1994 Carvin LB70 Koa

[bhunt1]

Pretty cool

https://reverb.com/item/37452446-carvin ... d-1994-koa

[bobjones2260]

I never played one but like G&L I hear that Carvin are great basses for the price.

[fivebass52]

I bought this model, but in a 5-string version, back in '94-'95. Maple neck-through, with Koa wings (although I was once told the Koa was a actually a similar wood from Brazil....). I bought it at the time for $700, with hardshell case, finished in the tan tweed... considering the age, and that knobs are missing, different bridge etc., the asking price may be a bit optimistic. Still, a solid bass that sounds good....

I would say the only thing I don't like about the bass is the sqaure-ish edge that goes around the body... it should have been much rounder, so it would be more comfortable to rest your arm against....

[Jeroen]

Carvin are excellent value for money, I would dare say they're almost unrivalled when buying used because they hold their value so poorly. I can't tell for sure, but it appears this has changed somewhat when they changed their name to Kiesel. Used Kiesels command higher used prices and people appear willing to actually pay those prices.

I love my Carvins, I own a great but very plain LB75 in all-black with an ebony fingerboard that I paid only 250 GBP for (!!!) because of its cosmetic condition and a silver sparkle DC727 7-string guitar with active electronics that I got used for 600 GBP in absolutely spotless condition and for the prices I paid they're just unbeatable. I have also owned a passive B4 bolt-on that I liked a lot and another LB75 with walnut wings and flamed walnut top that I didn't like at all because it sounded much weaker than my black one so I guess it can be hit or miss, but I've mostly been lucky

[J-meister]

Massive strings, this bass has!

[Basshappi]

I still kick myself for not getting in on the "Koa Years" at Carvin.

[fivebass52]

I still kick myself for not getting in on the "Koa Years" at Carvin.

As I mentioned in my last post, Carvin used some type of South American "Koa"... but it isn't actually real Koa... I've lived here in Hawaii for the past 41 years, and I can tell you there is No Way Carvin could have put that size Koa-wings on a bass... and in the case of my purchase, been able to charge $700, and make a profit off it. Koa is far too pricey/valuable, to have such large wings placed on a bass, and make money off it. Still, whatever it is, it's a great looking wood... I still have mine, and enjoy the look and sound of it...