a very thick, brutal tone, that works great for bar cords. I have had problems EQing out an undesirable "poping" distortion in the upper bass. I have also had poor luck getting a good sound with a distortion or multieffect pedal. By the time I have the amp EQed to sound good for what I play(almost full midrange cut) it is just barly loud enough to play with a moderatly loud drumer.

I have replaced all of the tubes with in the last 6 months and can depend on this amp.

I e-mailed Carvin to ask for a schematic because I wanted to give the amp a good check up and consider some modifications. They where friendly and sent me a photocopy of the manual, but they left of the page with the schematic(I got doubles of anouther page). I have not goten around to asking for another copy

I have played for abought five years. I traded in the Peavey transtube studio pro that I was using as a head to buy this. In some ways the 65 watt Peavey actualy outperformed the carvin. I am looking for a solid state head with very high power output, I would like to have two half stacks

This was an early 80's head with the script logo. The same head that was used by Frank Zappa and Steve Vai during this period. My head had EL-34's in the power section, some have 6L6's. See the previous reviews for the rest of the features.

I've played A Jackson Dinky Strat with Hot Rails in the Neck and Jeff Beck in the Bridge and a G&L S-500 with the magnetic single coils and then after I upgraded hot rails in the Neck and cool rails in the Bridge. It's hard to classify a style of music that we play except ORIGINAL. We hit nearly everything from blues, jazz, funk, fusion, rock, metal, no pop or country. Anyway, the amp is very versatile with a wide variety of FAT tube distortion sounds on the lead channel. You can go from a Vintage Fender "clean" sound to Marshall easily, but not quite up to a Soldano distortion.If I had to pick the closest, it sounds much like the new Fender Pro-Sonics distortion. The Clean channel is almost too clean (which is ironic since that is one of the reasons I bought the amp). Full and warm with TONS of bottom end. On 100% thru my Rivera 4x12 with Celestion G12L-55's it doesn't break up. With the power setting on 50% it breaks up more, and with the power setting on 25% it gets a muddy Mesa Dual Rectifier (with the tube rectifier being used) type of sound. I also played this head thru an open back 2x12 with Kendrick GreenFrames in it. In this set up, the speakers distorted even on the clean channel. This I would venture to say would be a more sought after "clean" sound for most guitarist, but the bass had to be turned way down to keep the sound from being "floppy". My opinion of this amp is that it is more suited for a rythm guitar player because of it's HUGE bottom end and FAT tone. But it does well for lead with a tube screamer.

Solid and dependable. Lugged it around everywhere for about 6 months with no problems.

I called to ask a representative questions concerning their speakers and speaker cabs. Either the representative I talked to was having a bad day or was tired of dealing with idiots all day and was rather rude and not very helpful. Who knows. I never called back.

I've been playing "seriously" for about a year. I've played on a wide variety of amps and gear and do have quite a bit of knowledge of the various tonal characteristics of most of the well-known manufacturers lines of equipment. If I had to complain or make a suggestion, I'd make it a 3-channel amp. One for the awesome clean channel and two distortion channels so you could change by footswitch from a lower distortion setting to a higher one. I tried out quite a few Fender, Mesa, Rivera, Marshall (to name a few) amps before I decided on this one. For the price, I don't think it can be beat. If you can find one, it's definately worth checking out. I just sold mine two weeks ago for money to buy a Rivera R-30 combo amp so I'd have something to play at home(Review to come after a few months). I sold it to a friend who will hopefully sell it back to me when I get some more money saved up, I already miss it.

This Head is A Series Three Carvin X100-B made in Early 80's. It has two Channels(Clean and Lead) with a bright switch and a volume boost switch for lead channel. 5 band Eq switchable from lead to Clean. It is all tube, 100 watts with a 100%/60% switch. Preamp out Power amp in slave amp out

I use the apm with a Custom Jackson and an Ibanez S series Guitar connect to a marshall 1960B cab. I play a wide range of style blues-pop-metal. I feel the lead channel has let me down. All I can get out of it is a fuzz tone type distortion. The clean channel however is one of the best I heard. When I got the head I knew I would be let down on the distortion side. I plan on using a boss metal zone on the clean channel to eleveate the crappy distortion problem. It is no big deal I used a metal zone on Marshall JCM900 50 watt Head for years. I always like the metal zone through the clean side of most tubes heads. The distortion on most amps are lacking the sounds I like. I believe the amp performs well at most ranges of volume levels. It seams to really shine cranked up. As most tube amps do.

I pretty sureI can depend on it. It has just been gone over and many caps replaced along with the tubes. But as always I have something just in case of problems.

I havent really had any problems with carvinfrom stuff I bought in the past. This amp however (x100-b) has so many changes during the years of thier production. The year of the head it had somthing like four revisions. It took several time to get the correct schematics for it from carvin and the preamp section was never the right one. Maybye this is why the distortion channel sucks so bad. They could never get what they were looking for. I have heard some late 80's ones that had a much better distortion channel but then they switched to the selling 3200 master series amps.

