Spectrum

[dongennovario]

Hi all,
i just picked up a Charvel Spectrum. It is like new, ive seen guitars hanging on the wall at Guitar Center with more wear. Does anyone know how can i find out what year it is? The # is 325933

[charvel750]

Re: Spectrum

The Spectrum begain in 1989. By 1991 they ceased production. One way to tell the year would be the tremolo. The Jackson JT-6 was in use for most of 1989, so if you have that trem there's a strong chance it's an early one. By late 1989 Charvel begain equipping the Spectrum with the Schaller/Charvel trem. Post a few pics especially showing the tremolo area and we can confirm the date. Unfortunately, the import serial numbers are only a rough guide, but the specs of the instruments are more accurate.

[Hotrodder]

Re: Spectrum

From the serial number the best guess is that it was made in 1989.

[Hotrodder]

Re: Spectrum

From what I can tell the JT-6 wasnt used on the Spectrum, The pics in the 89 catalog didn't use one and I'd assume they were early production samples.

The only JT-6 I have seen on an 89 Charvel was on the 275 Deluxe. The 275 also had a strat body instead of a dinky the rest of the lineup used so it looks to me it was the leftover parts model for 89.

Now the Model 8 did use the JT-6 (well the 2 I have seen had it).

[dongennovario]

Re: Spectrum

here are a couple pics, the pics are not the best, it was to dark in the room..
http://www.alteredsoul.org/spectrum.html

thanks for the replies, i am new to the site

[Johno]

Re: Spectrum

The JT-6 was most definitely on the 89 Spectrums cause I’ve got one. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[The Eristic]

Re: Spectrum

Originally posted by Johno:
The JT-6 was most definitely on the 89 Spectrums cause I’ve got one. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Same here. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Hotrodder]

Re: Spectrum

Got some pics? I never saw one.

[dongennovario]

Re: Spectrum

John
i have a couple pics posted here, follow this link
http://www.alteredsoul.org/spectrum.html

[sully]

Re: Spectrum

mine had a jt6 on it too... i've since put a black schaller floyd on it.

the early ones also didn't have the contour/recess around the neck joint area, either.

sully

[charvel750]

Re: Spectrum

Hotrodder, the 1989 Charvel catalog was printed in the summer, so 1/2 of all the Spectrums from that year were equipped with the JT-6. By the end of 1989 Schaller was the trem of choice. Many Spectrums have the JT-6...Pics show a Schaller on the "Desert Crackle" and a JT-6 on the magenta:

[ABSOLUT CHARVEL]

Re: Spectrum

Is the Spectrum unique in the tones it produces compared to any of the other Charvels made during that period? I enjoy the various "strat" sounds I can pull from mine, unlike my model 6 that does not have the range. Fusion maybe? Thx's

[dongennovario]

Re: Spectrum

Yeah the Spectrum has a Mid Frequency sweep, (JE 1500 pre amp) it is like a built in wah pedal hooked to a knob on your guitar with a bypass switch. The pick ups are stacked humbuckers so you get a bit more crunch than it would appear by looking at it.