One of the first 5A's?

[Brash9567]

Thanks admin for the quick validation!
Hello, all. Been searching for info here for months and just bought a 5A almost mint. Was looking at the serial. From what I have read the "C" is charvel (makes sense) the next digit is an "8" for 1988 (I believe the only year the 5A was made - correct this if I am wrong please) and the last is "00046" so someone please tell me I have one of the first 5A's made. I have seen numbers in the 5 thousands I think. Great to be here - this is an incredible database for Charvel fans. I will post pics of the 5A next to my 2000 Jackson USA SL-1.

[charvel750]

Sounds like a very early one to me. The logic goes like this: In early 1988 there were only 3 neck through Charvels, the Model 6, Model 5, and the name of the neck through bass is throwing me... (This was also the last year for Model guitars and they would be replaced with the 550, 650, and new for 1989 the 750 and 850 which was a neck through Charvel bass)

There were likely more Model 6's than Model 5's in 1988, so the 46th guitar made that year might in fact mean it was about the 20th or so Model 5. Post some pics of that early one!

[Brash9567]

Very nice!!! Now that's what I wanted to hear. I will post some pics tomorrow. I took one tonight but I am gonna have to read that link on how to post pics -(IMG) icon- not seeing it.....Thanks a lot for that info!

[Rich#6]

Finally another person with a low serial number. I have a 86 model 6 that is in the 50's.

Post some pics of that early one!

Yes please

[shobet]

Thanks admin for the quick validation!
Hello, all. Been searching for info here for months and just bought a 5A almost mint. Was looking at the serial. From what I have read the "C" is charvel (makes sense) the next digit is an "8" for 1988 (I believe the only year the 5A was made - correct this if I am wrong please) and the last is "00046" so someone please tell me I have one of the first 5A's made. I have seen numbers in the 5 thousands I think. Great to be here - this is an incredible database for Charvel fans. I will post pics of the 5A next to my 2000 Jackson USA SL-1.

Err so the C606137 on my 5A would mean 86 by your info. but it they were only made in 88 that's incorrect surely?

[toejam]

The Model 5 has two humbuckers.

The Model 5A only has one humbucker, and it was made only in '88. Some 5As that sat around for awhile got sent back to the factory to have a slanted single coil added to the neck, some also got added tone controls. The model number then changed to the 5FX.

[Rich#6]

Err so the C606137 on my 5A would mean 86 by your info. but it they were only made in 88 that's incorrect surely

That is how the serial numbers work on charvel neck thrus. Maybe that 6 is an 8, look closer. My other 86 model 6 has a serial number above the number you say you have and mine has to be an 86 it has a kahler.

[Brash9567]

How do I post a pic????? I keep trying the same crap over and over.....

[Brash9567]

I cannot post attachments.....is this the reason?

[Shotgun]

I don't know if this helps or not on the new board, but this used to be a great 'how to':

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29708

[shobet]

That is how the serial numbers work on charvel neck thrus. Maybe that 6 is an 8, look closer. My other 86 model 6 has a serial number above the number you say you have and mine has to be an 86 it has a kahler.

Nope it's definitely 6, benefiting from almost perfect vision and having learned to read at a young age I know the difference. It's not a sticker as it's in the clearcoat.



There is only one humbucker, a lic. floyd and it's a neck through (she's in bits at the moment as I'm giving her a good seeing to). So as far as I understand that would make her a 5A or am I mistaken?



Now what do you make of that? I've owned her since 89 I think, I have the receipt from Picton Music in Swansea (no longer there before you look it up) somewhere in the house.

So either the serial number is wrong, or they made them in 86. Or I have a timewarping 5A. I doubt anyone would be faking Japanese guitars in 89...

I wonder how much I'd get for a guitar that can move through time on ebay?

But all this has lead me to christen her 'Dr. Who', it only took the best part of 20 years to name her so hoofuckingrah!

[Sanctuary]

Maybe they held a body over for a couple of years? Interesting! What's the nut on it?

[shobet]

Maybe they held a body over for a couple of years? Interesting! What's the nut on it?

Ask and you shall receive!



And here's one of the rear cavities for you.




And just for completeness, here's a rusty trem for you!



So there you go. Hope that gives you some more info. as I'm really intrigued now.

Brash9567 if you can't get pics. on-line, if you contact me I'll give you my email address and I'll put them up on one of my hosts for you.

[Rich#6]

Dude I am sorry if I pushed any buttons there was no need for sarcasism.
You can read threads all over this board about serial numbers on the neck-thrus and that is they all say. It sounds like to me that they used some old serial number stickers. I few months back there was a model 6 that had a JT trem but had the number start with 6 too. It is a general rule and I guess there are a few exceptions. At a certain point they changed to stamping the number below the 24th fret. Maybe they ran out of stickers for 88. Who knows. My #2 86 model 6 is S#C6006963 and it has to be an 86-kahler. If you look in the gallery under charvel strat you can see some of the serial numbers and years they were made.
If the model series ever become collectibles I am sure your will be one of them.

[Rich#6]

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