Charvel model 6 or ESP M-II Deluxe

[SimonEriksson]

Hi! I can't decide which of these guitars I should buy. A Charvel Model 6 1986 with Kahler trem in mint condition, not a single scratch or a ESP M-II Deluxe 1997 with original floyd and EMG's.

I currently have a Les Paul style guitar and I find it uncomfortable to play notes on the higher frets because of the neck heel, since the Charvel is a neck thru guitar it wont have that heel by the neck joint.

[DonP]

Hi! I can't decide which of these guitars I should buy. A Charvel Model 6 1986 with Kahler trem in mint condition, not a single scratch or a ESP M-II Deluxe 1997 with original floyd and EMG's.

I currently have a Les Paul style guitar and I find it uncomfortable to play notes on the higher frets because of the neck heel, since the Charvel is a neck thru guitar it wont have that heel by the neck joint.

But what is the M-II Deluxe? A Bolt on? And just going by older is better, the M-6 is a 1986. Better wood back then. The Kahler might throw you off but you could replace it with a fixed Kahler ala Mustaine.

I have a 1988 M-6 and I love the playability of the non-recessed JT-6. Not sure how a Kahler would feel but I'd love to get one. Doesn't the guy (brainfarting on his name-on the tip of my tongue...Heanman?) in Slayer use Kahler's?

The only thing with Model 6's is that the price has spiked up crazy high lately. I am used to them being $300 - $350 from around 2005-6. Now they are triple to quad that. I got lucky with my black one and scored it for $390 shipped a year or so ago. It was a basket case I had to put back together, but there is no body or finish damage, just wiring and hardware.

[SimonEriksson]

Yup he does! I've tried a Kahler before and I like it. The ESP is a bolt on, and it's 200$ more than the Charvel.

[DonP]

Oh hands down the Model 6 then. Now if the ESP was a Custom neck thru, that would be harder. I paid $750 for a 1988 Horizon but it's a flat out bad ass guitar. I have an M-1 as well from 1990 so I'm not an ESP basher, but I just love there older stuff much better.

[Axewielder]

I had a MII Deluxe and it was a decent axe. It needed a lot of restoration work, but turned out to be a nice player in the end. Make sure it's really an OFR, as some of those from the 90's had a Kahler licensed fulcrum trem. Those are really not bad trems at all except for the locking nuts. All that being said, if you like the Kahler cam type trems: go for the M6.

[SimonEriksson]

I don't think that I'm going to go crazy on the whammy bar. I don't have to much money right now and I need a new guitar because I'm in the middle of recording an album with my band so if the Charvel is a better guitar for less money there is no question about it, I'm going to buy it.

However I wan't the best for my money and to me both guitars are expensive and the Charvel is about 700$. I live in Sweden so all bigger brands are abit more expenisve here.

[SimonEriksson]

I've noticed that the Charves body is made of Poplar and the ESP is alder, is poplar a good material for guitar bodys? I am going to play alot of solos and higher notes with this guitar and I know that alder is a good type of wood for guitars, never reakky heard of poplar before though.

[straycat]

Poplar is a great wood lots of USA Jacksons are poplar.I would snag the Model 6.

[DonP]

Poplar and Alder are similar from what I've heard. Many companies switch back and forth between the two.

[SIXER]

If im not mistaken,the model 6 has poplar wings. The center is maple.