Carvin A&I
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The Carvin Corporation is a musical instrument and equipment manufacturer located in San Diego, California. Carvin was founded in 1946 by Lowell Kiesel as the L.C. Kiesel Company, originally selling guitar pickups.
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[edit] Early history
The Kiesel Company was founded in Los Angeles, briefly relocated to Lowell Kiesel's childhood home of Gothenburg, Nebraska, then moved to Baldwin Park, California in 1949, where the company name was changed to Carvin, from Kiesel's two eldest sons, Carson and Gavin. Throughout the 1950's, 1960's, and early 1970's, Carvin manufactured guitars and bass guitars largely from bodies and necks made by Höfner. During this period, they also manufactured amplifiers and steel guitars, and were authorized resellers of other gear, including Fender and Martin guitars, DeArmond pickups and Sonola accordions. In the late 1970's, Carvin began to produce all their own instrument components, and also expanded their product lines to include pro audio gear, recording equipment, lighting and other stage and studio equipment.
[edit] 1980s
Carvin developed its own niche in the musical instrument world in the 1980's, by offering guitars and basses built to a customer's specifications, based on available body shapes, woods, colors, electronics and other features. This allowed customers to order a guitar or bass guitar that was a "made to order" instrument, versus a mass-produced instrument sold at a retailer. Now, there are thousands of possible combinations available for guitars and basses, including exotic body and fingerboard woods, finishes, electronics and many other options.
[edit] Current
Currently, Carvin Corporation manufactures acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars and accessories, amplifiers, and live and studio sound equipment, microphones and lighting gear. Carvin differs from most manufacturers by selling directly to customers, avoiding distributors and retailers in the interest of lower prices. A unique and popular item Carvin offers is their guitar and bass kits, featuring all of the necessary parts needed to construct a guitar or bass, including pre-wired pick guard, pre-drilled neck and body, and instructions.
[edit] Carvin Users
Artists who use Carvin guitars or basses include Allan Holdsworth, Bunny Brunel, Craig Chaquico , Mark Wills, and Timothy B. Schmit, whom all have their own artist series instruments Other notable artists who have used Carvin equipment include Joe Walsh, Yngwie Malmsteen, Frank Zappa, Willie Nelson, Al Di Meola, Tony MacAlpine, Moby, Jason Becker, Steve Vai (Steve Vai also helped to design the Carvin Legacy guitar amplifier), and Rick Nielsen.
