Carvin DC120 12-String

This is a USA Carvin Electric 12-string solid body guitar. I do not know how to date Carvin's, but I would say it is a late 90's to 2003
model. 24 frets, neck thru, maple neck with ebony fretboard, pearl block inlays, alder body wings, see-thru blue finish, Quilted maple bookmatched top and matching headstock. Chrome hardware, locking tuners. 2 Carvin Humbucking pickups, active electronics, 3-way switch,
master vol., blend when in middle position, bass control, treble control, 3 mini switches for 2 coil taps & an out of phase switch.
Double cutaway strat style shape. Unique bridge which enables all 12 strings to be individually intonated. 6 strings string thru like a tele. Locking tuners, nice wide fretboard. Molded Carvin harshell case.

Any 12-string electric solid body guitar is almost a novelty instrument. Unless your in a Byrds, R.E.M., or Beatles band you probably won't be using it the whole night. If your an artist doing all original music or just want to create a new sound or want your sound to be fuller this is the instrument. I've always liked Carvin guitars but sometimes felt like their active electronics was overkill with so many switches and controls. For their 12-string the active electronics is perfect. You can dial in any tone your looking for and create new ones along the way. Using the coil tap switches, blend knob, phase switch, and boosting either treble or boost you can go from Tom Petty, to Byrds, to the Beatles which makes this a very versatile guitar. If you have big hands like me, the wide fretboard is very easy to play and the action is nice and low. I love Rickenbackers but their necks are so narrow I could not properly fret the 12 strings which was very frustrating. Overal sound is rich, full, and lush!

I bought this used but I know all Carvin's come set up to play from the factory. Pickups are well matched and are fully adjustable even individual pole pieces as are all Carvin Pickups. Quilted top is nicely bookmatched. Fretwork is very good. Even though there are 12 tuners, 6 on a side, the headstock is not as big or long as you would think. The guitar is balanced and does not neck dive when you let go. The only minus in this category is the finish. Not the look or application, this guitar was used and has some dings. Ths finish/coating seems very thin and not strong. You can flake it off where some dings are so I feel the finish on this guitar is not very durable. That's the only reason I will give it an 8 in this category.

The guitar, all 12-strings stay pretty much in tune thanks to a well built/designed bridge and locking tuners. The neck is very rigid as well. All hardware is top quality and built to last. Strap buttons
are anchored solidly. The only reason you would need a backup is that if your hand or fingers get tired from chording 12 strings for a whole night. Once again, the only reason why this category does not get a higher rating is due to the finish on this guitar. Seems like it will not with stand dings very well. Will cause loss of finish and paint and will wear off with lots of playing. It may only be this particular instrument.

I have had many guitars from Carvin and I never had to call for support. When I was ordering an instrument they were always friendly and their policies are great. I got this used so I do not have warranty.

I am 47 and have been playing for over 30 years. I have owned hundreds of guitars from every major manufacturer and many 12-string including Ric's. I still gig every weekend and love playing guitars. Right now I own a USA Hamer Duotone Custom, USA Hamer Daytona, USA Schecter Custom Shop, USA Fender Strat Plus, USA Peavey Impact Milano, USA Gibson SST Chet Atkins, USA Guild Acoustic/Electric, and a USA Tacoma PM-20 Parlor acoustic. I play through a Line 6 Flextone III Combo Amp because it has every tone and effect built-in for live performances. All my guitars sound great through it. If this Carvin DC120 12-string was stolen I would definitely get another one. It is a joy to play and a has a lot of usuable features. I love it over any other electric solid body 12-string because of the playability, neck width, and tonal possibilities. Hopefully the finish is tougher and more durable on other Carvin DC120's.