leading from electric?

[Mike Darley]

Mark,

I didn't realize you're in Egypt. I guess I could have read the top of your post. Anyway, how are things there? Are you from Egypt or a missionary there? You said something about going back to the UK. Anyway, please let me know what God's doing there.

Anyway, about the Carvin. They are only factory direct. You may be able to find one used to check out, though. I tried to find one here before I bought it, but couldn't. I ended up just taking the plunge, and ordering one. They have a 30 day return policy so I figured I was safe. Needless to say I didn't return it. I know they ship internationally. If you're in the market you may want to order one. Worst case scenerio you can return it it 30 days. I know that I love mine.

[Mike Darley]

Tim,

I checked out the Montage on youtube. I didn't really like the sound as much as the Carvin. It sounded like a mediocre acoustic mixed with a mediocre electric. I don't know, though. It might have been what they were running it.

[Tim.Crook]

It's definately not a T5. I wanna play and hear one in real life before I make my final judgement on it. I've never heard the carvin either, but it's a carvin so i spect it's sweet

[Kevin Gaskill]

I'll lead with an electric, unless the piano player or the acoustic guitarist isn't going to be there, then I'll go acoustic. The Carvin AE185 is an awesome guitar, I used mine for years before I went to a Strat. I would run the acoustic side through a preamp and di direct into the PA. A preamp, I used a cheap behringer adi21, and just a touch of chorus improves the alrealy good acoustic sound tremendously. Here's a pic.

Kevin

[Mike Darley]

I was tracking with you until you said chorus on the acoustic. That makes me sad. Just a personal opinion.

The Carvin has a surprisingly full sound going through just a normal direct box. The setup I'm eventually getting once I get an amp...and then some more money... is using a stereo cable out into an Ernie Ball stereo pan pedal. Something I saw one the Worship Trench. One input into a L.R. Baggs Para DI, which I already have and the other through whatever pedals I pick up along the way. I can't wait!!!!

[Tim.Crook]

Anybody tried the Epiphone Les Paul Ultra II yet? It's another "hybrid". Just wonderin if anybody's played/ heard one. It's about half the price of what an AE-185 would cost me.... if I could actually afford it that is

[Mike Darley]

I don't know, man. From what I've heard from the demos on youtube it sounded pretty thin. It really didn't seem to have a full acoustic sound like the Carvin. You can get a stripped down AE 185 for like $999 new. If it's me I'd just wait a little longer to save the extra $300 over the Les Paul. If a guitar just sounds like an electric trying to be an acoustic, then really what's the point? You can get a bad acoustic sound from an electric through one of those "acoustic" pedals. I think for the price the Carvin is worth it. Even at a lower price I don't think the Les Paul is.

Man, I reall wish I had a digital camcorder so I could put a post up for you guys on youtube or something.

[Tim.Crook]

lol. If I get the Carvin it's gonna cost me around 1400. If i pony up for I'm gonna go ahead and get it tricked out the way I want it

[Mike Darley]

What extras would you be getting? Mine has the coil splitter, phase switch option, and the inline headstock, and it was like $1200. I mean, I agree, if you're going to do it, then do it right, but what would put the price up that high? Anyway, if you're going to try to save money on a guitar I'd say get a Carvin a little less tricked out as opposed to the Les Paul.

[Tim.Crook]

Bookmatched quilt maple top, dragonburst finish, satin finish neck, 10" radius neck, stainless frets, abalone blocks and headstock inlay all the bells and whistles.

Also I found this vid of the Les Paul Ultra II and the acoustic doesn't sound that bad to me. I'd still like to play one in real life and thru an acoustic amp just to see what it can do.
Here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBGT_Gzs2NY