PDA

View Full Version : Charvel Model 6-bought a black one!



oldguy
February 10th, 2008, 10:11 AM
I bought this from an inspector on our construction site. He'd mentioned a year ago he'd like to sell it, but at the time we couldn't agree on a price. I got a call last week.... he wanted to sell.....right away.
He'd also never learned to play, so he had put the guitar in one of those outdoor rent-a-storage places!!! It needed TLC, and soon. After I'd checked it over, I bought it, then brought it home and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening cleaning, polishing, etc. It was a mess. The strings were coated w/ rust, the floyd was WAY off, as in sitting at about a 45 degree angle to the body, the mid boost pot was frozen solid, the frets had green "gunk" built up on them, fingerboard was filthy and needed oiled. I think it cleaned up great, hardly a blemish on it, plays wonderful now, nice low action (and I can now set a floyd up....talk about a learning experience!), so I thought I'd post pics in honor of Marnold's B-day.



http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af1e2111b1c.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=242)

http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af1e237a152.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=244)

http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af1a676ee3c.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=240)

Katastrophe
February 10th, 2008, 10:15 AM
Sweet guitar, oldguy! Now you have to plug 'er in to the SoCal, crank it, select your favorite '80s metal tune, and let 'er RIP!:rockon:

Spudman
February 10th, 2008, 10:33 AM
Score! Shred on Obiwan. :rockon:

sunvalleylaw
February 10th, 2008, 10:34 AM
Cool! :bravo: But when I click on the top two images, it says I don't have permission. Have i been grounded? ;-) (EDIT: Weird, now it works.)

That is from the late 80s, yes? This touches on the topic of what is vintage. This is a pretty unique piece so I wonder if it might qualify. Bet it is fun regardless. :AOK:

So I want to hear some OG shredding here soon for sure!

Big K
February 10th, 2008, 10:41 AM
:bravo: :bravo: :bravo:

oldguy
February 10th, 2008, 10:53 AM
Cool! But when I click on the top two images, it says I don't have permission. Have i been grounded? ;-)

That is from the late 80s, yes? This touches on the topic of what is vintage. This is a pretty unique piece so I wonder if it might qualify. Bet it is fun regardless.

Sorry, sunvalley, I'm always forgetting to hit the "set public" button when I put pics on. Should work now.
Haven't check specs yet, but this should be around mid-80's. What I notice about it is the attention to detail..... it's very good overall. I did notice the wiring and pots were just average, I de-soldered and removed the mid-boost pot to free it up, I was surprised some tuner/cleaner and lots of turning fixed it. The Model 6 was built in Japan, and was supposedly Charvel's version of Jackson's Soloist, tho I suspect the Jacksons used better components. The Jackson/Floyd is top notch on this, tho, well built and works flawlessly (once I finally got it set up).
The action and playability are really good, tho a pro tech guy could no doubt get it better, but it's definitely fun. It doesn't qualify as "vintage", IMO, tho.

Guitar Gal
February 10th, 2008, 11:14 AM
Very nice OG :AOK: Looks like you did a great job of cleaning and setting it up.

Looking forward to seeing and hearing vids with your new baby :rockon:

GG

warren0728
February 10th, 2008, 11:35 AM
congrats og....saved a nice guitar from the brink of death :bravo: :beer:

ww

Adrian30
February 10th, 2008, 11:50 AM
It's a beautiful guitar, OG. Congrats!

just strum
February 10th, 2008, 12:28 PM
Very nice OG, you did an nice job of cleaning it up - looks sweet. I hope we get to hear it soon.

Now what's this talk about shredding? Next thing you know Robert will want to hook up with you and want to demonstrate some of his shredding technique. :D

oldguy
February 10th, 2008, 12:52 PM
Very nice OG, you did an nice job of cleaning it up - looks sweet. I hope we get to hear it soon.

