Advice on Jackson / Charvel alternatives to project...

[Prince Vultan]

Hey, guys. Love this site. So much eye candy and useful information. I hoping to tap into your collective knowledge...

I've scored a project guitar. A single humbucker HM Strat. Currently in a tired state, but I had one of these in the early 90's and wished I never parted with it so I'm looking forward to having some fun with a full renovation. BUT, when I price it all out - new bridge, pup, fret dress and so on I'd guess it'll be a £400 spend.

That got me wondering if I could maybe sink those funds into a MIJ Jackson / Charvel with a similar single humbucker configuration? Number of frets doesn't bother me. Other than the model 2, is there anything else I could be looking at?

Cheers!

[Nightbat]

£400?

For that kind of money you'd might as well hunt down a used single hum Charvel USA Pro-Mod

[Prince Vultan]

I didn't realise there'd been a single humbucker Pro-Mod. That probably says as much about the rarity of upscale Jacksons / Charvels here in the UK as it does about my research! Thanks for the input. I'll keep an eye out and hope something comes along while I can still resist pulling the Strat to bits!

Have there been any 1H Jap Jacksons in recent years? Something like a 1H DK2 would be ideal.

[Johnnyryche]

Have there been any 1H Jap Jacksons in recent years? Something like a 1H DK2 would be ideal.

Yep, there was a run of 24 DK2le ("limited edition") years ago that came with 1 EMG, licensed floyd, maple neck, snow white body and matching headstock. It was organized by one of the JCF's previous dealers/sponsors. I just sold mine last week here to another forum member. If you're patient, you could track another one down. Here's a pic of mine (or, I should say, my old one).

[Prince Vultan]

*drool*

Maple with white isn't a combo I would have chosen but that looks gorgeous. Thanks for the info, something new to add to my wants list!

[Mazrim]

I saw a black PRO series Soloist with 1 humbucker on ebay a few years ago. I should have pulled the trigger but went for something else instead.

That was a badass guitar alright. I dont know how rare they are but I've not seen another since.

[Tricky]

Model 1, Model 88, Model 5A, or you could go with a Model 1/3 or So-Cal with a 1 hum pickguard.

http://audiozone.dk/index-filer/charvel-japan-import-guitars.php#charvel_japan_1986-1991

[Prince Vultan]

Brilliant link. Thanks, Tricky!

[Grim]

You could also try and score an old BC Rich gunslinger retro?

[Prince Vultan]

I have no experience with BC Rich. I do remember that there was a period where they were renowned for poor build quality and that's kind of prejudiced me against them. Gunslinger certainly fits the bill though, and I do love a slanted humbucker!

This is good stuff, lads. The wider I cast my net, the better I excuse I have to spend..! Haha!

[RacerX]

£400?

For that kind of money you'd might as well hunt down a used single hum Charvel USA Pro-Mod

I have one I'd sell, but I'd need more than £400 for it.

I didn't realise there'd been a single humbucker Pro-Mod.

They were limited editions.

[Tricky]

Maybe one of these.

http://www.carvinmuseum.com/decade/images/90-dc125.html

[Grim]

I have no experience with BC Rich. I do remember that there was a period where they were renowned for poor build quality and that's kind of prejudiced me against them. Gunslinger certainly fits the bill though, and I do love a slanted humbucker!

This is good stuff, lads. The wider I cast my net, the better I excuse I have to spend..! Haha!

I know what you mean. The handcrafted guitars are very good though, although expensive. I know a few people around here have 'slinger retros and from what I can tell they are all pleased. They did go through a change (very) recently where the newer ones are made with cheaper hardware & wood. That's why I specified old. One from last year would be perfectly fine.

[Prince Vultan]

I have one I'd sell, but I'd need more than £400 for it.

Heh, and I'd want to pay less to offset the insane duty and taxes I'd have to pay to get it into rip-off Britain!

That Carvin looks sweet, Tricky. Though I suspect the chances of finding one of those in the UK would be slim.

I must say the Gunslinger Retro is tempting though. Dig those colours. The price is keen too - I can snag a new one for around £350 - though perhaps that's explained by the changes you refer to, Grim. I appreciate the extra info and that will probably stop me from pulling the trigger on a new model. Much more fun to chase one down in the wild anyway..!

Not sure if this place is good for my health. How did I go from having a project to fiddle about with over the next few months to wearing my hunter's hat and getting all psyched about a new purchase in a matter of days?

[Nightbat]

I have one I'd sell, but I'd need more than £400 for it.

True, you won't find one THAT cheap, but I meant it in a sense, that when you spend £400 to try and revitalize an old worn out parts mutt, a newer US Pro-mod isn't far away

I have no experience with BC Rich. I do remember that there was a period where they were renowned for poor build quality and that's kind of prejudiced me against them. Gunslinger certainly fits the bill though, and I do love a slanted humbucker!

I've got a Made in Korea NJ Warlock, and that's a mighty fine guitar
Though I heard the Made in indonesia can produce a few lemons