Charvel USA Production Model Series

[toejam]

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.

I agree, but you'd figure they'd still at least put the truss rod adjustment at the headstock.

[savage]

just think those that buy one of these and have never played/owned a original have nothing to complain about or compare these to

[Rupe]

I agree, but you'd figure they'd still at least put the truss rod adjustment at the headstock.

Absolutely...not quite sure why they didn't since these aren't trying to be clones. It would have been a hell of a lot more convenient.

[savage]

Absolutely...not quite sure why they didn't since these aren't trying to be clones. It would have been a hell of a lot more convenient.

anyone know if it is a single or dual rod?

[Robert Hendrix]

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.

Personally, I preffer to create my OWN "Mojo" with a guitar. Every little pick scratch, bump on the headstock that it gets through useage is part of it's personality, and defines the bond that you've created with that instrument.
I could identify my SDIII if it was lined up with 50 others just like it. I know every line and mark on it, from the tiny black swirl in the maple quilt just above the neck pickup to the slightly dulling shine in the finish where my arm rests when I have played it for the last 13 years and the aging color of the birdseye neck.. I have bought, sold and traded hundreds of guitars over the years that for one reason or another, I just couldn't create a bond with, but this one has what I call MOJO! Yeah, I am nerd!

[Rupe]

Personally, I preffer to create my OWN "Mojo" with a guitar.

That's the only way it can truly be done. You can't buy mojo...you create it yourself. The word is horribly misused these days to describe anything that looks cool or plays great. Mojo is more of a "spirtual" bond formed between a guitar and it's player over time. If you buy a guitar like that, the "mojo" doesn't come with it...you have to create your own which will only happen if you truly bond with the instrument.

[savage]

That's the only way it can truly be done. You can't buy mojo...you create it yourself..

that is what ole EVH always thought and look how that turned out

[Predator1]

Only 7 Days until these start shipping!

[Robert Hendrix]

[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.

[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

[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!

[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 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.

[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!