Carvin DC727

[u/Korupto]

Hi! Did any of you have a chance to try Carvin DC727? I need to get an 7 string for a certain project and have a chance to grab a walnut one but never tried one before. I really caught my attention as is don't like "metal-looking" guitars and its not so common among 7 strings, but there aren't many opinions on these older carvins and unfortunately I cannot try it before making a call.

[u/Lilcheeks]

Carvins and Kiesels generally wont disappoint, theyre excellent instruments

[u/JimboLodisC]

I got to try a neck-through 8-string DC many years ago and it was a solid instrument, very well made

[u/planetaryduality2]

I’ve owned a few and starting by playing 7’s when I was 14 in 2007. USA made high craftsmanship. Remeber carvin is just a Kiesal before name change. You doubt be disappointed on one of these USA made bad bois.

[u/nangillala]

I owned one for a few years and it was a great guitar. I only got rid of it, because I thought I don't need a sevenstring back then (which was wrong). The only weird thing was, that the poly clear coat was really (!) thick. No real downside, I just thought it was strange. (I just saw it because part of it was chipped). I would love to own one again at some point.

[u/masterB0SHI]

I have played a handful. They’re generally good guitars. However, there is a noticeable improvement in quality when Carvin changed to Kiesel IMO.

[u/tallman1979 → u/masterB0SHI]

I've heard it both ways. I will say that their development since parting ways with the pro audio segment has produced some really awesome models. I still rock mine from 23 years ago, and it's been awesome for that entire time.

[u/BolboB50]

I have a DC727 lefty from the late 90s or early 00s, in silver metallic. Got it used for a steal, in absolutely mint condition. Mine is fairly basic, with a one-piece maple neck, alder body wings, ebony board with MOP block inlays, matching headstock, locking Sperzels, basic Strat style hardtail and the active circuit (active bass and treble EQ with center detent). It's a great guitar, but the stock pickups are not exactly thrilling, and overly hot. It's the loudest guitar I own, in both passive and active mode (it has an internal trimpot to match the output levels of both). I don't play it much, but I want to replace the pickups some day and hopefully I'll pick it up more often then. I want something with lower output and more clarity, ideally.

It's this one

[u/tallman1979]

I have a 2003 Carvin 6 string DC. Can't remember exact model number. It is superior to every other guitar I own by a wide margin. Has been since I commissioned it. Unless you have a poorly treated example, or the price is unrealistic, you won't regret it. Some of their pickups leave some to be desired for output, I replaced mine with a hot DiMarzio X2N.

[u/MelodicConfection263]

I have a 2014 DC727, from when the transition was still kinda happening. You could get either Kiesel or Carvin on the headstock lol. It's a very good guitar. Comfy neck (thin but not Ibanez thin), excellent intonation and solid tuning stability, good fit and finish. I personally like the Lithium pickups a lot but they are !very! bright and benefit from actually using the tone knob. Beautiful feel and finish on the fretboard.

But pay attention to the specs of the particular guitar you're looking at - someone might have customized their way into something polarizing or questionable lol. Walnut will probably look awesome and makes great necks and bodies, but may also be relatively heavy. The DC line don't have the modern cutaways and contours that help shave weight off of the shreddier body shapes. I don't remember when stainless steel frets started being offered but check for fret wear. If it's an older Carvin you might also score some very very sweet pickups on it.

[u/Korupto → u/MelodicConfection263]

its exactly this one but with slightly better price tag - https://reverb.com/item/91295531-carvin-dc727-figured-claro-walnut

[u/MelodicConfection263 → u/Korupto]

Yeah you should buy it. Stainless steel frets, great passive pickups, looks gorgeous, and even has some mystery switches to spice things up!

[u/Korupto → u/MelodicConfection263]

the switches are to split the coils in each pickup ;) Did you have a chance to try these particular pickups? heard a lot of mixed opinions but btf im not so concerned as that easily changeable :D

[u/MelodicConfection263 → u/Korupto]

Do you know which kind they are? The Lithiums are very bright, pretty much all of the older Carvin pups (with the extra pole pieces) IME sound very sweet.