1963

The Model #28-212 is the top-of-line guitar amplifier, a 40-watt four-speaker piggyback rig with two 12" and two 8" Jensen Concert speakers in a large cabinet. Carvin credits electronic organ companies with pioneering this four-speaker configuration for fuller tonal response. Optional Hammond reverb on the #28-212 is also available. The #8-12-B is a traditional single-cabinet combo-style amplifier at 30 watts with one 12" Jensen woofer and one 8" midrange in an integrated cabinet measuring 23" x 23" x 9", weighing 39 lbs

The flagship guitar amplifier is the Model #12-8CAB, a 40-watt (50W peak) piggyback unit with two channels, four inputs, variable tremolo with speed and depth controls, and a Jensen 12" plus 8" dual-speaker cabinet. The amplifier chassis features a sloping panel with hammertone grey finish, bottom-mounted chassis for reduced heat, and 6L6GC output tubes. An optional Hammond spring reverb adds a two-second time-delay reverberation effect.

The Model #15CAB is the same amplifier chassis mated to a cabinet housing a single 15" Jensen speaker. The Model #8D is the amplifier head only, using the same chassis as the #12-8CAB but without a speaker cabinet, designed for use with the customer's own cabinet or the Model #4-12. The smaller Model #12CA piggyback operates at 25 watts using a pair of 6V6 output tubes and a single 12" Jensen speaker. All amplifiers include variable tremolo, dual channels, ground switch, standby switch, and pilot light. A remote control tremolo switch (A-31) is available for $5.00 extra across the line.

Electric Spanish guitars are the most prominently featured fretted instruments in the 1963 catalog. The top-of-line Model #63-SGB is a solid maple-body professional guitar with three AP-6 hi-fidelity adjustable-pole pickups, three individual pickup switches (allowing up to seven tonal combinations), a chrome handrest, an A-40 precision adjustable bridge, an oval rosewood fretboard, a removable maple neck with built-in truss rod, and a natural blonde hand-rubbed finish. The optional Bigsby Vibrato and Tailpiece Assembly is available on the #63-SGB. The two-pickup Models #32-SGB and #42-SGB offer the same body with either AP-6 or A-1 pickups and a three-way lever switch. A single-pickup Electric Spanish Guitar (Models #11-SGB and #22-SGB) represents the entry-level offering. The left-handed Model #10-LSGB mirrors the two-pickup Spanish guitar in all specifications with a purpose-built left-hand body and neck. A six-string bass guitar tuned one octave below standard (Model #2-BG) uses the same body and appearance as the #32-SGB. The electric mandolin (Model #1-MB and #2-MB) is an 8-string solid-body instrument with an AP-4 adjustable-pole pickup, oval rosewood fretboard, and natural blonde finish. All guitars feature a removable neck fastened with four heavy-duty #10 wood screws and include a connecting cord. Cases are mandatory with all instrument purchases. Carvin's philosophy on solid-body construction is clearly stated: solid maple produces longer string sustain than hollow-body or thin-body designs because of superior coupling between the neck, bridge, and body. The company argues against hollow-body and thin-body trends of the era, stating that strings do not vibrate as long on light-weight construction. The A-40 cast metal bridge is described as guaranteeing accurate intonation, and Carvin notes that over-adjustable bridges lead to poor coupling and tonal loss.

• All solid maple body and neck; removable neck with truss rod; natural blonde finish standard
• Bigsby Vibrato Assembly option on #63-SGB and #32-SGB: add $39.90
• Guitar Vibro (patent pending vibrato bar) available for $19.50 on all models

Joe Maphis was one of the most influential electric guitarists of the early country and western music era. Known as the “King of the Strings,” he became famous for his extraordinary speed, double-neck guitar performances, and television appearances on programs such as Town Hall Party. Maphis frequently demonstrated Carvin guitars and amplifiers in live performances, helping establish the brand’s reputation among professional country musicians during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Larry Collins was a guitar prodigy who gained national attention as one half of the Collins Kids, a country and rockabilly duo with his sister Lorrie Collins. Performing regularly on Town Hall Party and other television programs, Collins became known for his energetic stage performances and rapid-fire electric guitar playing. His association with Carvin instruments helped connect the company with younger performers and the emerging rock-influenced country sound of the early 1960s.

Billy Mize was a respected country singer, songwriter, and guitarist who worked extensively in the California country music scene. He performed alongside artists such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens and later hosted the television program The Billy Mize Show. Mize’s endorsement of Carvin guitars and amplifiers reflected the brand’s strong presence among professional musicians working in West Coast country and honky-tonk venues.

Raymundo Toledo was a guitarist known for his performances in Latin and Spanish guitar styles. His inclusion in the Carvin catalog demonstrates the company’s reach beyond country and Hawaiian musicians into broader regional music scenes where amplified guitars were becoming increasingly popular during the early 1960s.