Model 650XL just arrived! [PICS INSIDE]

[Nazgul]

Excuse my really ignorant question: I see a cutout under the trem. So what is a non-recessed bridge? I thought it would be like there is no cut out, like on my model 88. Thanks.

I know what you mean, I used to think it's a recessed because of this too. But if you look where the studs are and if you look how high the bridge pickup is you'll see .

It's called "full stretch cavity". Older Grover Jacksons uesd to have them too .

[jackson1]

Cygnus, the cut-out is also known as a "pull-up route". It may give the trem a slightly increased pull-up range, but in my book it's unnecessary.

The trem in question is indeed non-recessed. It sits high on the body. Compare with this pic of a recessed configuration:

[ZZB]

Doing a search on "recessed non-recessed" turned up this thread among others.

Edit: I'm too slow for this forum

[Cygnus X1]

Doing a search on "recessed non-recessed" turned up this thread among others.

Edit: I'm too slow for this forum

Excellent, ZZB. Most all of my guitars have been non-recessed.
Thanks

[patricef]

Cygnus, the cut-out is also known as a "pull-up route". It may give the trem a slightly increased pull-up range, but in my book it's unnecessary.

The trem in question is indeed non-recessed. It sits high on the body.

You mean it is non-recessed but you can still pull the strings up (à la Satriani) ? Is this specific to Charvel or are there other guitars with this kind of trem setup ?

[Sunbane]

You mean it is non-recessed but you can still pull the strings up (à la Satriani) ? Is this specific to Charvel or are there other guitars with this kind of trem setup ?

It is a common misconception that you can't pull up on a non-recessed trem, but that is false. You can pull up on almost all non-recessed trems, as long as they're fully floating (not blocked). The main difference between recessed and non-recessed, is the height of the bridge relative to the guitar's surface.

Note: The EVH guitars feature blocked Floyds, and are not representative for all non-recessed setups.

When comparing a fully recessed trem to a non-recessed trem without a pull-up route, you can often pull up a little more with the recessed one. However, putting a pull-up route under a non-recessed trem fixes that, and often enables you to pull up more than with a recessed trem.

The only guitar brand I know of that still produces guitars with non-recessed trems, is Caparison Guitars (Japan). It is also interesting to note that this brand was established by the main product designer at Jackson's japanese factory in the early 90's.

Of all the Charvels, I think only the 550XL and the 650XL had this particular trem setup (non-recessed + pull-up route). The 750XL only had the pull-up route during a very short period.

[buckethead bungler]

It set me back A$810, which equates to US$660 at the current rate of exchange. Not bad given that it came with a hardcase and he threw the original pickups in as well.

Best money I ever spent to be honest, this thing's almost got my KV-2 beat for playability and there is so much fret left on this thing it's as if the guy never played it!

Did you have your eyes on it by any chance VitG?

[Cygnus X1]

Of all the Charvels, I think only the 550XL and the 650XL had this particular trem setup (non-recessed + pull-up route). The 750XL only had the pull-up route during a very short period.

My model 88 is non recessed, and pull up. Same config as the 650/750's?

[straycat]

My 88-89 USA Nagel dinky has this same route.Its the best of both worlds IMO. I love the neck angle of the top mount and the ability to do up-pulls.Its a great design.

[Sunbane]

My model 88 is non recessed, and pull up.

Ok, that's good to know. Thanks!

Its the best of both worlds IMO. I love the neck angle of the top mount and the ability to do up-pulls. Its a great design.

I couldn't agree more.

[dangerous_dave]

I like it... I like it a lot!

[SouthernXer]

Nice guitar!

[GTarman68]

Nice Guitar, Enjoy.. I have 2 475 Deluxes w/ the Desert Crackle finish. Way cool paint..

[Rockinloud]

My 650 is identical to this one (except for the EMGs). Bought it new in '89 or '90 & will never part with it. Awesome guitar!

[ADR]

Wow, soo reminds me of my old Charvel Model 6 in pearl white.I like the off white cracked finish.You must be lovin life.