80's superstrats

Re: 80's superstrats

Some ideas

Charvel 750xl 550xl
Charvel/jackson fusions

The 750XL is the Holy Grail of MIJ Charvels. The late, great Shawn Lane probably brought more fame to them than anyone else.

I have a 650 Custom, which is also Grail material, although it isn't an archtop like the 750. Love mine to death!

The OP could easily get a nice MIJ or USA Jackson Soloist for his generous budget. I always viewed the Soloist as the Alpha Male of the Shred Decade (still do, although there is much to be said for a nice high end bolt-on such as JEMS or RGs). You can get a VERY good shredder with long term appreciation material for ~$600; no need to spend $1,200. In the $500-600 range, my favorite is the Charvel 475 (I have two of them, one since 1992, longest I've owned any guitar!). This would be the smart route if value is a concern, and leaves room for effects, etc. The various Charvel and Jackson Fusion series are killers, although my fingers are much happier up top with the extra room of the 25.5" scale rather than 24.75".

The early '90s Ibanez RG series come in a close second to Jackson-Charvel for me, especially the mighty RG770, and major props to the RG550.
 
Re: 80's superstrats

Really it boils down to your preference in body style and number of frets, as well as whether you prefer a top-mount or recessed Floyd (if at all). The Kramer body has those deeper cuts on the sides, which is very different from the typical Charvel "Strat" shape (Pro Mod, etc) or the Jackson Dinky/Soloist, which is not as large as a Strat body.

The main difference you find with the Charvel Model 6 and Charvel 650 is the neck profile: the Model 6 was more rounded, like any other Charvel neck of the time, but the 650 was given the "flat spot" neck profile that most Jacksons of the time had, and most still do.

Depending on your level of fandom for EVH, you could easily pick up one of the EVH Striped Series models within that budget.

You might also be interested in the return of the USA Charvel Pro Mods, or even the originals from 2008.

I've been a Jackson zealot since the early 2000s so I can't comment on anything made by anyone else since then, other than the pair of USA Gibson Faded Vs I had for a very short time. I also cannot in good conscience recommend anything with an Ibanez logo on it due to a poor experience with the company.
 
Re: 80's superstrats

Dude if you look around you might be able to find a nice Valley Arts guitar. They're a nice 80's throwback and really nice too. I used to have a nice sunburst one which I regret selling.
 
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