1967 GUITARS
The Model #65-SGB and the Model #35-SGB were unchanged from their 1966 versions, despite the catalog saying these were "all new" guitars. Even the catalog pictures and pricing were unchanged - although these models were changed in 1966, so most likely, the same catalog page was used to cut production costs. As in 1966, the #35-SGB was offered in a left-handed version, the #10-LSGB (far right). It had the same features as the #35-SGB. The model #65-SGB sold for $159.90, and was not offered with non-adjustable pickups. The #35-SGB sold for $119.90 and was offered as the #45-SGB with non-adjustable A-1 pickups for $99.90. The Bigsby Vibrato (shown on the #65-SGB) was available in either for an additional $29.90. The left-handed Model #10-LSGB was $139.90, and was not offered with non-adjustable pickups or a Bigsby.
In 1967, Carvin offered it's first 12-string guitar, the Model #12-A (shown on the back cover of the catalog). This guitar was made from the same components as the #35-SGB, with the necessary modifications to facilitate 12 strings. An interesting note about this guitar is that it appeared on the back cover, almost as an afterthought. There was a note indicating that it wouldn't be available until May 1st, 1966, which would seem to indicate that the 1967 catalog was actually issued sometime in 1966. Price on the #12-A was $199.90, and it wasn't offered with non-adjustable pickups.
The Model #4-BS bass/guitar doubleneck was changed slightly from 1966 - the pickups were mounted at an unusual angle. Other than that, it was the same as the previous year. Price on the #4-BS was $229.90, or $199.90 as the #5-BS, with non-adjustable pickups. The Bigsby Vibrato was offered on the #1-MS and #4-BS for an additional $29.90.
The Model #1-MS doubleneck was unchanged from 1966, as was the model #1-MB mandolin (near left) that it shared parts with. Both had maple necks and bodies, and rosewood fingerboards. They also both came standard with Carvin's AP series adjustable pickups. The #1-MS sold for $229.90, or $199.90 in the #2-MS configuration, with non-adjustable pickups. The #1-MB sold for $89.90, or $79.90 as the #2-MB, with non-adjustable pickups.
The Model #I-909 guitar was an entry-level imported model, almost certainly made by Japanese company Teisco. It was identical to the 1966 #I-902, but had a new name. It was made from mahogany with rosewood fingerboard, 3 adjustable (non-Carvin) pickups, on/off switches for each pickup, master volume and master tone control and tremolo. The price on the #I-907 was $69.90. The imported model #I-905 Spanish acoustic guitar that had been offered in 1966 was no longer available.
Below is a great example of the #1-MS doubleneck. This particular model is owned by Teisco Del Rey, and was featured in a 1980's issue of Guitar World
magazine. The #1-MS is vintage Carvin, with sunburst finish on maple body, Carvin-made mandolin neck, Hofner-made guitar neck (both with rosewood
fingerboards) and Kluson tuners. The pickups are Carvin AP-series, each with an on-off switch. A Bigsby vibrato, which was optional on most Carvin
guitars, rounds out the package.
The 1967 Model #6DHG-5B 6-string steel guitar and the model #8DHG-5B 8-string steel guitar were unchanged from 1966. Both were made from maple, and had AP series pickups. The #6DHG-5B sold for $49.90, and the #8DHG-5B sold for $69.90. Both were also offered with non-adjustable A series pickups.
The Model #1010-1 doubleneck ten-string was new for 1967. It too was made from maple, and had AP-10 adjustable pickups with master volume and master tone controls. It sold for $159.90. The Model #10-1 ten-string steel guitar (center, right) was similar to the DHG series, but in a 10-string configuration. It sold for $99.90.
The Model #6606-D doubleneck 6-string was unchanged from 1966, and sported the same features and construction as the other models. Price on it was $89.90, or $75.00 with non-adjustable A-2 pickups (Model #6606-E). The model #8806-D doubleneck eight-string steel guitar sold for $119.90, or $99.90 with non-adjustable pickups (#8806-E).
Carvin offered several pedal steel guitars in 1967. First up was the Model #61, which was unchanged from 1966. This was an 8-string, 6 pedal instrument made from natural maple with chrome hardware and a single AP-8 pickup. The Model #61 sold for $349.90. Not shown was the Model #41, which was identical in construction to the model #61, but had 4 pedals. It sold for $299.90. Also offered was the model #81, which was a doubleneck 8-string model with 8 pedals. It sold for $499.90.
The Model #1010-A doubleneck 10-string pedal steel was new, and was Carvin's top of the line in steel guitars for 1967. Like the #61 above, it had a crackle-finished aluminum frame, maple bodies and plastic fingerboards (most steel guitars had synthetic fingerboards; ebony or rosewood wasn't necessary since the strings didn't actually touch the surface). The #1010-A had a pair of AP-10 adjustable pickups, and master volume and master tone controls. It sold for $599.90. Also offered was the model #10-A, which was a single-neck 10-string model with 6 pedals. It sold for $399.90.
In addition to the wide assortment of steel guitars offered by Carvin in 1967, they also offered plenty of accessories. Like today, steel guitars couldn't be ordered without a case, to protect the instrument during shipping. Carvin also sold telescoping legs which would fit any of the above steel guitars.
The Model #72-BG would continue to be the basis for Carvin basses offered throughout the decade. In 1964, this bass was maple with a clear finish, and a maple neck with oval rosewood fingerboard. The neck also had an adjustable truss rod, nickel gears and a bone nut. Electronics consisted of a pair of adjustable Carvin AP-4 pickups, with dual volume and tone controls, and 3-way selector switch. The #72-BG sold for $125.00. The #82-BG, which had non-adjustable pickups, sold for $105.00. This model was also offered in a left-handed version, the #71-LH, which sold for $145.00.