Conference napalm::guitar

    I have a Charvel model 4 which I've played for over a year now.  I love
    it!
    
    The electronics offer a wide variety of tonal variation.  The neck is
    one of the best feeling I've ever felt.  The fit and finish is also
    excellent.
    
    Did you have some specific questions about them?
    
    Greg

    I, personally, don't like the electronics on the newer Charvels and
    Jacksons...they use ceramic pickups and the sound is just too clean and
    polished for me (Kevin McDonough knows the sound I like ...
    over-the-edge).  I like a more ratty tone in my sound.  Also, the necks
    are real thick (like a `71 LP Custom)...and I am used to thin, flat
    fingerboards now (check out an old Rg550 and you'lll see what I
    mean...its FLAT!).  Their version of the Floyd Rose down't turn me on
    too much either...not enough sustain from the unit and the adjustable
    controls are bulky and in odd places.  This would be a guitar for a
    very modern guitarist, but I'm from the old school and it feels and
    sounds odd to me in several ways.  they are weel made guitars, though. 

    I was just wondering about current opinion of charvel,as I have
    a Charvel model 1 {1 pickup}and since IMC bought out Charvel,alot
    of guitar players now tell me they are now basicly Hondos.
    I personally like the guitar,jumbo frets and a slim neck.
    the guitars are apparently made in Texas USA and as far as my guitar
    is concerned ,the quality is great.

     I played one recently that was set up with a real
    bad action, but if you're like me you'll rip it apart in about an hour
    after getting it home anyway. The neck dosen't bother me, if you know
    how to use your fingers you can get fast on a thick neck as well as a
    thin. Never ever ever trust any brand name, one piece of wood may sound
    like squid while the next one sings like birds.
    
    Judge each instrument on it's own merits and forget the brand name.
    Sound! Play a couple, one WILL sound better than the other.
    
    Andrew

    I (like Greg) have been playing mine (model IV) for about 1� years.
    Ditto on what he said.  The guit that I have has a Jackson J90 pickup
    (the humbucker; I don't do neck or middle pickups even if the are there
    ) and has "Alnico V" magnets (ALuminum, NIckel, CObolt) in it.  It's
    advertized as a Ultra high output, ultra distortion pickup.
    
    My CJ is also equiped with Jackson JE1200 active electronics with
    an on-board pre-amp (for mid boost).  It doesn't feedback and is
    about nasty soundin'... And I'm the guy who can never get enough
    distortion/over-drive.
    
    While I like the trem unit a lot, I will say that if your used to a
    real Floyd (which I never really cared for) then you might not like 
    it.   One thing I don't care for on either is that they are a b*t*h 
    to set the intonation on.
    
    I love the neck...and my action is so low that you need a optical
    comparator to measure it.   ;^)
    
    See ?  To each his own.

    jc

    Just a few comments...                     
    
    For those that don't like the Jackson trems (Floyd like), Charvel has
    stopped using them on their current models.  They are now using units
    made by Schaller which are much more like the original Floyds (fine
    tuners on the top, etc).
    
    Forget that bunk that a Charvel is just a Hondo now.  That's pure
    rubbish.  Just because they are owned by they same conglomerate doesn't
    mean the quality is the same.  Play them both (or even LOOK at them
    both), you'll see an immediate difference.
    
    I personally like the sound of the Jackson pickups and active
    electronics in mine.  I use all the pickups and they give me an
    excellent variety of sounds.  It is a very smooth type sound when
    driven hard though, so I could definitely see why some people might not
    want that all the time.  I compensate with a little boost and EQ. 
    

    I thought that the Charvels had a fairly thin neck (front to rear), but
    a little wider (across the fretboard).  The newer Ibanez offerings are
    thinner, but I don't think of many others.  Mine is very similar to an
    ESP I've played. 
    
    re: .last
    
    >The guit that I have has a Jackson J90 pickup...

    Did you special order it?  The old Charvel catalog I have lists the
    standard humbucking pickup for a Model 4 as a J50BC ("Vintage ceramic
    humbucking").  It's part of the standard JE12001H2SC (mid-boost low
    impedance, 1 humbucking, 2 single coil) active electronic package,
    stock for the Model 4.

    >I love the neck...and my action is so low that you need a optical
    >comparator to measure it.   ;^)
    
    You must not pull UP on the bar, 'cause you have to compromise on the
    height of the action because the design of a Floyd Rose style trem
    causes the strings to pull down as you pull up on the bar.  I set my
    action at about 3/32 in. because of this, even though could easily  be
    set much lower.  I like to pull up on the trem and don't get off on
    the strings bottoming out on the high frets (although at this height,
    they still do a little).

    This isn't a slam on Charvel, it's just a statement regarding guitars
    with a Floyd style trem.  They can't be set for extremely low action
    without disabling the function of raising the pitch of the notes using
    the bar. 
    
    As Buck says, also check out the new Ibanez models.  They really are an
    excellent guitar, the relatively low price is an additional bonus.
    
    Greg

    Naw, I didn't special order it...  My little owners guide sez thats
    what it's got though...  I will say that my p/u is a little tuff
    to get to feedback.  Like, I stand in front of my Marshalls (set
    on 11!) and they are a little slow to get started.  I always considered
    this to be a plus... I hate squeekie feedback; I LOVE wicked nasty
    distortion...
    
    Oh, and while I do pull up on the wiggle stick, I don't try and
    Vai type stuff so I hadn't experienced any problems like string
    bottoming...
    
    The Ibanez guits that I've played seem thiner (necks) like Greg said 
    too, but the Ibanez fret board is FLAT.  The Charvel seems to have a
    little radius to it...
    
    Back on track though... Greg is right.  All that matters is what
    is good for you...
    
    jc

    re .2
    
    'the old school'? C'mon, Buck, what old school is that? MAlmsteen
    and Vai? (as opposed to Gilbert and Impelleteri?)
    
    -Dave from the REAL old school of Clapton/Buchanan/Garcia

    
    The old school :== Gary Moore, Joe Perry, Jimi Page, and Schenker...
    those cats are the `old school' for me.
    
    

    I just bought a last issue Charvel Mod VI (six) (before they changed
    the whole line for 1990. It sounds real smooth and warm, and has
    good sustain. With this guitar (and it's active pre-amp on board),
    I am able to back down the pre-amp gain in my boogie on all channels,
    which will probably save on tube life, while giving me a great tone.
    
    I thought I'd never get used to a wide, flat neck, but I did
    (practice???) and now I love it.
    
    I wish I knew what type of wood it was made of though (I know the
    fretboard is Rosewood).
    
