Is there any reason why I should not get this Charvel?

[maddnotez]

Yep ^^^

More than likely. I just thought it looked killer. Never thought I would want a black guitar again but the matching headstock, Ebony board and reps pups look killer.

 

[Zoso1973]

Yep ^^^

More than likely. I just thought it looked killer. Never thought I would want a black guitar again but the matching headstock, Ebony board and reps pups look killer.

if it was MINUS the middle pu and reverse headstock I would have ordered it already.

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

Yep ^^^

More than likely. I just thought it looked killer. Never thought I would want a black guitar again but the matching headstock, Ebony board and reps pups look killer.

It does look fucking killer.

 

[maddnotez]

I honestly don't think the glossy wear would bother me. Would make it a relic lol. But the MiA/MiM thing is bothering me. I emailed sweetwater to see if they can advise.

 

[glip22]

As long as you don't care about the shiny spots that will easily start to appear and are very visible.

Why and how? Something about the finish?

I had a Custom Shop Primer Scream in black Satin. Man that thing got shiny spots just looking at it. Black shows it the most.
Not everyone cares about that though but I get the feeling you do It's just the price you pay with a Satin finish. There is no way to get rid of the glossy spots once they are there aside from a respray. You can polish it to a gloss but it will look like shit. You will see some use steel wool to make it satin again. All that will do is make a million tiny scratches.
Look at the Knob and below the pickups. It has the same kind of spot where your arm rests. Doesnt take much to get this glossy effect. Not trying to deter you. Just wanted to be sure you know what you are getting into. Click the pic to blow it up

Thanks for the tip. And yeah where is this one made? Didn't see it anywhere.

USA Custom Shop
That's what makes me think it's a MIM.

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

I honestly don't think the glossy wear would bother me. Would make it a relic lol. But the MiA/MiM thing is bothering me. I emailed sweetwater to see if they can advise.

Yeah the eventual 'shining' up of the matte finish wouldn't bother me too. I buy guitars to play. Not to keep pristine in its case.

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

As long as you don't care about the shiny spots that will easily start to appear and are very visible.

Why and how? Something about the finish?

I had a Custom Shop Primer Scream in black Satin. Man that thing got shiny spots just looking at it. Black shows it the most.
Not everyone cares about that though but I get the feeling you do It's just the price you pay with a Satin finish. There is no way to get rid of the glossy spots once they are there aside from a respray. You can polish it to a gloss but it will look like shit. You will see some use steel wool to make it satin again. All that will do is make a million tiny scratches.
Look at the Knob and below the pickups. It has the same kind of spot where your arm rests. Doesnt take much to get this glossy effect. Not trying to deter you. Just wanted to be sure you know what you are getting into. Click the pic to blow it up

Thanks for the tip. And yeah where is this one made? Didn't see it anywhere.

USA Custom Shop
That's what makes me think it's a MIM.

We're not asking about your guitar. That we know is a CS. We're referring to guitar the OP wants to buy.

 

[gtrwun]

That guitar is cool, but i would have already ordered if it had cream rings and pickups. Sold in a minute. Red? Not so much. But im old

 

[Soulstealer]

It's MIM. $1099. I'm getting one. I've got two MIM Pro Mods already, and they rule. I honestly have no desire to spend 3x as much on a USA model.

 

[BYTOR]

Yeah sweet Charvel.....plus it has a sloped heel & the truss rod wheel

 

[Crunchity]

That does look nice with the matching headstock color (but my OCD radar is wondering now if all the MIM "Charvel" names are so close to the edge of the wood?)! I'm old skool, I'd eventually miss having the dot inlays. Like a few others, that middle pickup would bug me too lol, guess it's a good thing the OP doesn't mind them, cuz with these Charvels, you can only drop that middle pickup so far (and it's nowhere near sinking it down flush like a strat)...I have a custom shop San Dimas HSS and even with the middle dropped as far as it'll go (which aint that much unless you break out the chisel), it's still a minor problem/distraction with my picking.