Now what's this talk about shredding? Next thing you know Robert will want to hook up with you an want to demonstrate some of his shredding technique. :D

While this may be a shredder's guitar, this is no shredder.....believe me, I have neither the speed nor the expertise........ :confused:
Now, if Robert wants to come spend a few days, we will make up the spare bedroom and I'll be happy to video his shred-tastic licks for all. :D
I will record something when I get some time, but it won't be shredding.:nono: I'll try something Marnold wouldn't be too ashamed of me for, though.
Right now I'm working on another abandoned waif of a guitar, and I'm afraid this one didn't fare as well........it's....uh........"naturally relic'd", I'm not sure it'll survive the cleaning process, but we'll see.
Thanks for all the nice comments on the Charvel. It really looks better than my pics show. It's hard to photograph a black guitar, and my pics were fuzzy.

kerc
February 10th, 2008, 01:55 PM
That's a great rocker. Cool!

oldguy
February 10th, 2008, 04:49 PM
I took these after messing w/ the wife's camera and learning how to use it better. More detail and a better idea of the actual colors.


Zero fret wear that I can find anywhere.

http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79def00b4.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=250)


Nice low action, binding has aged nicely to a yellow color.

http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79ddd309f.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=249)

Finish is still mirrorlike (that surprised me, after it being stored in a tin rental).


http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79dcb2e0d.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=248)

None of the hardware is oxidized/rusted. Another surprise......


http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79db96199.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=247)

oldguy
February 10th, 2008, 04:55 PM
Top RH pic shows the most common ding I find on these........ there's a tiny spot nicked off the very tip of the pointy headstock.... someone nearly always seems to bump the very corner, and this one's no exception.
Again, the shots of the Floyd/Jackson trem unit show no rust..... hmmm.....maybe those outdoor storage units are better than I give them credit for........
The middle RH pic shows the almost mirror-like reflection of the trem's fine tuners in the finish.......the lower RH pic shows the Jackson tuners, which are tight, smooth, and work great!




http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79da74f65.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=246)http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af79d92cbc2.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=245)http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af7b8d9fe48.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=251)http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af7b8ec37d0.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=252)http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af7b8fe07e7.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=253)http://www.thefret.net/imagehosting/thum_11547af7b9139ef1.jpg (http://www.thefret.net/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=254)

kerc
February 10th, 2008, 05:21 PM
The aged binding makes it look even more classy. :beer:

sunvalleylaw
February 10th, 2008, 05:43 PM
Yeah, it looks really, really NICE! That is great OG! Good for you.

mrmudcat
February 10th, 2008, 11:31 PM
Another fine example rescued from guitar hell!!!:rockon:

oldguy
February 11th, 2008, 12:33 AM
Another fine example rescued from guitar hell!!!:rockon:


Thanks, mudcat...... I haven't seen one with this potential for a long time, otherwise I would've passed......

mrmudcat
February 11th, 2008, 01:11 AM
That awesome binding looks to be authentically aged as opposed to the new guitars with the fake looking binding. What is your opinion brother?:poke:

oldguy
February 11th, 2008, 02:17 AM
That awesome binding looks to be authentically aged as opposed to the new guitars with the fake looking binding. What is your opinion brother?:poke:


I like it. :D
@ 1:11 and 1:12, I like it alot!!:bravo: :bravo:
(That's AM, btw....:pancake: )
:poke:

SuperSwede
February 11th, 2008, 02:36 AM
Oldguy, fantastic looking guitar! Marnold will be proud of you :)

oldguy
February 11th, 2008, 02:46 AM
I sure hope so, I have to try and learn a new song now, and I don't think Matt's even seen this thread yet!!!:thwap: :thwap:

SuperSwede
February 11th, 2008, 03:00 AM
I sure hope so, I have to try and learn a new song now

Dont worry Oldguy..

Mr. Johann Sebastian Bach will explain how it works:

There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.

Katastrophe
February 11th, 2008, 06:21 AM
I sure hope so, I have to try and learn a new song now, and I don't think Matt's even seen this thread yet!!!:thwap: :thwap:


Make it a selection off of any Dokken album! He'll be able to sniff out this thread for sure if you post a clip.:D

wingsdad
February 11th, 2008, 08:09 AM
Nice catch, and great application of TLC, OG :AOK:

Curious...do you happen to know how old this black beauty is? Have you tried checking the serial number out? The cross-breeding of Charvel & Jackson lasted only briefly. Some were made in USA (Charvel: DFW, Texas; Jackson: San Dimas, CA). Then it was off to Korea...

duhvoodooman
February 11th, 2008, 08:21 AM
Whoa, how did I miss this one yesterday? Nice snag there, OG! :AOK: :rockon:

Of course, we expect one (or more!) of your inimitable video clips forthwith! :poke: :D

Brian Krashpad
February 11th, 2008, 11:47 AM
Congrats!

oldguy
February 11th, 2008, 01:36 PM
Nice catch, and great application of TLC, OG :AOK:

Curious...do you happen to know how old this black beauty is? Have you tried checking the serial number out? The cross-breeding of Charvel & Jackson lasted only briefly. Some were made in USA (Charvel: DFW, Texas; Jackson: San Dimas, CA). Then it was off to Korea...