    -BAP

    Charvels Model six (and four and five) is made from Poplar according to
    the glossy I have.  The other Charvels are Basswood.
    
    jc 

    
    I'm the proud owner of a Charvel Model 1 (one J-90 ceramic hi-output
    humbucker, Fender-style non-locking whammy which I never use, maple
    fingerboard) Compared to my '79 Strat, which has a neck like a baseball
    bat sawed in half lengthwise, the Charvel neck is pretty thin and
    wide. The sound thru a Rockman or my Vibro Champ on 10 is cool -
    crunchy distortion with decent sustain. More than enough axe for
    my current needs. 
    
    					Warren Young
    

    
    re: .2
    
    Finally met someone who played a Charvel (OK, so I'm from Mars)
    and I was shocked at how *clean* it sounded.  Very thin and cutting.
    I guess it would sound good if a lot of signal processing would
    be used, as a thicker tone might get muddy.  I guess I was expecting
    gobs of drooling distortion, not a Tele-like sound.
    	
    							Brian

    Re .13, can't let that pass !
    
    Guess it depends which model but playing with the active controls ( how
    many people bother after it's a day old ??? ) you can get everything. 
    
    From, as you say, a remarkably Tele like sound, through a lovely singing
    'Jimi' tone using the bass pickup, pull thick ( yeah, yeah I own a Peavey -
    but I like it ! ) and a load of saturation or a real 1990 speedmetal
    scream with the treble pickup, mid-boost etc... 
    
    ...biggest problem I have ( still, after owning the beast a year ) is
    remembering how I got that beautiful tone last time I picked the guitar
    up...
    
    Dave.

    Has anyone else around had problems with breaking the tremelo bars in
    the Jackson tremelos that were until recently used in Charvels?
    
    I've just broken the second one in a year!  They both broke in the same
    spot, at the top of the top groove where the friction grommet fits,
    leaving the "plug-in" tip in the socket in the trem body.  I thought
    that the first one was just defective, but now that the second one has
    gone, I'm getting concerned.
    
    I didn't think that I was that hard on the tremelos...
    
    Looks like I'll try a more sturdy setup, like the Schaller replacement
    arm for Floyd style trems sold by Stewart-McDonalds.  I'll miss being
    able to plug the thing in rather then having to screw it down, but it
    offers a finger adjustable tension which will be nice and hopefully
    it'll be a bit more robust then the Jackson arms.
    
    Greg

	
To answer note 1, 
    
    	It's basically simple, go to any authorized Jackson/ Charvel
    dealer and you'll find you can special order any custom option you
    can literally think of.  Charvel is just a division of Jackson, many
    parts are interchangeable with Jacksons', so therefore you can order
    your Charvel with the same amount of options as Jackson and then
    some...
    	A)  Neck
    	unfinished or finished; maple
	fretboard; maple, rose wood, and some African woods
    	Inlays on neck; triangle, Jackson style, mother of pearl inlay
        or regular dots. 
    	
    	B) Pending on what tremolo system you use, you can use standard
    	Kaler nut with locking after-nut near pegs, or my favorite the
    	R2 nut used with floyd rose, this system is universal with either
    	Kaler or Floyd.
   
        C) Tuning pegs maybe gold plate or standard black, you may order
    schaller, the finest pegs made.  but would have to check with
    dealership.
    
    Have no time to continue on body later...
    

    My Jackson/Charvel owning students all have broken their trem arms off
    in the same place more than once.  I, a dedicated Ibanez owner, have
    broken two arms off in the same place as well!! 

    Sheeesh !  You guize much be buchers !
    
    I've had my CJ for quite a while, and I use my wiggle stick a LOT.
    Maybe I'm lucky !
    
    ;^)

The vibrato arm on a Strat is known for the same problem (Ie, breaking).
I recall some outfit started making vibrato arms out of hardened stainless
steel & I bought one (for the short time that I owned a Strat) & It
never broke again. These arms were available from some of the 3rd party
parts people (like Mity Mite (no defunct) & Schecter). It's possible that
you could have one made if you can't locate an after market version. On the
Strat, it was very difficult to remove the part stuck in the vibrato 
unit & generally no fun at all.

							Jens

    Thanks!  I was starting to think I was some kind of brute or something.
    8^)
    
    The replacement tremelo arm I was talking about is made by Schaller and
    is available through Stewart McDonalds for about $10.  I'm going to get
    one and see how it fares.  It replaces the whole assembly for "Floyd
    Rose style tremelos".
    
    BTW  I don't remember, is the tremelo arm on the Ibanez trems the
    "plug-in" style, or does it screw in?
    
    Greg
                                         

    Ibanez has "plug in" tremolo arms.  Easier to get out, but still a drag
    when you bust one. 

    I was wondering if that type design contributes to the breaking
    problem...
    
    The Jackson trem has a little screw that holds a spring clip that
    retains the "plug" part of the trem arm in.  If you remove the screw,
    there is a hole that you can poke something (like a small allen wrench)
    through to knock the broken piece out.  It's not that difficult, but is
    still a pain in the butt.
    
    Greg

    
    	I was checking out the newer Charvels at Chandlers here in the UK.
    My wife is a bit of a "Magpie" & was doing her usual trick of
    collecting all the free literature she could lay her hands on (Lord
    knows why...she can't play).
    
    	Anyway...one of the things she picked up was a Grover Jackson/Wayne 
    Charvel thing which had a brief history & some manufacturing details.
    
    At the end of this there was paragraph where Grover was saying that
    guitarists get off light & should be prepared to pay a lot more for
    their instruments.  Comparing Drummers & Keyboardists to guitarists
    he said guitarists investment is substantially lower & he sees nothing
    wrong with charging $2000 for the wooden bit & $3000 for the electrics.
    He believed these sort of charges would allow him to build better
    instruments & that guitarist had got away with paying $600 for a guitar
    for too long (or something to that effect).
    
    	I found the way this was written to sound arrogant & patronising,
    even an admission to being a rip off artist in the light of the
    preceeding details on construction where all the cost cutting machinery
    had been explained.  I felt insulted to say the least, (I blamed my wife
    & she took no notice whatsoever...as usual :-)) especially here in the
    UK where we have to pay the same number of Pounds as you would Dollars 
    in the U.S. (price hike of 1.8 or there abouts).
    
    	I think it will be a while before I buy anything with a Jackson
    logo on it....what do you guys think.
    
    Cheers
    		Pete.

    
    You may be looking at things from the wrong perspective.  Compared to
    other string instruments, guitars are far less expensive.  Go price a
    good violin sometime.  Symphony players routinely pay tens of thousands
    of dollars for their instruments.  
    
