Help me find the right Charvel

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SpiderWars

SpiderWars

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I'm gassing for a Charvel with Floyd. But they appear to have been mfr'd in various locations over the years and I have no idea what the differences are between a Charvel made during the right era, in the right factory vs ones made in other eras/factories. I also would really like a neck pup and tone knob and I'm not a huge fan of some of their solid colors (which is moving away from what Charvels are known for, I get that). I love transparent tops. The new Pro Mods look great but I don't know if that's a good bang for the buck (seems they should be cheaper).

Any tips on good years and good models made in the right factories appreciated. Or just a "avoid these models at all costs" warnings. Anything will help.

Lastly, never owned a recessed Floyd. Recessed or no?
 
I think they've been pretty consistent. If you want a non-recessed Floyd, that rules out the Mexican builds, I believe.

Seems to me everything should be cheaper, but that's just the way it is.
 
I love the Charvel Natural Series from Music Zoo. They are $2700 new but if you wait for a used one they can be had for 1k. I have two of them I paid 1k for each and they are fantastic instruments if you like the tung oil look.

The Music Zoo series are leagues better than the import models that are $899 new. It's not even close in my lowly opinion. I also had Scott Splawn make me 2 Splawn guitars that were basically copies of the Charvel MZ. The Splawns came out great but price wise a MZ for 1k is still a better value.
 
check music zoo. they usually have some bitchin charvels on hand. sometimes they have used charvels also.
 
Call Curt at Squid Music. He knows Charvel and will put you into what you want.
 
I have a charvel so cal that's been one of my two main gigging guitars for the past three years. It's one of the MIJ ones and it kicks some serious ass.
 
Find the tone shop on reverb. That guy is awesome my 2016 so - Cal was 619.00 BUCKS package received fast and setup.
 
Depends on your price point. If you want a used one, I'd wait it out for a USA pro mod. 6-800 for a clean one. The MIJ versions are damn close but the feel is better on the USAs. I haven't played a MiM that is equal to a US or MIJ pro mod. But, if you can swing it the Custom shop stuff is on another level. As Dave said talk to Curt at Squid music. He's Chubtone here on RT.
 
If you want a tone knob I think only the Mexican made pro mods have/had that as an option. I've never played a MIM so I can't comment on those.
 
thisguy":1htw4bgq said:
If you want a tone knob I think only the Mexican made pro mods have/had that as an option. I've never played a MIM so I can't comment on those.
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Why not get a model 6? Neck through, 24 fret killer guitars. I'll never sell mine.
 
This ones a tough one for the pro-mod line:

2016 MIM - recessed trem, added tone control and volume knob in better position. 2 piece neck that I didn't bond with, fretwork inconsistent, and the body wood didn't seem very good. I would avoid unless you find a good one.

2014-2015 MIM - recessed trem, but everything else like a USA Pro Mod. These are actually pretty decent if you find a good one that was lucky enough to get good body wood and fretwork.

2010-2012 MIJ - regular trem, direct mount pickups, stellar 1 piece quartersawn necks and fretboard has nice rolled edges, yellowish tint to it though. Body woods good but not quite as good as USA. Came with sweet SKB case. Great finds on used market.

2008-2010 USA - regular trem, pickup rings, generally well made with good wood, one piece quartersawn neck with good fretwork, but not quite as nice as MIJ. Came with gig bag. Harder to find these days.

Custom - you'll get the best of the best, but each one very individual and you have to take a chance if ordering unseen. I had a nice 2010 Music Zoo matte black HS but I didn't bond with the slightly different neck profile they use for their runs.
 
nigelpkay":3kfa777r said:
This ones a tough one for the pro-mod line:

2016 MIM - recessed trem, added tone control and volume knob in better position. 2 piece neck that I didn't bond with, fretwork inconsistent, and the body wood didn't seem very good. I would avoid unless you find a good one.

2014-2015 MIM - recessed trem, but everything else like a USA Pro Mod. These are actually pretty decent if you find a good one that was lucky enough to get good body wood and fretwork.

2010-2012 MIJ - regular trem, direct mount pickups, stellar 1 piece quartersawn necks and fretboard has nice rolled edges, yellowish tint to it though. Body woods good but not quite as good as USA. Came with sweet SKB case. Great finds on used market.

2008-2010 USA - regular trem, pickup rings, generally well made with good wood, one piece quartersawn neck with good fretwork, but not quite as nice as MIJ. Came with gig bag. Harder to find these days.

Custom - you'll get the best of the best, but each one very individual and you have to take a chance if ordering unseen. I had a nice 2010 Music Zoo matte black HS but I didn't bond with the slightly different neck profile they use for their runs.
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This is pretty accurate. I have had several and I think the Japan models have the best necks. I used steel wool to get the yellowish tint off and then they are killer. Rounded edges and great fretwork.
 
nigelpkay":1pcqzlq8 said:
This ones a tough one for the pro-mod line:

2016 MIM - recessed trem, added tone control and volume knob in better position. 2 piece neck that I didn't bond with, fretwork inconsistent, and the body wood didn't seem very good. I would avoid unless you find a good one.

2014-2015 MIM - recessed trem, but everything else like a USA Pro Mod. These are actually pretty decent if you find a good one that was lucky enough to get good body wood and fretwork.

2010-2012 MIJ - regular trem, direct mount pickups, stellar 1 piece quartersawn necks and fretboard has nice rolled edges, yellowish tint to it though. Body woods good but not quite as good as USA. Came with sweet SKB case. Great finds on used market.

2008-2010 USA - regular trem, pickup rings, generally well made with good wood, one piece quartersawn neck with good fretwork, but not quite as nice as MIJ. Came with gig bag. Harder to find these days.

Custom - you'll get the best of the best, but each one very individual and you have to take a chance if ordering unseen. I had a nice 2010 Music Zoo matte black HS but I didn't bond with the slightly different neck profile they use for their runs.
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Awesome nigelpkay! Thanks!

Didn't mention it but I don't want a pickguard and prefer regular Strat bodies.
 
Charvel Custom shop is way over priced. I'd try to find a MIJ or USA model. I have two MIM and the only thing I would change is the neck.
 
Viper":3muq2bl4 said:
Charvel Custom shop is way over priced. I'd try to find a MIJ or USA model. I have two MIM and the only thing I would change is the neck.
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Well, if your buying used you can find good deals on custom shop stuff. 12-1500 at times. I think that's decent.
 
Viper":1bm0h7iy said:
Charvel Custom shop is way over priced. I'd try to find a MIJ or USA model. I have two MIM and the only thing I would change is the neck.
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Worth every penny IMO!!! Buying used CS is definitely a better deal!!!
 
Racerxrated":2htrn5dp said:
Viper":2htrn5dp said:
Charvel Custom shop is way over priced. I'd try to find a MIJ or USA model. I have two MIM and the only thing I would change is the neck.
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Well, if your buying used you can find good deals on custom shop stuff. 12-1500 at times. I think that's decent.
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Exactly. I wouldn't say they are way overpriced new but used can be an absolute steal. I have a custom shop and it's truly a great guitar. Feels and plays amazing. Fit and finish is on point.
 
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