[Demeyes]

I'm liking the look of Carvins and they seem to have really great spec for the money. However, I've never had the chance to play one, and some people in threads seem to indicate they don't play fantastically. I see the pickups are usually worth changing too but that doesn't bother me as I'd probably change them out anyway.
What's the opinion of them in general? I'm looking for a nice playing quality axe, to compare to or better my C7 Hellraiser and my Jackson soloists, is a Carvin going to get that? Whats the neck like on the Carvins? Any quality issues with them at all. Also any idea of a build time for their 7's?

[heffergm]

There are a million Carvin threads, and 99% of the people that own them love them after they change the pups.

That said, if you're in Ireland... good luck getting one. There are some other threads on people in Europe trying to get ahold of them that might help.

As for me... my 727 is the best playing board I've every had. The fretwork fantastic and it really makes my UV feel poor in comparison. The neck is a good bit thicker than the UV, but it's no baseball bat. Really depends what you're used to (I have no clue what a Hellraiser feels like).

[Demeyes]

I did a few searchs but didn't find a whole lot of info, I saw a few mentions of middling playability from them. Also I didn't see what kind of time it takes for a build/delivery from them.
I should be able to order one alright. I've relatives I can get to do it for me in the States and they can hopefully send/carry the guitar back for me when after they get it.

[kmanick]

put it this way, my two main guitars are my Carvin DC727 and my Jackson SL2H soloist.
Are Carvins the best 7 out there? that's personal taste, I've dropped a
decent amount of money into mine (pups/bridge) to get it where I want
it , but it's the best playing 7 I've played yet , and I've owned a Hellraiser, a Loomis, a blackjack , an M-207, and a 7620.
Out of all of those others I've owned, I got along best with the Loomis,
but if the 7620 had a neck that was just a little bit thicker, I would've
kept that one. that was one easy to play guitar.
You may like a petrucci JP-7 better, or maybe a Bo-el MC7.
getting a Carvin in Ireland will be tough though.
I'm dying to try a KXK everyone I've seen so far looks great.

[HighGain510]

Build time is usually 6-8 weeks unless they mess something up during the build or you have some custom request like an odd finish or burst. The neck will definitely be thicker than an Ibanez but I find it very comfortable to play. Stock pickups need to go IMHO, but after a pickup swap I think you'll be quite happy with one.

[PeteLaramee]

I'm pretty curious about this too. I've had a few Carvin 6 string, but I'd like to know how the neck feels compared to an IBZ 7 string. The biggest negative I feel is the fact that no one seems to like the liscensed floyd and ends up swapping it out with an ofr.

[HighGain510]

Originally Posted by PeteLaramee

I'm pretty curious about this too. I've had a few Carvin 6 string, but I'd like to know how the neck feels compared to an IBZ 7 string. The biggest negative I feel is the fact that no one seems to like the liscensed floyd and ends up swapping it out with an ofr.

If you can do without the trem I highly suggest checking out the hardtail model DC727. I've owned a few with the trem and didn't like the tone but the one I have currently has the hardtail bridge and I love it. You're not too far from NoVa, if you're ever in the area you're more than welcome to swing by and check it out.

[PeteLaramee]

Originally Posted by HighGain510

If you can do without the trem I highly suggest checking out the hardtail model DC727. I've owned a few with the trem and didn't like the tone but the one I have currently has the hardtail bridge and I love it. You're not too far from NoVa, if you're ever in the area you're more than welcome to swing by and check it out.

That's mighty nice of you to offer. I can't function w/out the wang. To be honest I'd be more interested in trying out that Brunetti in your avatar. I don't know if you're interested, but HCAF is having a DC ampfest (or as they say "mapfest") at the end of May.

[Jim Antonio]

I own a 727C with the LFR and it's the best 7 string in my armory (I have 8). However, one man's meat could be another man's poison, so it would be best to check its characteristics with what you are looking for in a 7. The specs can be found in the Carvin site. You may want to check out some Planet X songs off the "Universe" or "Moonbabies" album and hear Tony MacAlpine playing his 7-string. He plays stock pickups and a LFR and has a mildly distorted tone, so that could be your best representation of how it sounds. Santiago Dobles (Aghora), Wayne Findlay (Slavior), Shane Gibson (now with KoRn) and Zack Uidl (Thoughts Betrayed) are some of the notable guitarists playing Carvin 7s.

Oh, and Devil's Slingshot's "Clinophobia", too. Cool metallic fusion from T-Mac, Virgil Donati and Billy Sheehan! Cheers!

[HighGain510]

Originally Posted by PeteLaramee

That's mighty nice of you to offer. I can't function w/out the wang. To be honest I'd be more interested in trying out that Brunetti in your avatar. I don't know if you're interested, but HCAF is having a DC ampfest (or as they say "mapfest") at the end of May.

The Brunetti actually just got sold off to pay for tuition. I'll end up with another one when funds permit but for now I'm not able to afford another one just yet. If you would like to check out the Carvin though let me know.