NGD Carvin DC800 koa...walnut...yum

SYLrules88 · 02-21-2012, 06:04 PM

So I checked my tracking number this morning before I left for college and it was already "out for delivery". STRONGLY considered just staying home but I decided that I needed my edjumucayshun.

7 hours later, we meet! Indoor pics first, then outdoor shots, then my mini review.

Specs:

Claro walnut top
Koa body
Maple/Walnut/Maple/Walnut/Maple neck
Tung oiled maple fretboard w/ black dots
Matching walnut headstock w/ white logo
Blackburst top, black sides, blackburst back.
Clear gloss over the whole thing!
Jumbo SS frets

What the hell is it with every 8 string metal player also owning an adorable cat?

Both of my Carvins…

…and their backsides.

I like how the flash shows off the grain!

Under florescent light at my music store.

Action shot!

Tried to find a good angle for these outside shots.

Review:

So far, I am absolutely loving it, even more than I expected! I’ve played two 8 strings in my life and those were my old intrepid, which was a HUGE beast and weighed like 11-12 pounds, and the other was a schecter omen 8. Not quite as big as the agile, but still a beast. When I first saw the box for this one, I was wondering if they had sent the wrong guitar!! This guitar is MUCH smaller than I was expecting! It only weighs 8.5 pounds. The neck is very thin too, definitely the thinnest of any guitar I own. I was expecting more of a rounded C shape like what’s on my bass, but is this much more like an old washburn 7 string I used to own. For whatever reason, the 27” scale feels shorter than my 26.5” schecter blackjack. Don’t ask me how that works…

When I ordered this over the phone, I had requested a thin burst on the top and back so as not to cover up too much of the beautiful wood! I also requested a darker colored walnut top, and there was no upcharge for any of these requests. The indoor shots of the top are a better representation of its tint than the outdoor. What I had in mind when I asked for a darker top was not really a flame figure but rather more of a swirly chocolate character, but I didn’t tell them that. I really didn’t want to spend another chunk of change asking for a specific top.

I also love how I got a partially flamed maple neck without paying extra for it!

Overall, this guitar is very easy to play on. It’s not intimidating at all! The first time I saw my intrepid, I started laughing at its size, and at times it was a bit menacing. This one feels about the size of my Schecter c-1 classic. I haven’t plugged it in yet, I’m just enjoying the hell out of how awesome it sounds unplugged!

mphsc · 02-21-2012, 06:10 PM

I like everything about that especially the figuring on the back, bass side.

Goatchrist · 02-21-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mphsc

I like everything about that especially the figuring on the back, bass side.

The back looks amazing!

Carvin is does a great job giving me uncontrollable GAS!

Congrats! It's a gorgeous 8! Exactly what I expect from Carvin!

RGA8 · 02-21-2012, 07:08 PM

Awesome ax! Welcome to the club.

Philligan · 02-21-2012, 07:43 PM

That neck is such an awesome bonus

Beauty of a guitar, man. My DC800 GAS gets worse every day. I really like the fret clearance on either side of the board, too.

TMM · 02-21-2012, 08:37 PM

Oh my lord... easily the hottest Carvin I've ever seen.

SammerX · 02-21-2012, 08:48 PM

Man these 8 strings look effing amazing. Very nice color choice there. That neck is extremely sexy.

s_k_mullins · 02-21-2012, 08:49 PM

Absolutely beautiful guitar! I love the combination of woods and the finish!

Congrats!

Galius · 02-21-2012, 08:59 PM

Looks great. I had to send mine back to have the nut replaced for a slot that was cut too low, but everything about these Carvins is spot on. The best way to describe them is they feel "right". Im a huge fan of the pickups in these as well. I just used my Intrepid at practice and longed to hold my Carvin again.

