My 87 Model 4

[Model4]

I just picked up my first Charvel earlier this week, and immediately found this forum...which is good because I have a couple questions about replacement whammy bars...(see below please) But first some info and pics

1987 Charvel Model 4
P'ups switched out prior to me owning it...it has a Blue Lace Sensor at the neck, Reverse Wound Seymour Duncan Strat Pickup in the middle, and an unknown model, red and black Seymour Duncan in the bridge (when I change strings I may pull it out to see if I can find a model number or something on the back)
Because of the switch in pickups, the boost knob is now non-functional, but the tone and volume knobs are still wired, and all of the 3 way switches are still operational.

The JT6 is in great condition, no stripped out anything...the only thing I can't stand is the free swinging whammy bar (suggestions on whether to replace with a Schaller Bar+Collar OR an OFR Bar+collar??? Are they the same thing?) On that note...is the JT-6 worth keeping if I have the money to order a brand new OFR?

Frets are in great shape, and honestly other than the slight swirl in the clearcoat from cleanings over the last 20+ years...there really are no visible blemishes.









I love that Red!

[Grandturk]

Nice one. I believe you can fit a Floyd bar and collar on the trem... But I would replace the whole unit with a Floyd

[DonP]

fretsonthenet has replacement bushings for $2. Don't waste your money and keep the JT6.

[Model4]

I think I am going to replace it with an OFR...I found some posts by Sausage(something) and he'd done it, pretty sure it's a direct swap.
That and I can't get used to the JT-6...my main axe is a Kramer Sustainer with a Schaller Floyd on it...and I really like having the fine tuners up top...I know I must be the only person in the world that actually doesn't like how they are tucked away on the JT-6 Lol...

[Fender]

I had a same year model 4 , same color but i had chrome hardware and my trem was a schaller built jt590. Lovely guitar that is. Played great. Miss her, but i needed the cash :P

[BayRocker]

I don't think you have the original bar anyway...my '87 M4 JT-6 was black with a chome bar. And it is definitely shorter than your bar as well. I love that it swings freely, and wish my other Floyds did it as well. I've got Schaller Floyds, and still prefer my old JT-6. I know I'm in the minority on that one, but oh well. I do wish the fine tuners were on top though.

Nice looking guitar!! Good luck and enjoy!!

[Model4]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I think I am going to get the OFR in black...my Kramer has one, and I really like being able to tension the bar to stay where I want it But I appreciate people's personal preferences and know there are alot of people that like it better that way...BayRocker I think you are right in the bar not being original...my father in law has an 86/87 Model 2 that has the black bar, but it has the black behind the nut string locks...my Model 4 has the chrome behind the nut string locks, and a black JT6, so it makes sense it'd originally have had the chrome bar to kind of accent it more...

Oh ya, and I don't think I'm going to immediately have the Floyd locking nut installed, but will definitely have it done in the near future, for now I'm just going to replace the bridge...then I have to decide if I want my "go to tech guy" to route for a fully floating OFR or leave it as a dive-bomb only.... ??? hmmmm

[moku]

you don't need to have it routed to make the floyd float. it's a matter of setting it up.

[Model4]

If I did decide to stick with the JT6 for a little bit, which replacement arm+collar am I looking for? Are the replacements for the OFR and the Schaller the same? I want the kind that you put in and screw down the little collar thing to tighten it from swinging....

[DonP]

Please do not route the guitar for a recessed trem. I foolishly did this in the past when I was young and stupid and there wasn't an internet with someone saying "Don't do that".

Please learn from my mistakes.

Don't do that.

[Model4]

Lol...After looking at my guitar, and considering my wood working skills...I have decided against it. I have my Kramer if I wanna pull up
I just ordered a black Kahler behind the nut string lock...to keep the original setup, but I wanted it black again...they came stock black, but mine has apparently been replaced with a chrome one. Meh...
I am thinking about ordering a replacement trem arm, the OFR style one from Fretsonthenet so I can tighten down the arm to stay where I want.
Other than that, no huge plans for now....I may eventually put on the OFR, but someone got a speeding ticket so I have to save some money before I can get that