    The other point is that solid-body electrics are cheaper to build than
    acoustic guitars.  Go price a Martin D-45 sometime or a top-of-the-line
    Gibson archtop and compare those prices with a Les Paul or a Strat. 
    Better yet, go price a Gibson Mastertone banjo or A Gibson F-5
    mandolin.  These are also in excess of $2000.
    
    I think that what Grover was saying is that guitarists who get used to
    paying $5-600 for an instrument are missing out on the workmanship they
    could get if they were willing to pay $2000 or more.  For a pro player
    (not most of us, right?) the instrument is a tool of the trade and
    the cost is therefore just an expense of doing business; you want the
    best sound, you buy the best guitar, and if it's expensive, it's still
    worth it if it makes for better music.
    
    I doubt Grover meant what you have assumed, namely that the above gives
    him a right to inflate his prices.  
    
    BTW, I don't own or like Charvel/Jackson guitars myself...
    
    							Brian

    
    Actually he quoted that a concert cellist would pay about $25000 for an
    instrument, he then went on to say he not advocate paying that for an
    electric guitar....
    
    	I see what you're saying Brian & I guess put that way it does make
    sense.  If that is what he really meant to say he ought to fire his
    P.R. guy 'cos this article made Jackson sound like a complete Sh*t head.
    
    Cheers
    
    	Pete.

    
    Actually going on from my note .23.  I can't for the life of me
    remember which model Charvel I tried.
    
    	It had three PU's (bridge humbucker, two single coils).  Three pots
    5 pos select switch, Floyd Rose (micro tuners on top) 700 pounds with
    case ($1260 approx).
    
    	Can anyone identify this baby....
    
    Cheers
    		Pete.

    If it was "neck thru" it was the new models equivelent to the model
    6...If the neck was bolt-on, I think it was the "new" model four.
    
    How'd you like the axe ?
    
    jc

    
    Didn't notice the neck construction but at least that gives me an idea.
    
    Did I like the axe?......I think after the amount of sh*t you got in the
    AFTER_HOURS about yours I'd better keep quiet :-) :-).
    
    (Actually I loved it but don't tell O.K. :-))
    
    	Cheers
    		Pete.

    Hey, no problem...  I don't think they know how to do an ADD ENTRY
    to access this conference anyhow...
    
    ;^)

    RE:  .29
    
    By the way, Jeff, how DO you do an add entry to get into this
    conference?  I've been wanting to access this note so I could take
    some lame cheap shot at yer Sharvills or whatever those spear shaped
    things are called, but I'll understand if ya don't wanna tell me
    how to get into this conference....
    
    Booldawg  |8^}
    

    Spear-shaped things...
    
    Sheesh !   ;^)
    jc

	Well Jeff there comes a time in every mans life when he has 
	decide if he's a man or a mouse....so pass the cheese....no no
	seriously now I think it's time to stick up for you man.

	I was really impressed with this Charvel.  I have an old Les Paul
	as my main axe so naturally enough I found the humbucker on the 
	Charvel a little thin but not so much that I was troubled by it.
	Using the single coils I found I could get any Strat sound I wanted
	with bags of sustain not like some banjo sounding Strats I have 
	played.

	This was a very nice guitar & amazingly versatile without compromise.

	I would like to ask you Jeff what would be the pro's & con's of
	the through neck over the bolt on (your recomendation welcomed)
	and as a buddy of mine is off to the States in a month or so
	the prices that I could get one for (with case) in the Mass/NH 
	area.

		Cheers
			Pete.

	I would like to ask you Jeff what would be the pro's & con's of
	the through neck over the bolt on (your recomendation welcomed)
    
    
	>I would like to ask you Jeff what would be the pro's & con's of
	>the through neck over the bolt on (your recomendation welcomed)
        >and as a buddy of mine is off to the States in a month or so
	>the prices that I could get one for (with case) in the Mass/NH 
	>area.
    
    		Anyone going to tell me? Please Please.
    Cheers
    		Pete. 
    
    
    
    
    

    Well, you *did* ask Jeff...  I guess he's not around.  :-)

    I think the big advantage of a neck-thru assembly is it's rigidity and
    stability.  Some say this increases sustain.  IMO it certainly
    increases the possibility of sustain.  All the neck-thru guitars I've
    played have had excellent sustain (but many guitars with bolt-on necks
    do too).  I'd think that the lack of a neck joint makes the guitar more
    durable.  One thing nobody seems to mention that I see as an advantage
    of neck-thru design is that the heel where the neck meets the body can
    be made much less obtrusive, making access to the upper frets a little
    easier.  

    I really don't see any disadvantage to the neck-thru design, other then
    the fact that they are generally more expensive.  In my case that was a
    crucial factor, so I bought the equivalent bolt-on model which saved me
    $200-$300.

    I'm not up on the current prices (esp. in New England), but I imagine
    that a neck-thru model Charvel could be had for around $900.00 (US),
    maybe a little less.  They do have some really nice ones that go for
    about $1200.

    Hope this helps!

    Greg

    
    
    
    	Greg... stoopid questions???  Do neck throughs have truss rods??? 
    Are they as easy to adjust as bolt ons???   How is a shimming effect
    realized when there's no place to put the shim??? How is the action
    adjusted (is the only question I guess I needed to ask).
    
    
    Steve

    
    Actually, neck-through designs can be *less* durable...ask anyone who's
    seen the neck broken off an old Gibson Firebird.   The problem is not
    the neck-through design itself, but the heel (or lack of it).  If the
    neck is *very* thin where it meets the body (as on my B.C. Rich) it is
    actually a weak spot compared to a Fender-style bolt-on joint or Gibson
    style set-in joint.
    
    I agree that access to the upper frets is much improved if the heel is
    kept small and in fact that's the thing I like best about my Rich's
    neck.
    
    You still need a truss rod in neck-throughs made of wood, the access is
    always from the peghead end.
    
    The added expense comes mainly from the fact that you need longer
    pieces of wood to make neck-throughs.  The idea isn't all that new,
    BTW, Gibson Firebirds/Thunderbirds (1960??) and Rickenbacker basses
    from the late 50s used the technique, but it wasn't applied widely
    until Alembic started using it in the early 70s.
    
    							Brian

    re:.36
    
    Less durable?  Hmmm, I guess I could see it from the description you
    gave, but you wouldn't intuitively think that.  Not what they lead you
    to believe either...
    
    re:.35
    
    You can't do 'shimming' type adjustments on them.  If the neck/guitar
    is designed for the bridge you're using you don't normally need to do
    that on a bolt-on neck model.
    
    Greg

    Wow... I guess I missed all the action here eh ?
    
