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**micha** · 05-16-2003, 09:49 AM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

oh, I forgot;
what about the necks?
are the scale lengths and the thickness of necks compareable?
I love the feel of my japanese rhoads, and I'd love to keep the neck size and this stuff since I got really used to it during the last years...

okies, that's it!

**charvel750** · 05-16-2003, 01:55 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

The playability and quality is IDENTICAL. I have owned five Charvel Model 6's and three 650's. I still have twenty two Soloists, and I can say with certainty they are on par with eachother. However, as with all of the Japanese imports, the wood selections were not as rigidly made as the USA models. Better wood components and other things that you cannot see with your eyes exist on the USA models. But I'm telling you, that 650 I recently sold to John must have been a Jackson Soloist with an accidental Charvel logo.

**xenophobe** · 05-16-2003, 02:37 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

Model 6 and the later 650xl are both the high-points of the import guitar line.

For their time period, as has been said, or maybe not, ALL of the hardware is identical to the USA Jacksons.

The wood selection isn't supposedly as nice, though this has really not been proven, the construction methods of the guitars are very similar, with the Japanese necks being finish shaped by hand just like the USA models. The features of the 86-91-ish era import guitars are pretty much identical to those of the USA line.

The model 6/650xl/750xl still command high prices, and mint ones are usually around the $400 mark are not uncommon. I sold a dead mint black Model 6, and it sold as a BIN for $450, and the owner was delighted. Some of the trans-top and rarer finishes on the 650/750xl sometimes reach the $600 range, not very far off from used USA Jackson prices.

Yes, they're great guitars, I don't think you could go wrong eithe rway.

**pro-fusion** · 05-16-2003, 03:24 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

Re: Model 6 vs. 650xl

There isn't that much difference, really:

pickup switching--M6 has individual toggle switches where 650xl has five-way Strat blade switch

bridge--1987-88 M6 has Jackson JT6 Floyd bridge, where 650xl has Schaller-made JT-590 bridge. 650xl also has routing behind the bridge to allow for greater up-bending, although the bridge is NOT recessed.

logo--650xl has bigger 'toothpaste' Charvel logo that was the standard one between '89-91. M6 has the older 'guitar' logo. This is the easiest way to tell them apart.

650xl's tend to sell for slightly more on eBay than Model 6's, but they are both in the $350-450 range, I would say. I wouldn't pay $450 unless the guitar was absolutely mint.

Because of the different bridge, I prefer the 650xl over the Model 6, but Floyd-style bridges can be replaced, of course--and many Model 6 owners do just that.

**guitar geek** · 05-16-2003, 04:02 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

Man, this topic rules big time, why? I want a Jackson soloist. problem: I live in holland and am student -> cash problem, Jacksons are way to expensive in Holland (secondhanded market does not excist, new prices over $2000,- are normal). Solution (at least, that is what I figured): buy yourself a Charvel Model 6, which I did. I expect it (shipped from the states) next week. so the post in this tread make me a very happy person!

Harrald

**micha** · 05-16-2003, 04:36 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

hi! thanks a looot for all the information!
that's exactly what I wanted. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

@ guitargeek;
hey, but you'Re not the one who bought this dark purple metalic one are you? [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

**guitar geek** · 05-16-2003, 04:55 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

yeah, actually I did!!! how do you know that? (bought it at Chris' guitars, and today confirmed that it was payed and at this very moment it is on it's way)

but I am getting it next week, and am looking forward to it!

Harrald

[ May 16, 2003, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: guitar geek ]

**83SanDimas** · 05-16-2003, 05:29 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

I have had both.. The model 6 is as good as any import and can be on par with the usa. I have played some usa soloists that were better than any model 6 I have played, but I have also played usa soloist that were not as good as a nodel 6. I think compared to any import soloist you can not go wrong.

As I thin the heard I have trouble parting with the model 6's. I think most JCF guys myself included will not pay $400 for one because we see them for less. Truth is a super clean one with a tweed case is worth more in reality. If I did not have one and was only going to buy "one" I would buy a super clean one and not feel bad about paying high 400s for it

**pro-fusion** · 05-17-2003, 12:08 AM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

I think you'll find that a Model 6 has a thicker neck than most Soloists, even those from the same era as the Model 6. There are exceptions, though. I've played a 1986 Model 6 that had a very thin neck (almost Ibanez Wizard-like), so there are variations to be found between different Model 6's.

As far as I know, every single Model 6 came with the JE1200 midboost circuit. Of course, many have had that feature removed by their owners. I removed the circuit from my 650xl (a later version of the Model 6) when I changed pickups.

Personally, I think that the Model 6/650xl is one of the most outrageously good used guitar values out there today. They were quite expensive when new, and you can pick one up now for just a small fraction of what a used USA Soloist goes for. In my opinion, they are mostly comparable to a Soloist, even if the Model 6 doesn't have that last iota of perfection that a USA Soloist does.

**micha** · 05-17-2003, 12:58 AM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

hey thank you!
sounds really good to me.
I hate it when I like some equipment and I ask around and all people say it sucks... [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
I'm not really looking for perfection, I miss the money for that, but something close to it for a reasonable price. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

what do you think of the kahler (?) as a trem?
I've read quite a lot of mixed opinions on that...
should I look out for one with kahler or better take a jackson-trem one?

and what is the difference between 6 and 650XL?
are there any good sites on charvel guitars where I could get some closer information and maybe compare the models a little better?

I've been reading the reviews on harmony central for quite a while, but it sucks searching dozens of comments just to find the thigns out I'd like to know...

mmhhh.... maybe I should ask KEvin. I knew he had some information on the old jackson website for the discontinued jackson models, maybe he's got something on charvel, too!

but thanks so far!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

anyone else? [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

**roodyrocker** · 05-17-2003, 03:31 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

I bought a Model 6 brand new back in the 80's and even though I have several USA Jacksons, I still love that Model 6. For the money its a great guitar. You can't go wrong with a Model 6 thats been kept in good condition.

Rudy

**slayer** · 05-17-2003, 04:52 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

I really love the SL2H, so the Charvel 750XL seams like the one I would shoot for, maybe some day [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Jack.

**Ace** · 05-18-2003, 12:15 AM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

My 650 is the best $400 I have ever spent on a guitar. Mint, and totally rocking!!

**SEAN RAF** · 05-18-2003, 04:35 PM

Re: charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

I've owned four Model 6's, all stunning. I just have the one now, pearl white (yellowed!), it's perfect. I agree about the wiring, I ripped it out on all of them. You could make a Model 6 the last guitar you'd ever buy. The only difference I notice between my Model 6 and a Soloist, is the rosewood fretboard...that's it!

Sean.

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charvel model 6 VS jackson soloist?

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