Charvels vs GMW's

[Hossman]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

In my opnion there is no comparing and old Charvel to any other guitar. Maybe GMW are good NEW guitars but they will never match a San Dimas Charvel from the early 80s.Everyone speaks of the necks etc. I have had over 30 of these necks both strathead and pointyhead. Never has 2 been exactly a like. Some range from a very curved C shape to and hard contoured D shape and a thin slight C shape. But not 2 out of 30 have been consistant with each other. They all have there own unique feel and shape as I am sure GMWs have there own unique to each guitar shape and feel. But your best bet for a San Dimas Charvel clone is just getting the real thing.
My 0.02 cents

[Ralph E.]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

Having owned over 20 old charvels and quite a few GMW's, I would say that in my experience a GMW is a more consistent guitar. They all (GMW's) feel, sound and play like a great Charvel. Peaople never mention that there are some real "dogs" when it comes to old charvels.

I always overlooked them "back in the day" (1997-2000) since Charvels were $800-$1000, so a GMW wasn't really worth it. But in these days where the Charvels are <font color="red"> </font> so overpriced</font>, there is no doubt that a GMW is the way to go.

Anyone who downplays a GMW will undoubtedly also downplay a new Charvel as well, probably without even playing one and giving it a chance. They don't want the value or "mojo" urban legend to take a hit, so they "market" their stuff like it's **** that don't stink.

One final thought...

3 GMW's plus cash, or 4300+ for some horrible striped pre-pro that you could NEVER EVER play out with a straight face... [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[Chameleonfong]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

[ QUOTE ]
3 GMW's plus cash, or 4300+ for some horrible striped pre-pro that you could NEVER EVER play out with a straight face... [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Bwhahahahah!! This is going to kill a lot of die hard Pre-pro snobs. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]


Fong

[~K~]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

[ QUOTE ]
Peaople never mention that there are some real "dogs" when it comes to old charvels.


[/ QUOTE ]


Funny I mentioned this not along ago and a longstading collector wrote me off as not knowing what I was talking aobut

[Chameleonfong]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

Guess the longstanding collector you mentioned is one of those that "don't want the value or "mojo" urban legend to take a hit, so they "market" their stuff like it's **** that don't stink." (Ralph)

Damn!! Do I love quoting! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
Fong

[Hossman]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

Cool - keep that word going -- I'll buy up all the old junk pre pros. And a new EVH edition or 2 [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img].

You just cannot beat the fretwork the woodwork and quality that Charvel mfg. used to win over former Fender/Gibson players like EVH, Allan Holdsworth, George Lynch and Jake E lee etc. That is what sets the San Dimas Charvel apart from any other electric guitar in history. They had a lot to offer the pro players, in need of a great playing and sounding instrument,. Both the EVH association, other players and the expert Charvel labor invovled to please the players were the elements of the magic and mystique of Charvel guitars. Some have incredible Birdeye, flame top and quilt tops and there are some aged and incredible birdseye and flamed necks. Imagine trying to compete with the major guitar manufactures with a long history.

[shreddermon]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

Ralph E. pretty much nailed it on all points. Old Charvels, GMWs, the new Charvels, etc. And much the same can be said for almost any other company's vintage gear and their enthusiast crowd.

To each his own, I say. It's all cool. More just different viewpoints and preferences, rather than "facts". But take the hype with a grain of salt.

[LarryL]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

We're forgetting a major point. Rather than collecting something that is rare or has a pretty bullseye on it (which I've done as well), many people use the guitars. If you need a H/S/S guitar with a maple board you might wait years to get an old Charvel. I won't even get into. those desiring a hardtail, Tele shape, certain neck profile, or body wood, etc.

The real thing is great for collectors and can be great for players if you luck into one that meets your needs. The search is what is fun for me. In the meantime there are "clones" that are as good or better than the real thing (or many of them anyway) if you know who to ask.

[speed monkey]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

[ QUOTE ]
We're forgetting a major point. Rather than collecting something that is rare or has a pretty bullseye on it (which I've done as well), many people use the guitars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you Larry [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

The who's better argument is kinda pointless. At least for me, if they don't play well, they are worthless because then all they're good for is a bragging rights piece. As I get older I realize I've only got "X" amount of time left around here, and the guitars in my possession are going to be played into the ground. Ralph said people forget to mention the dogs - I've played a few pre-pros that sucked, but they sold for several thousand dollars.

Everybody is going to find what works for them, the GMW's are working killer for me and fill a void that no other currently available guitar has managed to do. In 20 years, the kids will be logged on to the "GMW Forum" debating which "pre - cease and desist" guitar has the most "mojo" [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Steve E

[mulder1966]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

While I have never owned a Charvel strathead, I have played 1. It was a long time ago and I really can't remember what my feelings where. I have owned several Charvel pointies, Jackson San Dimas, and Ontario Jacksons. Now I also own GMW's. What I think is that the SD stuff (Charvels and Jacksons) was inconsistant (sp), while the Ontario stuff seemed to be more consistant. The GMW stuff IMO is equal to any of them, and in some respects higher quality. I guess alot of this has to do with the evolution of guitar building in general. (better machines, better finishes, ect...) This of course is just my opinion, everyone is entitled to one. [img]/images/graemlins/poke.gif[/img]

[slo100]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

[ QUOTE ]
We're forgetting a major point. Rather than collecting something that is rare or has a pretty bullseye on it (which I've done as well), many people use the guitars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point Larry. Breaking with the sterotype, before my family situation changed I logged five gigs with Charvel 1234 this summer. It was rained on twice and suffered a some roadrash from a nasty run-in with some concrete. I've never gigged the bullseye, admittedly...maybe if I join a Twisted Sister tribute band!

