1958 GUITARS

All new for 1958 was the Model #6-SGB guitar. This guitar had the same body, neck and other features of the #3-SGB, but used 3 pickups, like a Stratocaster. The electronics were a little unusual - there were two tone controls, one for the neck and one for the center pickup, and a master volume control. The 3-way switch selector activated any one pickup, but no combination of pickups, so only the neck, bridge or middle pickup could be used at one time. The Gibson Vibra-rest, which was an early vibrato unit, came standard on this model. The #6-SGB sold for $169.90.

The 1958 Model #3-SGB guitar (left) was unchanged from the redesigned '57 model, constructed with a hard-rock maple body and a bolt-on maple neck. The neck had a rosewood fingerboard with a bone nut and sealed nickel-plated tuners. Electronics consisted of Carvin's AP-6 adjustable-pole pickups, with individual volume and tone controls, and a standard 3-way selector switch. Price increased slightly from 1957, with the #3-SGB selling for $129.90, and the #4-SGB, with non-adjustable pickups, selling for $109.90.

The Model #1-SGB was unchanged from the redesign that took place in 1957. It was based on the same body as the #3-SGB and the #6-SGB, with a single AP-6 pickup. The #1-SGB sold for $89.90, and was offered as the #2-SGB, with a non-adjustable A-1 pickup. The #2-SGB sold for $79.90.

As in 1955, 1956 & 1957, the Model 140 Spanish electric, Model 6 Spanish electric, solidbody Model 1515 and Model 44 Spanish electric hardtop were all unchanged from 1955. These were almost certainly outsourced instruments, made by Teisco or another company, and badged with the Carvin logo and equipped with Carvin pickups. The specs, pricing and catalog pages showing these models was also unchanged from previous years.

Although Carvin no longer sold Fender instruments, they continued to carry an assortment of Martin guitars.

1958 STEEL GUITARS

Carvin offered several lap steel models in 1958, all of which were new designs. The Model #60-C and the Model #80-C were both made with maple necks and black walnut bodies, with single AP-Series pickup. Both models came equipped with a Multi-Harp Triplextone changer, which changed the tuning from the standard A, to E or C#m7. The #60-C sold for $109.90, and the #80-C sold for $149.90.

The Model #6DHG-5B and Model #8DHG-5B were both new for 1958, also. These basic lap steel models were made from maple, with plastic fingerboards, and were equipped with AP-Series pickups with volume and two tone controls. The 6-string #6DHG-5B sold for $49.90, and could be ordered with a non-adjustable A Series pickup, the #6DHG-6B, for $39.90. The #8DHG-5B 8-string model was $69.90, or 59.90 for the #8DHG-6B, which had an A Series pickup.

The Model #C8806-D doubleneck 8-string steel guitar was new for 1958. The only difference between this and the Model #8806-D doubleneck 8-string was the addition of the Multi-Harp Triplextone changer. With AP-8 pickups, it sold for $219.90, and could be ordered as the #C8806-E, which had non-adjustable A-2 pickups, and sold for $199.90. Also offered, but not shown, was the #C8806-SF, which had tone changers on both 8-string necks. It sold for $299.90. Also not shown was the #C6806-SF, which was a 6-string/8-string doubleneck, with tone changers on both necks. It sold for $289.90.

The Model #8806-B doubleneck 8-string sold for $129.90 with AP-8 pickups. It was also offered as the #8806-C, wich had non-adjustable A-2 pickups, for $109.90. The 6-string Model #6606-B sold for $99.90 with AP-6 pickups, or $89.90 for the #6606-C, which had non-adjustable A-1 pickups.

The Model #88806B triple-neck had the same features as the other steel guitars, in a 3-neck configuration with AP-8 pickups. It sold for $189.90. The #88806C, with non-adjustable A-2 pickups, sold for $159.90. Not shown was the #88806SC, which had the Multi-Harp Triplextone changer installed on the center neck. It sold for $275.00.

1958 OTHER INSTRUMENTS

The Model #1-MB mandolin was also unchanged from the previous year. It sold for $99.90, and could also be ordered as the #2-MB, with non-adjustable A Series pickup, for $89.90.

Accordions were no longer offered in the 1958 catalog, but a couple of models would return for 1959. However, Carvin offered the Model #V-11A electric violin. This German-made instrument used a transducer-type pickup, but could also be played acoustically. Accessories were offered, including cases and bows. The #V-11A sold for $109.90. It would disappear from the 1959 catalog, but would reappear in 1960.

As shown on the back cover of the 1958 catalog, Carvin continued to offer DeArmond pickups. These pickups were designed for soundhole or F-hole applications, and sold for $19.95.