Carvin NAMM 2012 - Steve Vai Legacy III Amp

[Jind]

San Diego, CA (Jan 20, 2012) -- Carvin announces the newest entry in the venerable Steve Vai Legacy Amplifier Series, the Legacy III Amp.

Carvin’s new Legacy III combines the best aspects of the Legacy I and Legacy II, in a compact chassis that’s lightweight and easily transportable. The 100W, all-tube Legacy III incorporates the original circuitry of the Legacy I on channels 1 & 2, and channel 3 is identical to channel 2, functioning as a second lead channel with a high gain switch. A master volume knob controls the volume of all 3 channels without affecting preamp gain settings. Other new features of the Legacy III include a variable, footswitch controlled master boost; variable, channel-assignable reverb; and internal LED lighting which can have different colors assigned to each channel. As on the Legacy II, the Legacy III features a MIDI input/through connector, compatible with any standard MIDI controller. An RMS power switch adjusts the output from 100W to 50W or 15W, which facilitates the overdriven tone many players look for at lower volumes. EL34 tubes produce smooth distortion, responsive sound and excellent reliability. The rear bias switch allows installation of 5881 (6L6GC) if desired. Other features, including a speaker impedance switch, effects loop, post master and new pre master loops, standby switch, presence control and treble/mid/bass controls allow the ultimate in flexibility. The Legacy III head is also rack-mountable with optional brackets.

MSRP: $999 (currently on sale for $899 at Carvin.com)



I did notice that despite talking about the Carvin reverb on the unit, he is not using it in his demo (obviously using his rack gear for some tone crafting ).

 

[domingooo]

cant be more uwfull...

 

[t-rave]

I think it looks awesome!

a 3 channel , 100 watt rackmount head with midi capabilities and 3 versatile channels for under a grand.....

 

[-Noodles-]

I think it looks awesome!

a 3 channel , 100 watt rackmount head with midi capabilities and 3 versatile channels for under a grand.....

I agree. I've been after a new-head & cab to go onto the GAS list for the year and the Legacy might be it. I like the size, power and the sound.

 

[jangoux]

What scares me on such a small package is that the may be using shitty SMD stuff. but it sounds great!

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

Why are all these companies ditching wood? FUCK I hate the look of some of these all metal heads.

ALSO: I really wish he didn't have the stupid Axe in the loop. I want to hear how the thing actually sounds without all the added shit.

 

[MarcusGHedwig]

EGAD those are hideous, especially the pastel blue one, amps should never take color influence from tacky housing developments - they sound pretty cool though, and what a price, I have to assume there was at least some corner cutting to bring it in under a grand...

EDIT: However, I dunno if it's how it's dialed in, but man those distorted channels sound intensely stuffy/"furry", just ridonculously middy - works for his style, but it's a tone I've fought with before with not much success as far as rhythms are concerned...

 

[Shinozoku]

Remember, Carvin has always had good prices because they sell direct. No middle-man to add 400% to the cost.

 

[Jind]

Remember, Carvin has always had good prices because they sell direct. No middle-man to add 400% to the cost.

True - Legacy pricing if I recall has always been around the 1 grand mark or less. With the $100 dollar off intro price it's a great deal for what appears to be a versatile amp with a pretty nice feature set. As for the appearance, he mentions it can be rack mounted which is what I would do if I bought one.

 

[amarshism]

Looks cool. Cleans sounded like poop. Works for him I guess.

 

[FIXXXER]

sounds really nice but it's ugly. well, i just don't like this metal chasis amp styles!