Vivian Campbell's Charvels

[LastInLine]

Greetings to all. Been lurking for a few weeks. Great forum you have here. Bought my first (and only) Charvel back in '84 or so. Unfortunately, Ruined it about 7 or 8 years later trying to refinish it! I won't go into the details (too painful), let's just say you live and learn.
I have to admit,I originally bought my Charvel because Vivian Campbell was playing them at the time with Dio. I'm too old to have an Idol now, but back in '84 he was it for me. I'm wondering if anyone out there has any info regarding the Charvels he played, specifically the one's with the custom graphics from the "Holy Diver" and "Last in Line" album covers? I'm interested in finding out what type of wood was used for the body, neck dimensions/spec's, what pickup he used, who built/painted it etc....If anyone has any info or could steer me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

[straycat]

Most Charvels of that time period were made of poplar or alder.Other woods were used he may have had mahogony.(his Kramer nightswans were mahogony).As far as I know he used Duncan distortion pickups in the Charvels.
The Charvels I have had of that era 1 was alder and 2 were ash.

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

http://www.viviancampbellrocks.com/Dio%20Pictures.htm

[shreddermon]

IIRC, many of Viv's Charvies had Duncan Invaders.

[LastInLine]

http://www.viviancampbellrocks.com/Dio%20Pictures.htm

Thank you. I've visited that site. Most of the pictures are marginal at best. I've done many searches on the 'net and have come up empty as far as some good close up shots or details about his guitars. I thought maybe one of the experts at this site would have some inside info. Thanks to the others who responded so far.

[DonP]

Vivian Campbell was F'ing awsome back then. I've heard he isn't proud of his work with Dio, and I'm like WTF?

For pickups, I bought a Duncan Invader back in the day because I heard that is what he used, but then I've heard he used the Full Shred. I've never heard of Duncan Distortion being used, but I'll try that tonight and see how it goes.

I don't care who's right or wrong, but I'd just like to know for certain which pickups were used on Holy Diver and Last in Line.

[Firebird V]

I've seen a few close up pics of one of his guitars and it did have an invader in it. I think it was the one with the skulls all over it.

I know he also had a custom rack slo 100 that he used on the last Dio tour and with Whitesnake. It was a single channel head. High gain.

>edit: Looking through the pics on the link posted, The HD guitar has an invader in it. You can clearly see the MASSIVE pole pieces.

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

I have some decent larger pics....pm or shoot me an email if interested!!

[DonP]

I was looking at some of the pictures. I made out one with normal poles but didn't see the invader. It's pretty easy to make out with those pole pieces, and like I said, I bought an invader back in the mid-80's becuase back then I thought that's what he used. I put it into a red RR copy with black bevels. What ever happened to that axe?

Oh well, guess I need to find another invader. Haven't had one in a long, long time.

[LastInLine]

Vivian Campbell was F'ing awsome back then. I've heard he isn't proud of his work with Dio, and I'm like WTF?

Yeah, he's a very reluctant "guitar hero". As you said, he doesn't have anything good to say about his Dio days, or heavy metal in general for that matter. If I had to guess, I would say alot of it stems from the fact that he was fired from Dio and Whitesnake. I think the whole heavy metal experience has left a bad taste in his mouth.

[VitaminG]

Vivian Campbell was F'ing awsome back then. I've heard he isn't proud of his work with Dio, and I'm like WTF?

I heard (or read) him say the same in many old interviews, but recently saw an interview where he says he can actually listen to his playing with Dio & quite enjoy it now. He now appreciates the fire in his playing at the time.

[fullmetalguitar]

I've also seen an interview where he basically says he doesn't like touring with Def Leppard, but since he's never been part of a huge Lep record, he HAS to tour to make a living. Oh poor Vivian. Go work at 7 Eleven if you hate touring and hard rock guitar. There are plenty of us who would love to take your spot.

[Bryan]

I've also seen an interview where he basically says he doesn't like touring with Def Leppard, but since he's never been part of a huge Lep record, he HAS to tour to make a living. Oh poor Vivian. Go work at 7 Eleven if you hate touring and hard rock guitar. There are plenty of us who would love to take your spot.

This I believe. I saw Def Leppard in New Orleans last month and it was painfully obvious that he was the only band member not enjoying himself to the fullest. Real shame, actually. A dream gig and he's still not happy with it.

[ProjectX]

Time to make that call to RJD!!

[jhale667]

Lookin' like Invaders in those...