Carvin Amps

barricwiley · #1 07-25-2016, 04:47 PM

Good or bad opinions of the Carvin AG300 and the AG200 Acoustic amps. I am tossing around about making a choice, or, not at all.
Thanks a bunch.

Steve DeRosa · #2 07-25-2016, 05:30 PM

I own an MB12 - the bass-only version of the AG300 - and it's my go-to workhorse: solidly (American) built, plenty of power/tone for just about any stage (and DI/extension speaker outs for when it's not), weighs around 30 pounds - and they're having a 20% off sale right now...

I say go for it...

Ed-in-Ohio · #3 07-25-2016, 06:55 PM

I own the AG200. I play solo and small ensemble Americana/Folk/Rock. Guitar/Vox/Harmonica. The AG200 is absolutely fantastic with all my guitar/pickup configurations, and has the best vocal/PA capability of any acoustic amp I have played.

I can't imagine ever needing anything else. I may add the 12" extension cabinet at some point, but don't really see a need to do so now.

Very highly recommended.

Methos1979 · #4 07-25-2016, 08:02 PM

Another owner and big fan of the AG200. Great little amp. TON of features for the price point plus small and light weight. Do a search on my name as I did a NAD not too long ago.

AG200 and AG300 are very close. They have the exact same electrics, just different cab and speakers. If you need more low end then get the AG300. A little heavier and bigger, but not much. We didn't feel we needed it as we are just one acoustic guitar and one vocalist.

Mandobart · #5 07-26-2016, 03:33 PM

If you Google search "Carvin AG200" or "Carvin AG300" you will find many positive discussions about them right here on the AGF.

aknow · #6 07-27-2016, 06:24 AM

Ag 200 gets more use than schertler or AER c60 in our studio. Versatile, mic, harmonica, guitar. A workhorse highly recommended

barricwiley · #7 07-27-2016, 07:01 AM

Thank you so much for the info. Sorry the delayed response, I am in a Medical mess at this time so my time is not always mine. I am going to order the AG200 today if the sale is still on. Thanks once again.

rrgguitarman · #8 07-27-2016, 08:40 AM

Love my AG300.

Steve DeRosa · #9 07-27-2016, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barricwiley

...I am going to order the AG200 today if the sale is still on. Thanks once again.

Spend the few extra bucks for the AG300 - that 3-way cab/12" woofer make a big difference in tone, and you can run a bass through it if you wish...

Nailpicker · #10 07-27-2016, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Spend the few extra bucks for the AG300 - that 3-way cab/12" woofer make a big difference in tone, and you can run a bass through it if you wish...

I agree with Steve. I don't have a Carvin yet, but am planning on ordering an AG300 before the end of the year...for same reasons he states.

ricdoug · #11 07-28-2016, 05:10 PM

Both are made in America right here in Poway (North County San Diego), California. You won't go wrong with either. The AG200 is lighter and more compact. Both will power an 8 ohm extension speaker. The factory showroom is a fun place to test out their gear. Rumor is a split off of the guitars and audio, one of the two to move to nearby Escondido, California. Ric

barricwiley · #12 07-28-2016, 08:39 PM

Just in time - thank you sirs.
AG300 it is.
Plugging' in as soon as it comes in.

Uncle Pauhana · #13 07-28-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricdoug

Rumor is a split off of the guitars and audio, one of the two to move to nearby Escondido, California. Ric

Not just a rumor, but a done deal. They've been been entirely separate companies for quite a while now, but were still sharing a building. The guitar company is moving to a new factory soon.

Cayoot · #14 07-29-2016, 09:19 PM

Another Thumbs up for the Carvin. I purchased an AG 300 and an extension cab early this spring. I'm in a folk/60sish rock duet.

We just finished (last weekend) playing an open-air street gig put on by one of the local cities here in Northern MI. I run acoustic and electric guitar, as well as bass guitar, banjo and harmonica through this set up. Plus vocals from both of us and my buddy's guitar as well. We were both amazed at how rich the sound was with any of the instruments. We had much more than ample power to be heard throughout our block. (There were acts set up of many blocks so that people could just "Stroll the Streets" and enjoy free entertainment). I never had to crank the volume in order to be heard down the street.

Great system!

Ed-in-Ohio · #15 07-30-2016, 06:12 AM

Quick follow-up to add that the tone controls on the Carvins are just exceptional, especially for the mids. The 'Mid' control and the 'Freq' control work together to provide a remarkably powerful parametric mid sweep that can be set anywhere from 200K and 2,000K.

I just added a new guitar (Martin DRS1 with Fishman Sonitone pickup), and with some patience, I was able to find the exact mid frequency to adjust, and the amount to adjust it. Wonderful.

These amps basically have a pro grade EQ built in. Awesome.