The new DC150 was Carvin's flagship model for 1976, and was destined to become a mainstay of the Carvin line for many years. For the first time, extensive details regarding construction and components of Carvin guitars was presented in the catalog, and the DC150 had plenty to be written about: Schaller M6 tuners, Eastern hardrock maple body and 24.5" scale neck (clear gloss was the only available finish), chrome-plated brass tailpiece, adjustable truss rod, and MOP inlays. Electronics consisted of a pair of APH-6 humbuckers with dual volume and tone controls, coil splitters with an "off" position for each pickup, and a master phase switch, and stereo wiring. This was the first Carvin to have the new headstock shape, although the older "wide at the top" headstock with inlays was available with the optional 25 1/4" scale rosewood fingerboard/neck. The DC150 with #900 neck (shown in the catalog) sold for $319.00. The left-handed DC150L with #900 neck was $329.00, and the DC150R with rosewood #850 neck was $319.00. The HC10 hardshell case was an additional $41.00.

The CM95 had been a featured player in Carvin's guitar lineup since the early 70's, but in 1976, it was replaced with the new CM96. This single-cut model had all the same features of the DC150, with the 25 1/4" scale, rosewood-fingerboarded model #850 neck standard. Electronics consisted of a pair of APH-6 humbucking pickups with on-off mini switch for each, and master phase switch with mono wiring. Stereo wiring with coil-splitters was optional for an additional $50.00. A Bigsby vibrato was also offered for an additional $50.00. The CM96 with #850 rosewood fingerboard was $269.00, or $279.00 for a left-handed model. The CM96M, with #900 maple fingerboard was $279.00. The HC11 hardshell case was $41.00.

Carvin offered a pair of Strat-style guitars in 1976, the SS76 and the SS66. Both these models used the 25.5" scale model #500 removable maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and Schaller ST6 tuners. Both guitars also had a pair of APH-6 humbuckers with dual volume and tone controls, phase switch and 3-way pickup selector switch. The obvious difference between the two was the SS76 was natural-finished maple, while the SS66 was sunburst finish on non-specified wood. Neither were available in left-handed models, but a Bigsby vibrato was offered on either for an additional $50.00. The SS76 sold for $219.00, and the SS66 sold for $239.00. The HC12 case was an additional $41.00.

Carvin's archtop guitars for 1976 were offered in two configurations also: the AS55 and the AS51. Both had a German spruce top, flamed maple back and sides and body binding. The AS55 was natural finish with the #850 neck standard, and the AS51 was sunburst with the #900 neck standard, although either neck could be ordered with either guitar. A Bigsby vibrato could also be ordered on either model. The AS55 sold for $309.00 with standard tailpiece and rosewood fingerboard, and the AS51 sold for $299.00 with standard tailpiece and maple fingerboard. The HC14 case sold for $51.00. A rosewood 12-string neck could also be ordered as shown on the DT640 doubleneck.

The doubleneck tradition that began in the fifties continued with the DT640 12-string/6-string and DB620 bass/6-string. Both were constructed from Eastern hardrock maple, with maple necks and rosewood fingerboards. Maple fingerboards were not offered. Both also had AP-series humbuckers with on-off switches, master phase switch for each neck, master volume and tone controls for each neck, neck selector switch, and dual outputs. A Bigsby vibrato could be added to the 6-string neck on either model. The DT640 sold for $479.00, and the DB620 sold for $449.00. The HC18 hardshell case was $51.00.

As Carvin's guitar and bass lines expanded, the steel guitar lines began to fade, and this was one of the last catalogs that would showcase these instruments that had been anchors of Carvin's since the Kiesel days of the 1940s. Four models were offered; the PRO-S6 6-string ($89.00) the PRO-S8 8-string ($99.00), the PRO-D6 doubleneck 6-string ($159.00) and the PRO-D8 doubleneck 8-string ($179.00).

