Need info on 1996 traditional

[md500e]

Hello Folks,

I just bought my first Charvele, a 1996 Traditional. Here are the specs: Jet black finish, pearloid pickguard, H/s/s config (dimarzio super distortion at bridge), maple board, strathead with Made in USA, wilkinson trem and a one piece neck. It looks like a strat. Its in mint condition.

Best guitar I've owned in 25 years of playing. I know next to nothing about it other than what I've mentioned. Any information on it would be appreciated. I purchased it for 300 with case. Did I get a good deal? The only thing it needs is a trem arm in black chrome that is threaded. I cant find one that fits anywhere. If anyone had an extra, I'd love to buy one from you.
I look forward to learning more about Charvel. Thanks!!

[shreddermon]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

That's not a Traditional model. They were S-S-S layouts with vintage style trems, not Wilkinsons.

In fact, I'm not exactly sure what Charvel San Dimas Reissue model you have there. [img]graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img] I believe the Traditionals were the only model with a pickguard, so that should rule all others out. There might've been a limited Sam Ash-only model, but I forget it's specs. ...Maybe your guitar has been modified?

Whatever it is, $300 for a USA Charvel is a damn good buy. Congrats!

[md500e]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

I looked all over the web and have found no pictures of it anywhere. It looks exactly like a traditional with the exception that it has a humbucker at the bridge and it has a wilkinson. Its serial number is 960xxx. It has one volume, one master tone and five way selector. I hope its not some sam ash model. That would suck.

[shreddermon]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

Originally posted by md500e:
I hope its not some sam ash model. That would suck.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">[img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] No, no. I think you're misunderstanding. There may have been a Charvel Reissue model / variation that was exclusively made for and sold by Sam Ash. It wasn't built by them.

[md500e]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

I meant to say that I hoped it was not some exclusive model built just for sam ash. For me, that just cheapens it's relevance. But, nonetheless, it is a beautiful guitar. Thanks

[Twisteramps]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

It's a standard. They didn't make many with maple fingerboards, but they didn't make many to begin with. Nice guitar, worth probably $350-$450 depending on condition. The mid 90s charvels just aren't worth much unless they have figured tops.

Pete

[toejam]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

It doesn't have a "Strat" headstock either. It's like the new Charvel or Phil Collen Jackson models.

As far as the Wilkinson, try Carvin. They sell Wilkies, maybe you can get a bar separately.

[Dana]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

I think you might have a PG-1 They had a pickguard with a hum/s/s and the reissue neck and headstock. They also had the trem mentioned above. From what I have been able to find out about them there were about fifty of them made after the reissues. I was told they made about ten of each color and the colors were of major league baseball teams. I don't know shit about baseball so can't say about black.I have one painted Doger blue. They were made for and sold through Sam Ash. Hope it helps, Dana [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[md500e]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

You people are a wealth of knowledge. I've learned more here than all of my searching on the net. Thanks for your help.

I guess I'm not used to guitars that are made exclusively for one retailer. Does this fact mean that the guitar is cheaper in materials and construction. Looking at it would lead me to believe that it is built better than your typical strat.

I also have to say that I am intrigued by the fact they only built 50 of them. It is a handsome guitar and plays and sounds so wonderful.

Thanks for the help.

[shreddermon]

Re: Need info on 1996 traditional

Originally posted by md500e:
I guess I'm not used to guitars that are made exclusively for one retailer. Does this fact mean that the guitar is cheaper in materials and construction.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Not at all. Sould be a great axe, just as good as any other USA production guitar at the time.