Charvel USA Production Model Series

[Stinkbug]

Then set up one guitar for each tuning you use. I have one set for C# (for the Sababth stuff), one for D, one for Eb, and one for E.

If you have more than one guitar, there's absolutely no need to change tunings in a live setting. Just grab a guitar that's already tuned.

Then again, if you're changing tunings in a live setting, you're screwing your singer, bassist, and drummer, since they also have to retune (which singers usually can't do).

If you're retuning at home, there's no excuse for not having multiple guitars tuned differently.

Well, if you are going to rational about it that makes a lot of sense. However, I am not rational when it comes to guitars...I have too many already and I want more. I specifically want my next guitar to be a strat head, v-trem, with pickguard....unless of course something else more attractive comes along before I find it... :-)

[Chubtone]

My first Charvel, #3409 cost me $864 including case and counting tax from Guitar Center Chicago in 1984. Brand new. My salesguy was Dave Anderson from Eric Steel. He was the tall, dark-haired, otherwise unknown guy in the famous old Charvel ad with all the endorsees. Dave was so into the Charvels and he really helped me to pick a good one out. I still have it!

[Newc]

I would like one with a v-trem because I don't use a trem much. Floyds are great (I have many), but changing tunings and stuff is a real pain. So for me it is just less hassle to have a v-trem on some of my guitars. A fixed bridge would be fine as well. I would be all over these if I needed another Floyded guitar. I may still pick one up, but I would snap up a black, pickguard sporting, v-trem in a second!

Then set up one guitar for each tuning you use. I have one set for C# (for the Sababth stuff), one for D, one for Eb, and one for E.

If you have more than one guitar, there's absolutely no need to change tunings in a live setting. Just grab a guitar that's already tuned.

Then again, if you're changing tunings in a live setting, you're screwing your singer, bassist, and drummer, since they also have to retune (which singers usually can't do).

If you're retuning at home, there's no excuse for not having multiple guitars tuned differently.

[Ralph E.]

I would love to see a hardtail or stock trem version of the So-Cal, but until then, i'll keep buying the limited custom color every 3 months as long as it a great color like the Tangerine or Lime we've seen.

[LastInLine]

I agree with above statement that you couldn't buy one back then brand new for $999.99. My brand new 86 bolt on w/Kahler was $1,299.99 back then.

Really? Bought a 2 hum Kahlered pointy back in '85 brand new with hsc for $860.00. I must have got a good deal.

[Stinkbug]

ever condsider the EVH method?
block it so the floyd only dives
this makes the floyd pretty much a hardtail when not in use
And on these charvels and other( non recess routes) you can set the floyd to rest against the body for no up pull at all.

Yup! I have at least one set up that way. It is ok, but not the same as a V-trem. If I do buy one with a Floyd that is what I will do with it.

[PacerMutt]

+1000
for me with all the fakes and bullshit there is to snag a original this is my best option and i like the fact it has evolved(floyd,compound radi,6100 frets stock)
the only thing i am not 100% thrilled about is the limited colors but who gives a fuck
I dont play the color ya know? LOL!

Couldn't agree more with you. I want an old Charvel as well, but I don't want a parts mutt either (with a big ticket price tag). So at least we all know the new Pro Mods are legit

[savage]

I would like one with a v-trem because I don't use a trem much. Floyds are great (I have many), but changing tunings and stuff is a real pain. So for me it is just less hassle to have a v-trem on some of my guitars. A fixed bridge would be fine as well. I would be all over these if I needed another Floyded guitar. I may still pick one up, but I would snap up a black, pickguard sporting, v-trem in a second!

ever condsider the EVH method?
block it so the floyd only dives
this makes the floyd pretty much a hardtail when not in use
And on these charvels and other( non recess routes) you can set the floyd to rest against the body for no up pull at all.

[Stinkbug]

Well, since they're complaining that they don't come with brass v-trems and such already.....

Nevermind the fact that the only reason they came with those trems was because that was the most readily-available trem at the time....


Hopefully the Puritans will stick with their oldy-moldy stuff

I would like one with a v-trem because I don't use a trem much. Floyds are great (I have many), but changing tunings and stuff is a real pain. So for me it is just less hassle to have a v-trem on some of my guitars. A fixed bridge would be fine as well. I would be all over these if I needed another Floyded guitar. I may still pick one up, but I would snap up a black, pickguard sporting, v-trem in a second!

