Charvel USA Production Model Series

[savage]

It's really too bad that I don't get along with thin necks.

these are not all that thin compared to my '81 SD
these are 20.9mm at the 1st fret annd 21.7 at the 12th

[Hellraiser6502]

Hmmm...

OK, I just returned from checking these out at West LA Music.

I was curious and suspicious of just HOW and WHY they could offer a strathead Charvel that would have cost you about double the $$$ for vrtually this same guitar this time last year....and all of the sudden they are $999.00??? Hmmmm.

It's smoke & mirrors that's how and why!

Does everyone realize what these are??

Maybe you do and I missed it, but here's what they are.

These are FENDERS with some 'Charvel' appointments and of course the Charvel name on them....plain & simple. The construction is consistent with Fenders USA Strats. The 'Original Floyd Rose' is being made by Gotoh now.....didn't see much of a difference In quality. The fine tuners are slightly different as are the long string clamp bolts.

2 Piece body (joined/glued in the middle)
1 Piece necks with heel truss rod adjust

That said, they appear to be a decent value.....just as long as you are aware you are buying a FENDER and not a traditional Charvel.

[hippietim]

If we're talking about a Strat with a Floyd, the only appreciable difference between a typical Fender and a typical Charvel is the neck profile. If they nailed that then it's a win to me regardless of the name on the headstock.

We can debate about routes, number of pieces of wood, depth of cutaway, etc. but that doesn't change anything IMO.

[Hellraiser6502]

If we're talking about a Strat with a Floyd, the only appreciable difference between a typical Fender and a typical Charvel is the neck profile. If they nailed that then it's a win to me regardless of the name on the headstock.

We can debate about routes, number of pieces of wood, depth of cutaway, etc. but that doesn't change anything IMO.

That's a really funny statement!!

If that's how you feel, then you know nothing about REAL Charvels and the differences.

I won't be buying one but they seem to be decent guitars. Need setups and a new knob for sure but appear solid otherwise. I liked the rolled fretboard edges and the fretwork was ok.

This is the 'bastardization' OR 'Fenderization' of the Charvel name that everyone was worried about when Fender bought them. It's now a reality.

If you....or anyone else.... doesn't care about this fact, fine it's your money....but those who know the difference WILL care.

[hippietim]

Ok, I'll bite. Please explain the tangible differences between a "real" two-hum Floyded solid color Charvel and one of these new ones.

[Rich#6]

The price!

[Newc]

I'd also like to know the exact differences.

Everyone keeps mentioning the 2-piece body.

Were the San Dimas Strat models 1-piece Alder/Poplar every single time? Weren't they also more expensive than $1000 new? Is that because a single piece of Alder/Poplar big enough to make a Strat cost more than 2 pieces that you can join together?

[ejpii]

A neck thru Jackson is a 3 piece guitar and if it has a maple cap on it 5 piece right?

EJ

[fullmetalguitar]

That's a really funny statement!!

If that's how you feel, then you know nothing about REAL Charvels and the differences.

I won't be buying one but they seem to be decent guitars. Need setups and a new knob for sure but appear solid otherwise. I liked the rolled fretboard edges and the fretwork was ok.

This is the 'bastardization' OR 'Fenderization' of the Charvel name that everyone was worried about when Fender bought them. It's now a reality.

If you....or anyone else.... doesn't care about this fact, fine it's your money....but those who know the difference WILL care.

Well hello there Debbie Downer.

[savage]

That's a really funny statement!!

If that's how you feel, then you know nothing about REAL Charvels and the differences.

I won't be buying one but they seem to be decent guitars. Need setups and a new knob for sure but appear solid otherwise. I liked the rolled fretboard edges and the fretwork was ok.

This is the 'bastardization' OR 'Fenderization' of the Charvel name that everyone was worried about when Fender bought them. It's now a reality.

If you....or anyone else.... doesn't care about this fact, fine it's your money....but those who know the difference WILL care.

well considering that a real deal from the early 80's is about $5000 and up
IF you can find a non fake
I think these will satisfy many including myself
BTW, i own '81 San dimas and still think these ARE charvels
These are NOT made in the fender production shop but the charvel(by charvel techs) shop
FMIC may own the name but the employee's are charvel guys that own,play and build them

[Bionic]

OK, I just returned from checking these out at West LA Music.

