Which charvel

[FrankD77]

I love the Ibanez series.
Have 2 jems and several RGs.
But also want something else

Someone pointed me towards charvel as a great addition as a fast alternative.

The new ones look great but i like a more vintage instrument. Im new with charvel so wondered what model should i look for.

Should be floating bridge and at least a humbucker in the bridge.

Price range 700-1000 euro.
I know it's personal

 

[maddnotez]

Some of the necks are probably thicker than most people would think.

Im no expert by any means but I believe the three number series (375/475, 550/650XL) have thinner necks than the model series. Could be wrong, just going off what I have read.

Ive heard the quality starting slipping with those however.

The best charvel ive ever played was the 2005 Reissue and my dumb ass sold it.

Id honestly do a lot of research if youre going to get an old charvel.

@GuitarBilly74 may be able to give you more info.

From my experience bolt on (DK) should have a thinner neck than a neck through. At least with Jackson that is definitely the case. Dinky vs soloist

I would say buy my model 2 but the neck is definitely thicker than an original Ibanez WIzard.

I personally think you would love a current Jackson MJ series dinky in all honesty but if you want an old charvel definitely try to get more info on them.

 

[AlbertA]

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1

 

[unix-guy]

DK-24 has a lot of options.

The necks are amazing!

 

[FrankD77]

@maddnotez
Tried one yesterday in a store and the neck is certainly thicker than the vintage jems but not too thick.

I own a usa Hamer Centaur and it's somewhere in the middle of those. Actually liked it a lot. Only the trem system feels really different

 

[PhilA]

I have three Charvels.
The Marco Sfgioli pro mod is the one that I play the most and is the most versatile. It has a different neck profile and it sounds and looks gorgeous in my humble opinion.

I got mine second hand for £1k worth every penny.

Marco Sfogli Signature Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR CM QM, Caramelized Maple Fingerboard, Transparent Purple Burst

Paying homage to it late-1970s Southern California roots, this Charvel Superstrat is easily identifiable as a So-Cal by its pickguard and Floyd Rose double-locking bridge. Born from a love of high-speed playing, the sleekly contoured So-Cal is as comfortable to play as your favorite overstuffed...

www.charvel.com

 

[FrankD77]

That looks gorgeous

 

[FrankD77]

It came in but needs a lot of work
Top of headstock broke (have the piece)
Only bridge pickup works and the bridge needs a total setup and some screw replacements.

But couldn't resist taking some shots

 

[dean701]

make sure you try them out. The neck dimensions on an Ibanez is far from that of a Charvel. It may or may not be your thing.

 

[FrankD77]

make sure you try them out. The neck dimensions on an Ibanez is far from that of a Charvel. It may or may not be your thing.

It's indeed a different feel.
I actually like all the differences. At the moment my preference is the vintage jems and this charvel feels really nice.

 

[hunter]

What about a Japanese Model from the late 80s? Model 3A was one I owned. Pointy headstock. Those have thin necks and may feel more like an RG. Those Jackson labeled pickups with the flat plastic covers aren't my favourites, but they had a sound that kinda worked for me back then.

Edit: This is like the one I had, but mine had two humbuckers (hence 3A instead Model 3).

https://reverb.com/de/item/93863518-1988-charvel-model-3?bk=

 

[dean701]

It's indeed a different feel.
I actually like all the differences. At the moment my preference is the vintage jems and this charvel feels really nice.

sorry I missed your last posting. reading too fast. Congrats.

 

[FrankD77]

Bridge pickup is a DCJ
My favorite guitar is a jem 7v wh ebony with evolutions but the DCJ sounds very fat and seems even more detailed that the evolutions.

 

[sandmannn69]

Best Charvel I've ever played (owned 30+ dating back to '87). Guthrie Govan MJ San Dimas.

 

[FrankD77]

it was the first charvel i played a few years back when looking for a gift for my 50th.

Ended up getting the jiva10, awesome guitar.
The charvel was above my budget but really liked it so it stayed in the back of my mind.

 

[paisleywookiee]

Best Charvel I've ever played (owned 30+ dating back to '87). Guthrie Govan MJ San Dimas.

View attachment 59773

Never tried the MJ, but a friend has the roasted ash MIA model, and it plays like butter. Seriously an amazing guitar.

 

[PhilA]

I have to say out of all my guitars my favourite neck is the Charvel 12-16 Compound radius in the one I posted earlier in the thread. Everything about it feels right to my hands.

 

[Eagle]

I like most Charvels but the MIJ models are particularly well made. The MIM stuff is amazing value but you should cherry pick because they vary in detail and wood selection.

 

[FrankD77]

Today i have the appointment to bring it in to my luthier friend. So i hope to have an update in a week or two.

There is so much wrong. They even messed up the bridge parts.