Carvin XV112 sound test

Amp came in with rotten cabinet, intermittent sound due to an issue with broken solder joints and a lack of basic maintenance.
we procede to build a custom cabinet, based on the original one, fixed the preamp issue and gave a full deep maintenance.

[@jgmopar]

Sounds and looks great. Nice job

[@mikestormm]

Thanks, we gave a second life to it

[@TheGuitaristFrom1984]

I have this exact amp. May I ask what you have it set to for the lead channel? I haven’t gotten mine to sounds as good as yours lol

[@mikestormm]

Hi, Thanks for your appreciations. The videos I make are "proof of working", but you are right! the amp sounds fine. Controls where: Rythm(clean volume) 4, Lead drive 7, Master 2, TMB 5, Presence 5, Reverb 4. During the video I was playing with different graphic eq settings, nothing special, just what was sounding good to my ears while playing. The guitar you listen is a Gibson Les Paul tribute stock. If you want to change the character of the drive channel, consider swapping V1 and V2(both should be 12ax7) for a different brand. I usually like and suggest JJ brands. In the video amp, all preamp tubes where a mix of Sovtek and Electro Harmonics(Sovtek rebranded and selected), and were old tubes. Wish I could help more.

[@Tonedefy]

I like the sound, found one at Guitar Center today used for $399. Seems like its in great shape, its the one with a carpet cover. Just wondering how reliable it is considering it seems its a 30+ year old amp. Any insight would be appreciated.

[@mikestormm]

Hi, the exterior looks new, because its new. The amp came in with a falling apart cabinet, and yes, it came with the stinky carpet cover. I dont think its a Carvin issue, more on the owner abuse. If you like the carpet thing, just keep it clean. We made a custom fit cabinet and covered it with black vynil. Electronically speaking, the amp was fine, no issue in the electronics, bytheway I suggest you to reach a local tech, a trusty one, and have the electrolytics capacitors changed.

[@Tonedefy]

@@mikestormm Thank you, appreciate the advice on the capacitors. What is your overall opinion on its circuitry? Do you think its easily serviceable?

[@mikestormm]

@@Tonedefy offcourse its serviceable, a good tech should do easelly, its not a fender style amp board, but its not so crowded like some new mesas. If you allready done works on tube amps, knows where to put and dont put fingers in it, and knows the risk, you could do it by yourself. If its going to be the first tube amp you are going to work on, I strongly suggest to visit a local tech. If you are more curious on things like this, feel free to reach me on instagram at Mad Custom Electronics

[@Tonedefy]

@@mikestormm ok great thank you! Im not comfortable messing with electronics, but there are a couple of good local amp techs in my area! Followed your IG btw! Thanks again!

[@mikestormm]

@@Tonedefy thanks I appreciate your support. Get the amp, enjoy it, and if it starts to hum... you allready know its cap time.