Charvel USA Production Model Series

[gregmarmon]

Last time i talked to somone at matt's he said charvel said they would have them by the 15th, but he said knowing them it might be later-I finished paying for my so-cal on tuesday i had to sell an ibanez rg presige 2610 to get the money for my so cal black that is on preorder. I just wanted mine paid in full so i would not miss out on that first shipment.

[savage]

I cant wait for someone here to get one of these and post a detailed
review
and i am hoping they also own a original '82 to compare it to

[Newc]

I cant wait for someone here to get one of these and post a detailed
review
and i am hoping they also own a original '82 to compare it to

The original Stratheads are not directly comparable to these for 3 reasons:

1: The collectors who cherish their original Stratheads know that saying "it's just like my $5000+ San Dimas in every detail" hurt their chances of getting $5000+ for their San Dimas Strathead - "Why buy that when I can buy a new one that's "just like it"?"

2: The necks themselves varied - different nut widths, radii, not to mention a "worn in" neck will have a totally different feel than a new one.

3: Most people will say the old ones have "mojo", and the new ones do not.

At best, the new models will be comparable to the San Dimas pointyheads, which had a pretty much standardized nut width and profile, though there were, of course, exceptions. However, it is largely agreed that the pointyhead era marked a standardization of the neck profile, radius, and nut width.

[~K~]

I understand these have truss rod adjustments at the heel. Hmmmmmm.

that's standard strathead charvel.

[savage]

The original Stratheads are not directly comparable to these for 3 reasons:

1: The collectors who cherish their original Stratheads know that saying "it's just like my $5000+ San Dimas in every detail" hurt their chances of getting $5000+ for their San Dimas Strathead - "Why buy that when I can buy a new one that's "just like it"?"

2: The necks themselves varied - different nut widths, radii, not to mention a "worn in" neck will have a totally different feel than a new one.

3: Most people will say the old ones have "mojo", and the new ones do not.

At best, the new models will be comparable to the San Dimas pointyheads, which had a pretty much standardized nut width and profile, though there were, of course, exceptions. However, it is largely agreed that the pointyhead era marked a standardization of the neck profile, radius, and nut width.

yeah after thinking it over you brought up some very good points
and it is kind of crazy or maybe desperate of me to expect that much from a $1000 new axe
well anyway i am sure they will be great nonetheless

[spunkrazy]

The new standard Charvels will most likely be great guitars.
What they will never be are, old original S/D Charvels.

This is just like the Historics vs the original 58-59 Les Pauls.
Great guitars but not original.

I will buy one of the new ones on their own merit and be happy.
But I know it is not the same as my old ones.

[~K~]

The new standard Charvels will most likely be great guitars.
What they will never be are, old original S/D Charvels.

This is just like the Historics vs the original 58-59 Les Pauls.
Great guitars but not original.

I will buy one of the new ones on their own merit and be happy.
But I know it is not the same as my old ones.

Until you lay them side by side and do a comparison that is a moot point.

San Dimas mystic is a protective investment point of view

[DHardmanJr]

that's standard strathead charvel.

With the other updates they made, I'm surprised they didn't put in a truss rod adjustable through the headstock. Not a biggie as usually it's a set once and forget it. Still, I can't think of a reason other than the looks of the headstock why they wouldn't put the adjustment in the headstock.

Dave

[~K~]

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

[spunkrazy]

Until you lay them side by side and do a comparison that is a moot point.

San Dimas mystic is a protective investment point of view

You don't need a side by side. A new one will never be an original.

I'm banking that they will sound and play great, and that you probably couldn't tell the difference if someone was playing either behind a curtain.

[Ralph E.]

For the billionth time...

There are good originals and bad originals...

There are good new ones and bad new ones...

Having owned over 30 originals at one point, I can tell you that I would NEVER pay the premium for an original anymore. "Mojo" is something collectors want you to believe in, so their investment goes up, not down.

[~K~]

you're argument is in the arena of mojo ..it is hyped. Doesn't mean that San Dimas charvels weren't great guitars but their were also dogs ...

If it meets dimensional specs then it's a charvel ..

[shreddermon]

I don't think that's what he means. He's not saying that the new ones can never be as good as the originals. He's just saying that a new one can never be an original SD.

Originality has value - this is true. We can argue whether a SD should have more value than a new one, as it is not necessarily a better guitar. But it is fact that they do have more value, in part just because it is one of the originals and production ceased in '86. The market makes this so, and that is not unique to Charvels. Same thing applies to Strats, Les Pauls, etc.

At least, that's how I interpreted his posts' meaning.

[spunkrazy]

Differences of opinions.

[Rupe]

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

I have the feeling that these aren't truly meant to appease the hardliners and screw counters though or else you would be seeing more brass hardware, the "correct" number of screws on the pickguard, etc. I look at them as an attempt to rebuild the brand with a whole new generation of player. The Custom Shop is always there for traditionalist who places form over function.