Charvel USA Production Model Series

[~K~]

Statements like this are lost on me. I've played dozens of old Charvels and most of them have necks that feel very different from each other. The pointies were definitely more consistent, but they still had variation as well. Please tell me what makes a guitar feel like an "original San Dimas". The oil finish? It's certainly not the profile as there is no such thing as a "San Dimas profile".

And I'd like to add myself to the list of those calling out the detractors who are claiming these to be "Fender". By failing to support your assertions, you simply come off looking like a tool. Establish some credibility because at this point your opinion is worthless.

Bingo!! We have a winner. Therer were all different necks back then but everytime a new charvel is released it never feels like a san dimas!

I love my 25th and as I've stated before the specs are almost dead on to my 86, yet I was told I didn't know what I was talking about.

Funny enough one of the biggest collectors "Tracy" gives equal time to old and new, he loves both

[nhspike]

When you say biggest, are you referring to ego, size of errection, er, I mean collection, or the size of his house?

LOL

Totally kidding.

I'm actually going to visit sometime (soon?) and get to hang out with him/test drive his guitars... can't wait!!!

He prolly has the biggest of all things that are considered good when big.

I can dig it.

LOL

[gtrbuyer]

When you say biggest, are you referring to ego, size of errection, er, I mean collection, or the size of his house?

depends on you ask...some will say ego and give me crap but thats cool because I don't buy/play/collect to please anyone but myself.

I love the new ones as much as the old but can understand if folks have a different opinion. In fact one of my all time favorite guitars is my reverse pointy Dweez (new era pointy) from the run ~K~ did...I still play that one a lot.

To be honest I am not sure what "all the new ones suck" screaming is about. I guess some folks either had bad luck or they like complaining.

I am VERY happy having both..new and old.

[savage]

I love the new ones as much as the old but can understand if folks have a different opinion. In fact one of my all time favorite guitars is my reverse pointy Dweez (new era pointy) from the run ~K~ did...I still play that one a lot.

To be honest I am not sure what "all the new ones suck" screaming is about. I guess some folks either had bad luck or they like complaining.

I am VERY happy having both..new and old.

This opinion has mucho credibility
one look at his collection and
if tracy does not know charvel's then NO ONE does!

[nhspike]

+10

[Trypp Powell]

If you look at the Fender Strats that would have been in most people's hands when Charvel started making guitars, these Charvels (like the originals) are radically different than those guitars.

The feel of the neck and fret size on current production American Standard Stratocasters are, to me, influenced by the "super strat" movement ushered in by Charvels. Saying these Charvels are "Fenderized" due to similarities to relatively current model American Strats just doesn't make sense to me.

With the exception of one PRS and a Carvin, every new guitar I have purchased needed some fretwork done on it. Even my beloved SL-1 that I have had for ages needed a level and dress completed when it was new.

[SEEGERMANY]

Even my beloved SL-1 that I have had for ages needed a level and dress completed when it was new.

Yea, minor stuff like poorly dressed frets doesn't bother me at all. Matter of fact, when I bought my new Suburban, I wouldn't take ownership of it until it was knocked out of alignment and fitted with re-treads.

[nhspike]

[Trypp Powell]

You have a point. Given that the Suburban is a GM product, the poor alignment and shoddy tires should have been standard.

[JDouglee]

The 'Original Floyd Rose' is being made by Gotoh now.....

Huh?

[savage]

If you look at the Fender Strats that would have been in most people's hands when Charvel started making guitars, these Charvels (like the originals) are radically different than those guitars.
The feel of the neck and fret size on current production American Standard Stratocasters are, to me, influenced by the "super strat" movement ushered in by Charvels. Saying these Charvels are "Fenderized" due to similarities to relatively current model American Strats just doesn't make sense to me.
.

yeah IF ANYTHING fender "copied" charvel and other super strat designs over the years
fender never used to have a buckered strat,a floyd strat,etc
companies like charvel jackson got that ball rolling to the publics likes

[DHardmanJr]

Given that the Suburban is a GM product, the poor alignment and shoddy tires should have been standard.

off topic, but I see a lot of people bashing GM, but I have to say ... although I do not now and never have owned a GM, the ones I have seen lately seem to be of much better quality than years past.

Dave

[nhspike]

I like my suburban ('99)
but
I like my Lexus better (and it's a '94)

[SEEGERMANY]

You have a point.

[slo100]

This yet another fascinating chapter in Charvel lore of madness, insanity, and profanity!!!

Cliff's Notes for major milestones in Charvel's history of discontent:

1979 - 1982/3 - Charvels are the Suhr/Anderson/Tyler guitars of their day. The best, every pro had to have one.

1983 - 1986 - Jackson style necks released. Fender necks phased out (for the most part) Players point to reduction in quality, crappy Jackson necks with scarf joints, everyone wants an 'old' strathead. Kramer and Ibanez begin to take over the mass market.

1986 - Charvel goes overseas, bolt-ons become Jackson branded. Everyone says "these were better when they had "Charvel" on the headstock." Original stratheads become even more desireable, now "Charvel" branded bolt-ons' stock goes way up.

1987/8 - Charvette: 'nuff said. Jackson goes overseas. C/J brand now completely diluted. San Dimas Jackson models' stock goes up. Move to Ontario.

Early 90's - "San Dimas" series released with blob headstocks. Great quality guitars but have features and aesthetics not commonly associated with Charvel guitars. Original strathead values skyrocket, Anything made in the San Dimas (Glendora) factory highly prized. Clamor really sets in for original, unmodified San Dimas guitars.

Late 90's/Early 00's - Jackson barely survived. Lots of corporate shuffle between IMC/Akai ownership. Ultra-cheap Korean Charvels appear. Internet forums push demand for old school guitars. We see some special runs of SD styled guitars. Collectors paying close to five figures for prized original strathead guitars. Debates rage over value, worth, and desireability of these guitars. Everyone wants a strathead, lots of fakes, GMW clones, and logos regularly appearing on ebay.

Fender Acquisition - Everyone wants a strathead. 25th anniversary, EVH, and custom shop stratheads appear. Lots of complaints about price. EVH slammed for cashing in with Charvel. Custom shop stratheads are well over $2K. Quality issues and complaints abound. Players plea for cheap stratheads. "Pre-Fender" qualifiers appear in classifieds for Jackson and Charvel auctions and classifieds. Original San Dimas models continue to be sought after.

Current State - Charvel releases a line of budget strathead Charvels for the masses. Healthy mix of acceptance and complaint. Some people still not satisfied.

My take on these new Charvel guitars is that Fender made an appropriate response to the market demand for affordable strathead Charvel guitars. They did it in such a way that might conflict with the original Charvel mantra of custom built, super high quality guitars but the mantra has changed...as all businesses must do to survive.

These Charvels are not for collectors or those wishing to relive 1982. These Charvels are for those in the market for a decent guitar with a lineage reaching back to the days of old. They were never meant to compete in the space of the vintage Charvels or even with the custom shop, custom built Charvels of today.

I am happy to read reviews that these guitars stand up as good instruments that play and sound good. At this price point, we may even see them start to appear on local stages and in the hands of more players which will serve to evangelize the Charvel brand...and USA Charvels at that.

As a player, collector, and interested party in the brand, image, history, and story...anytime we can extend the Charvel name and associate them with a USA made product is a good thing.

Bret