I was curious and suspicious of just HOW and WHY they could offer a strathead Charvel that would have cost you about double the $$$ for vrtually this same guitar this time last year....and all of the sudden they are $999.00??? Hmmmm.

It's smoke & mirrors that's how and why!

Does everyone realize what these are??

Maybe you do and I missed it, but here's what they are.

These are FENDERS with some 'Charvel' appointments and of course the Charvel name on them....plain & simple. The construction is consistent with Fenders USA Strats. The 'Original Floyd Rose' is being made by Gotoh now.....didn't see much of a difference In quality. The fine tuners are slightly different as are the long string clamp bolts.

2 Piece body (joined/glued in the middle)
1 Piece necks with heel truss rod adjust

That said, they appear to be a decent value.....just as long as you are aware you are buying a FENDER and not a traditional Charvel.

That's a really funny statement!!

If that's how you feel, then you know nothing about REAL Charvels and the differences.

I won't be buying one but they seem to be decent guitars. Need setups and a new knob for sure but appear solid otherwise. I liked the rolled fretboard edges and the fretwork was ok.

This is the 'bastardization' OR 'Fenderization' of the Charvel name that everyone was worried about when Fender bought them. It's now a reality.

If you....or anyone else.... doesn't care about this fact, fine it's your money....but those who know the difference WILL care.

Hi all, Thanks for all the interest in the new Charvel's. I have been popping in and out of the forums looking at the feedback and I have tried to correct any misconceptions as they occur. This is killer week.

The last few posts seem to revolve around a couple of things.... Is this just a Fender with a different Headstock Decal? ... and body construction vs. old Charvel Body construction... here is some info...

1. This is simply not a Fender with a Charvel Decal slapped on the headstock.. here are just a few differences, 1 pc, Quartersawn Neck with Compound Radius and rolled edges... the Charvel Neck Shape/Profile, DiMarzio's and Duncans, CTS Pots..., Grover Tuners, Jumbo Frets, Floyd Rose Bridge... get the picture? …anyone want to jump in? There are a host of differences…

2. Yes, these guitars are spec'd out with a three piece body. Charvel Custom shop guitars have used 1,2 and 3 pc body's from the beginning. There were many instances where CUSTOM shop guitars were built using 3 pc bodies. … I only point this out because the fact that we are using 3 pc bodies on this model should not preclude it from being a “real Charvel” in anyone’s eye.

These guitars sound and play killer… IMHO

Due in part to feedback from the JCF forums & because we feel it's the right thing to do, we have made available a pretty affordable Charvel made from the right recipe. We labored over every detail, believe me, in order to bring you this mix of model's.

There are some extremely knowledgeable Jackson/Charvel members in the forums. We appreciate the positive & negative feedback... we really do. There is a tremendous amount of value in listening to the hard core devotees when the criticism is valid or constructive.

While we are on this, I thank you for the feedback on the setup’s…

I hope this helps.

-Mike

ONE MORE THING... LEAVE MY KNOBS ALONE!!!!

[nhspike]

Great job Mike.
I appreciate what you cats have cooked up here.

[savage]

well i think that clears up that!

[Joe_Steeler]

1 pc, Quartersawn Neck with Compound Radius and rolled edges...

Mike.... for once and for all I feel like somebody listened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That neck is sooooooooooooo sweet. The rolled edges, the rolled edges, the rolled edges, why did it take so long???
Great job.
FWIW, the knob is a bit rough but not a deal breaker. I kinda dig the easy grasp.

Keep it up!

J

[ADR]

Mike:I love Charvels.You don't have to explain to me.Killer guitar @ a killer price.You guys did great job.
If your Mike McG. . than you can see that I have commented on every single new NAMM 2008 Video you guys posted on "Youtube". I'm "YngMalmsteen" on Youtube,tying to help get the word out. . all positive stuff.

Mike:I need a single "Red/Orange" volume knob like on your "Primer Scream". PM me please.
~Andy