Can anyone tell me the Charvel story?

[Zerberus]

Re: Can anyone tell me the Charvel story?

I've read that Grover Jackson bought Charvel in the late 70's and up to
that time, Wayne Charvels routing machines hadn't been used once.

This is correct, the two Onsrud pin routers were never used until after Grover had purchased the company. The Bits were used, 1/2" Vortex models which the Travis Bean company had given their friend Grover and Wayne (for which Grover can be grateful). This was in ´77

Grover Purchased the company on Nov 10th, 1978, at which time Wayne left. Sometime before IIRC Summer NAMM ´79 the Onsruds came to life. Until that time, Charvel had never produced a single neck or body, but was sourcing parts from other manufacturers (most notably Boogie Bodies).

As much as this will hurt some to hear, this means that a "Wayne Charvel made Charvel" effectively does not exist... "Wayne Charvel assembled", maybe. But 99% of the prepros and ALL of the Original San Dimas instruments are, for all purposes, Jacksons with Charvel Logos and plates

 

[DeanSweden]

Re: Can anyone tell me the Charvel story?

As much as this will hurt some to hear, this means that a "Wayne Charvel made Charvel" effectively does not exist... "Wayne Charvel assembled", maybe. But 99% of the prepros and ALL of the Original San Dimas instruments are, for all purposes, Jacksons with Charvel Logos and plates

that's my point

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Can anyone tell me the Charvel story?

On my old post in this thread, I mentioned that my 81's neck was 12" radius throughout. I have since verified that it's actually 12-16" compound radius. I believe this was the sercet behind these early strat head guitars playing so fine.

Chavel logos with pointy headstocks began in 83. The 81's and the 82's had strat heads. Most 82's had dark fingerboards, and most 81's and earlier had all maple necks. I believe there's many exceptions though. Painted headstocks were the norm too, after the year 1980. Almost every 83 I have enccountered had rosewood slab fingerboards and HUGE frets. The change of the home office headquarters, and the move from San Dimas occured in late 85 or early 86.