Which Charvel do I want?

[MarkThomas]

Ok, I kind of know what I am looking for as I look on the web day in and day out for my first Charvel...

1) A Floyd Rose double-locking trem. I want an OFR or the JT590, not a JT6.

2) A HSS pickup configuration...or possibly a HH, but not sure how well a neck hummer would sound for clean channel.

3) Superstrat body, I think. Not sure if a dinky would be too small and uncomfortable for me to play...I am 6' 4" and 230lb.

So, here are my issues (aside from not finding any guitars I like in my price range yet):

a) I would think a Model 3 or 4 would be great, but they have the JT6 trem on them. But, can a JT590 be hot-swapped with a JT6? Would I really want to hassle with that?

b) The toothpaste logo'd 375 and 475 seem like a good choice, but most of them (if not all) are dinkys.

c) The "newer" Charvels like a Model A, Traditional, etc may be a good option (I like the strat heads), but am thinking I really want a vintage Charvel.

Any advice, help, etc would be appreciated. Also, if you have any of the aforementioned guitars for sale, please let me know.

Thanks!

[Spivonious]

Could you live with H-S and Dinky body? Look for a Predator. They are really amazing workhorse guitars.

[MarkThomas]

Are all Predators reverse headstocks? If so, I am not really a fan of reverses...

Also should mention I am not into V's, Kelly's, Stars, etc...just strats.

[Razor]

Read this link and pay attention at the "Tremolo Info Project"! http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52679

The JT-6 is directly swappable with an original Floyd. You don't even have to change the trem posts. I for one like the JT-6. You'll find this board split pretty much down the middle on those that like versus those that don't. With that being said, I put original Floyds on both my Model 2's. Why you ask? I like the "status symbol".

[Rich#6]

An OFR is a direct swap for a jt6. You might need to change the posts though. A jt590 is fro recessed trems so you would have to change the block to make it fit. All model series guitars are great to me. The JT6 is a good trem by the way as long as the parts aren't worn out.

[Axewielder]

You can't be too picky with these, because they don't make them anymore!

[MarkThomas]

So I shouldn't fret (pun intended) about a JT-6 trem?

I had heard the craftsmanship of the 590 was better and I like the fact that the fine tuners are on top and not in the back.

[dg]

I wouldn't let the JT-6 stop you from getting a Model Series guitar, especially since you want a full size strat body. If you don't like the trem, or if the one you get isn't working well, it's a piece of cake to put a quality trem on there.

[jtr]

A Strat or a dinky body on someone your size won't make that much difference. Just buy whatyou like best.Where in MN. are you.

[MarkThomas]

Hey JTR-

I am in NW metro...Rogers area.

I see you are in Minneapolis?

Thanks for all the insights, guys!

[jtr]

Some of the Models came with Kahler also 1st year. I also live in NW suburbs BR. PK.

[MarkThomas]

Cool...glad to see a fellow NW Minneapolis suburbanite on here.

Yeah, no interest in a Kahler-rigged Charvel...just Floyds for me

[FloydRose4Prez]

I've been to Anoka once.

[Carbuff]

Have you ever tried a Dinky body? I dont really notice a difference when playing. That would open up the whole toothpaste logo charvels to you. I think early 275's have strat sized bodies and the schaller trem but maybe the single locking type, Im not sure on that.

[straycat]

The JT-6 is a great trem I've never had a problem with one sturdy as a mule.I like the fine tuners on the back they are out of the way and work very well.
I manhandled my first model 2 for years and the JT-6 never failed.
The thing to remember the JT-6 is regular spaced and the OFR spacing is wider so the two E strings will be closer to the edges of the fret board.I never had problems playing a model series Charvel that had the OFR swap.