Carvin took advantage of the newly-redesigned catalog to show off as many features as possible in full color. As would become standard in future Carvin catalogs, several pages were dedicated to explaining in detail the construction techniques, components, warranty and direct pricing philosophy. As had been the case for many years, you could order just about every component that comprised a Carvin guitar or bass, except the bodies.

1976 saw a completely new lineup of Carvin basses. Gone was the semi-hollow AB45, the SB60 was upgraded, the doubleneck was totally redesigned and renamed, and two new models were introduced. Additionally, the catalog took the shape it would retain until the late 80's, giving a full page to each model, and being printed entirely in color for the first time.

The SB60 short-scale bass was upgraded, and christened the SB61. 1976 was the only year this model would be produced, as new styling and features would come about in 1977. Like it's predecessor, the SB61 featured an Eastern hardrock maple body, which is where the similarities end. Although the neck was still made by Hofner, it actually had a Carvin model number - in this case, model #750. This bolt-on 30" scale maple neck featured a rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays and white celluloid binding. Tuners were chrome plated Schallers, model #M4S. Electronics included two APH-4N humbucking pickups, with volume and tone controls for each, as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch, and phase switch. Other amenities included a full size pickguard (versus the "half" pickguard of the SB60), adjustable aluminum bridge, brass tailpiece, and a chrome-plated pickup handguard. Price on the SB61 was $229.00, or $239.00 for a left-handed model. The HC16 hardshell case was an additional $46.00.

New for 1976 was the CB100, Carvin's first stereo bass. This was a single-cutaway body style, made of Eastern hardrock maple with clear finish. The 30" scale bolt-on maple neck, model #780, featured a rosewood fingerboard, mother-of-pearl block inlays and MOP headstock inlays, and while celluloid binding. Tuners were chrome plated Schallers, model #M4S. The revolutionary stereo electronics included two APH-4N humbucking pickups, with volume and tone controls for each, as well as an on/off switch for each, and a phase switch. There were two inputs; one for monaural, and one for stereo. Other features included a fully-adjustable aluminum bridge, brass tailpiece, and elevated pickguard. Price on the CB100 was $279.00, and $289.00 for the left-handed model. The HC18 case was an additional $46.00. This is the only year this model would be produced.

Also new for 1976 was the LB70, which was destined to be Carvin's longest-running model. This P-bass style instrument was also Carvin's first effort at a standard (or long) scale bass (hence the "LB" designation; Long Bass). The body of the LB70 was made from Eastern hardrock maple, like the other basses from this year. The 34" scale maple neck, model #650, featured a rosewood fingerboard, MOP dot inlays, and white celluloid binding. Tuners were chrome-plated jumbo Schallers, model #M4SL. The LB70 was available in mono or stereo models, and featured two APH-4N humbucking pickups, with volume and tone controls for each, as well as a 3-way pickup selector switch, and phase switch. Other features included a brass tune-o-matic bridge, pickguard, and chrome-plated bridge cover. Price on the LB70 was $239.00, or $259.00 for the stereo model. A left-handed model was not available. The HC17 hardshell case was an additional $46.00.

Carvin continued it's tradition of doublenecks with the new DB620. The most obviously difference between this model and it's predecessors was that the bass neck was on top, whereas the guitar neck had normally been on top (and would be again in the future). The DB620 featured an Eastern hardrock maple body, with a model #780 bass neck and model #850 guitar neck. Both of these maple bolt-on necks had rosewood fingerboards, mother-of-pearl block and headstock inlays, and white celluloid neck bindings. Schaller #M4S jumbo tuners were on the 30" scale bass neck, and Schaller #M6 tuners were on the 25 1/4" guitar neck. Each neck used APH-4N humbucking pickups, with a single volume and tone control and phase switches. Each neck also had it's own on/off switch, allowing both necks to be played at the same time. There were also two input jacks; one for each neck. The DB620 sold for $449.00, or $489.00 with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece on the guitar. A left-handed model was not available. The HC19 hardshell case was $51.00.