California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

[firedemoncreep]

I recently traded a reissued Danelectro U2 for a San Dimas made Charvel Star. I'm not much of a guitar player but I do enjoy wood working and refurbishing. The Charvel wasn't in the worst shape but most certainly has seen better days. I'm planning on stripping off the finish and adding a veneer.
The original owner sanded off the paint and did a horrible job. He left major scratches all over the body and even went as far as to lacquer the neck when finishing.
I understand the value of this guitar. Not only is it American made, it's also made in my home state of California. It also have a Fender-style pre-lawsuit headstock. The guitar has some monetary value but lets be honest even in perfect condition there are very few that would spend the money.
So what's the dilemma???
It has an EMG 60 humbucker and I want that gone. Considering that it only has a single humberbuck with only volume; what would you put on this guitar? I was thinking a Dimebucker but the only thing I know about them are what I've seen on YouTube and everyone who spends the money never have anything bad to say. I guess no one ever comes out with "what a rip! I feel like a sucker!"

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

If it were mine, knowing most people put JB's in them in the 80's, I'd use it as an opportunity to install a modern version like the Perpetual Burn or CS DiMartini model if you don't mind spending more..... plus you can recoup a few bucks by selling the EMG.


The C/59 Hybrid or Custom 5 would also sound good.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

*shreiks like a little girl*

RTM.

 

[muttznmongrelz]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

*shreiks like a little girl*

RTM.

Agreed...with that Maple Board - RTM TB!!! Cool Guitar btw.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

i want that more than anything right now.

 

[firedemoncreep]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

I know it's a hell of a project but "may God help the cowards for cowardness is its own punishment".

 

[kramersteen]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

It needs a vintage Dimarzio super distortion double creme.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Also a plain solid colour finish.

If it was mine i would be aiming to get it looking as original as possible.

They look nice in white with the maple fretboard and a creme pup. :friday:

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Awesome find man! Would love to have a Charvel Star someday.

I love the Dimebucker–have said many times how underrated it is–I seriously think the name throws many people off.

I think a Screamin Demon or a JB should be considered. Another awesome pickup that really sounds amazing with a Maple neck is the Motor City 2nd Degree Black Belt.


EDIT: I do think white would be a good choice here or the checkered pattern to match the headstock. Wayne guitars (Wayne Charvel's current company run mainly by his son Michael) offers similar paint jobs and I know in the past they've refurbished old San Dimas guitars.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Yum.

EMG 85.

:headbang:

 

[Demanic]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Black Winter or Alternative 8.

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[jtougas]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

I'll second the JB, the 59/C Hybrid... and restoring it to the checkerboard finish.

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

The guitar has some monetary value but lets be honest even in perfect condition there are very few that would spend the money.

You could not be more wrong on that one!

Thing has me drooling for sure. Looks to be an '81 as far as I can tell. Would definitely re-fin (maybe even to match the headstock) and would stick a JB or CS model in there as Gearjonser suggested.

Would love to see if there's any writing left on the neck heel as well.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Didn't really see anything about what sort of tone you're looking for. But since you mentioned the Dime, thatd be a good place to start. Or with the Lawrence X500L or X500XL

It needs a vintage Dimarzio super distortion double creme.

Or this

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

EVH pickup used in the Striped Series Star.

You might also like the 85 if you add a tone knob and use it.

Have it refinished like Akira's Red Star.

Value is pretty much tanked due to the strip. Most "collectors" will factor in what it will cost them to have it "restored" to what they think it should be to the selling/asking price.


And you traded a Made In Korea Dano U2 for that? Total win.

5-digit serial, too. Most had 4.

Take off the neck and see what's written on the heel and pocket. Is there an ink stamp in the trem cavity?

 

[Demanic]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Or a Lace Deathbucker.

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[BTMN]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Nice score! That may even be an Old Mighty Mite(Pre-Charvel days) body with a Charvel neck and plate. I have a '79-'80 Mighty Mite Star that is REAL similar.

 

[esandes]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

JB. it does it all and cleans up perfectly with lower guitar volumes.

 

[Demanic]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

Or maybe a Fluence of some sort.

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[ChAoZ]

Re: California Charvel Star ***Humbucker Suggestion Requested***

I have a Duncan Distortion in my Chris Holmes replica, it nails 80's hair metal tones, I have strings on it now too