    I agree with what everyone said here.  One other draw back of a
    neck-thru ?  You bust it and your doomed.  You can't bolt another
    on... Ergo, make sure you use strap locks and get a good case 
    etc..etc..
    
    I personally really enjoy neck-thru axes of most any type because
    of the smooth juncton at the body of the guit.
    
    jc
    
    

    Just a quick follow-up after a long time to .20...
    
    I replaced the Jackson tremelo bar arm assembly (arm and socket) on my
    Charvel with a Schaller unit that I got from Stewart-McDonalds.  I'm
    very happy with it and seriously doubt that I'll be breaking any more
    of these.
    
    A couple of notes for those that are thinking about this.  1) The hole
    in the tremelo baseplate where the Jackson arm fits is a little small
    and has to be reemed out a little for it to fit.  This means that the
    original threads are removed, so there's no going back to the original
    piece.  Fortunately it's made of soft aluminum (and I wondered why this
    thing has no sustain...) and is easy to reem.  2) the base plate on the
    Jackson trem is thicker then the Floyd Rose that the Schaller arm
    assembly is designed to fit.  I had to go buy a longer little hex bolt
    to replace the one that holds the socket onto the baseplate to get
    enough thread to grab.  3) the arm sits just a little bit higher when
    installed and is just a little shorter then the original.  No problem
    for me.
    
    Overall, I'm very glad that I did it.  Besides the better feel and
    increased strength, it also enabled me to get a black bar for the thing
    which I couldn't seem to get before.
    
    Greg

Look - its Jeff Cooper's dream come true!!!!!!

I just got in the latest Musician's Friend catalog, and right there on Page 2 
is a nice picture of a Charvel ST Custom. 

Ya know what the ST stands for?

Stratocaster!!!!!!!

Yup, looks like Charvel is making an exact copy of the Strat, except its got 
that damn pointy headstock. Otherwise, it looks pretty close to the original 
(right down to the sunburst finish). 

Some details: 

Four (!) single-coil sized, humbucking pickups. 
Ash 2-piece body.
Standard five-way selector, plus a 3-way mini switch for the extra pickup 
  (giving a total of 15 possible combinations)
Maple nexk with rosewood fretboard
Locking nut and knife-edge fulcrum bridge

Price was a list of $719.90, and a retail of $519.88.

Alan S.

....Thud....


  _   /|   
 \'o.O'    AcK!!
 =(___)=   
    U      

ST stands for Stravichnoiya, which translated from the Russian verb 
meaning "Low-tech hook for old-fart-wannabe Charvel owners".

;)

Don't fall for it.  If you want a strat, buy a strat.   

jc (Who's Model 4 looks like a strat with a humbucker too)

PS - Just for that, I didn't compress H_M last night.  ;)

    
> 	Don't fall for it.  If you want a strat, buy a strat.   
    
    Damn it, Jeff, you took the words right outta my mouth.  So let me
    get this straight.  A Charvel man is advising others not to buy a 
    Charvel?  ;^o

    Sounds to me like Coop wants a strat.....Patman, you predicted  it!

Actually, Alan Starr predicted many moons ago that I would one day
own a strat and a Fender twin...  <insert sound of hockey-rink-style
buzzer>

Actually, my father-in-law-to-be will probably allow me to adopt his
Fender Twin Reverb (circa 1960-something), his Gibson L4 AND his
S*RAT, AND his Ibanez Artist AR500...Since he doesn't play them anymore.
Bummer ?  Nah, I'll let the strat collect dust along with my 12 string
and my Marlboro amp.  I'll use the twin for practice...maybe...

;)

    	RE: .44...
    
    	Yeah, now maybe you can get a real "semi-clean Twin Reverb"
    	patch programmed into your MP-1. ;^)
    
    	joe.

Pops got some really nice stuff.  ;)

PS - I've already got a semi-clean twin emulating preset, 'cept I don't have 
to blow everybody off the stage to get it.  ;)   (unless of course I want 
too... ;)

jc (Who is happy with his MP1)

> Actually, my father-in-law-to-be will probably allow me to adopt his
> Fender Twin Reverb (circa 1960-something), his Gibson L4 AND his
>S*RAT, AND his Ibanez Artist AR500...Since he doesn't play them anymore.

Yo Coop! That Gibson L4 was a *beauty*!!!!!!!!!

But how come he doesn't play anymore? He was great when he played that Hank 
Williams tune for us - I was blown away!

Alan S.

He still plays for requests...  ;)

Like "Tear In My Beer".  Love that tune. 
I'm gonna write some metal riffs for it and record it with 
some perverted lyrics and give it too him for his
birthday.

BTW - He thought the Toxic Donuts and The Crunchberries
      were awesome !

jc

    I'm trying to identify a Charvel. It has one HM and two single coil
    pickups, a thru neck, three pots and three single switchs, and a
    locking bridge. The backplate is missing so I can't find the model #.
    Also insted of saying Charvel on the top of the neck it says 
    Charvel by Jackson.
    
    Any info??
    
    Thanks Mike___

    -1
    
    Binding on the neck?  If so, it's a Model 6, if not, a Model 4.
    Not sure what the Model 5's look like.

Yep, Model 6...Unless it has no binding and no shark tooth inlays, then 
it's an OLD axe, and I want it bad...  But I doubt it is, so I'll shut up.
Has it got a floyd rose or a Jackson trem on it ?

jc (Charvel god/lover)

    
    Coop.  When you finally hook up with the strat and twin reverb, you're 
    gonna find that there IS NO SUBSTITUTE!  128 gillion presets won't be
    enough!  
    
    ;^)

Waitasec here !

Just because I said I liked the tone you got with your Kitty/Strat 
combo...

That doesn't mean it's for me.  

Hi-buzz-distortion is where it's AT !  Fender Twins don't do dat...
'Specially with strats plugged into them...they buzz a little, then squeel
you into submission (read: turning down.  ;)

I'll continue to emulate thanks.   ;)

Many smiles to Fender lovers.

    
    Hi buzz distortion is for puff heads Jeff!  Just KIDDING.  

Yessir...  The ones with the big bucks and the classy sound.

;)

Re: whoever back there...

Like everyone else said, the guitar you described is a model 6.  It has a 
slightly smaller more stylized body then a model 4, but the big difference
between a 4 and a 6 is that the model 4 has a bolt on neck and the 6 is a
neck through body.  The electronics are active, the third (lowest) knob
is a midrange boost control.  Check the battery in the control cavity every
few months for optimal tone.

A model 5 was a model 6 (neck thru, smaller body) with different pickups 
and electronics.  It has two humbuckers and a 5 position switch.  

These model numbers were the older ones, I'm not that familiar with the 
new model numbers.  The way you described the headstock logo, they should
be correct.

