How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

[vklobucar]

I have heard time and time again how those Model 6 Charvels are every bit as good as many USA Soloists. Sound almost like the endless question between US built and Mexican built Strats.

Having never really played a US model I need to ask those that have owned and or played both. Is my Model 6 (with its updated OFR and Duncan Full Shred) as good as a USA model.

If not what is the key difference?

[Accept2]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

They are the same.............

[singlehum]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I was amazed at how close they were. My main complaint is the the behind-the-nut locknut setup on the Model 6, and you gotta do the OFR swap.

[j2379]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

my USA jacksons have smaller fret, otherwise they are really close.

[vklobucar]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I was really thinking that the "behind the nut" would be the main culprit as well as the JT-6.

I suppose then that a Charvel 650 would really be the "kissing cousin" of a USA Version no?

[kmanick]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I've had 4 Model 6's and 2 USA soloists.
Put an Original Floyd on (which I had on one)
and swap out the pickups with duncans and you've
got as Ninja1195 says "kissing cousins"
Rosewood board vs. ebony is the only other real difference.
All the Model 6 guitars I've had were very close in feel to my USA soloists.
I wish I still had the one with the floyd on it, that one was one of the best playing neck thrus I've ever had. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[Chrisb]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

Hrm whats wrong with the Floyd as is on the Model 6? I may be getting one in the near future, wonder now if I will have to invest in an OFR to replace it and if so would that be a simple "drop and go" or would I need to do any kind of surgery to the guitar to make the swap.

[kmanick]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

The JT-6 trems as far as trems go are Ok, but they tend to strip easily, it's a lot softer metal than what's used on a real floyd.
And to drop one in a very little widening of the trem route is all tht's needed. any good luthier can do it in ten minutes.

[1trussell]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

My 650xl is still my #1 go to axe when it omes to tone and playability. Every time I play a US Soloist in a store, I'm a little disappointed because I expect it to be so much better than my 650. Problem is, the 650 was made so well, that I can't justify getting a Soloist. Kind of puts a damper on my GAS.

[Rupe]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I've only ever owned one and it wasn't for long. It felt/played/sounded OK but it didn't measure up to a Soloist IMO. Good bang for the buck though.

[donf]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I have two Mod 6's. Love the sound and feel. I've never heard or played a USA Soloist, believe it or not. I'd be curious what the difference is. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[catzodellamarina]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I must be the only guy in the world who has trouble with my 650. I really love that guitar but all my other guitars play better and are more comfortable. I really need to play a Soloist to compare but none exist around here. It drives me nuts to own such a cool guitar and I don't care to play it.

[noodlesatf]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

I have a Model 6 and an USA Soloist, both with Kahlers and identical pickup setups. Playability, the rosewood board is the only difference (if you press down that far). Tonally, the alder in the Soloist has a bit more bite, while the poplar in the Model 6 has a bit more low-mids. Other than that, they are identical, right down to the neck profile, neck heel, fret size and finish, etc. Even the MOP inlays look like they are made with the same kind of MOP.

[agresivo]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

[ QUOTE ]
My 650xl is still my #1 go to axe when it omes to tone and playability. Every time I play a US Soloist in a store, I'm a little disappointed because I expect it to be so much better than my 650. Problem is, the 650 was made so well, that I can't justify getting a Soloist. Kind of puts a damper on my GAS.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree with that. I tried both a DK1 and a SL1 in a shop this summer and I felt kinda disapointed (in comparation). I prefer my 650XL over them.

[pro-fusion]

Re: How do Model 6 really compare to USA Soloists?

The other problem with the JT-6 trem is that it is a tone killer, in my opinion. Guitars with JT-6s always seem to have sort of a squishy tone, in my experience. That's a good reason to get the 650xl, I'd say.

I think the quality of the tone woods is more consistent on the USA Soloists, but that's the main difference. Those old Model Charvels were immensely playable.