What's it worth

[xenophobe]

Maybe this is another prototype. Being late 85, it's altogether possible.

[shreddermon]

The circled letters appear to be ME, which may be Mike Eldridge. However, I thought he was no longer at J/C by late '85. Not sure about that, though.

Also not sure what the "USA" notation means. Haven't seen that before.

Otherwise, seems to be a run of the mill SD Charvel pointyhead. Matching headstocks are fairly rare-ish, but it won't bring the value up much. Kahler trems and plain jane colors are most common.

[dg]

Everything looks pretty good. Like I said before, the matching head might bring a little more interest/value than the usual plain-jane Kahlered pointy with black headstock. The "USA" and the "ME" markings show up on other guitars from around that time. 5146 and 5171 in Tracy's gallery both have those marks, and he noted that he's only seen the "USA" on guitars signed by "ME".

[bkholl]

All I know is I went to Dallas Prestonwood Mall to buy a Charvel due to the fact that it was the only place that I could find one in those days. I am from Oklahoma so I made the 2.5 hour trip just to see one. When I arrived, the place was packed and Vivian Campbell was there signing autographs and playing the "new" Charvels. This was one he picked up and played and I purchased it on the spot. I can tell you it has never been played like that since...

Not really interested in selling it but I am just curious what it was worth. I can't remember what I paid for it but I remember it was expensive for that day and time.

[dg]

That's awesome!

[DonP]

Sweet guitar. I'd guess $800 to $1,000?

On one hand, it's a USA Charvel with a matching headstock.

On the other hand, it has a Kahler, which doesn't bother me, but does bother lots of other buyers.

[bkholl]

Thanks a lot for all the great information. I do still play it and it sounds great. I have guitars with both Kahler and Floyd Rose systems and I like them both.
Tremelo systems were a big deal in the early 80's and I remember it being really cool due to the fact that it was the first guitar I had with one.

Thanks again for all the help.. Really a ton of knowledgeable people on this forum.. Very helpful. I appreciate it.

[shreddermon]

Sentimental and/or personal playing value are often greater than what the market would give you. It's a cool guitar, keep enjoying it.