BTW, Alan said that the ST custom in the Musicians Friend catalog had a 
pointy headstock, implying that the headstock was like the rest of the 
Charvel line (pointy, angled "hockey stick" style) and the ST isn't like 
that.  It's more like a stylized Strat headstock shape.

Greg

    
    
    Big Hairs & Puff Heads... agagaga!
    
    Geez, I *love* this file...
    
    -Tom

    
    Yo JC,
                                                                      
    That Ibanez Artist is a great guitar - I played it when I came over
    to visit you guys last year and Cindi took me to meet her parents.
             
    Congrats on the axe!

    Thanks for the info, I found out it is a 1988 model six with the active
    pickups, however when I opened up the back plate I found that the 
    pickups had been butchered. Someone must have decided that they didn't
    like them. They cut all the wires rewired just the neck pickup. Sooo
    does anyone know how I can get a copy of the wire schematics, I would
    like to put it back in original shape.
    
    Thanks for the help,
    Mike___

ARrrrrrrrrghghghghghghghgh !

Kill that person !

No idea how to get a hold of the schematics, but perhaps a 
call to Charvel would do the job ??

jc

oopppssss,

Yeah Tone, those Artists are nice.
I had a AR500 like Pop's and it got ripped off via UPS.
I was highly bummed.

:(

jc

The pickup system comes stock from Jackson, I'd call them rather then Charvel
for schematics.  I don't remember the number, but I'm sure they could help
you.

If you get desperate I could open up my Model 4 which has the same electronics
and try and figure it out.  But be forewarned that I'm not an EE type or 
anything, so it might be confusing for both of us trying to communicate what's
in there.  Maybe Coop's better at drawing schematics (?), he's got a Model 4
too.

Greg

    Thanks for the info, I will try to locate the number for Jackson. If
    anyone out there has it please forward it to me. If I don't have any
    luck I'll get back and see if we can at least match up what color wires
    go where. 
    
    Thanks,
    Mike___

Don't know about Jackson, but Musicians Friend is an authorized dealer, they
list (800)777-5173 as the line to call one of their techs regarding Jackson
guitars.  

I don't know if this will help you, but it might and the call is free.  FWIW,
I did notice that this number is different then their regular number for 
orders.

Greg

    I bought a 1988 model six, like I decribed before its the one with 3
    toggle switchs , not the 5 position one. It has two single coil and one
    dual Humbucker. I decided to re-outfit it with new pickups, the Jackson
    pickups that were on it are hacked up. I would like some advice on what
    to put in for pickups,(new Jacksons, EMG's, SD's,ect.) I just started 
    playing Gutiar and don't no much about tone and stuff like that, I got 
    a good deal on the guitar as is so now I want to make it sound the 
    best I can. So thats where you the Guitar guys can help me out. And in 
    return I can give advice on what drums to buy. Also does anyone no how
    to set the height of a pickup if I was to install them myself??
    
    Thanks for any help 
    
    Mike___ 

    Height's adjustable by the 2 screws on either side of the pickup.
    I'd use stock pickups if you can find out what they were, but what do
    you mean hacked up?  

    I know about the 2 screws on either side of the pickup, but how do you
    know when you are at the right height. Is there a specified distance 
    between the pickup and the strings?? Also the guitar came stock with 
    (active Jackson pickups) and when I say hacked up I mean the wires 
    were cut at the top of the pickup making them useless (why he did this 
    I don't know) but I figure if I have to replace them anyway I would
    like to use pickups that will give the guitar a good tone. I have heard
    good and bad things about active pickups.
    

    There is no right height. The limit of the screws range is what you
    have to choose from, you need to know the closer the pickups are to the
    striongs the higher the output. If the P/U are designed to give a lot
    of output ( big magnets ) then the distortion of the pickups will be
    heard easier if it's close. Conversely, if it's pretty well down into
    the body they are not as loud and not as distorted. 
    
    Active pickups put more signal out, like in a guitar I have with a
    copuple of 9V batteries I get a reasonable volume on a Marshall with 
    preamp = 8 to 10 and master 0 - 1, but a kramer with a passive pickup
    I use  5 preamp and 5 master. The kramer is a clean sound, the other
    distorted.
    
    I prefer the sound of amp distortion to pickup or box In General,
    you can get away with a lessd powerful amp with an active setup.
    
    What's the skinny on you amp? 
    And what do you want to play? 
    And how much money do you want to spsend?
    
    You can get a Schaller copy of 58 type pickups ( clean solid no
    distortion ) for ~ 40 for the bucker, the others will run you more $$$.
    How much did the ax gao for new, how good is it? You should hear
    alot of pickups and base your choice on what you like the3 sound of,
    any other way is bogus IMHO.
    
    Andrew

    Mike,
    
    How badly damaged is the wiring on the Jackson pickups you have? 
    They're really not bad sounding.  I'd say if you can fix them up you'd
    be dollars ahead and have something that sounds good too.
    
    As always, I'll recommend EMGs if you're insistant on replacing them. 
    I've also used Seymore-Duncan and DiMarzio models that I liked a lot.
    
    Greg

    Thanks for the advice, both of the J200 single coils are cut back as
    far as the wires go, rendering them totaly usless. So I replaced them
    with SD Hotrails. I'm having it done at McDuffs, they are going to try
    wiring the SD's up with the Jackson J50BC humbucker that is already on 
    the bridge then give it a listen. If it works it will save me the bucks
    of buying a new humbucker. The Hot rails cost enough!!!
    
    Mike___

    
    Hey, all you shovel heeds!  Little late, but I'm happy to announce that 
    I have finally become a shovel heed myself.  I'm now, a proud owner of 
    375 Deluxe.
    
    Hey Rick C, I had a chance to buy one of them Fusion you test drove 
    for me about a year ago, but I decided against it because
    1) it was 3 single coil config, although it has some real cool tones...
    2) tremolo was not a double locking type
    3) 375 has curley maple top and back.
    
    Still Physed!
    
    J.

	Hi out there,

	does anyone has experience especially with the

		Charvel Contemporary Spectrum


	Please feel free to answer here or send mail.

	Best Regards

		Wolfgang M.

    Has anyone tried out the new Charvel Surfcasters?  I think this has got
    to be one of the hippest looking guitars to come out in awhile!  
    
    Cool colors, Chandler lipstick tube pickups on a mother of pearl look
    pickguard.
    
    Musician's Friend lists them for $749.88 in their latest catalog.  Has
    anyone seen prices on these in retail stores?
    
    Greg

    The Surfcasters look like a train wreck between a Rickenbacker and a
    Danelectro.  Doesn't anybody besides Ned Steinberger have any good new
    ideas for guitar designs?
    
