Intro + I'm looking for some advice on Charvels

[savatage]

If you had to suggest 2 model guitars for Savatage-like metal, which would you recommend? None appear to be that expensive. Earlier I watched a model 4 dlx go for $350!!

[Rich#6]

If you don't mind one pickup the model 2's are great. any will do, but if you use the trem alot avoid the kahler models(1986) and the 275 with the dinky body because the schaller trem is single locking. check out the catalogs :

http://audiozone.dk/cm/jackson-charvel-guitar-catalog-scans.php

[savatage]

Thanks!

[savatage]

Are there any other trems to avoid? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to get this right.. :think:

I'll try not to buy anything from 1986 (correct if I'm wrong- Charvel used Schaller/Floyd trems after this year?) and I'll avoid the 275. Are the *75 models the dinky versions of the regular models (Model 4 vs 475)?

After more thought I think it's either going to be a model 4 or a predator. I wish the model 7 had a trem!!! or the predator came with a maple neck. I also wish the new Charvel reissues had pointy headstocks (god damn you, Fender.. )

[savatage]

I just looked into the Model 4 more and discovered that the strings lock behind the nut.. I'm assuming it has tuning stability issues then. Which models have an actual locking nut?

[Rich#6]

The 87-89 used the jt6 trems which are OK and are non recessed and can be swapped out for an OFR. The latter models *75 came with the schallers and have locking nuts(though the behind the nut locks aren't too bad). Those have the toothpaste logos.
The new charvels are great guitars! BUT if you have to have the pointy headstock they did come out with some in 2005 that do go for around $1,000 on ebay.

[savatage]

The 87-89 used the jt6 trems which are OK and are non recessed and can be swapped out for an OFR. The latter models *75 came with the schallers and have locking nuts(though the behind the nut locks aren't too bad). Those have the toothpaste logos.
The new charvels are great guitars! BUT if you have to have the pointy headstock they did come out with some in 2005 that do go for around $1,000 on ebay.

Too expensive for me. So if I'm going to use the trem a lot I should go for a toothpaste logo one?

It appears that the only model that has a "rails" humbucker is the Predator. Is this true? How do the single coils on say the model 4 sound?

[Rich#6]

Is this true? How do the single coils on say the model 4 sound?

I hate them but some like them. They are hum canceling though.

[savatage]

That's good to know. It's ashame, the 475s with the pearl inlays look so nice.

[filerj]

That's good to know. It's ashame, the 475s with the pearl inlays look so nice.

I have a 475 and it plays great, I personally like the stock pickups, but if you don't you can always swap them out for something you like better. Good luck in your search and your decision, it would be great if you could play it before buying, because feel means a lot. When I bought mine 20 odd years ago I wasn't planning on getting a Charvel, but when I played it the neck just felt so good.
filerj

[savatage]

I have a 475 and it plays great, I personally like the stock pickups, but if you don't you can always swap them out for something you like better. Good luck in your search and your decision, it would be great if you could play it before buying, because feel means a lot. When I bought mine 20 odd years ago I wasn't planning on getting a Charvel, but when I played it the neck just felt so good.
filerj

Are the single coils really hot and good for metal.. do they take distortion well?

[DonP]

The Charvel Fusion Deluxe has the same hum / slant single route as the 3DR and Predator. It is a dinky body. But the word "Fusion" in Jackson/Charvel terms means it's a 24,75" Gibson scale. The Fusion comes with the J200R rails neck, the J90C bridge, the Schaller Trem, the locking nut, and one of the thinnest necks of J/C models (all Fusion necks are thin). It does NOT have the reverse headstock, however.

I'm just throwing this out in case you want to expand the horizons of what you are looking for.

Some people bash the Charvel Fusion models, but can't give one damn good reason as to why. They come with great hardware and pickups, great build. So what's the problem? The toothpaste headstock logo? Give me a break.

[savatage]

The Charvel Fusion Deluxe has the same hum / slant single route as the 3DR and Predator. It is a dinky body. But the word "Fusion" in Jackson/Charvel terms means it's a 24,75" Gibson scale. The Fusion comes with the J200R rails neck, the J90C bridge, the Schaller Trem, the locking nut, and one of the thinnest necks of J/C models (all Fusion necks are thin). It does NOT have the reverse headstock, however.

I'm just throwing this out in case you want to expand the horizons of what you are looking for.

Some people bash the Charvel Fusion models, but can't give one damn good reason as to why. They come with great hardware and pickups, great build. So what's the problem? The toothpaste headstock logo? Give me a break.

What do you think of the single coils on the model 4? These guitars seem easier to find.

[savatage]

Ahh, actually I'm being really indecisive. I came here to find out about the Predator and I think I'm going to try and find one of those. I really like the simple design, dual humbuckers, recessed trem, and reverse pointy headstock

Thanks for all the help I've received so far- this is a really nice forum!

[Axewielder]

One option would be to "mutt up" a newer Pro Mod style 2 tele body with a pointy headstock neck. That would give you a cool pointy tele with a Floyd, however you'd have to go in a different direction as far as color goes.