Any opinions on the Carvin Cobalt line?

[Sheik Yerbouti]

They are having a 100 dollar off special, with 50 percent off cases.

 

Any experiences? They're Korean made so I wonder how they compare to similar priced guitars of different brands, which are usually Chinese made.

[guitarist21]

I don't have one, but most people who do love them. If you're looking into possibly getting one, Carvin has a fantastic return policy and it would probably be worth it to order one and try it out.

 

Ellen

[Sheik Yerbouti]

 

I don't have one, but most people who do love them. If you're looking into possibly getting one, Carvin has a fantastic return policy and it would probably be worth it to order one and try it out. Ellen

 

 

Yeah, I am a pretty big Carvin guy. I play a Bolt on the electric front. I really really want a masterbilt though.

[DeepEnd]

 

They are having a 100 dollar off special, with 50 percent off cases. Any experiences? They're Korean made so I wonder how they compare to similar priced guitars of different brands, which are usually Chinese made.

 

Carvins are nice guitars, made by Cort, which also makes Ibanez acoustics, Washburns, and numerous other well-respected brands. Don't let the "sale" fool you, though. They've been running that "$100 off" sale for months if not years. I don't know about the half-off case deal though. Normally, I'd say go for a Carvin but if your heart is set on a Masterbilt, keep saving your money or maybe watch for a used one.

[thetree4U]

I've been to the Carvin factory store in San Diego a number of times, bought a bunch of equipment, and spend a load of money (esp. on pro audio). Each time I am in I pick 3-4 Cobalts off the wall (the more expensive ones) and give 'em a play. Each time I am drastically underwhelmed. I keep thinking that one of these days I will play one that sounds good, but it never happens.

[guitarist21]

 

Yeah, I am a pretty big Carvin guy. I play a Bolt on the electric front. I really really want a masterbilt though.

 

 

An Epiphone Masterbilt? I'd recommend them over Carvin Cobalt. I am absolutely in love with my EF-500R and it seems like most Masterbilt owners feel pretty much the same way.

 

Ellen

[0rbitz9]

If you found a Masterbuilt that you really like, I would say go buy it. I have

a Carvin C980T that I really like, but I think it all boils down to what your

intended use for the guitar is. My Carvin is built like a tank, and comes with

a premium electronics pickup system that is optimized for reducing

feedback on stage. If you're a touring musician that's looking for a solid

roadworthy acoustic/electric a Carvin Cobalt is pretty hard to beat. My

Carvin sounds good unplugged as well, but it's a laminate body guitar. For

pure unplugged acoustic tone, a high quality all solid wood guitar will sound

better, but won't be as sturdy.

[BackPocket]

I have the C750. I bought it before I knew much about acoustic guitars. A someone sent before, it's a pretty solid piece and the electronics on mine have never failed me and sound decent. The money that I paid could have gotten me a Masterbuilt and I wish I would have gotten a masterbuilt. You live you learn. I got my carvin 3 years ago and i got that same deal so don't rush yourself. Play some other guitars in the price range first.

[Freeman Keller]

In my very limited experience, Orbitz9 hits it right on the head. A singer songwriter friend recently bought a C980 and I had a brief time with it. Nice guitar overall - thin neck (kind of a Taylor feel to it), lots of pearl and good looking wood for laminated b/s. I thought it sounded very good plugged in and OK unplugged, so if you are looking for a working git (like my friend who does a lot of coffee house gigs) it might be a great choice.

 

You can't try one in a store, but Carvin has a very good return policy (don't know how that works with a sale item). The first one my friend bought had some serious playability issues - he just sent it back and got another. I would say a good git for plugged or someone from an electric background, not my choice for a pure acoustic (plus I hate the Fishman barndoors). YMMV

[valleyguy]

Actually they ahve a store in Hollywood with a nice selection. I've played a few and thought they were pretty nice. I'd say they sound midway between a Taylor and a Larivee. Didn't buy one, I ended up with a Martin, whcih they sound nothing like.