    I expect the Surfcasters wil be a total bust unless some guitar hero
    starts using one.  Maybe Dick Dale  8^)  8^)
    
    
    						Brian

    me too!
    
    
    
    
                                               Staynz

    I think they're cool!
    
    gh (who wants one!)

    I think they're WAY cool.
    
    Buck, who also wants a surf green one

    
    
    		Is there anyone in Colorado Springs that have the 
    	Surfcaster in stock. I have been wanting to give one a 
    	try. I think they look way cool too! Time to practice my
    	California surf instrumental licks.........Wipeout!
    
    	DonH
    
    

You can find Charvel at ProSound and Music Exchange me thinks - However,
I don't know if they have the UglyCasters(tm) - (and I NEVER do dat!) in 
stock.

jc

    I thought Music Exchange only had used stuff?  Do you mean Mr. Music
    (Pawn)?
    
    Greg (who tries to avoid going to all three of these places)

    at least you can't get a venereal disease from them like
    you get from using those pointy guitars................

    
    	I be likin' 'em too!  Are they Mosrite copies or somethin'?

    I don't think so, they look like they took features from a lot of the
    "classic" instruments (Rik, Mosrite, Fender Jaguar) and kind of jumbled
    'em together!
    
    Greg, seeking one to look at at lunchtime today

    Well, Prosound in Colorado Springs doesn't have one.  The guy said they
    don't stock much Charvel gear anymore.
    
    Greg (still lookin)

    The pickgaurds on these are "Mother of toilet seat".
    
    To me, they are so ugly, they're cool. Many classics fit into this
    category, ie: Mosrites, White Falcons, DanElectro Longhorns, etc).
    
    Mark
    

    >                 -< I predict an early death for them >-
    
    Too cool to live...

    
    	There it is again - the "Mother of Toilet Seat" reference!  
    	That plus "Marshallfurgnugen" have got to be the 2 funniest
    	descriptors from this conf.  I crack up everytime I see 'em.

I just want everyone to know that yesterday was a sad day for MRP's and Shovel
lovers...  After a five year marriage to my beloved Charvel, I traded it on 
a Marshall 25/50 4x12...  Twas a deal - I needed the cab more than the guit,
and my Ibanezs get the spotlight most of the time anyway.  Still loved that 
guit though...

jc

    Just one more step towards "Marshall Stack Puke"...

No chance.

HardBalls stage_right is marshall, and stage left is all midi.
It's obvious where the tone is coming from.... :)

jc (DieHard!)

>It's obvious where the tone is coming from.... :)
    
    yeah the Marshall!

    You can run but you can't hide.  I've seen that Marshall sitting stage
    left just waiting for it's moment to shine...
    

    Has anyone played one of these Surfcasters ?
    
    I reckon they look heaps cool too, but how do they sound/play ? 
    
    Tks...Jeff.

    I can't *find* one to play around here!  Maybe while I'm in Mass next
    week...
    
    Greg

    Re: Surfcasters
    
    One of the locals has some in stock.  They're just as fugly in person
    as they are in the ads.
    
    Mike

    I have yet to actually see one in person!  I still think they're cool
    though, but I'm starting to see more prices on 'em and I think they're
    a little on the high side.  Wish I could pick up a used one cheap
    though.
    
    Anyone know what scale length they use?
    
    gh

>    Anyone know what scale length they use?

    yeah on a scale of 1 to 10, they measure -1 to infinitesimally fugly 

    Yeah right...
    
    Is it a 25.5 or a 24.75, anyone know?
    
    gh

    "one break, comin' up!"

    As befitting the "caster" in its name, it has a 25.5" scale (according
    to the catalog, anyway).

    
    	Any idea what the scale length on a Charvel predator is?
    
    
    	J.

    re: Predator
    
    Probably 25.5, seems like all the Charvels I've seen except the
    "Fusion" series ones are.
    
    gh

	I saw both a six string and a 12 string hanging on the wall at
	Steve's in Danvers. One of them was sunburst orange with a white
	Mother-of-Toilet-Seat pickguard. Very pretty guitars. I got hung
	up on a 540SLTD and didn't bother to ask to play one.

    
    Surfcasters are way cool!

Man, they COST though !!

Eeeesh

    Fugly can be just as expensive as beauty.  Look at some of the designer
    clothes that starlets where in Hollywood.
    
          _    /|
          \'o.O'
          =(___)=   Aack!!!
             U

    Yeah, they're pretty expensive.  From the mail order catalogs I've seen
    lately, it looks like they're asking $700-$800 for them.  I think this
    is too much for a guitar with novelty type appeal.  I'd probably
    consider it at $400 or so, but not at twice that.
    
    gh

    
    Greg, I never thought of them as novelty items.  I caonsider them to
    more of a reissue type of deal but built better than the originals.
    
    -pat

re:.-1

	I'm not sure I understand. 

	What would the Surfcasters be re-issues of?


-T

    
    	Perhaps I'm on drugs, but I thought the surfcasters were 
    	a remake (not reissue) of a Mosrite design.  No?
    
    	-enlighten me

CORRECTION !!

Tongue-in-cheek reissue of a Mosrite copy...

    
    re .111

    it's drugs

    Yeah, I thought they looked kinda like a Mosrite, kinda like a Rick,
    kinda like a Mustang...
    
    In short:  Kinda like a MUTT!
    
    Face it, this design has limited appeal, notice the large number of
    comments along the lines of "it's fugly" in this topic.  I can't
    imagine they're really selling a lot of them.  I consider it a novelty
    item for me and I don't pay top dollar for novelty items!
    
    Greg

I dunno. Whenever I see Surfcaster, all I can think of
is "Rickenbacker" or maybe "Danelectro", the latter
due to those lipstick tube pickups. 

I guess, I just never thought "re-issue".


Come to think of it, there is some "Mosrite" in
there too.

FWIW, The reviewer in GP reviewed a 12 string
and (of course?) loved it. 

RE: Greg and novelty items...

Wagagaga - cept for Marshalls.  Marshalls are novel.  :)

jc

    re: "share the drugs, yes?"
    
    now Pat.........behave!
    
    Steve  8^)

    
    	re: -.1
    
    	Everything.  
    
    	BTW, I looked at some pictures of Mosrites last night and they 
    	don't look much like Surfcasters.  I'll bet however, that they
    	have some of the Ventures tone in mind.  As far as being fugly,
    	I still disagree.  Besides, it is rare that a new design comes
    	along that doesn't look like a fender or gibson.  I guess it's
    	hard to gain acceptance of novelty guitars.  I even read a
    	review on a Hamer that looks like a PRS and the author doesn't
    	even give credit to PRS for the design!

