charvels v fenders question

[Charvel_375]

opinions wanted, i have a friend who says import charvels are inferior to usa made fender strats.and are really just wannbe guitars in build and sound quality.i disagree completely but i would like to give him a few other peoples points on them, so please opinions please

[Tekky]

Re: charvels v fenders question

The Charvel Model series guitars (86-88) are every bit as good as Jackson or Fender USA guitars. The next generation of import Charvels, the "Script logos" (89-91) are probably just as good. But from there Charvel imports were being made in China, Korea, and Indonesia. The current (now retired) Charvel imports are, in my opinion, just re-badged Jackson Dinkies.

[straycat]

Re: charvels v fenders question

86-88 model series Charvels are every bit as good as the USA fender strats and for me the model 1A (3 singles and a pickguard)sounds way better that a fender strat.JMO.The early 90s import Charvel/Jackson guitars are of very high quality.The same pickups,trems,pots etc were used on the imports and USA guitars so you know the quality was there.
I think you buddy is a tool.People that say things like that have never picked up a C/J because if they did they wouldn't say that.

[Charvel_375]

Re: charvels v fenders question

i agree my 375 feels unique to me i have played dozens of fenders usa made and and foreign made but my 375 deluxe feels like a one of a kind, and thats not just because i love it, they came out Intro: 1989
Disco: 1992

[mudkicker]

Re: charvels v fenders question

The early Model series are the best kept secret from the 80s. People forget these weren't exactly cheap guitars when they were new. The craftsmenship in these is top notch. In a head to head compition I think the almost 20 year old model series could beat out most lower and mid level guitars of today. Which was the market that the Model series was originally built for. That includes Jackson, Fender, LTD. Your friend needs to learn a little more about guitars before spouting out uneducated opinions.
Even the MIJ Fender strats from the early to mid 80s were better than their American counterparts. Just look at the price they are commanding on ebay.

[SeventhSon]

Re: charvels v fenders question

I discovered my 1st charvel in a pawn shop...it was a model 6. Without even knowing the Charvel brand, I knew when I played it that it was a very special instrument. I immediately sold my usa fender to pay for it. It wasn't even close.

[Accept2]

Re: charvels v fenders question

Hmmm, wannabe guitars? Price list from 1988:
Fender USA Strat $699
Charvel Model 6 $999
Gibson Les Paul Custom $1399
If the Model 6 was a wannabe, and sold for $999, what does that make the USA Fender Strat that cost 70% of the price of a Model 6?.................

[Charvel_375]

Re: charvels v fenders question

what did the 375 deluxe flame top go for ?

[mudkicker]

Re: charvels v fenders question

We used to have a thread that contained a pricing guide for the model series guitars. In it a couple of guys posted some pricing guides. I think the 375 went for $750 standard colors and add $100 for a figured top (flame). I tried to search for the old thread but I couldn't find it. Maybe someone else can.

[Tekky]

Re: charvels v fenders question

try, a search for "bluebook"

[etaeniura]

Re: charvels v fenders question

I am pretty sure most of the MIJ stuff from back then is much better than the American stuff. People seem to think that because something is cheaper, it is inferior. I have played Japanese made guitars for years (first was an HM Fender strat, then model 4, then fusion special, now a new model 4 mutt) and I think they are way better than American stuff being made by Fender. Aside from getting better tuners and more durable hardware, strats haven't really changed too much since the 50's. I'm pretty sure most manufacturers have mastered making strat copies by now!

I am by no means a professional musician, nor am I a gear snob (I own a fender, some charvels, an Ibanez bass, a Washburn acoustic, and an Epi Les paul) But I can't ever imagine paying almost a grand for a plain old strat that will hum near lights and go out of tune when I bend a string. If you look at the two major American guitar companies-Fender and Gibby, you realize that they have been making the same guitars with slight variations for 50 years. It was the asian manufacturers who made wide flat fretboards available to the average joe, and locking nuts and bridges, and different electronics.

I can see people paying alot of money for a true "custom-made" guitar if they are getting exactly what they want, but other than that, I think most American made stuff is overpriced. I'd take my HM strat with it's Dimarzio Super 3, OFR, and super thin neck over a US made strat with a crappy bridge and noisy single coils. I'm ranting...

[Charvel_375]

Re: charvels v fenders question

well said, and impartial

[badams]

Re: charvels v fenders question

I've got a richie sambora Mexican strat(I think the richie sambora strat had a fatter neck) and think its every bit as good as my model series which i love, but its another step up when i go and use my USA jackson and USA hamer californian.
Thats just my opinion.

[Charvel_375]

Re: charvels v fenders question

keep the opinions coming as im going to print them out and shove them in my mates face

[Tekky]

Re: charvels v fenders question

I wouldn't do that... I'd just obtain one of the Model series Charvels and make him play it. The proof is in the puddin'.