I expect 1234 to become my beat up "ol' faithful" guitar as the years go by. Of course that is what I thought about my red maple strat before that...and the candy apple red strat before that. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

FWIW, the guitars above, my red HSS strat, Hot Rod Flames strat, Lynch Bengal, and Leopard 2H strat have also all seen live action. Not that anyone was paying attention or listening!

Does this make me a bad collector? I'd say I was a good player but not everyone would agree with that! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[tmdiamond]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

What I find sort of odd is that many of those who I consider among the "elite" Charvel collectors/players, actually prefer pointy Charvels. Not all of these guys, of course, but a few I'm sure. Now, a strathead Charvel, that sold for 600 bucks originally (help me out here) now commonly sells for 3-5k. I had a friend when I went to Cabrillo H.S. in Lompoc, CA in 1982...he bought a strathead star and it was creme with the lightning bolt graphic. I recall that he bought it new but I'm almost positive he spent under a grand. Move ahead to 1984/85 when I was literally salivating at the thought of owning a Soloist. But at the time, 1800 bones was WAY over my budget (I was 18). Move ahead 20 years and here we are, spending thousands on strathead Charvels that have amazingly appreciated 600%. Don't get me wrong, I've owned a few stratheads (parts guitars) and I found them amazing to play. This isn't a debate about which is better, stratheads or pointies, and maybe it shouldn't even be about the better guitar among Charvels and GMWs. Who cares?
Each of us as a player likes what we like. And each of us will pay what we will pay for a guitar. At some point, I'll probably shell out the 3-5k for another nice Charvel strathead, if I'm lucky enough to find a bengal or an HRF or bullseye, of course. But I'm a player first and foremost and it is what I do to make money (outside of my pension). My GMWs do exactly what I want them to do and they feel and look enough like my Charvels to satisfy me. I also use some of the 30 or so Jacksons I currently own. Being partial to Jackson pointies over ANY other guitar is simply part of my preference as a player. My comment that a GMW is virtually the same as a strathead Charvel may have been a bit too direct (considering one person already said my opinion on the matter was crap). How 'bout this...in my opinion, as a guitar player of 27 years, the GMWs and Charvel stratheads I have owned feel very much alike. Back in the day, I had not played a Charvel strathead so I cannot attest to it's "mojo factor". What I can say is that I know how my old Charvels felt and I know how my GMWs feel and that's what matters to me. And I still maintain that they are close enough in shape, routs, pups, etc. that if you stuck a blindfold over the headstocks of both guitars, there might be 10 people (that I know of) that could tell the difference.
Bottom line....I'm with Steve, GMWs are great guitars. I can't speak as to the consistency of Charvels. GMWs rep is well known in that dept.

[RR05xx]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

I am glad this thread seems to have settled down.

I will add this. I have spent some time in the last few years searching for the "perfect" SD str@t Head. Everything that I found fell into either one of 2 catagories: Not for sale or not anything close to what I wanted. I finally gave up and went with GMW and I ordered what I had in my head. I am happy and after playing and oiling and playing and more playing some of that "mojo" is actually starting to appear IMHO (which is what i care about LOL). I liked it enough to order another and swore off St@t heads (the Mrs. is starting to get pissed so I have to be pick wisely).

Now I am after a pointy and have had the same problem (Not for sale or crap). This time I bucked up and ordered a new Charvel to spec - I will let you all know next year when it gets here.

Now for the irony, after swearing no more S-Heads, a member just recently floated the idea of selling me an original SD S-Head and it happens to be in the catagory of one I want. This is the story of my life. (And no i will not tell you who, if he wanted you to know - you would already).

[Badseed]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

All i know is that i am DYING to get a purple GMW jake strathead.Everytime i see one, i drool.LOVE LOVE LOVE charvel stratheads, but i am not crazy about the pointies.Some reason they just dont do it for me.I caNT really explain why other then the strathead just ozzes rock and metal!

[mudkicker]

Re: Charvels vs GMW\'s

As I have watched this thread evolve some of the more recent post have made me wonder if this exact same whos better thing didn't take place 20 some odd years ago. When Charvel was the new kid on the block did alot of the Fender players compare the new unmojoed Charvels to the very mojoed late 50s and early 60s model strats? I'm sure they did.
The only thing comparisions ever accomplish are flared tempers and bruised egos. There is rarely anything positive that ever comes out of a whos better situation. In every persons mind they feel they are the only one whos right and no one else can change their mind. Opinions are like a-wholes everybody has one. Charvel made some great guitars and so has GMW. There you have it.

Brian