Charvel Custom Shop Explorer Clone Project Is Done...

[sah5150]

So what is the trick to doing that decal, anyway? I'm guessing you make both a black and white decal, then cut alternating pieces out to match the pattern on the headstock? Yours came out great.

The entire top of the headstock, including the zebra stripes is a vinyl decal. I just positioned it the way I wanted, trimmed it to shape, stuck it and then did the clear coats, wet sanding, rubbing compound and swirl remover.

Steve

[sah5150]

I'll tell ya later, Joe.

Can you tell me? It's just a USA Pro Mod plate I got on eBay...

Steve

[toejam]

I think it's kinda lame to even make that comment. It is a replica of a guitar Charvel will no longer make. I wanted it to look authentic. I'm not trying to fool anyone. It is just my personal guitar, it isn't like I'm trying to sell it.

Steve

Why bother with a logo to make it even seem like it's a Charvel, regardless of whether you're selling it or not? You did a great job, it looks really nice, but it's not authentic, period.

[Hellbat]

You should have made it a fictional guitar company. Make it a CocknBalls explorer.

"When I want rock hard, I grab my CocknBalls!"
"I can't put down my CocknBalls!"
"My CocknBalls gets me all the chicks!"

[horns666]

I put a Chevy emblem on my Ford..because I like Chevy!

...so, I'm not trying fool anyone.

...fuggums..

[sah5150]

Why bother with a logo to make it even seem like it's a Charvel, regardless of whether you're selling it or not? You did a great job, it looks really nice, but it's not authentic, period.

I recognize it is not authentic. I have a nice little collection of USA Custom Shop Charvels.

Once again, my only intent was to make it "look" as authentic as I could, for my personal enjoyment, since the custom shop won't make Explorers anymore. if they did, I would have just ordered this exact guitar from them and saved myself the trouble.

Just wanted to share something I thought turned out cool - not trying to cause any controversy... Especially since I'm a huge Charvel fan and have purchased several custom shops over the last few years...

Steve

[Prince Vultan]

That looks bad ass, Steve.

I can see Toe's point on the logo. I'd probably have had some fun and come up with my own logo / brand too - Shovel, perhaps? But who cares how any one of us would have done it? Point is, you've got what you want. Great job.

[horns666]

It looks very nice..

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Pretty cool...

What are you doing for a case? I want to build one of these. I have a few Warmoth Strats but I really want to do an Explorer.

[RacerX]

Can you tell me? It's just a USA Pro Mod plate I got on eBay...

Steve

I recognize it is not authentic.
Just wanted to share something I thought turned out cool - not trying to cause any controversy... Especially since I'm a huge Charvel fan and have purchased several custom shops over the last few years...

Steve

IMO the concern would be if you ever sold the guitar later, then it's floating around the general public with a Charvel ser #, maybe future douche eBay seller will call it

"RARE! LQQK!! Charvel Custom Explorer!" etc etc.

So, I asked for the serial # for future reference, we can check this thread out and know the history

[Hellbat]

I'm playing out my CocknBalls right now!

[RacerX]

Oh, forgot to say, very bitchin' axe, dude!

[j2379]

nice axe, love the zebra.
but, if you go thru the trouble of putting a plate & a logo on it, why not get an explorer body thats at least the right shape for a Charvel?

[Hellbat]

For the record, I dig the finish and don't really care about the logo thing. I can see why it bugs people, but it doesn't matter to me.

[chrisolson]

Nice job, Steve. I won't drop a ball over minutia...it kicks ass. Period. Well done! It's YOUR guitar - do it how you like it. I would.