Hey !  We're all guitarists here...  Of *course* you have to share !

I too looked at a pic of a mosrite...Not too close to those...
Hmmm...

jc

    My prediction ... Coop will find a GREAT deal on one of these, then
    sell it as a collectable vintage re-issue ...  8^)
    
    Scary (who still has a pair of BVD's, circa late 70's ... aany offers?)

Never happen.  I've got MORALS !

:)

    Re: Scary's '70 BVDs
    
    No cuz you've been wearin them since then!

    Rickenbacker and Danelectro, with a nod to Teisco.
    
    Danny W.

    .124, you just beat me to it, I totally agree.....and btw I agree 
    w/ coop that scary should share....but not the bvd's......I can't 
    take the inlays the '70's vintage seem to have.............
    -Bill

    RE: inlays ...
    
    Well who wants something vintage that hasn't been used a little.  The
    nice touch is the waistband ... it can be comfortable worn over the
    shoulders like suspenders if desired ...  8^)
    
    Scary

    Jerry,
    
    Those BVD's still have the original labels??  8^)
    
    Steve

    Yes, original labels .... but all the writing has rubbed off ... the
    memories.
    
    Scary

I understand, though, that some dealers still have labels in stock, so you can
either buy these and replace the labels or build your own and slap new labels on
those -- nobody will ever know they're forgeries.

    Spent some time in Guitar Center over the past weekend, played a
    Charvel 650, at least I think that's what it was called ?  Anyway
    I really enjoyed the way it played, everything about it, is there
    anyone that can give me some feedback on this ?

    I don't know specifically about the 650s, but my opinion is that
    Charvels are great playing guitars, but the Jackson pickups they put in
    them sound terrible.  They do seem to sound better through solid state
    amps or using a lot of stomps then they do through tube amps.  
    
    JMO but Charvel seemed to cut corners around the pickups.  I knew a guy
    that bought a 375 (I think) and the pickups in it sucked!  I don't know
    what kind they were, but they were passive.  Reminded me of the pickups
    Kramer put in the Focus series instruments, real thin and crackly
    bright.  Disgusting!
    
    I used to have a Model 4 and always enjoyed playing it.
    
    Greg
                        

    >I used to have a Model 4 and always enjoyed playing it.
    
    Which amazingly enough sounded AMAZING thru that KH head/M-word cab
    combo you had at the time!

    Shovels are cool...  But be prepared to pickup some static
    from several unnamed sources in here...
    
    jc (WHo played a Shovel Model 4 for a long, long time and loved it).
    
    PS - I *will* pick up a Model 6 or a Jackson sometime.  Hey Buck, still
         got that Randy Rhodes that you must be *dying* to deal on ??

    >PS - I *will* pick up a Model 6 or a Jackson sometime.  Hey Buck, still
    >     got that Randy Rhodes that you must be *dying* to deal on ??
    
    Nope, found someone in the want ads who gave me what I wanted for it.

    Thanks for the input !    I played this Charvel 650 through a Fender
    Squir, and it sounded great, the guy at the store said the pickups
    had batteries in them and that is why they had higher output.  Even 
    through the little squir this guitar sounded giant.  I haven't
    seen the pickups with batteries in them before, maybe I'm behind the 
    times because I went back to acoustic for a while.  Well anyway I'm
    going to buy this bugger because this thing play's like a dream.
    
    Jeff

    Be sure and play it through the same type amp you're going to use it
    through if changing the pickups isn't something you want to do.  My
    Charvel sounded real good (as Buck mentioned) through my Kitty Hawk amp
    (and my Crate SS amp, and my GK), but sounded like total crap through
    my Marshall.  
    
    A battery usually indicates that it has an active electronic system in
    it, either that or an onboard preamp.  It's probably got the Jackson
    active setup like the older Charvel model 4's and 6's had.
    
    Greg

    Yeah JE1200 active electronix or some such ??
    
    My Shovel sounded better than my Ibanez's thru my Marshall
    (2550)...  Marshalls are quite sensitive to whats plugged into
    'em (my rack doesn't care).  I thought the coolest sounding
    guitar thru my 2550 was my American Std Strat. (FWIW).
    
    I'm pretty fickle but I played my 4 for a long time - nice guits.
    I played one recently with a full load of EMGs in it and it CRANKED
    also.
    
    I thought I'd heard that Charvel stopped using Jackson pickups in
    their top-shelf stuff ??  (The 650 is a top line instrument isn't it?).
    I thought they were using Seymour Duncans ??
    
    jc
    

    Well as far as the pick-ups are concerned I'm not sure, will have to 
    take a closer look.  Getting off of the subject,  What would be a 
    reasonable price for a 650 ?  This guitar lists for $1200.  About a
    month ago they had a sale on these and were asking $795.00, of course
    it's over when I want one, what should I be willing to pay for this
    guitar.   I thought somewhere in the $700 to $800 range, if it gets 
    any higher should I ask them to add a hard case to the deal.  It's
    been so long since I've bought one not sure what ballpark I should
    try to widdle em down to.  Any help would be great.
    
    Jeff
    

Well, the 650 if I recall is the neck-thru, hum-single-single config
basic dinky-strat body guitar with sharkfin inlays (fret markers) - 
Basically a model 6 with the new logo on the headstock.

Brand new with case should be $7-800 (ballpark).  I don't have my Musicians
Friend catalog here, but a JACKSON Soloist Pro was $895 and I beleive they
are basically the same axe, cept the Charvels are made in Japan.

jc

	Get a SURFCASTER!

Hey !  What do you know about Charvels !!  Go back to the Fender and Gibo
notes.  :

*>SMACK!<*

:^)

Surfcaster, indeed.

    Great, Thanks for the feedback, I will try and get the best price.  You
    know how these guys are when selling, they try to buffalo you into some
    price to make some money, I understand that they have to make money
    but not to much at my expense.  Thanks again !
    
    Jeff

>Brand new with case should be $7-800 (ballpark).  I don't have my Musicians
>Friend catalog here, but a JACKSON Soloist Pro was $895 and I beleive they
>are basically the same axe, cept the Charvels are made in Japan.

    Not quite the same guitar, that Jackson model has a bolt on neck.  Not
    a down point in my book, just something to consider.  The upside is
    that you can get your choice of custom graphics on the Jackson  (at no
    extra charge, if I remember right).
    
    Greg

Thats not the Jackson i was thinking about.  This was a neck-thru.
They only had one color - like RED - limited quantity.  Seemed like 
a nice deal.  Soloist Deluxe was the model I think.

