Getting rid of a DC200 with faulty electronics

[BriMan]

Do any of you have experience with trying to sell (or get rid of) an older Carvin? I have a 1995 DC200 and the actives are shot. When I shake the cord the sound just goes in and out and it never goes through consistently. I'm considering even giving it away or possibly selling it for parts. The pickups may still be worth something (M22N and M22SD). Anyone have suggestions? I'd hate to just trash the guitar.

[helldorado]

Other than the electronics, what's the condition of the rest of the guitar? The value of the old Carvins can swing pretty greatly depending on that. If it's a case queen that needs a little work or a project guitar that needs a lot, it can vary.

I'd be interested in knowing more about it, I've been looking for a project guitar that I can use for getting better at DIY repairs and maintenance. I can't solder for crap and something like that would be a great opportunity to learn on.

[BriMan]

It's a jet black guitar with black hardware and tung oiled back of neck. I could steel wool the frets easily enough and had to peel stickers off the back. Other than that, it looks fine. Some have suggested I spray air inside the electronics area and I tried that a long time ago. I posted in a local Facebook group because the shipping costs may be another obstacle. No response yet. I do have the old hardshell case though.

[helldorado]

Shipping shouldn't be too bad, as long as everybody has realistic expectations. I just shipped a guitar halfway across the country for $60 with UPS. They key is to use something like pirateship.com who gets reduced label rates and doesn't charge you for them. Taking it to the UPS or Fedex stores to have them do it easily costs over $100, especially if you're paying them to pack it.

Unfortunately, those old Carvin electronics, because they were circuit board based, when they start to go, there isn't much option to getting them repaired other than totally replacing everything.

[BriMan]

Yeah, I didn't figure 90s Carvin parts were in demand. That's why I was thinking the best option is to find a local person to take it off my hands, but even that might be difficult. I can only imagine how expensive it would be to have a professional replace the electronics.

[spudmunkey]

Often times, they just get gutted, and the guitar gets converted to all-passive controls.

[helldorado]

Out of curiosity, how much were you asking for it on the FB group?

[BriMan]

I didn't put any price on it. I'm unsure what to charge or even if I should charge. I just asked if there's any local people who work on guitars as a hobby and to PM me if interested.

[Nombrecomun]

Put a pic here or a link to that FB group. A pic could generate interest.

Best of luck!!!

[BriMan]

[Keisari]

Are those pickups active or passive though? Or is there some active circuitry like boost in there?
It could be a simple fix like putting some deoxit in the pots or fixing the output jack.
Or just turning the knobs. But if the active circuitry is busted then i dont know.

I wouldnt just give it for free though. Probably some flipper will get it and list it in reverb for 500 or something like that.

[BriMan]

Did they put different versions of pickups for their active system in '95? It is a system that doesn't have a push-pull. I may have found someone who's willing to pay the shipping but we'll see.

[spudmunkey]

No, the pickups were never active. The guitar was just equipped with a powered preamp that worked with any passive 4-conductor passive pickups.

[helldorado]

Did they put different versions of pickups for their active system in '95? It is a system that doesn't have a push-pull. I may have found someone who's willing to pay the shipping but we'll see.

If you just want to cover the shipping cost, I'd happily pay that. Fixed bridge is a win for me.

[BriMan]

I'm gonna try an ebay auction with it. I'll post the link when it's up.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175369046929

[Keisari]

Shouldnt have any problems getting rid of it through ebay.

Like i said its allready over 300

[BriMan]

My friend said it says only local pickup when he brings it up, but it doesn't say that on my screen. Hmmm...

[spudmunkey]

My friend said it says only local pickup when he brings it up, but it doesn't say that on my screen. Hmmm...

Mine says free local pickup, but then also has a price for shipping.

[BriMan]

This is actually my first time trying to sell something on ebay. It was meant to be an either/or option. If they're close enough they can pick it up or pay for shipping.

[spudmunkey]

This is actually my first time trying to sell something on ebay. It was meant to be an either/or option. If they're close enough they can pick it up or pay for shipping.

Yep, looks like it's set up correctly from my end!