Charvel Model 5A question

[Corrundum1]

I got this a while back and it had no pickup or trem. Also, somebody routed the trem cavity for some reason. I put a Jackson JT6 trem and an EMG 81 in it and besides the route job, it is in great shape and plays awesome. My question is:how much should I put the trade value on it (considering the route job)? I don't have the original case.

 

[Kelly]

Those came stock with a kahler, hence the route.

 

[Corrundum1]

Initially Kahlers were offered on the model 5, but after 1986 Charvel began to use the JT-6. I thought about putting a Kahler, if I found one cheap enough, I would probably try it.

 

[neilli]

I'm pretty sure the crackles were later, i.e. in the JT6 era. It's tough to tell from the pics - is actually a Kahler rout, or is it 'just' a recess for the JT6?

Whatever, the rout isn't ideal, but the nature of the finish means it's pretty hidden and there are folks out there who like these fire crackles a lot. It's not like it's an old LP or anything, so the hit on the value probably shouldn't be too great..

 

[Corrundum1]

I'm pretty sure the crackles were later, i.e. in the JT6 era. It's tough to tell from the pics - is actually a Kahler rout, or is it 'just' a recess for the JT6?

Whatever, the rout isn't ideal, but the nature of the finish means it's pretty hidden and there are folks out there who like these fire crackles a lot. It's not like it's an old LP or anything, so the hit on the value probably shouldn't be too great..

I think these came with non recess route and someone wanted a recess for the JT6 trem.

 

[guitarmike]

I'm pretty sure the crackles were later, i.e. in the JT6 era. It's tough to tell from the pics - is actually a Kahler rout, or is it 'just' a recess for the JT6?

Whatever, the rout isn't ideal, but the nature of the finish means it's pretty hidden and there are folks out there who like these fire crackles a lot. It's not like it's an old LP or anything, so the hit on the value probably shouldn't be too great..

I think these came with non recess route and someone wanted a recess for the JT6 trem.

The locking nut tells me the guitar came with a Kahler or the original nut was replaced. If the nut is original it is an 1986 model 5a. I'd think $400 - $500 would be a fair price. Neck through Charvel's go for $500 - $900 depending on color and condition.

 

[maddnotez]

I'm pretty sure the crackles were later, i.e. in the JT6 era. It's tough to tell from the pics - is actually a Kahler rout, or is it 'just' a recess for the JT6?

Whatever, the rout isn't ideal, but the nature of the finish means it's pretty hidden and there are folks out there who like these fire crackles a lot. It's not like it's an old LP or anything, so the hit on the value probably shouldn't be too great..

I think these came with non recess route and someone wanted a recess for the JT6 trem.

The locking nut tells me the guitar came with a Kahler or the original nut was replaced. If the nut is original it is an 1986 model 5a. I'd think $400 - $500 would be a fair price. Neck through Charvel's go for $500 - $900 depending on color and condition.

Eh...It is worth whatever the highest bidder will pay but with a couple of dings and a horrible aftermarket routing job I would think that it may be worth a bit less.

 

[Rockinloud]

The JT6 came with the Kahler style locknut as pictured. All the crackles like this that I've seen came with the JT6 which would put it around 1987 or so. Nice playing guitars, neck thru, 24 fret. IIRC these didn't sell as well as expected and the "leftovers" were routed for a single coil sized neck pickup and labeled Model 5fx. Anyways I'd put the value on this tops between $400-$500. In excellent condition they bring anywhere on average between $500-$700 from what I see.

 

[Kelly]

One of my high school buddies had one just like it, pretty certain it was kahler on his.

 

[sytharnia1560]

Anyways I'd put the value on this tops between $400-$500. In excellent condition they bring anywhere on average between $500-$700 from what I see.

I think this is pretty close to nailing it ........ the 5A's on ebay at the moment people are trying to get $800/900 and they don't sell

 

[guitarmike]

The JT6 came with the Kahler style locknut as pictured. All the crackles like this that I've seen came with the JT6 which would put it around 1987 or so. Nice playing guitars, neck thru, 24 fret. IIRC these didn't sell as well as expected and the "leftovers" were routed for a single coil sized neck pickup and labeled Model 5fx. Anyways I'd put the value on this tops between $400-$500. In excellent condition they bring anywhere on average between $500-$700 from what I see.

It is possible that when Charvel started using the JT-6 they had leftover Kahler locking nuts but all of the Charvels I have owned from 1987-88 (around 10) had the Charvel locking nut that had flat head screws. The ones I have seen with what looks like the Kahler nut were replacements to the original. If you lose the locking plate the screw attaches to, the only alternative is to replace it. http://www.fretsonthenet.com/index.htm sells the replacement Kahler type nut and I think that is what you will most likely see on 1987 - 88 Charvels if the flathead screw type nut is missing. This does not apply to 1989 and later Charvels that had the locking nut moved to the end of the fretboard like a typical Floyd Rose.

Below is a catalog pic of an 86 and an 87. If the neck is straight on the guitar and you like the way it feels/plays, I'd keep it. Those Charvels were extremely well made and will last a lifetime with minimal care.