New instruments rock!
I am particularly excited at the moment, because I just placed an order for another custom built Carvin guitar just over an hour ago. It is a new model that Carvin literally began selling only yesterday, except that it's *technically* not "new" at all.
A few weeks ago, just prior to the annual NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Convention held in Anaheim, CA (where music equipment and instrument manufacturers unveil their new product lines for the coming year), I happened to stumble across some news that was exciting to me - that Carvin was officially going to reissue two of its guitar models, originally in production during the late 1980s-early 1990s. The new Ultra V and V220 guitars were officially unveiled at Carvin's booth during the first day of the NAMM convention. For those who may be unfamiliar with the V220 and Ultra V models, they were some of Carvin's most popular guitar models. In fact, the V220 was advertised throughout tons of musician-themed magazines and catalogs, and some of its biggest endorsers included Craig Chaquico (then part of Jefferson Starship) and Marty Friedman (at that time part of Cacophony with Jason Becker, and soon thereafter part of Megadeth for the most successful phase during the band's career). In 1993, both models were discontinued just as Carvin updated its factory with some major technological renovations. For the past several years, the Ultra V and V220 models have become increasingly difficult to locate (especially in great condition), even on eBay. Since a few years ago, many "Carvinites" have been begging Carvin to reissue the models, but Carvin was uncertain of the amount of demand, not sure whether the demand would warrant reissuing the models. Fast forward to 2007: Carvin listened to its customers' requests, and have begun accepting orders as of this morning. Talk about awesome Customer Service!
On to what I ordered - I ordered the Ultra V, with a ton of customized options, some of which are still being finalized (since the model is so new, many of the representatives from Carvin are unsure of some of the available options). Anyone who has known me for the past couple years knows that I have casually been watching for a nice Jackson Rhoads guitar. Most of the Jackson Rhoads instruments have bolt-on or set-in necks, and what I have been really wanting is a neck-through body construction Rhoads, which tend to be a bit on the steep side in terms of cost. The timing for Carvin's reintroduction of the Ultra V could not be better for me, as it features neck-through-body construction and many other stock options that appeal to this picky guitar player.
For a photograph of the Ultra V featured at the NAMM convention a few weeks ago, click here. The options I ordered on mine (such as color, finish, pickups, etc.) are nothing like the photograph here; the picture is to merely serve as an idea of the body shape and type.
The projected build time is anywhere from 8-12 weeks. As soon as I receive the finished instrument, I will certainly post photographs on the website for all to see.
Until next time!