Seems like a lot of guitar for the money tho! Good luck!

 

[NaturalBornBoy]

Yeah that middle pup would piss me off too. If I can't get it at least near flush to the body, no go for me.

 

[cardinal]

I wonder if regularly waxing the body with paste wax would keep it matte? The wax might be somewhat glossy, but it'd keep the finish under it from getting buffed to a gloss. Letting the wax sit a bit before buffing off the excess might keep it satin, and then you'd simply apply more wax if it starts to gloss up. But I'm not sure how quickly that would happen. And you'd want a wax without silicon additives, otherwise you'd never be able to refinish that guitar.

 

[maddnotez]

Interesting replies lol. Definitely a couple of reasons NOT to order one but I still like it.

So I have a few questions if you guys can help.

I do not know about Charvel Production. Is it all MIM and then Custom USA that would cost a few grand? OR are there lower to mid grade USA models out there as well?

I played a San Dimas back in 2009 when they were still new"ish" on the reissue and it was about the same price. Were those San Dimas MIM as well? I liked that guitar although it wasn't perfect and yes, I would rather buy a used one for $600 but I am not sure how "limited" this black one is and I like how it looks.

Of course, if I bought it and I did not gel I would just return it for an ESP or something.

 

[Intimidator333]

Looks dope dude! Go for it!

 

[rstites]

Yeah that middle pup would piss me off too. If I can't get it at least near flush to the body, no go for me.

Remove it. It'll look more metal with an open cavity in the middle!

 

[maddnotez]

It's MIM. $1099. I'm getting one. I've got two MIM Pro Mods already, and they rule. I honestly have no desire to spend 3x as much on a USA model.

What else can you say on the MIM production line?

This is really the only question I have left. Can anyone else chime in too?

Is MIM steller? Hit or miss?

Where was the 2009 ish San Dimas guitar made? I played one and liked it for what it was.

 

[Crunchity]

It's MIM. $1099. I'm getting one. I've got two MIM Pro Mods already, and they rule. I honestly have no desire to spend 3x as much on a USA model.

What else can you say on the MIM production line?

This is really the only question I have left. Can anyone else chime in too?

Is MIM steller? Hit or miss?

Where was the 2009 ish San Dimas guitar made? I played one and liked it for what it was.

I read online (so it must be true ) that the MIM charvels on average weighed a little less than their US and MIJ cousins - not sure how this could even be (specs are specs) or if that would affect tone in any way, just saying I read it a few times...and not knocking them, I've considered grabbing a MIM Dimas myself (some of the features are great imo and the color choices and nice too).

 

[maddnotez]

It's MIM. $1099. I'm getting one. I've got two MIM Pro Mods already, and they rule. I honestly have no desire to spend 3x as much on a USA model.

What else can you say on the MIM production line?

This is really the only question I have left. Can anyone else chime in too?

Is MIM steller? Hit or miss?

Where was the 2009 ish San Dimas guitar made? I played one and liked it for what it was.

I read online (so it must be true ) that the MIM charvels on average weighed a little less than their US and MIJ cousins - not sure how this could even be (specs are specs) or if that would affect tone in any way, just saying I read it a few times...and not knocking them, I've considered grabbing a MIM Dimas myself (some of the features are great imo and the color choices and nice too).

Wood from Mexico is lighter due to more sunlight and less humidity.



JK I have no idea why but I was more concerned with the overall quality.

Is MIM junk? Are they close to USA quality?

 

[JerEvil]

Man I had a US mad San Dimas from the first batch they did before going to Japan. It was nice but didn't knock my socks off. I sold it. I'd buy another used though. I think the MIM stuff is probably solid. If you are anywhere near where the EVH guitars are sold, try one. They are MIM as well and could give you a good idea. I think GC sells the Charvels as well so they may have some in stock.

Like you said, you can always return it. Seems like you have the means to make it happen and really dig it. That = BUY THAT BISH!!!!