Wings of Obsidian · 02-21-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galius

Looks great. I had to send mine back to have the nut replaced for a slot that was cut too low, but everything about these Carvins is spot on. The best way to describe them is they feel "right". Im a huge fan of the pickups in these as well. I just used my Intrepid at practice and longed to hold my Carvin again.

Aw shoot....after Galius said that now I'm starting to worry a bit about my Carvin when it gets here...

Underworld · 02-21-2012, 09:48 PM

You, sir, are NOT helping my gas. Not at all!

Hollowway · 02-21-2012, 10:15 PM

Good call on not having the burst cover too much of the front. That is VERY well done.

TRENCHLORD · 02-21-2012, 10:20 PM

I'm getting ever more impressed with carvin as of late. Love the top.

SYLrules88 · 02-22-2012, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galius

Looks great. I had to send mine back to have the nut replaced for a slot that was cut too low, but everything about these Carvins is spot on. The best way to describe them is they feel "right". Im a huge fan of the pickups in these as well. I just used my Intrepid at practice and longed to hold my Carvin again.

after i read this, i took a really close look at my nut! luckily mine is fine. that sucks you had to send yours back temporarily!
and yeah, i now get what people have saying about how these just feel so natural. it really doesnt feel like an 8 string. it feels nothing like my intrepid. its so much smaller and manageable!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wings of Obsidian

Aw shoot....after Galius said that now I'm starting to worry a bit about my Carvin when it gets here...

man i wouldnt worry. i know so far theres been galius here and then the fella with that beautiful all-koa 8 that have had to be sent back, but its not like those were huge major ....ups. if your carvin arrives and something is not what its supposed to be, then dont waste any time calling carvin and talking to them about it

nickable · 02-22-2012, 03:32 AM

Very nice instrument you have there!

Fred the Shred · 02-22-2012, 06:48 AM

That axe looks killer, mate!

Tjore · 02-22-2012, 10:50 AM

THAT WALNUT.

hmmm_de_hum · 02-22-2012, 11:12 AM

Positively sublime sir

Phrygian · 02-22-2012, 11:20 AM

Holy shit that looks Nice! Good call on the thinner burst

HNGD!

This is not helping my DC800-GAS at all!

DoomJazz · 02-22-2012, 02:16 PM

Konfyouzd · 02-22-2012, 02:47 PM

That top is awesome! Maybe I SHOULD save up for one of these...

Nonservium · 02-22-2012, 03:02 PM

I really don't need another guitar but, my god, with every one of these that pops up I get a bit closer to feeling otherwise. That walnut and burst is absolutely stunning. The way that burst fades out on the neck then comes back in on the headstock is just awesome, imo. Well played sir, well played.

Galius · 02-22-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wings of Obsidian

Aw shoot....after Galius said that now I'm starting to worry a bit about my Carvin when it gets here...

Don't worry one bit man. I've seen worse things in my years. It was one small technical mistake that they payed to ship back and make right. Their service is top notch.

halogen8 · 02-22-2012, 03:43 PM

Hey fellow Jazz III user! Beautiful guitar. Congrats and enjoy it!

No adorable cat, but I have 3 awesome dogs...

Mattmc74 · 02-22-2012, 04:06 PM

Congrats! Looks awesome!