[savage]

I view the new production series as an evolution of where the brand would have eventually progressed had it kept going. Floyds would obviously replace vintage trems and Kahlers, a compound radius fingerboard would have been a natural progression and a budget line would be feasible (thanks to CNC machines, etc.). The only thing I agree that would have likely evolved and hasn't is the truss rod access. Purists would still value the "vintage" San Dimas guitars for what they were and just like any other brand with a rich history, there would be "vintage" snobs who value age over innovation. I say put less emphasis on comparison and more focus on what you're getting for your money. You couldn't buy a serialized original for $999 in 1985!

+1000
for me with all the fakes and bullshit there is to snag a original this is my best option and i like the fact it has evolved(floyd,compound radi,6100 frets stock)
the only thing i am not 100% thrilled about is the limited colors but who gives a fuck
I dont play the color ya know? LOL!

[Varth Dader]

I also think that this is not a evolution of the brand, or how it's moved foward. This is exactly how they have been built for 30 yrs or so.
Maybe the paint is better the (poly) colors etc,but it's a classic design.
They put Floyds on the old ones-on new one.Necks are still made the same(right down to the TR adjustment)Body contours/woods the same.So one and so forth.

I disagree. They are far from "exactly how they have been built for 30 years or so". The original Charvels were not made on CNC machines, they didn't use a compound radius and the majority did not have Floyds (in most cases you had to actually buy one and ship it to them). The evolution reference I made is in relation to Charvels adopting these features as they became available (as Jackson and just about everyone else eventually did). Why wouldn't they? The purist point I made was meant to be similar to PRS collectors that seek out "pre CNC" guitars, etc.

[ADR]

I'll chime in.

The new Charvel Production Models are a killer guitar at a killer price.Alot of "bang for your buck".I'm thankful that they could do it,so I pre ordered one.
I've been buying new & used guitars for 25yrs. I agree with above statement that you couldn't buy one back then brand new for $999.99. My brand new 86 bolt on w/Kahler was $1,299.99 back then.

Yes they may have saved $ here and there. . but to stay competitive and to be able to keep on budget and price point Who cares. . it can all be upgraded (modded,if you will) the HDWR that is.

I also think that this is not a evolution of the brand, or how it's moved foward. This is exactly how they have been built for 30 yrs or so.
Maybe the paint is better the (poly) colors etc,but it's a classic design.
They put Floyds on the old ones-on new one.Necks are still made the same(right down to the TR adjustment)Body contours/woods the same.So one and so forth.

It's funny to me that no matter what "you cannot satisfy everybody". If it's not the pointy vs strathead or V-trem vs. Floyd, pickup config/ Rev vs, reg headstock.Someone does like this, or wish it was like that?

So take the new line for what it is,what you are getting.The look/feel/sound of a Charvel for $999.99.(that trademark neck feel/oil NOT POLY'D) That's what it's all about.The new So-Cal (Candy Tangerine) sparks emotion and excitement before you (I) even pick the thing up and that will come out in your playing.

[Varth Dader]

I view the new production series as an evolution of where the brand would have eventually progressed had it kept going. Floyds would obviously replace vintage trems and Kahlers, a compound radius fingerboard would have been a natural progression and a budget line would be feasible (thanks to CNC machines, etc.). The only thing I agree that would have likely evolved and hasn't is the truss rod access. Purists would still value the "vintage" San Dimas guitars for what they were and just like any other brand with a rich history, there would be "vintage" snobs who value age over innovation. I say put less emphasis on comparison and more focus on what you're getting for your money. You couldn't buy a serialized original for $999 in 1985!

[Newc]

it's not typical of a charvel and the hardliners would complain that it wasn't authentic because of that.

Well, since they're complaining that they don't come with brass v-trems and such already.....

Nevermind the fact that the only reason they came with those trems was because that was the most readily-available trem at the time....


Hopefully the Puritans will stick with their oldy-moldy stuff

[DHardmanJr]

Mojo is more of a "spirtual" bond formed between a guitar and it's player over time.

I thought "mojo" was the nasty gunk you have to clean off the fretboard of used guitar purchased off eBay.