need advice on a model series for beginners

[chopper45hd]

i am thinking about buying my 11 year old his 1st charvel for xmas. he said he wants a charvel like his daddy plays,
(gotta love my kids they rock [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img])
question is what is a good starter charvel? it has to not cost alot, say around $170 but i want it to have the quality model series are famous for.

[Twisteramps]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

I don't know what would make a guitar a 'starter' one... maybe try to find him one that has a non locking trem like a model one? Model ones also have a single pickup, so there aren't a lot of controls to worry about either... one humbucker, volume knob, and that's it.

At least with a model one he won't have to mess with a floyd for string changes and the like.

Pete

[mudkicker]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

I was going to recommend the Model 1 also. It is easy to restring, easy to tune(no locking nut to strip out) but if he abuses the trem it will stay out of tune. For that reason alone maybe the model 7 (tele). Same great features as above but I believe they are hardtails, so no hassle from a trem. The only down side is both Models do sell for more than $170, it is rare to catch one of these below $200.

[1trussell]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

Either one of those suggestions would work. I'm thinking perhaps the 7 simply because of the fixed bridge. But if you just inform him of the proper way to handle the trem (or better yet, not to handle) then I think he'll be fine with either one.

[Grandturk]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

You could go for a Model 1A. That's got the vintage trem and the universal route so you can slap any combination of pickups on a strat pickguard and mount them up. I picked mine up off ebay for 125.

[etaeniura]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

I've seen model 2's go for around 200, and I got my model 4 for 175 at a clearance sale type deal. I realize time is short at this point, so you may be limited in your options. Chck the online dealers of used gear. You may also be able to find one of the less popular charvel models for that price (like some of the "toothpaste" ones from early 90's). Good luck!

[Tekky]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

Well, with price being a sticking point, I'd tend not to reccomend the Model 7. Because you rarely see them, folks tend to jack the prices up to 300 and more. I'd suggest the Model 1 or 1A.

[badams]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

A charvette could also be a possibility?

[chopper45hd]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

what is the difference in the model 1 and 1A? the model 7 is out...to expensive and i want to keep him more toward a strat style over a tele style.
charvette is really out as i want to stay in the model series.
price is really the big drawback here, we are getting my daughter a keyboard for her gift and want to stay in sorta the same price range,which is around $170

[Grandturk]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

[ QUOTE ]
what is the difference in the model 1 and 1A?

[/ QUOTE ]

The 1A is top routed like a strat, and has a shallow swimming pool route.

[SeventhSon]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

Go for one that has a 24.75" scale length like a Fusion or a 750xl. Better for small hands.

[Tekky]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

Yeah, that would be ideal, but again... There's a budget consideration.

[mm2002]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

And, for that budget consideration don't rule out the Charvettes. They have cheaper hardware and body wood, but the necks are every bit as good as most of the model series guitars. I doubt you're going to find any model series guitar in that price range unless you get really lucky. If you could up your budget to around $250.00 you can get him something really nice. Then if he loses interest you still have a nice axe. Some food for thought.

[Tekky]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

Not all are made of Plywood. You'll have to check the tremolo cavity on them.

[VitaminG]

Re: need advice on a model series for beginners

yes. Look for concentric circles of bonded tonewood [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]