Carvin MTS 3200 head

eggman · July 15th, 2006, 10:17 PM

Howdy,

Anyone here have Carvin's MTS 3200 head? It's 100 watts with a 50 watt power switch. It uses Either 6L6's or EL-34's, too! Seems like a fair bargain compared to PCB offerings from Marshall.
I'm interested in using it for 50 watts through a 2-10 cab w/ AlNiCo speakers. anyone have one? I'm interested in hearing what you've got to say..

Eggman

PS: BTW, I won't even use the gain channel; just want to hear about the clean channel.

sidneystreet · July 16th, 2006, 03:37 PM

Check here if you haven't already: Carvin MTS 3200 Reviews

A friend has one and I have played it a little. Compared to my own Carvin X-100B head purchased new in the mid 80's, I'd say the clean channels are comparable. What you get is a very good clean channel with quality spring reverb. It does a reasonable approximation of Fender clean. I haven't found that these Carvin models overdrive well when the clean channel is cranked. If you want quality grit or mild overdrive use a pedal.

Keeping those general thoughts in mind, I think they are really good amps, and the fact that I still own and use mine says a lot. The completely bullet-proof reliability I've experienced is a welcome bonus.

If you have any specific questions let me know, and next weekend I can plug into it again and investigate.

Teleman · July 17th, 2006, 11:25 AM

I used to have the MTS in a 2-12 combo. The clean channel on it is the best clean anywhere. It stays clean up to about 8 on the dial and them just gets a little gritty. IF loud and clean is what you like then this can't be beat.
The OD channel was not for my tastes but I could see how someone would like it. It takes pedals good also.

bongo · July 17th, 2006, 04:45 PM

I have used the MTS 212 combo quite a bit over the last 2 years. I keep liking the Clean sound more and more - it is very good, a nice balance of sparkle and warmth and it reacts differently to the many guitars I plug in. The OD channel is more gritty than I like, good for some stuff, but I'm not a metal/boogie type player - but if you like that, it is very solid-plenty of balls for any size venue.
I put in EL-34's and have not regretted it - the stock 5881 had no life.

eggman · July 18th, 2006, 07:22 PM

Howdy,

Thanks for the replies. I'm keeping the MTS 3200 on my "gear radar" for this fall. They appear to be a good deal.

Eggman

FrankB · May 13th, 2008, 05:22 PM

Played through one at a sam ash music store.... it was listed at 299 used. I gave it a solid 40 minutes of a workout. The drive channle sounds really good with just a hint of grit in it, very rubbery and crisp. I was using a tele, loved it, wish I had 299 on me i would hve bought one for sure.
For those needing more stage volume this would have to be it.

Murphy Slaw · May 13th, 2008, 08:28 PM

I friend of mine I gigged with for several years bought the combo last year. He loves it. I have not heard it, because we are in basically competing bands and working different clubs on the same nights!

I'm a big fan of Carvin amps and pa gear, don't know much about their guitars. He had a BelAir for the last year or so I gigged with him and I really liked it.

Best of luck.

Murph.

July 15th, 2006, 10:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
eggman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 1,228	Carvin MTS 3200 head Howdy, Anyone here have Carvin's MTS 3200 head? It's 100 watts with a 50 watt power switch. It uses Either 6L6's or EL-34's, too! Seems like a fair bargain compared to PCB offerings from Marshall. I'm interested in using it for 50 watts through a 2-10 cab w/ AlNiCo speakers. anyone have one? I'm interested in hearing what you've got to say.. Eggman PS: BTW, I won't even use the gain channel; just want to hear about the clean channel.

July 17th, 2006, 04:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
bongo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: hamden, ct Posts: 139	I have used the MTS 212 combo quite a bit over the last 2 years. I keep liking the Clean sound more and more - it is very good, a nice balance of sparkle and warmth and it reacts differently to the many guitars I plug in. The OD channel is more gritty than I like, good for some stuff, but I'm not a metal/boogie type player - but if you like that, it is very solid-plenty of balls for any size venue. I put in EL-34's and have not regretted it - the stock 5881 had no life. __________________ all I need is just one more guitar :)

May 13th, 2008, 05:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
FrankB Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Havertown, PA. U.S.A. Posts: 749	Played through one at a sam ash music store.... it was listed at 299 used. I gave it a solid 40 minutes of a workout. The drive channle sounds really good with just a hint of grit in it, very rubbery and crisp. I was using a tele, loved it, wish I had 299 on me i would hve bought one for sure. For those needing more stage volume this would have to be it. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/frankbrigandi http://www.myspace.com/rotosonic If less is more, then I am going to give it my all, and do nothing.

July 16th, 2006, 03:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
sidneystreet Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,240	Check here if you haven't already: Carvin MTS 3200 Reviews A friend has one and I have played it a little. Compared to my own Carvin X-100B head purchased new in the mid 80's, I'd say the clean channels are comparable. What you get is a very good clean channel with quality spring reverb. It does a reasonable approximation of Fender clean. I haven't found that these Carvin models overdrive well when the clean channel is cranked. If you want quality grit or mild overdrive use a pedal. Keeping those general thoughts in mind, I think they are really good amps, and the fact that I still own and use mine says a lot. The completely bullet-proof reliability I've experienced is a welcome bonus. If you have any specific questions let me know, and next weekend I can plug into it again and investigate.

July 17th, 2006, 11:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
Teleman Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Plainville, CT Posts: 393	I used to have the MTS in a 2-12 combo. The clean channel on it is the best clean anywhere. It stays clean up to about 8 on the dial and them just gets a little gritty. IF loud and clean is what you like then this can't be beat. The OD channel was not for my tastes but I could see how someone would like it. It takes pedals good also.

July 18th, 2006, 07:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
eggman Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 1,228	Howdy, Thanks for the replies. I'm keeping the MTS 3200 on my "gear radar" for this fall. They appear to be a good deal. Eggman

May 13th, 2008, 08:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
Murphy Slaw Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Joppa, Il. Age: 50 Posts: 439	I friend of mine I gigged with for several years bought the combo last year. He loves it. I have not heard it, because we are in basically competing bands and working different clubs on the same nights! I'm a big fan of Carvin amps and pa gear, don't know much about their guitars. He had a BelAir for the last year or so I gigged with him and I really liked it. Best of luck. Murph.