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02-21-2012, 06:04 PM	#1
SYLrules88 I play drums! Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,526 Thanked: 18 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	NGD Carvin DC800 koa...walnut...yum So I checked my tracking number this morning before I left for college and it was already "out for delivery". STRONGLY considered just staying home but I decided that I needed my edjumucayshun. 7 hours later, we meet! Indoor pics first, then outdoor shots, then my mini review. Specs: Claro walnut top Koa body Maple/Walnut/Maple/Walnut/Maple neck Tung oiled maple fretboard w/ black dots Matching walnut headstock w/ white logo Blackburst top, black sides, blackburst back. Clear gloss over the whole thing! Jumbo SS frets What the hell is it with every 8 string metal player also owning an adorable cat? Both of my Carvins… …and their backsides. I like how the flash shows off the grain! Under florescent light at my music store. Action shot! Tried to find a good angle for these outside shots. Review: So far, I am absolutely loving it, even more than I expected! I’ve played two 8 strings in my life and those were my old intrepid, which was a HUGE beast and weighed like 11-12 pounds, and the other was a schecter omen 8. Not quite as big as the agile, but still a beast. When I first saw the box for this one, I was wondering if they had sent the wrong guitar!! This guitar is MUCH smaller than I was expecting! It only weighs 8.5 pounds. The neck is very thin too, definitely the thinnest of any guitar I own. I was expecting more of a rounded C shape like what’s on my bass, but is this much more like an old washburn 7 string I used to own. For whatever reason, the 27” scale feels shorter than my 26.5” schecter blackjack. Don’t ask me how that works… When I ordered this over the phone, I had requested a thin burst on the top and back so as not to cover up too much of the beautiful wood! I also requested a darker colored walnut top, and there was no upcharge for any of these requests. The indoor shots of the top are a better representation of its tint than the outdoor. What I had in mind when I asked for a darker top was not really a flame figure but rather more of a swirly chocolate character, but I didn’t tell them that. I really didn’t want to spend another chunk of change asking for a specific top. I also love how I got a partially flamed maple neck without paying extra for it! Overall, this guitar is very easy to play on. It’s not intimidating at all! The first time I saw my intrepid, I started laughing at its size, and at times it was a bit menacing. This one feels about the size of my Schecter c-1 classic. I haven’t plugged it in yet, I’m just enjoying the hell out of how awesome it sounds unplugged! right_to_rage, Shawn, s_k_mullins and 5 others like this. Agile AL-727 EB Carvin V3 Avatar 2x12 w/ Celestion G12K-85s

02-21-2012, 07:08 PM	#4
RGA8 SS.org Regular Join Date: May 2010 Location: USA Posts: 232 Thanked: 11 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Awesome ax! Welcome to the club. SYLrules88 likes this.

02-21-2012, 07:43 PM	#5
Philligan The White-Knuckler Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sarnia, ON, Canada Posts: 4,326 Thanked: 43 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	That neck is such an awesome bonus Beauty of a guitar, man. My DC800 GAS gets worse every day. I really like the fret clearance on either side of the board, too. "it blowed the emg's in the dirt" - De Vries "Richlite is to Paper Mache as Carbon Composite is to charcoal briquettes." - Max

02-21-2012, 08:37 PM	#6
TMM UUDDLRLRBAStart Join Date: May 2006 Location: NH, USA Posts: 4,290 Thanked: 85 Feedback Score: 58 reviews	Oh my lord... easily the hottest Carvin I've ever seen. Oni 8 ISP Decimator <-- TC NDR-1 Nova Drive <-- VHT GP3 / AMT SS-30 Bulava <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS <-- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP <-- Starr Labs Mini-Z <-- Apple MBP 15 <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS Demo THEMAMMONMACHINE

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02-21-2012, 06:10 PM	#2
mphsc lover of fine woods Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 1,572 Thanked: 19 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I like everything about that especially the figuring on the back, bass side.

02-21-2012, 08:48 PM	#7
SammerX SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: United States Posts: 129 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Man these 8 strings look effing amazing. Very nice color choice there. That neck is extremely sexy.

02-21-2012, 08:49 PM	#8
s_k_mullins drug free & god free Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: MS, USA Posts: 5,471 Thanked: 25 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Absolutely beautiful guitar! I love the combination of woods and the finish! Congrats! PRS Mark Tremonti 10-top Music Man BFR JPX w/ roasted neck Carvin DC727 G&L ASAT Classic Gibson "Thunderhorse" Explorer ESP Eclipse II Ibanez Premium RG920QM PRS SE Mike Mushok baritone EVH 5150 III --> Mesa Rectifier 212

02-21-2012, 08:59 PM	#9
Galius Mentally Guitarded Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bay City, MI Posts: 1,500 Thanked: 37 Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Looks great. I had to send mine back to have the nut replaced for a slot that was cut too low, but everything about these Carvins is spot on. The best way to describe them is they feel "right". Im a huge fan of the pickups in these as well. I just used my Intrepid at practice and longed to hold my Carvin again.

