I'm thinking of buying a do it yourself guitar project. I've been thinking about a Carvin Bolt. Any of you guys out there have any experience with these? They seem to be reasonably priced. I'm also thinking of something by Warmouth, but the Bolt is much is much cheaper and fits my budget better. Anyone have an opinion on how these things play or on the tone? Of course Carvin says they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I think they might be a little biased.

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

I have never played one and they look good. The funny thing is two different friends who dont know each other used the same word describing them when I brought them up. Stiff.

Stiff? Do you think they are talking about the ebony fretboard? It's the standard fretboard on these units? They do offer maple or rosewood as an option. I was thinking about the ebony, maybe I'll go with maple. I was thinking about the swampash body. I used to have a CBS '75 Strat in natural with an ash body and a maple neck. I liked the tone and look of it. Since I don't think my wood finishing skills are up to anything fancy, I was thinking about trying to duplicate that look and hopefully come close to that sound. What do you think? Thanks for the comment.

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

This is probably not the right forum to ask about Carvin.

I have played a few the kits. The quality on all of them has been excellent. The guys I know who got them, did it to have a Hardtail. I think it would be a very fun project and a good educational experience.

If you are looking for a Strat though, don't expect it to be one. Carvin pups sound like...Carvin.

FWIW the necks on the bolts are a little wider and a little thinner than an American Strat neck.

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AmDlx HSS
62 Hot Rod
Luke w/Piezo
Carvin Belair

Though I don't have a bolt, I have a partsocaster with a Carvin neck. The neck is wide with a flat radius but is really nice. The fret work is emaculate and I love the ebony fretboard. I'm sure you will be happy with it. And if you don't like the pickups you can always change them later.

I did figure it would sound like a Carvin, but hey I might like it and as you said, I can always swap p\ups later if I don't. I do kinda like the ebony fretboard. I think it would look nice in a natural finish with black p/ups and pickguard. As for this maybe not being the right forum, I figured I might get more unbiased opinions on this forum. The Carvin forum (which I've checked out) is full of "Carvinites". Go figure. Also, I've found this forum to be full of nice people. I've even seen posts about various Gibsons, Rics, etc. Once again, thanks guys for all the replies.,Vince

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

I have yet to hear anything bad about a carvin kit. As long as you realize the sound/style/shape you are buying they are a great value. they have a superb reputation for quality. i haven't built one, but i have actually played 2 of em. Very very nice.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

That's what I gather too. Thanks. Oh, by the way, your cat clip is hilarious, is it your's? I have 2 grey kitties that look just like that. Love 'em both.

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

I built a Carvin bolt kit. It waas my first time finishing and working with laquers and such. **Nitro-cellulose while applied in a " well ventilated area" will still make you goofy....lol.
It was a nice project and I learned a lot. I did the hardtail, ash body, with the 3 11-pole pups.
I didn't like the sound. Sold 'em on e-pay, sunk in a set of emgs.

I haven't built one but I have played a couple. They are good guitars and from what I've been told the kits are super easy to build. The neck is a bit different "feel" wise from a Strat, not bad just different. I found them to be more like Jackson necks. Carvin pickups sounded good too. Easily on par with Fenders stock pups.

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"Life is like eating jalapenos. What you do today may burn your arse tomorrow"

It's a clip from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" My cat is a mottled Tortoiseshell.


BastardN geez man, if you were getting goofy that tells me you didn't wear a proper respirator. When spraying lacquer you need to wear a properly rated mask. I even wear one spraying outside. I hope you use one now.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Yeh it was my first build your own, and and quite a while ago...lol
I learned a lot since then 4 cars and an unammed amount of guitars later....!!!!

I remember seeing your 'custom' paint job, racing strip, and inlayed 'Custom' auto markings. how many others have you refinned?

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

I've done a Cyclone, an 89 MIA Strat, and a Strat VII.
Current projects are moving slowly due to $$ or time;
a 70's Magnum LP copy,
ground up 60's Jaguar build with my Dad in Minnesota. He does wood working so I figured it would be nice to build a family heirloom with him.
I just bought a Sycamore body blank for it.

a 1995 Squire Srat (I'm thinking Craftsmen tool theme for my father in law)

And recently I squeaked by on the $$ budget for parts and etc, I am doing a multi colored sunburst 70's Tele on an ash body. 70% Fender MIA Parts-caster!
That will be posted step by step, not that I am trying to outdo Ceri, (not possible).

I don't want to hijack this post so here is a link to my photo bucket If you want to check it out. I think there is a pic or two of the Carvin bolt.
http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e22/NAM77/