Charvel vs Jackson

[FourT6and2]

Oh, guys... I should emphasize I'm looking at the one with hardtail. I hate trems. So that sort of eliminates a lot of the other models. For this type of guitar I don't think spending over $1k is a smart idea. So the Warren D model ain't gonna happen.

But yeah, there are similar guitars from Jackson too. Any experience with those?

You might consider a Kiesel Aries build....if you're into the body shape that is. People seem to dig it or hate it, not much in the middle. I like it myself and had one built. Not too long after, one came up used for a good price, so I picked up another one. Both of mine are hardtail and play great. The Kiesel pickups are decent too. First Carvin/Kiesel pickups that I've had where I didn't feel compelled to change them. You might take a look at them anyway: http://www.kieselguitars.com/catalog/guitars/a6

Holy crap. $900? That's not bad at all. I will look into them. Do they have the fatal flaw Carvins do? You can't swap pickups, you're stuck with Carvin's?

Someone else also recommended Aristides?

 

[RedPlated]

Yeah...if you want Charvel go used USA or MIJ, or go custom shop. And I don't mean the model series from the 80s..there is a difference. If you are patient you can find a clean used one for a good price. MUCH cheaper than a used Suhr from what I've seen. Custom shops are on par, maybe a little less expensive than a used Suhr.

Good points. I've been watching MIJ's on CL. There's a few out there for $700-800.

The new MIM's just have the perfect feature set for me. HH, coil tap, 3 way blade switch and flush-mounted trem. Too bad they're not higher quality. If Charvel would offer the same feature set on a high quality USA guitar, I'd be all over it.

If the Custom Shop Charvels are as good as Suhrs that's very impressive. My last Suhr was amazing quality and played/ sounded fantastic. Just didn't like the color....

 

[RedPlated]

I have to say that the low end Charvels are a great value, hopefully you get one that sounds great. Check out Rainbow guitars, they have a great selection.

They've got a decent selection of USA Custom Shops. Nice.

At that price point it's a tough choice between Charvel and Suhr. Nice thing about Suhr is I can get a figured top in charcoal burst.

 

[Racerxrated]

I'm not sure how long a new build is for a custom Charvel though...might be a while. I've only bought used..there are a few custom shops in our classifieds.

 

[FourT6and2]

I have to say that the low end Charvels are a great value, hopefully you get one that sounds great. Check out Rainbow guitars, they have a great selection.

They've got a decent selection of USA Custom Shops. Nice.

At that price point it's a tough choice between Charvel and Suhr. Nice thing about Suhr is I can get a figured top in charcoal burst.

I think what I'll do is keep my Jackson Dinky POS beater guitar and fix it up with a new bridge and nut and roll with that for now. But...

For the same price as a Suhr or Charvel custom—actually less—those Aristides are very interesting. I've never been interested in composite instruments like Parker. But I dunno... these seem to have nothing but good reviews. I just emailed them (Netherlands) and they replied 6 minutes later. It's 3am on Sunday there right now.

I also got a pretty good quote on one of those Jackson Juggernaut HT6s as well. Decisions decisions...

 

[the rossness]

May I suggest the G&L Superhawk. $500 all day long and they are fantastic! The neck is very similar to my SoCal.

 

[FourT6and2]

Ok, I've basically decided to go in a completely different direction than the Charvel/Jackson thing. Well not really I guess. In my search, Charvel led me to Jackson Juggernaut HT6, which led me to Aristides, which led me to this—Mayones Duvell Elite. I think this is what I'm gonna go with.

 

[sahlomonic]

I've had 9 pro mods and still have MIJ ones (Red socal and Grey primer San Dimas). Great guitars. My recommendation would be to buy the Warren DeMartini model.

I bought a DeMartini Snake late last year. Worth every penny.

 

[alan67]

Cool, isn't the Mayones like 3k+?

 

[FourT6and2]

Cool, isn't the Mayones like 3k+?

New, they are about $2800. I bought used.

 

[jsp]

Do they have the fatal flaw Carvins do? You can't swap pickups, you're stuck with Carvin's?

Huh? I was able to swap pickups on my Carvins just fine.

 

[FourT6and2]

Do they have the fatal flaw Carvins do? You can't swap pickups, you're stuck with Carvin's?

Huh? I was able to swap pickups on my Carvins just fine.

I vividly remember some Carvins (maybe they changed things) were setup such a way that you couldn't use third-party pickups due to how they were mounted. Or am I just on crack?

 

[jsp]

Their pickup rings have two screws on one side, so you just need to change the pickup ring. Their direct-mount stuff will accommodate anything. I guess if it has a pickguard, you're probably stuck.

That Mayones looks pretty sweet, though.

 

[FourT6and2]

Oh ok good to know. I thought it was something more than just the pickup ring. Carvin/Kiesel have some nice looking options overall. But the Duvell Elite kinda speaks to me. You know when you see a guitar and you're like... yup, that's the one. An Aristides in Dark Grey Sapphire Marble seems like a good option as well. I might have to order one down the line sometime lol.

 

[dfrattaroli]

I played that Jackson at The Music Zoo. Keep in mind Jackson has never been on my radar. But that guitar was great. I don't think there should be any aversion to an expensive basswood guitar. There have been plenty of them. Basswood sounds great. It's as much a "wood" as mahogany or alder.

 

[dfrattaroli]

And +1 for a Kiesel. I have a Vader 7 and a Bolt (Floyd) coming in. I've always said, for the money, there's nothing better. Re-sale values have gotten better and who cares? The new prices are so good it doesn't matter to me.

 

[FourT6and2]

I played that Jackson at The Music Zoo. Keep in mind Jackson has never been on my radar. But that guitar was great. I don't think there should be any aversion to an expensive basswood guitar. There have been plenty of them. Basswood sounds great. It's as much a "wood" as mahogany or alder.

The 6-string? They told me that guitar has never left its case and is kept in the storage room lol. Either way, they quoted me a good price. But I've already bought the Duvell Should be here today!

 

[ibzprestige]

Let me know how that duvell is! Been looking at them, and kiesels as well.

 

[FourT6and2]

Let me know how that duvell is! Been looking at them, and kiesels as well.

Yeah, I'll probably post a NGD thread when it gets here