Charvel USA select vs charvel custom shop

  • Thread starter Thread starter AXISJAM
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AXISJAM

AXISJAM

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Hi
Would anyone know if they are the same quality or is the custom shop guitars a step above?Or any
Information would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
 
I'm of the impression that the Select is pretty much what used to be the USA run from 08-09, but with a higher price tag..at least when it comes to quality. I have an 09 Plum SoCal USA and it is the best out of the 6 previous USAs I owned from that 08-09 run, and even plays better than the 2 custom shop Charvels I've had. But you will get a more consistent quality out of the Custom shop, more attention to detail. I've never played a bad or iffy USA production model, but the Custom shops are usually a step or two above. My Plum 09 USA is one of the really good ones, never to leave.
I would look for a used Custom shop first instead of a new Select, Customs are always great.
 
So who makes the Adrian Smith USA models? Same as the custom shop line?
 
I would say the custom shop guitars are going to be a step ahead in general. There of course will be really great regular run guitars. If you can’t play it ahead of time I think your chances are better with custom shop. Take racerxrated’s advice because that man knows Jackson Charvel.
 
From what I’ve heard the Custom Shop guitars are still built in the same small shop by the same luthiers that have been doing it for over 30 years. Hopefully a few of the RT Charvel “experts” will chime in.
 
That’s my understanding as well. Some have been there from the beginning I believe. Great guitars
 
Master built guitars are built by hand, or at least there is a lot more hand work than on a production (Select) guitar which are CNC. Custom Select sits in the middle, where it's mostly CNC but you can choose from a range of specs.
 
The USA select must be of good quality as they class it as there Flagship?
 
AXISJAM":3lk5h3rd said:
The USA select must be of good quality as they class it as there Flagship?
Click to expand...
Custom shop Charvels will be a step up from the USA select. A masterbuilt Charvel is going to be built by one guy from start to finish, and take even longer than a Custom for build time. And cost more. But not necessarily better than a Custom. I would call a Charvel Dealer and find out how long a wait it will be if you are interested. The Custom will also be almost 2X the price of the select. Depending on options.
But, I'm sure the Select is a great guitar, as good or better than the USAs I've had from the 08-09 run. If I were in the market for a new guitar I'd not hesitate on a Charvel Select. But, you should consider the Chubtone guitars as well..they are every bit as good as a Charvel Custom, from what guys here have reported.
 
I don't like the bullet headstock end truss rod adjustment of the the Select Series. Much prefer the wheel.

I don't think there is a huge difference. Both are great axes.
 
Cheers to everyone that commented will be checking out the USA select this weekend...
 
HI
For those who are interested,checked out the Charvel USA select and was very disappointed,I actually own a Koa custom shop charvel and USA select is basically a USA pro mod with upgraded hardware,no attention to detail but still not a bad guitar but not even close to a custom shop.Did try a Jackson PC1 and that was very good and had fun with the sustainer but quality control was poor as there was rough paint work in the trem cavity and the neck pocket was not a very tight fit.Again the Charvel custom shop a step above the PC1.also tried a USA Wolfgang,this was very nice to play and tone was awesome but felt a little cheap,maybe because it is very light compared to my guitars but would still consider having one.....

Cheers
 
AXISJAM":2sgwvrd5 said:
HI
For those who are interested,checked out the Charvel USA select and was very disappointed,I actually own a Koa custom shop charvel and USA select is basically a USA pro mod with upgraded hardware,no attention to detail but still not a bad guitar but not even close to a custom shop.Did try a Jackson PC1 and that was very good and had fun with the sustainer but quality control was poor as there was rough paint work in the trem cavity and the neck pocket was not a very tight fit.Again the Charvel custom shop a step above the PC1.also tried a USA Wolfgang,this was very nice to play and tone was awesome but felt a little cheap,maybe because it is very light compared to my guitars but would still consider having one.....

Cheers
Click to expand...
Good info. thanks for sharing!

I kinda figured the Select series would be the same or similar to the USA run from 08-09. I'm sure there are some gems though, just like there are some from 08-09 that rival custom shops at least in playability and feel.
 
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