I have been playin for around twelve years now. If it were stolen I would probably try to look around to see what else I could find but that doesnt mean I wouldnt by it again. For the money it is a very good tube amp with lots of power. The distortion just sucks on mine. I have owned Marshall JCM 900 50 watt head before. Various rack gear.Currently I primarley using My Digitech 2112 with a Mesa 2:90 Power amp. Although I love the sounds my rack gear produces nothing gives you the sound or feel of an all tube head cranked.

There are many solid features included with the X100B. For instance, Two channels, primarily clean and distorion, a five band EQ with control over 75Hz,150Hz,500Hz,1500Hz and 3000Hz. The footswitch allows you to use the effects loop, change channels and activate the built in spring reverb. I use the middle button on the footswitch (the effects loop button) as a volume cut/boost.

I play 3 guitars 1. American Strat with the stock single coil pickups, 2. An Ibanez S Series with a Humbucker and single coil. 3. An American Strat Hotrod with a Dimarzio Humbucker in the bridge position, a Lace Sensor in the middle and the stock single coil in the top position. I use the latter primarily and play 60's 70's and 80's Rock in a Local Cover band.

I would have to rate this very high. As I stated earlier I play in a Local Cover Band and we play about 100 shows per year. Thats 3 sets per night, 1-hour per set. I have owned this amp a little over 2 years and bought it USED to-boot. It has groove tubes (ho-hum) it still sounds very good.

I have dealt with customer service 1 time and not with a problem just buying some other stuff. The service person was very curteous be did not seem to know what products were available much less any "JUICE" on there stuff.

I am 32 yrs old and have been playing since I was about 12. Wow thats 20 years. I have played several Tube Amps and some Solid State. I am primarily a 1/2 Stack Player and have played Marshall JCM-800, Marshall JMP (Pre-Amp), and Blackface Twin Reverbs. Of all of the amps in this category I have to say that the Carvin is my favorite and here is why, The Carvin clean sound is phenominal, I use slight Chorus and Delay for my clean sound and it sound great. I actally have tried celestion "greenbacks" with the X100B and I have to admit the dirty sound may have been slightly better that the Carvin "British" speakers, but the Celestions can't produce the clean like the Carvin CAB. For the dirty channel I play it straight with no pedals. It is not a crushing distorion but for those of us who know what it takes to have a "cutting" sound its just right. The only feature that is a little weak is the Reverb it tends to get a bit microphonic at times. Its a feature I don't use.

Many good features including footswitchable effects loop. This eliminates the problems many effects have with draining the signal coming from the instrument even when pedals are off. Also has power attenuator which is a good thing because you should rarely need to run this puppy at 100%, it's that loud. 5 band EQ assignable to clean or overdive channel. Effect level switch is a plus for some effect units. I don't really like the gray 'carpet' covering but looks ain't why I bought it. I can't think of any other features I wish it had that it doesn't already.This head is built like a brick shithouse and it weighs about a ton and a half so you better do a few 12oz. curls before loading it up!

I have used this amp in heavy metal bands with the addition of an effects processor for a bit of dirtiness on the distortion end. I have used it in an alternative band pretty much as is with only a chourus pedal. The clean sound it awesome the distortion is too but it's not a real hot hyperdistortion. If you want a great tube distortion this it will do nicely. The 5 band EQ is a great tool for shaping your sound. The active high, mid, low contol knobs are very effective also. I usually run my distortion with the 'hot rod' on to get a better sound.

No real problems. I had to bend a pin on the footswitch to make the connector work when I first got it but no problems since. Tube amps = maintenance. But it is worth it for the tone.

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If it where lost or stolen I may not replace it becuase I have been using a fender princeton chorus now for a whlie and it's alot easier to lug around than a half stack. If I wanted a tube head though I would definately consider the Cavin x100b its sound and features are a great deal.

It has 100 all tube watts, a EQ, 2 channels, effects loop, a switch to give you either 100%, 50%, OR 25%, a foot switch,and 2 inputs

I use a standard strat and i play hardcore/new school punk. it is very loud and is great for hardcore. i use a huges and kettner cab which give it more bass and sounds allot better than my old marshal. the clean channel has not distortion as high volumes. the distortion sounds just like a million dollar amp, it is the best i have ever heard period.

I've had it for a year and had no problems.

I've been play for 5 years and playing shows for 4 of the 5 and went trough many amps and i must say i dont think i'll ever sell it. whiel at the store i compared it to a mesa boogie and the sound very similar personally i would rather have the carvin because it sounded alot better.

To me this amp is a boogie knock-off. This is a good thing. The EQ is great for getting just the right amount of sizzle and punch without going on a tone safari. The effects loop is switchable. In -10db mode you can have two volumes for the lead and clean channels controlled by the foot switch.