02-21-2012, 09:48 PM	#11
Underworld SS.org Regular Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Quebec, Canada Posts: 1,023 Thanked: 31 Feedback Score: 17 reviews	You, sir, are NOT helping my gas. Not at all! SYLrules88 likes this.

02-21-2012, 10:15 PM	#12
Hollowway SS.org Regular Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: California Posts: 6,232 Thanked: 105 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	Good call on not having the burst cover too much of the front. That is VERY well done. SYLrules88 likes this.

02-21-2012, 10:20 PM	#13
TRENCHLORD 4ARMEDschoolSECURITY Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: corncountry IL Posts: 3,656 Thanked: 11 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm getting ever more impressed with carvin as of late. Love the top.

02-22-2012, 03:32 AM	#15
nickable ss.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK Posts: 100 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Very nice instrument you have there! http://nickablesblog.blogspot.com/

02-22-2012, 06:48 AM	#16
Fred the Shred Shrederick Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Posts: 6,049 Thanked: 117 Feedback Score: 17 reviews	That axe looks killer, mate! SYLrules88 likes this. Buy my album, will you? My store \| CDBaby FredBrum.com Happily endorsed by Jaden Rose Guitars, DiMarzio Pickups, Gruv Gear, Sik Pik Picks, PHD Picks and Spectraflex cables

02-22-2012, 11:20 AM	#19
Phrygian Lefty Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oslo, Norway Posts: 535 Thanked: 7 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Holy shit that looks Nice! Good call on the thinner burst HNGD! This is not helping my DC800-GAS at all! My Delirium Gear: FOR SALE - Ibanez RG870QZML BI FOR SALE - Carvin DC727L Carvin DC800 Decibel AMX 7 - incoming Line 6 Relay G90 MFC-101 Axe FX II Matrix gt1000fx 2 x Zilla super fatboy 2x12

02-22-2012, 10:50 AM	#17
Tjore Hipster Jesus Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Asker, Norway Posts: 240 Thanked: 14 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	THAT WALNUT.

02-22-2012, 11:12 AM	#18
hmmm_de_hum SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 490 Thanked: 11 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Positively sublime sir SYLrules88 likes this. The mirror which flatters not....

02-22-2012, 02:16 PM	#20
DoomJazz Classic Lojack Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 525 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews

02-22-2012, 02:47 PM	#21
Konfyouzd Dread-I Master Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mars Posts: 15,460 Thanked: 191 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	That top is awesome! Maybe I SHOULD save up for one of these... "... and on either side of the river was the tree of life. The leaves of this tree were for the healing of nations." "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and the herb for the service of man." "Lifes too short to hate Floyd Roses."

02-22-2012, 03:02 PM	#22
Nonservium ss.org Irregular Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Texarse Posts: 2,075 Thanked: 32 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I really don't need another guitar but, my god, with every one of these that pops up I get a bit closer to feeling otherwise. That walnut and burst is absolutely stunning. The way that burst fades out on the neck then comes back in on the headstock is just awesome, imo. Well played sir, well played. Konfyouzd and SYLrules88 like this.

02-22-2012, 03:43 PM	#24
halogen8 ss.org Regular Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 17 Thanked: 13 / 1 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hey fellow Jazz III user! Beautiful guitar. Congrats and enjoy it! No adorable cat, but I have 3 awesome dogs... SYLrules88 likes this.

02-22-2012, 04:06 PM	#25
Mattmc74 SS Contributor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 13,938 Thanked: 325 Feedback Score: 14 reviews	Congrats! Looks awesome!

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