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Digitized and archived for search, history, and product lineage.
Browse the original 1965.
Key products, features, and themes you’ll see in this issue.
Guitar Amplifiers
Carvin's 1965 guitar amplifier lineup is entirely transistor-based, positioned as a direct-factory-priced alternative to tube amplifiers. All models feature dual-channel circuits, four input jacks, separate bass and treble per channel, Rayresistor tremolo (one channel), and optional Hammond reverb. Controls are mounted on top of the chassis for accessibility. The lineup spans portable combo-style configurations up to a high-powered piggy-back system
Loudspeakers
The 1965 Carvin catalog does not sell standalone Carvin-branded loudspeaker enclosures with the exception of the Model #2-15T Bass Reflex Cabinet. All speaker drivers sold in the parts section are Jensen units available as replacement components. Jensen speakers appear throughout the amplifier line in 10", 12", and 15" configurations.
Bass Guitars
The 1965 Carvin bass guitar is a short-scale solid-body instrument using a 25 1/8" scale, all-maple neck and body. Carvin specifically promotes this scale as providing extra sustain and punch. The standard model (#73-BG) features two AP-4 adjustable-pole pickups, three-way lever switch, separate volume and tone controls per pickup, rosewood fretboard, and maple body. A non-adjustable-pickup version (#83-BG) is offered at lower cost. A left-handed bass (#71LH) mirrors the left-handed Spanish guitar's construction. Proprietary Carvin flat-wound bass strings are strongly recommended; optional stainless steel strings with iron cores are available at $13.90/set.
Guitar Artist- Joe Maphis
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.
Guitar Artist- Larry Collins
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.
Guitar Amplifier Artist- Billy Mize
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.
Steel Guitar Artist- Pua Almeida
Pua Almeida was a prominent Hawaiian steel guitarist who helped popularize electric steel guitar music throughout the United States during the mid-20th century. Known for his smooth melodic playing and distinctive vibrato style, Almeida toured extensively and recorded numerous albums of Hawaiian music. His association with Carvin steel guitars highlighted the company’s strong connection to the steel guitar tradition.
Steel Guitar Artist- Billy Hew Len
Billy Hew Len was a Hawaiian steel guitarist and performer who specialized in traditional Hawaiian and island-style music. Active in live performances and recordings during the mid-century era, Hew Len’s playing style emphasized fluid slide techniques and expressive tone. His endorsement in the catalog reflects Carvin’s continued presence in the Hawaiian steel guitar community.
Searchable index of model numbers extracted from this issue.
A digitized archival scan from the Carvin catalog timeline.
Year: 1965
Carvin, Carvin Corp., Carvin Musical Instruments, Covina California, DeArmond, Kent, Guild Copicat, Bigsby, Gibson Sonomatic, Jensen, Ernie Ball, Hammond, Fender
1954 Carvin Catalog, vintage Carvin, guitar amplifiers, bass amplifiers, electric Hawaiian guitar, steel guitar, tube amplifier, Baldwin Park California
Carvin Models: Model #6DHG-5B, Model #6DHG-6B, Model #8DHG-5B, Model #8DHG-6B, Model #8806-D, Model #8806-E, Model #6606-D, Model #6606-E, Model #484-B, Model #28-CASE, Model #29 CASE, Model #41, Model #61, Model #81, CASE #100, Mark II, Mark IV, Mark VII, Lead Amplifier, Model #T-11, Model #T-12, Model #2-15T, Model #34-SBG, Model #44-SGB, Model #64-SGB, Model #21-SGC, Model #22-SGC, Model #2-SGA, Model #73-BG, Model #83-BG, Model #10-LSGB, Model #71LH, Model #1-MB, Model #2-MB, Model #1-MA, Model #4-BS, Model #5-BS, Model #6-CBS, Model #1-MS, Model #2-MS, Model #3-CMS, Model #I-901, Model #I-902, Model #I-903, Model #I-904, Model #I-905, Model #I-906, Model #I-907, A-1, A-2, AP-4, AP-6, AP-8, APB-4, No. K8806, No. K6606, A-3, NO-A30, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-8, A-9, A-11, A-12, A-13, A-14, A-15, A-16, A-17, A-21, A-22, A-23, A-24, A-26, A-27, A-28, A-29, A-31, A-32, A-33, A-34, A-35, A-36, A-37, A-38, A-39, A-40, A-41, A-42, A-44, A-45, A-46, A-47, A-48, A-50, A-51, A-52, A-53, A-56, #608, #1-BNA.Third Party Models: DeArmond #1000 Rhythm Chief, DeArmond #500 F-hole Mandolin Pickup, DeArmond #75C Ukulele Contact Pickup, DeArmond #700 Violin Contact Pickup, DeArmond #RHC-B Flat Round-hole Guitar Pickup, DeArmond #FHC-B F-hole Guitar Pickup, DeArmond #900 String-Bass Contact Pickup, DeArmond #210 Flat-Top Guitar Pickup, DeArmond #600 Foot Pedal Volume Control, DeArmond #610 Pedal Volume and Tone Control, DeArmond #40 Round-hole Pickup, DeArmond #41 F-hole Pickup, Bigsby A-56 Vibrato and Tailpiece Assembly, Guild Copicat Echo Unit, Kent DM-17 Dynamic Microphone, Kent WC-16 Guitar Pick-Up, Kent WC-40 Guitar Pick-Up, Kent WC-25 Guitar Pick-Up, Kent WC-18 Guitar Pick-Up, Kent WC-19 Contact Microphone, Kent WC-17 Harmonica Pick-Up, Kent WC-42 Foot Pedal Volume Control, Gibson Sonomatic A-13 Hawaiian Guitar Strings, Gibson Sonomatic A-14 Hawaiian Guitar Strings, Gibson Sonomatic A-26 Spanish Guitar Strings, Gibson Sonomatic A-42 Mandolin Strings.
Pro Series, Concert Series, Mark II, Mark IV, Mark VII, Lead Amplifier, Twin Master, PRO-series Steel, Pedal Guitar, double-neck, solid-state, transistor amplifier, piggy-back, bass reflex
all-transistor, solid-state, Rayresistor tremolo, Hammond reverb, dual-channel, adjustable pole pickup, Alnico V double-powered magnets, AP-6, AP-8, heat-hardened nut, telescopic chrome legs, elevated fretboard, bass-reflex cabinet, compression horn tweeter, electronic crossover, Jensen speakers, 5/8-inch Fender thread legs, truss rod, direct mail, factory-direct pricing
Joe Maphis, Larry Collins, Billy Mize, Pua Almeida
1965, transistor amplifier, pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, console steel, double-neck guitar, electric bass, Spanish guitar, electric mandolin, left-handed guitar, pro audio, guitar amplifier, bass amplifier, solid-state, direct mail, mail order, Jensen speaker, AP-6 pickup, AP-8 pickup, adjustable pole, Alnico, reverb, tremolo, piggy-back amp, bass reflex, Carvin 1965 catalog, Covina California
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