I play a 1985 Gibson V with a kahler tremelo. The only mod. is an Ibanez pickup in the bridge wired in reverse. I play classic rock and blues covers while my own style resembles Smashing Pumpkins. I have no problem getting any sounds I want, but I do use a Peavey Classic in conjunction so a blending is happening. The amp does have the ability to sound good however the knobs are turned. At full power the clean channel is clean till the drummer starts throwing stands at you. At 25% power the clean channel gets a great Stones-ish break-up and the lead does the Steve Vai if you add some wah. The 50% power setting gives you everything in a club/rehearsal setting as far as volume.

This amp seems to run a little hot. I bought it used with a burned tube. I don't know the circumstances of that, but I've blown about four fuses at bad times. This seems to happen when I'm fuzz-facing the lead channel cranked. Go figure! But the Peavey never dies. So four Peavey zero Carvin. I do worry about it dropping out so that is a negitive.

I called the company once and to get some specs. No complaints there.

I'm 31 and I've been playing since I was 12. I've had a few good amps but this is the best. I'd definitely look for another one.

2 channels. Bass, mid, trebble. Assignable five band eq.(choose either lead or clean channel). Eq is active. Presence,reverb. Effects loop. 100/50/25% power switch. Foot switchable. Four 6L6 and three 12AX7A tubes. The four twelve cab is loded with Carvin British series speakers.(I may go to Celestion Vintage 30s in the future). Bought it in 1985.

I am using an American Strat with Texas specials and a Lone Star Strat with two Texas Specials and a Seymore Duncan pearly gates humbucker. I play blues, rock(50s-now), surf, psycedelic. This is a versitile amp with a tight punchy sound, the clean channel is VERY good and it can be turned up to about 8 before it starts distorting. It's a loud clean too. The distortion channel works well to. (I have assigned the graffic eq to the lead channel). I have gotten sounds simmilar to marshall plexi(EVH) and boogie. It is not a full on metal rager but could probably do it with a stomp box in front of it. The sound I go for is more of a blues or classic rock style. I have not noticed any niose that would be out of the ordinary for this type amp, it runs faily quiet for what it is. All in all I think this is a great sounding amp, it just doesn't have the big name.. A real good choice if you're on a budget. This a solid rocker. The amp sounds better using a Marshall Power Brake than the 100/50/25% power cut switch on the back of the the amp. Just for reference I do have two Fender amps I predominantly use for gigging only because they are smaller and easier to lug around.(they sound good too but aren't as versital).

This amp did burn out a resister in the power amp tube section and I ran it that way for a while not knowing any thing was wrong. I have had it repaired, no trouble since then. I haven't gigged with it much. (it's too much amp for what I've been doing recently and I'm between bands right now too). It's hard for me to be accurate in this catagory but every time I used it it worked.

My amp was long out of waranty when I had it repaired. I have delt with the Carvin poeple in person (the factory is 20 min. from where I live) and they have been friendly. As for waranty work I don't know how they are. They did do the repair on my amp, and I have no complaints. I paid to have it repaired since it was out of waranty.

It's hard to say whether or not I would replace it because at this time I don't nead an amp as powerfull as that,(if the price were right I would). I would deffinatly miss it if it were lost or stolen. I think the thing I like most about this amp is it's good tone, it can be made to sound Marshally and it can sound Fendery and the clean channel is one of the best around. I started playing around 1967 so I'm not exactly new to the game. If you are thinking about buying an amp try to find one of these they will probably be a bargain. Close your eyes and open your ears and judge for yourself.

2 channels, effects loop, 25/50/100% power cut switch, 4/8/16 ohm impedance switch, 5-band EQ switchable from clean to lead channel, bass/mid/treble tone controls, presence control, 3-way footswitch (channel, FX loop in/out, reverb), preamp out. Lotsa goodies; as versatile a setup as I've ever seen.

(3 12AX7's, 4 6L6GC's; currently tubed with Sovteks.) Nice sound for what I play -- basically rock with classic and alternative overtones. The clean channel, in particular, sounds great. Lead channel should probably be called "dirty rhythm;" it crunches real nicely, but just doesn't cut it for singing leads. Put a stomp box in front of the clean channel for "normal" leads, or in front of the lead channel for nasty-gnarly leads. Clean channel breaks up at about 8, but this is only usable at the 50/25% power settings, or else it's WAY loud. The EQ gives a nice range of available tones. The reverb is a little mushy, and very sensitive. Overall, though, it sounds great.

Warning! The tubes aren't locked in. Had one jump out of the back while loading into a club one night. The handle broke, too. Other than that, it's reliable as hell. Had it about 18 months with no breakdowns, and I bought it used. I use it without a backup.

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That $300 in the price is an estimate; I bought it with a Peavey 4x12 cabinet for $500. It's a great amp for what I do, but is probably a little overpowered. I drop it to 50% power and leave it there. Great clean sounds, but like I said, the lead channel leaves a little to be desired. (It's easy to mod it to use with a preamp, and that's what I'd suggest.) I got lucky; I bought it when I didn't know anything about amps. Dunno if I'd buy it again, but that's prolly because my tastes are changing. (Looking at a Bassman or Super Reverb now.)