I always wanted a neck thru Soloist or Model 6.

jc

    Ah yes, right you are.  Just checked my catalog and it was there.
    
    The regular Soloist is about $1150 though...
    
    gh

    My teacher just bought one of those Charvel acoustic/electrics from
    Musicians Friend.  I couldn't believe how nice they are for the money!
    Action and sound were great right out of the case, plugged in too.
    If you want a Takamine type guitar, you might want to check them out.
    
    He got the acoustic/electric cutaway w/case for $250.
    
    Mike

    RE: Charvel Acoustic/Electrics
    Finally a response!  I guess I should have asked in this note...sheesh!
    
    I've been looking at the single cutaway model that has the extra
    frets....it sell for $359, I think......
    
    Steve (never bought an axe from a catalog...gulp!)

Bulldawg, 

If you buy a Charvel, I'll see to it that you are crucified by the members
of the Virginia chapter of MRP's !!


Take back everything you ever said - take it BACK, TAKE IT BACK !!

:^)

    
   >>Take back everything you ever said - take it BACK, TAKE IT BACK !!
    
    I never said I didn't like Charvels.....I said I didn't like pointy
    spear shaped headstocks....and I still don't!  I might buy a Charvel
    acoustic/electric, tho......!  8^)
    
    dawgster

Eeeesh!

<insert pic of Coop smacking palm against forehead>

   >> <insert pic of Coop smacking palm against forehead>
    
    Don't smack it too hard!  &^}
    
    Steve ( I deny it all!)
    
    PS.. how's CJ and Coopette?

re: Mike
    
>        My teacher just bought one of those Charvel acoustic/electrics from
>    Musicians Friend.  I couldn't believe how nice they are for the money!
>    Action and sound were great right out of the case, plugged in too.
>    If you want a Takamine type guitar, you might want to check them out.
>    
>    He got the acoustic/electric cutaway w/case for $250.
 
    I take it he got the more plain one, not the one with the cool little
    abalone soundhole inlays?  That's the one that caught my eye.  If I
    didn't already have a decent acoustic (or if I was looking for
    something for stage use), I'd probably consider one of those.
    
    Greg

    I have one in the mail to me (A Charvel Acoustic/Electric, that is). 
    My wife's Christmeas surprise to me!  I'm getting the 625C single
    cutaway, 3 band equalizer, "extended" fretboard (some extra frets on
    the 1st 2 strings that extend into the sound hole), in cherry sunburst.
    
    Including hardshell case for $359!  I'm psyched and nervous....my first
    acoustic/elec, but my first mail order guitar.......gnaaa!
    
    Reports after Christmas!
    
    Steve

    I've seen a lot of pretty inexpensive acoustic/electrics lately, what's
    the deal with these?  They look pretty fancy for the price, and since
    you can't get something for nothing...
    
    Do they have solid tops?  What the heck do they sound like?  Maybe I'm
    an old curmudgeon, but the name Charvel (or Kramer, or Peavey, etc.)
    doesn't inspire confidence when buying a flattop...
    
    						 Lefty Motorbox

    Yeah, but I'll bet they're good for speed metal folk songs!
    
    Dave

    
    	Mr C's has a natural one (2 weeks ago anyway).  Didn't play
    	it though.  Mr C's is in Marlboro, Ma.
    
    	I'm allergic to acoustic guitars...
    
    

    How are their cheapie basses? I heard they put a little more quality
    in their budget lines now. 

    BTW,
    
    my Charvel 625c acoustic/electric was under the tree Christmas morning
    as expected.......incredible value!  This is alot of axe for the bucks.
    I got the cherry sunburst.  It's got some real nice trim work around
    the body and in the fret inlays.  Nice low action, great tone, great
    finish, and a super hardshell case!  Great buy!
    
    Steve  8^)

   Hey Dawg,

   Now that you've had the Shovel acoustic for a while do you still dig it?
   (Get it?  "Dig"?  "Shovel"?  Sorry, I've been coding on an Alpha all day...)
   
   -- Sam (thinkin' of a "gig" guitar so's I can leave my Guild at home...)

    Yeah Sam,
    
    I gigged with it in February an have been using it "around the house"
    as the all purpose axe to pick up and figure out some radio tune or do
    the kid's fav Beatle tune, etc.  I still feel it was a great value for
    the bucks with a super case and a nice look/feel/tone.  The only criticism
    is the neck is narrower than my Les Paul and Strat's so there is an
    adjustment period when I swap from elec to acoustic.
    
    I like it!
    
    dawg_unit

    Ok, who can "name this Charvel?"
    
    I've been told that it is called a "Fusion Deluxe", but since it isn't
    marked anywhere on the guitar and most of the guys in the stores don't
    have a clue, I thought I'd throw this in here to get your opinions:
    
    It is a Strat style with 2 pickups, one Jackson humbucker at the bridge
    and a single coil "rail" style pickup in the neck position. It also has
    a maple neck with a maple fingerboard, Schaller locking trem and a
    3 color "crackle" finish. It has only one knob and a 3 way pickup selector
    switch.
    
    Any ideas?
    
    Mike

    If it has a pointy headstock, I have a name for it.............
    
    

    It's exactly what you think it is - A Fusion Deluxe...

    Oh, and if it's in good shape, I have a pal who might want to 
    purchase it.  :-)

    re: .164
    
    Thanks for the guitar ID, but I don't think I'll be selling this one.
    I like it too much.....
    
    Thanks again!
    Mike
    
    FWIW, I saw one of these in the latest Daddy's Junky Music flyer for
    $289. Not sure of the condition,though. They had several of them,
    priced from $289 to $499.......

    
    Anybody see the latest line of "San Dimas" guits by Charvel?
    Saw a recent ad with the Alex Skolnick endorsement for one of
    these.  I'm liking the looks of these things - cool natural wood
    they're using.  I wonder how they sound/play?  Price?
    
    Remember the Charvel Model 1,2,3,...?  I think Jake E. Lee is 
    still playing some variation of these...not sure though.
    
    Kev --
    
    

    San Dimas?  Bill & Ted said they're "Excellent!"

    
    RE: -1
    
    I thought the same thing when I wrote that!
    
    "...strange things are afoot at the Circle-K"
    
    

    
    Looking at the latest 'Musicians Friend' catalog, it seems
    these "San Dimas" guits go through the "model" stages like
    those from the '80's.  Here, they've got them in five 
    different models (I - V), with the more expensive units
    towards the model V.  I'll have to take a closer look at 
    the specs for each.
    
    To correct myself:  Jake E. Lee plays a signature ESP, not
    a Charvel like I thought earlier on.
    
    
    Kev --