Charvel Model 5fx Improvements

[Charvel1975]

So my Charvel when I got it a long time ago, it had an EMG-81 (Non-Quick Disconnect) in the Bridge, a Slant EMG single coil in the neck (don't know if it;s an SA or S?), a Gold Original Floyd Rose and an ungrooved nut and the behind the nut Kahler Locking Piece. From what I've researched online the guitar has a Poplar body with Maple neck-thru neck, rosewood fingerboard. I also attached a pic of the gold Original Floyd Rose that was in it.

Since then, all this was done some years ago:

* The gold Floyd Rose Original was taken out and a black 80's Floyd Rose Original was put in (Still have gold Floyd Rose Original)
* The ungrooved nut was replaced with a LSR roller nut
* New Kahler locking nut installed
* EMG-81 swapped out for an 85 (still have the 81)
* Custom sleeves around the tremolo springs
* Orange Drop cap installed (don't know what value?)
* 3-way toggle switch put in - now it don't seem to be switching the pickups right

I want to do some upgrades to it as it never has stayed in tune that well and thinking of having the EMG's taken out and passive pickups installed as all my other guitars have passive pickups, I just don't gel with the actives now. It would be setup for standard E tuning and I'm thinking of going with .009 to .042 guage nickel wound strings. Any suggestions to improve the sound/tone/playability?

 

[skullfxr]

Tuning problems reside in the nut 90% of the time. I don't like those kahler lockers at all. I don't know of other options though. As far as tuners (rarely are the main problem) have gotten to the point of hitshot/Schaller/gotoh only, and in that order. I have also preferred Schaller lockmeisters over other Floyd's, unless it is an ibanez edge, etc.


I always use Switchcraft jacks and Switchcraft or Carling switches, bournes high friction for pots, orange drops for caps). That is what I have in probably more than 30 guitars at the moment. If I buy a guitar and decide to keep it, I pop the above electronics in.

 

[skullfxr]

Also make sure you ground the strings when going from active to passive.

 

[2prog4u]

Have a Floyd nut installed. Yeah, you'll have little holes from the behind the nut lock, but it will stay in tune much better. I had a 5a, and the guitar is a little picky about PuPs from the poplar wood. Try a Duncan Custom...

 

[Panzer917-30]

Before adding a floyd nut, you could try some locking tunners and removing the Kahler nut lock. The Kahlers have tendency to slip. I know locking tuners dont add stability, but they will remove the number of string wraps that move.

Its also possible that problem is in the bridge setup not the headstock. Try adding a couple Capos at Fret 1-2 and make them tight ...then tune to the 2nd fret. You might need to detune everything slightly first to account for the extra pressure from the Campos. Use the fine tuners for final tune. Does it stay in tune any better or worse? Any or all strings drift?

 

[Charvel1975]

Before adding a floyd nut, you could try some locking tunners and removing the Kahler nut lock. The Kahlers have tendency to slip. I know locking tuners dont add stability, but they will remove the number of string wraps that move.

Its also possible that problem is in the bridge setup not the headstock. Try adding a couple Capos at Fret 1-2 and make them tight ...then tune to the 2nd fret. You might need to detune everything slightly first to account for the extra pressure from the Campos. Use the fine tuners for final tune. Does it stay in tune any better or worse? Any or all strings drift?

What locking tuners would you recommend for my Charvel, mine has the factory black Jackson tuners

 

[Charvel1975]

I'll still hang on to the original EMG non-Quick Connect 81 and single coil, possibly for another guitar project, and I have the Gold Original Floyd Rose with matching Tremolo Bar, Made in Germany, that was originally on my Charvel, and I want to take out the black Original Floyd Rose and put the gold one back on the Charvel with new Floyd Rose Original Bridge Mounting Studs and Inserts. It's in good condition for it's age, the Low E and A string saddles might need to be replaced cause the Gold Finish is pretty worn off along with new Original String Lock Insert Blocks. The 85 that's in it now I know that was one of the newer quick connect ones but don't know if the connector is on there, might sell it? Any thoughts?