Wingsdad,
Yes, I now have some info on my guitar. Once again, I must say "Thank you, Marnold!" Our friend Marnold has, on more than one occasion mentioned the Jackson Charvel Forum, and there's lots of info there if you dig long enough.
It seems there were U.S. made Jacksons and Charvels, and import Jacksons and Charvels. The Japanese built models were known for their quality in the day (as were the MIJ Fenders of that era).

The model 6 I have, according to the serial #, appears to be a 1987 model, built in Japan, rather than Korea.
This is according to a thread I found at the JCF..

A quote from a member........

"This is the information I've found, which I'm trying to confirm. From 1986 to 1994, Jackson had a contract with a company called Kyowa-Shokai, which used its factory Chu Shin Gakki in Nagano to build these Charvels and Jacksons. I know that both the Ibanez's that I own and my 1985 Fender Jap Strat were made by Fujigen Gakki - which is also in Nagano Japan. All the information I've been able to find supports that Jackson contracted to have guitars built by Chu Shin Gakki from 1986 to 1994."

and a follow up from another....

"Some say that Jackson owned the Japanese facility and still do, but it’s safe to say that today, the Chushin Musical Instruments company makes guitars for the American Jackson Guitars company exclusively and that includes the import Jackson and Charvel guitars and the Jackson Stars Series, where the latter is made for the Japanese market only."

Note the inclusion of Charvel guitars above. Jackson Guitars would not confirm that they own or did own the Chushin Gakki factory. They just stated the above, which is evasive and clearly points to the sub-contractor "theory".

To answer the Subject: Which Japanese Factory Built the Model Series Charvels? To the best of my knowledge, Chushin Gakki did. Subcontracted by the trading company Kyowa-Shokai. Ordered by Grover Jackson.

Algonquin
February 11th, 2008, 01:48 PM
The new axe looks great Glenn. Looking forward to seeing you play it on the 'Tube'.

Cheers! :beer:

David

Tone2TheBone
February 11th, 2008, 03:30 PM
The new axe looks great Glenn. Looking forward to seeing you play it on the 'Tube'.

Cheers! :beer:

David


Ditto. And I too noticed that nice amber tinting on the binding. Great catch buddy.

marnold
February 11th, 2008, 05:04 PM
Here I am! I was gone yesterday and today. Plus my Internet went wonky before I left. Anyway, that is a VERY nice guitar. If I could find one just like it with the firecrackle finish I would be SO all over it. The "Model" series were all made in Japan from mid to late 80s. You can tell it's one of the Model series by the guitar-shaped logo. Later Japanese Charvels switched to the Jackson-esque "toothpaste" logo.

I really liked my Model 7, but it really required far more work that I had the time/patience/willingness to put into it to restore it.

oldguy
February 11th, 2008, 05:13 PM
Marnold!! There you are!
I put the very 1st post about this Charvel under your Happy Birthday thread, 'cuz all the JCF site stuff you pointed us to, helped me make the right choice.
:rockon: !

M29
February 11th, 2008, 06:08 PM
Sweet Sweet Sweet:rockon: I wants to play it:D

M29

Jimi75
February 13th, 2008, 02:05 AM
Hello OG,

I only saw it now that you bought that guitar. Charvel is a great company and it is a pitty that Fender bought them and now more or less only sells the Van Halen model.

Congrats on that guitar, it is a real rock monster. My ESP Mirage is of the same "breed" and sometimes it is verey releasing playing a smaller neck.

Have fun with that one, I bet this guitar will open some new doors for ya and I am looking forward to seeing some new videos of yours playing that baby!

Rock on my friend
Jimi
:AOK: