Charvel USA Production Models - catalog ads

[Number Of The Priest]

I clearly was asleep from 2008 onwards (year of the first batch?) because I'm wondering how these guitars never caught my attention. Or maybe my tastes have changed and now I think they're awesome. Seriously I can't find guitar or color combination pictured in these catalog scans that I don't like.

Such great specs... mostly maple fretboards, non-recessed OFR, no tone controls, Made in USA, mostly straightforward color options (I'm boring like that).

Personal favorites: Wild-Card #3 and the black San Dimas from the first batch. As far as I can tell, the only differences between them are chrome VS black hardware, and a lack of a neck pickup and pickup switch on the Wild-Card #3.

I MISSED OUT and I'm kicking myself.

[xenophobe]

I MISSED OUT and I'm kicking myself.

LOL I'm the opposite... none of them do anything for me. If they would have had one with ebony board and matching headstock, I would have bought one immediately.

[G333]

I was hooked from the beginning, from the Guitar world video review, to when Charvel used to use the sneak peak videos for each batch. Funny how I ended up with a Black SoCal, Black San Dimas Style 2, a Black Wildcard 3 and (used to own) the HSS in Trans Kandy Gold - which I sold since she was getting no love once my Guthrie arrived.

Will be looking to add a USA SD 1 (probably NOT black) or a Red Ale or Plumb SoCal. Would love to see these make a comeback, but doesn't look like it'll happen.

[Number Of The Priest]

LOL I'm the opposite... none of them do anything for me. If they would have had one with ebony board and matching headstock, I would have bought one immediately.

We can go back in time, scoop up a bunch of these guitars, and then sell them to present-day suckers like me. Better yet, use the time machine to go back and insist on ebony boards and matching headstocks.

Now I know why Wild-Card #3 resonated with me. I think Adrian Smith has our time machine.

[xenophobe]

We can go back in time, scoop up a bunch of these guitars, and then sell them to present-day suckers like me. Better yet, use the time machine to go back and insist on ebony boards and matching headstocks.

Now I know why Wild-Card #3 resonated with me. I think Adrian Smith has our time machine.

WC#3 was the only one I was really interested in lol

And if I could go back in history, I don't think I'd be buying guitars.

[guirat]

Thank you for posting those pictures, I hadn't seen them before.
Was the Wildcard #3 perhaps inspired by Adrian Smith's Charvel, or just coincidence?

Batch 6 USA:

[catzodellamarina]

I noticed a unique flag flying over a house the other day. Reminded me that I have not seen a post of one of those "Don't Tread on Me" models in a long time. Anyone here own one? Were those small batch/custom shop? What year did they come out?

[Number Of The Priest]

Quick question. Are the colors shown in these catalog scans the only ones available and everything available? I'm looking at a USA white SoCal with a black pickguard and think it looks like the one shown in the sixth production batch. Just trying to pinpoint my possible purchase as accurately as possible. Thanks.

[guirat]

Batch 7 USA:

[Number Of The Priest]

Thanks guirat! The guitar I'm hoping to see is definitely a USA as labeled on the headstock. Thanks for providing a catalog pic with the specs too. Now I know what I'm getting exactly.

That picture confirms the sixth production batch was likely 2009. I don't know why care about such minute details, but I just love accurate information in general.

Shame these only came originally with padded gig bags instead of hardshell cases, but oh well. Seller is including his generic teardrop-shaped hardshell case in the sale.

[guirat]

Batch 8 USA:

[BenoA]

Cool thread! I just hate it to think that I missed the orange tangerine batch. I remember trying one out, loving it but had not the dough at that time...

[Number Of The Priest]

Was there ever a So-Cal Style 2? Methinks not? Perhaps Charvel was thinking about a Tele with a pickguard and was "future-proofing" their naming scheme?

San Dimas Style 1 = Strat
San Dimas Style 2 = Tele

So-Cal Style 1 = Front-loaded Strat with pickguard
So-Cal Style 2 = Non-existent front-loaded Tele with pickguard

Anyone know what routing was under the So-Cal pickguard? HH to reflect the HH pickup layout? HSH for added versatility? Swimming pool route for ultimate versatility? I've seen photos of a So-Cal with aftermarket HSH and purposely trying to mimic Dave Murray's black HSH Fender Strat.

[Number Of The Priest]

Anyone know what routing was under the So-Cal pickguard? HH to reflect the HH pickup layout? HSH for added versatility? Swimming pool route for ultimate versatility? I've seen photos of a So-Cal with aftermarket HSH and purposely trying to mimic Dave Murray's black HSH Fender Strat.

I found my answer. I saw some photos of the body with pickguard removed, and it's routed HSH.

[shreddermon]

Yeah, I swapped PUs on my old candy plum, and it was HSH underneath.