I quess Charvel listens in around here!

[khabibissell]

Couldn't you just change the pickguard to whatever config you wanted?

[toejam]

You could do that, but a lot of people prefer the models without pickguards.

[triplehold]

Greetings... just want to jump in on this point... the 1H was considered... however, the 2h was chosen in CS Orders and in poles much more often. Perhaps down the line we'll take another look...

Thanks...

Mike

Soon I hope!

[khabibissell]

You could do that, but a lot of people prefer the models without pickguards.

I forgot about the SD's... I was thinking about the So-Cals.

[Chubtone]

Yeah, the green, single hum one at the show was a Custom Shop model. I played it today. I played a bunch of the Custom Shop ones and some of the Production model ones. I haven't seen a single production model hit my doorstep with action as high as the production models at NAMM had.

[Newc]

When the pointy headstock USA Charvels came back around 2005, they did offer them with a choice of rosewood, maple and ebony boards, Floyd or vintage trem, also H, H/S, H/S/S and H/H. It would be kind of cool if they offered those options again.

And how much were those being sold for? $1500+?

You cannot get those options at reasonable prices because each one takes time. There's extra time to verify the work order (H-H vs H-S, rosewood vs ebony, trem type, etc) as well as extra time to make sure the finished product is getting the right paintjob and going to the right dealer.

With a standardized production model like they have now - 1-piece neck+fretboard, 2-H only, non-recessed, Floyd only, 1 knob only, 1 3-way only - you can turn them out quickly so that the majority of the selling price is profit.

[norton333]

A 1 hum, 1 knob model in the same run colors would take less time, less $ to make, I don't see why this is treated like a custom option, as an original customer from the 80's ,a Charvel in my mind is a 1 hum hotrod.It seems funny to me that in the NAMM pics, a lot of models there seem to be 1 hum CS's.

[shreddermon]

The production models are all about production volumes. A single hum guitar just won't sell in sufficient numbers to justify doing it. Sure, they might do a small "limited run" of them or something. But that might cut into the custom shop mojo, and it certainly wouldn't get enough buyers to be done all the time.

[85 San Dimas]

Greetings... just want to jump in on this point... the 1H was considered... however, the 2h was chosen in CS Orders and in poles much more often. Perhaps down the line we'll take another look...

Thanks...

Mike

That's fine. And when you want to get serious about selling some guitars then I guess there will be more than one configuration. If Charvel (FMIC) wants to be a boutique brand then have at it.

IMHO if FMIC only wants to build that way then GMW and Wayne Charvel are only a phone call away with a lead time of less than one third. Don't bother me to give them my money. Either respond to the market or die. Polls don't sell products, Buyers purchase them if you give them what they want and in this economy I'd find a way to give the ones with the money what they want. And don't tell me about production numbers. it's a stinking router pass (or not). based on this kind of answer Charvels never would have been built at all to begin with.
It must be a really impressive CS to have the elimination of a neck pickup route be a huge stumbling block to production. Bunch of Clowns. the exact opposite of what the Charvel name stands for. Charvel used to mean having it the way you wanted it.

[Bionic]

That's fine. And when you want to get serious about selling some guitars then I guess there will be more than one configuration. If Charvel (FMIC) wants to be a boutique brand then have at it.

IMHO if FMIC only wants to build that way then GMW and Wayne Charvel are only a phone call away with a lead time of less than one third. Don't bother me to give them my money. Either respond to the market or die. Polls don't sell products, Buyers purchase them if you give them what they want and in this economy I'd find a way to give the ones with the money what they want. And don't tell me about production numbers. it's a stinking router pass (or not). based on this kind of answer Charvels never would have been built at all to begin with.
It must be a really impressive CS to have the elimination of a neck pickup route be a huge stumbling block to production. Bunch of Clowns. the exact opposite of what the Charvel name stands for. Charvel used to mean having it the way you wanted it.

Fantastic post. I'm happy to point out a couple key points that may shed light on your issues. Hopefully, this can help you to wrap your mind around what Charvel is...

1. You can still order Custom Shop Charvel's too your hearts content. Charvel is Primarily a Custom Shop...nothing has changed.

2. As an alternative to the Custom Shop product offering... we have released a USA Production Model Series with fixed specifications and finite custom colors. This is done at a pretty nice price point. It is THESE products that we have pre-determined the configuration and have not made available changes or options.

Again, I'm here to help... I hope I did.

Mike

[Tito Jackson]

...............

[Tito Jackson]

Mike, I keep editing my responses......that's why the dots and such....

I want to ask you how to best understand Charvel (FMIC) logic, but I already know the answer. FMIC has decided we pay $1500 extra to have "Charvel" on the headstock rather than "Fender" and believe we will pay it.

To actually walk out and route for a different PU config means extra $$$$. Pushing these bolt-on beauties into the same cost as custom shop Gibsons (with binding, ebony boards, set necks and so on).

I get it now. I really do.

Think I spend my $$$ with GMW and Wayne. I can get custom paint on the guitar and still save $$$. God love Fender.

[roodyrocker]

Then what is up with the tits, grim reapers, graveyards, maps, skulls, etc. I don't know about you but you couldn't get me to spend $3k+ on a guitar sporting that "art" and then have the cojones to show up in public with it.
How about A $3k guitar that has a psycho graphic that will make some people sick by looking at it?

I guess I'm the oddball here, I'd proudly play those out in public

[85 San Dimas]

Okay, and great, and you are a help, and I am a fan.

I think the So-Cal is a noble effort to put a starter guitar out there, but honestly IMHO it's hard to build a brand at 2200-3000 when your offer against the competition is only going to be "It says Charvel on the headstock". You guys know as well as I that the "Charvel" legend is about an affordable strat/LP killer, easily customized to the buyers requirements. I know FMIC doesn't want competition for the Strat, I understand. But if you really want an SRV then you're going to buy one of those anyway. Besides FMIC has a strat at every conceivable price point anyway.

BTW I'm going to PM you with my thoughts on this. Not that it matters, but I don't really want to write a book here.

[neilli]

FMIC has decided we pay $1500 extra to have "Charvel" on the headstock rather than "Fender" and believe we will pay it.

"$1500 extra" than what exactly? $1500 more than nothing? $1500 more than a mexican strat with an 'imaginary Floyd'? $1500 more for a custom Charvel than a cheaper version? $1500 more than a custom Fender to those specs (dream on buddy - not a fucking chance in hell).

To actually walk out and route for a different PU config means extra $$$$. Pushing these bolt-on beauties into the same cost as custom shop Gibsons (with binding, ebony boards, set necks and so on).

Sure, additional or 'personal' specs carry an upcharge. Try asking Ford for a production model with a downgraded motor. Even if it 'should' cost less, it won't. You should probably try and price up a new custom shop Gibson. Then you'll truly shit yourself over pricing. Especially if you're talking 'custom order', rather than 'pretend custom, but really the same specs as everyone else who buys one'...

By all means go to GMW or Wayne. I have both and they're great. GMW especially. But realise that mass production means compromise. Not unique. GMW do unique. Charvel do unique. Wayne do unique. But not for 900 bucks out the door brand new....