Surfcaster questions...

[silversurfer]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, and have what is probably the atypical Charvel (a Sea Green '94 Surfcaster w/humbucker + lipstick tube). I just got it recently and it's a truly awesome guitar (will post pics as soon as I figure out how). I'm hoping the resident Charvel Surfcaster expert can weigh in on my questions:

- Is there any way to date my guitar based on serial number (I can't seem to find any definitive system or serial number range/date table, like other brands)?

- It's my understanding that Charvel Surfcasters were made from '92-'95. Does anyone have any idea how many were produced?

- What kind of material is the nut (non-roller nut)? Looks like black plastic, and I'll likely change to bone.

- The Kluson-style tuners are stamped "Japan" on the back, which would lead me to think they're Gotohs. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks!!!!

[SignoftheDragon]

I'll answer as the resident 'enthusiast' rather than 'expert' because I am still looking for a lot of answers as well. Congrats on acquiring a kick-ass guitar!

- Is there any way to date my guitar based on serial number (I can't seem to find any definitive system or serial number range/date table, like other brands)?

Nope- it looks like there was NO sequential order in the production runs, at least none that was recorded. I've been thinking about creating a reference thread so we can start getting an idea. Your configuration (C-stop tailpiece, I presume?) with the Humbucker and non-roller nut puts it towards the later years of the 'real' surfcaster- most likely '94 or '95.

- It's my understanding that Charvel Surfcasters were made from '92-'95. Does anyone have any idea how many were produced?

Again- I've looked for the same info, and apparently there is none available. As far as the years go, I have seen evidence of production surfcasters dating back to 1991- which would make sense for them to appear in the '92 catalog.

- What kind of material is the nut (non-roller nut)? Looks like black plastic, and I'll likely change to bone.

Not sure on this one- though now I'm curious. All of mine are the same black plastic, although I have never had any problem with it.

- The Kluson-style tuners are stamped "Japan" on the back, which would lead me to think they're Gotohs. Anyone know for sure?

Interesting- none of my surfcasters (I have 4) have tuners that are marked with any origin, or any text at all. I wonder if yours have been replaced, or if they changed the tuners on the later models like yours. Pics would help, of course...

Anyway, welcome to the club!

[Musician78]

I would kill for a '92 Seafoam Green one with the "C" tail piece. That's all I know about them.

[silversurfer]

SignOftheDragon - thanks for the reply and info - Sorry, when I said the tuners are stamped Japan on the back, I meant on the "inside" when you remove them. There are no identifying marks on the backs, and I'm quite sure these are original. I think I've seen the pics of your 4 surfcasters - you're a lucky man. Do you have a preference of all basswood vs. mahogany/maple top? Hardtail or trem? I wish they would have made a hum/single version with the mahogany/maple combo and the trem, but I am totally digging my sea green surfcaster as it is. How do you post a pic on this board?

[Musician78]

Put them in Photo Bucket. Then paste the "IMG" in the area where you would type here.

[silversurfer]

IMG]http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab125/dilver155/Surfcaster/DSC_1260.jpg[/IMG]
IMG]http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab125/dilver155/Surfcaster/DSC_1263.jpg[/IMG]

Did this work?

[silversurfer]

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab125/dilver155/Surfcaster/DSC_1260.jpg

Or this?

[Hellbat]

[silversurfer]

Thx Hellbat! Not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[Hellbat]

If you click on the little picture of the tree with photo holders image...



You can just paste the picture into the pop-up box and the web site will handle the tags for you.

[CMCgtrs]

Charvel Surfcaster

To All,

I have a brand new Charvel Custom Shop Surfcaster for sale. It is the NAMM 2010 one. Check out the link.

http://www.cmcguitars.com/Charvel-USA-Custom-Shop-Surfcastr-Guitar-p/287-5218-000.htm

Steve

[Musician78]

To All,

I have a brand new Charvel Custom Shop Surfcaster for sale. It is the NAMM 2010 one. Check out the link.

http://www.cmcguitars.com/Charvel-USA-Custom-Shop-Surfcastr-Guitar-p/287-5218-000.htm

Steve

What a dope.

[spencer4hire]

Check this thread where I posted my Surfcasters.

http://www.jcfonline.com/threads/74270-My-2-New-Surfcasters

[silversurfer]

Wow, you have 2 - Nice!!! You can't even get those Jackson Stars-made versions anymore; their site says "discontinued". BTW: I noticed how much lighter that Surf Green one you sold was in comparison to mine - could be the effect of the finish on mine yellowing over time, but wow, what a difference.

[SignoftheDragon]

What a dope.

+1. That thing is HIDEOUS. They got everything wrong on that axe. Esp. for the price. :k