'86 Charvel Model 4 or '89-'91 Charvel Predator?

[varador]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum and I'm seriously interested in getting myself an old school Charvel. Some of you may know me from Jemsite but after some thought I decided a warped RG550 neck wasn't what I was looking for, I wanted a beefier neck with beefy tone and a cool bright 80s paint job (too many RG5xx have dark paint jobs, it sucks).

Been looking around on auction sites and there are two old school Made in Japan Charvels (6 digit serial number on the plate, Fort Worth Texas) I'm interested in that are up for auction. Now, I skipped an afternoon lecture (college kicks ass ) reading up on these forums for about 4 hours and I can now easily identify most Charvels, be they Model series 1-6, Predators, 3DE, 550-750XLs, Fusions, etc. Since I have my bearings down I was able to identify the Charvel guitars I'm interested in: one is a 1986 Model 4 (identifiable due to the Kahler trem, 3 pickup on-off switches, S-S-H, dot inlays, 22 frets), and another is a 1989-1991 Predator (reverse headstock, toothpaste logo, 5-way pickup switchblade, slanted S (neck) - H, 22 frets, Schaller trem). The Model 4 seems to be in a better condition from the pictures of the offer than the Predator, also, I prefer it's paint job. However, the Predator is being auctioned with the case.

I know that the Predator has a better trem than the Model 4, however, I am more emotionally attracted to the Model 4 for several reasons:
1) It is older than me

2) I am willing to give the Kahler a try - if it is worn out (which I doubt... it's a Kahler Pro (2300) I think?), I can replace it by ordering from Kahler parts USA or finding some on ebay. Reading up on this forum, I have heard a lot of good things about 80s Kahlers, but it seems there are more complaints about more recent Kahlers. To anyone that's curious, right now I'm stuck with the shitty Edge III on a shitty Ibanez RG350dx, so I think I'd be happy with a Kahler. Question: can a Kahler take 10-46 string sets?

3) It has the mids tone knob(s) which I find ultra cool for tonal possibilities (Brian May, anyone?), and the pickup switches are just reek of bad ass old schoolness which I find wicked. I don't use active pickups and I'm aware of the 9V battery necessary to power the circuit for the mid boost, so it's all passive pickups and the benefits of continued mid boosts for me

4) I have read on this forum that some prefer the feel of classic Models to the newer Toothpaste series (Fusion, Predator) guitars. One reason why is the beefier neck - a plus for me - and another reason is the bigger body - which is also a plus for me, as I'm 6 foot 3.

Are these good reasons to get a 1986 Model 4 over a 19xx Predator? I'm aware that both are good guitars either way, it'll be my first Charvel and the auctions end soon, I can pm links for those interested.

Finally, how much should I shell out for either model? Can a Kahler take 10-46 strings? I'm not really planning on downtuning with this axe so it's all good.

Any other advice you can give me? Maybe some reasons to get a Predator (I've found 3 Predator offers so far (!)...)?

Thank you

[dg]

It all boils down to the trems, imo. That Model 4 is a great guitar if you're willing to go with the Kahler. The JT-590 trem on the Predator is the best licensed trem Jackson ever had, and is basically the same as a Schaller floyd. If you're looking to do major trem gymnastics, the Predator is probably better suited for that, but if that's not a big concern, I think I'd probably choose the Model 4. They're both excellent guitars with great bang for the buck, and I think you'll be happy either way as long as they're in good shape. Good luck & welcome to the JCF!

[VitaminG]

damn, man. You've done your research.

I think it's a matter of preference. You've got a good handle on the features of each, so which will fit you better?

$300 would be a fair price for a nice one. But I've seen folks pay a lot more. You could pay upward of $500 if you want it bad enough.

oh, and I'm running 10-52s on my '86 Model 4. No problems

[nhspike]

Flip a coin... they are both nice.
That's why I have one of each.
Now, I face the debate about which one to pick up.
LOL
It never ends.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, damn those predators have some sweet tones.
5-way switch, 2 pickups... well... you have to try it to believe it.
The model 4, well... they speak for themselves.
Very versatile axe... can do anything you like with it.
See which one you can get for how little money would be my suggestion, as you won't go "wrong" with either of these.

[FastJunkie]

I think model 4 sounds like your best bet, I'd pick the predator though because I really can't stand the mid boost on my 475

[Cygnus X1]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Model series have some of the thinnest necks available? No that there's anything wrong with that...but he said "beefy".

[sonicsamurai]

they weren't that thin...they're flattER than some, but still wide.

def go for amod 4

[dg]

The neck in the Model 4 will be a bit thicker than the neck on an RG550, but still not what you would call thick compared to the avg. guitar. The Predator neck will most likely be just a little thinner than the Model 4, but still not as thin as an IBZ Wizard neck. I don't mind the thin Wizard necks. Great for shredding. I've actually been tempted to grab an old 550 lately.

[Cygnus X1]

When speaking of thin, I was thinking of "thickness", not width.
Anyways, most of the Model series I've played are not very thick,
if you know what I mean. And yes, a flat profile.
For width, I would use the terms "wide", or "narrow".
"Beefy" could mean just about anything, but the first thing that comes to mind is "thick."

I gave myself a headache, and I'm going to get some rest.