Model 5fx

[bombtek]

Question for you guys. I've owned my 5fx for years now, and one thing about it keeps bugging me. Prior to getting this one, back in the day, I had a Model 5A.

The Model 5A was a non-recessed trem with no pull-up route under the JT-6. Made sense to me because if you were going to recess the trem you'd obviously need to route for a pull-up, as well as change the neck angle. No need to do any of that stuff if you have it non-recessed.

Now I know that JC would not have paid to re-tool their production line (change neck angle and reroute for pull-up) to compensate for one guitar in their line-up when there were at least 4 (including the 5FX model) that were using the same body/neck. Especially when the guitars are neck-through (model6, model5, model 5a, model 5fx).

So can someone explain why the pull-up route? I know that the FX's were 5A's that got sent back to JC to make them what they are (added neck single coil), but it still doesn't explain the need to re-route it for a pull-up when the trem is already non-recessed.

I've been scratching my head over this one for a long time.

[toejam]

That's weird. The 5As that were eventually turned into the 5FX just got the slanted single coil neck pup added, and some got tone controls. I've never heard of any getting the extra route, but it's possible, as some other Charvel models did have that... it just allows you to pull up with a little more range without hitting the body. Maybe it was done aftermarket?

[Davey]

i'd say aftermarket.. or like the tone controls, done on some models. and if it's not completely recessed, it's just a little pocket of wood removed from the back, to allow more pull up range

[bombtek]

No I don't think it was after market at all....it does look just like a factory route. I dunno.

[charvel750]

Highly unlikely it was aftermarket or done at Ft. Worth. Odds are it was done in the Charvel plant in Japan. Jackson USA began using that shallow route in 1989 with their JT-590 Schaller/Jackson trems. I would believe those routes to have all occured in that time period. Was your 5A from 1989?

[bombtek]

nope it is a `1988 5fx ......maybe it was a guinea pig for their route check? lol

[Rich#6]

It probably was. You always here about crossover features towards the year changes. I have a model 4 with sharkies and a Kahler. Another board member had a 86 model 6 that is supposed to have a kahler had a JT-6.

[Hotplanet]

Hey bombtek,

Mine is a factory 5fx that I bought new in 88', so I'm pretty positive it's not a after market thought.Is is a shallow recess however. It was painted when new, now I put some velcro plush, because I hate that bridge to wood sound, ya know. Anyone know how many of these were made? HP.

[aeromonte]

I am new to this board and just found this post. I have a Model 5fx, purchased new in 88/89 from Sam Ash. It has the factory cut out behind the Floyd Rose trem. I have a 1 hum/1 slanted, volume, pickup selector switch and the color is burgandy mist (pinkish color) neck-through.

I was thinking about selling it. It is is great condition with original gray hardshell case - also is great condition.
Anyone know what it is worth? I know this model is more rare than the others (1-6 models)

[jtr]

It might have been a transision model from 5fx - 550 xl if it is to bad it has that shitty JT-6. It's worth between $250 -$450 range.