rather thin and wan) the Carvins perform like gnarly P-90s at full volume, and snappier Fender-style singlecoils with the Volume knob rolled back a touch.Īll considered, the SH550 is a sweet player, and a surprisingly versatile instrument. The split-coil tones are extremely impressive, too: Where so many sound like just half a humbucker (i.e. Tested through a range of tube amps, it exhibits plenty of power to crunch and wail when you want it to, but still retains outstanding clarity from all three humbucker settings. “In the hand, the SH550’s medium-low action proves smooth, slick, and buzz free, and the guitar rings with an impressive semi-acoustic voice even before you plug it in. In 2010, Guitar Player Magazine reviewed the Carvin SH550. Carvin Audio reorganized and in 2017 Carvin Corporation permanently closed its factory in San Diego, California. The original Carvin hard shell case is included.įounded in 1946, and from the late 1940’s available through direct sales, Carvin Corporation broke up in 2015, selling the guitar and bass line to Kiesel, operated by Mark and Jeff Kiesel. The hardware is gold plated, and includes Sperzel locking tuners, Alnico V pickups, a recessed tune-o-matic type bridge, and stop tailpiece. It’s in good clean condition with only very light wear, and appears to be all original.

Precise dating information is not available.

This Carvin SH550 dates to around 2003 based on the owner’s recollection. Based on a carved Flame Maple top on a chambered Mahogany back with Mahogany neck and Indian Rosewood fingerboard, this is a very nice guitar aimed towards jazz players. The Carvin SH550 thinline archtop electric is still available from the successor to Carvin – Kiesel Guitars, run by descendants of Lowell Kiesel, founder of Carvin.

Dating carvin guitars