1980s Carvin & Sunn Guitar Rig

Vintage tube head and 4x12 cab, loaded with Celestion speakers

Both of these pieces have previously been featured here. The Carvin X-60b head was reviewed when it was found in the summer of 2013 and the Sunn 412L cabinet also got some run in one of our early 2013 posts, coupled with the Acoustic 150 head. This is a bit of an update, as the footswitch has been added to the head and I also picked up a new set of JJ 6L6 tubes, two were missing when I bought it from Crossroads Pawn Shop in Westminster.

The speakers in the cab are vintage Celestion G12-80s. I'm also looking at restoring the cab, there have been some Sunn logo plates floating around and the grill could use some love. But, I'm also entertaining the idea of trading this out, so to speak and finding a period-correct Carvin cab to pair with the head. Same with the ACC 450 and 150 heads, I have seen 2x15 and 6x10 cabs at decent prices over the last year and am kicking myself for not getting them.

Either way, this is a great setup in the meantime. Acquiring the footswitch and getting the full complement of tubes for the head was really a priority, so those are both major reliefs. I don't really gig anymore, but now that they have been paired up, a couple of rehearsal studio jams should happen and hopefully I'll have some pedal boards to feature soon, those will also come along for the sessions.

Thanks for looking, more high-resolution photos here.

1980s Carvin X-60B Guitar Amplifier Head

Vintage mid-80s tube amp, in original and excellent condition

Like the Acoustic Control amps that we've featured here in the past, Carvin is another local So. Cal company that doesn't get the same respect as industry heavies Marshall and Ampeg, but longtime players know they deliver similar quality for roughly half the price. 

From what I've been able to find out about this particular head, it was made somewhere between 1984 and 1986. It has 2 channels, a 5-band EQ and on-board reverb. The clean channel sounds super sweet and there are only 2 of the 4 tube slots being used right now. The only visual flaw on this amp is one of the metal corner pieces is missing, but that is a cheap and easy fix.

This one becomes the undisputed top amp in my collection, it will be paired with the Sunn 412L cab that was posted here a few months back and should add to future recordings for lead guitars and clean channel tracks. I'll probably take it in to the local Carvin shop and have them go over it too.

Thanks for looking, more high-resolution photos here.