Back in 87-88 I wanted a Model 6 (black cherry) more than anything (except a soloist). That was like the grail to me (I never played one, just had those glorious catalogs). Actually, I really wanted a Soloist, but the 6 was similar yet more affordable.. I have a model 4 that I really like, but recently experienced how awesome the sustain and playability of a neck thru can be and so Im back to wondering if the 6 would be killer. How are they and how do they really compare to the soloists of the day?? Thanks
Charvel model 6 question
- Thread starter BloodRose
- Start date
Pierre
Stratologist
Re: Charvel model 6 question
haha I had to setup one just yesterday
I have a M4 also.
My M4 sounds great and sustains for ages. Mostly the difference in neck joints is in attack. In set neck the attack is slower. Much more snap in a bolt on, to some people it translates in a more aggressive sound. With set necks and neck throughs the attack is slower, the note peaks after the initial pick. The sound seems smoother.
Playability depends on how it's setup. The neck joint is also a big factor but to me that's not a playability issue, but a guitar design feat.
I love my M4 and I never regretted having it over as M6. I would love an M6 with a non blocked wigglestick for fun and giggles though.
haha I had to setup one just yesterday
I have a M4 also.
My M4 sounds great and sustains for ages. Mostly the difference in neck joints is in attack. In set neck the attack is slower. Much more snap in a bolt on, to some people it translates in a more aggressive sound. With set necks and neck throughs the attack is slower, the note peaks after the initial pick. The sound seems smoother.
Playability depends on how it's setup. The neck joint is also a big factor but to me that's not a playability issue, but a guitar design feat.
I love my M4 and I never regretted having it over as M6. I would love an M6 with a non blocked wigglestick for fun and giggles though.
75lespaul
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
My buddy has a model 5 that he bought brand new in the 80s and except for the fact that the strings are about ten years old, it plays like a dream. If I'm not mistaken, the model five and six are the same guitar except the 5 is double humbucker and the six is s/s/h (my preferred configuration). It sustains like a dream and I love the wide flat neck. String tension is very easy and it just feels like quality when you pick it up. That's my impression anyway. His Charvel is the reason I got my Jacksons and Charvel a few years back when I had CASH! :banghead: Now they're all gone. I think the model 5 and 6 are the hardest ones to come by. I don't know if it's because they were more expensive new and they sold less or if people just keep them becuase the rule!
My buddy has a model 5 that he bought brand new in the 80s and except for the fact that the strings are about ten years old, it plays like a dream. If I'm not mistaken, the model five and six are the same guitar except the 5 is double humbucker and the six is s/s/h (my preferred configuration). It sustains like a dream and I love the wide flat neck. String tension is very easy and it just feels like quality when you pick it up. That's my impression anyway. His Charvel is the reason I got my Jacksons and Charvel a few years back when I had CASH! :banghead: Now they're all gone. I think the model 5 and 6 are the hardest ones to come by. I don't know if it's because they were more expensive new and they sold less or if people just keep them becuase the rule!
Pierre
Stratologist
Re: Charvel model 6 question
The 5 has no binding/sharkies and no active electronics. Otherwise they're pretty similar. There was a 5a with single bucker and 5fx with bucker/slanted single I think...
They're not particularly rare. I never saw more bolt ons (1, 2, 3, 4) than neck throughs (5, 6).
The 5 has no binding/sharkies and no active electronics. Otherwise they're pretty similar. There was a 5a with single bucker and 5fx with bucker/slanted single I think...
They're not particularly rare. I never saw more bolt ons (1, 2, 3, 4) than neck throughs (5, 6).
DrNewcenstein
He Did the Monster Mash
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Charvel 6s are great, but the USA Soloists of the time were far better. You don't get into "just like the USA model" until the 1990 Soloist Pro, when they were using the same components on both. Granted the 6 (guitar logo) and 650 (script logo) did eventually become the Soloist Pro, but there were a few more design changes than just the logo.
The 6/650 has a rounder neck profile than the SL Pro, more like a Charvel neck. Jackson was always more about the "flat spot" neck profile, where there's a noticeably flatter spot from nut to heel in the center of the neck.
I've had a 6, a 650, and a SL Pro and I did prefer the Charvel, but mostly for the rosewood board.
Charvel 6s are great, but the USA Soloists of the time were far better. You don't get into "just like the USA model" until the 1990 Soloist Pro, when they were using the same components on both. Granted the 6 (guitar logo) and 650 (script logo) did eventually become the Soloist Pro, but there were a few more design changes than just the logo.
The 6/650 has a rounder neck profile than the SL Pro, more like a Charvel neck. Jackson was always more about the "flat spot" neck profile, where there's a noticeably flatter spot from nut to heel in the center of the neck.
I've had a 6, a 650, and a SL Pro and I did prefer the Charvel, but mostly for the rosewood board.
kherman
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
The only thing I didn't like about that era of Charvel was that the locking nut was behind the regular nut.
I would say look for a used 650XL or a Jackson Soloist Pro XL.
Other used neck thrus to consider.
Kramer American Stagemaster.
Carvin DC.
Ibanez RGT320 or RGT3020 or RGT3120.
ESP MII Deluxe or Horizon.
Yamaha Pacifica 1200 series, RGX 1200 series, or SE 1200 series.
Peavey Destiny (Don't laugh. They're nice).
Hamer Californian (actually a set neck).
Oh, one more thing.
Carvin did bring back the "ST" body as an actual model. The ST300.
I should have mine (with pointy headstock) at the middle or end of August.
A few examples from the Carvin forum.
The only thing I didn't like about that era of Charvel was that the locking nut was behind the regular nut.
I would say look for a used 650XL or a Jackson Soloist Pro XL.
Other used neck thrus to consider.
Kramer American Stagemaster.
Carvin DC.
Ibanez RGT320 or RGT3020 or RGT3120.
ESP MII Deluxe or Horizon.
Yamaha Pacifica 1200 series, RGX 1200 series, or SE 1200 series.
Peavey Destiny (Don't laugh. They're nice).
Hamer Californian (actually a set neck).
Oh, one more thing.
Carvin did bring back the "ST" body as an actual model. The ST300.
I should have mine (with pointy headstock) at the middle or end of August.
A few examples from the Carvin forum.
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Re: Charvel model 6 question
DocNewc, Thats what I was looking for! Thanks!
Kherman, yeah I love the reissue body on the Carvins and the pointy headstock option!! That blue one is hot! I just picked up a Kramer Bluesbreaker model which is the Japanese issue of a Stagemaster. Same guitar, just doesnt say American on the headstock.. I absolutely LOVE it! Plays unreal and the sustain is killer for a Floyd axe. So, now its really got me curious about the Soloist and model 6 since I wanted those so much back in the day..
Also wondering about that blue Edwards too! (or LTD EC1000) I just cant go a grand..
DocNewc, Thats what I was looking for! Thanks!
Kherman, yeah I love the reissue body on the Carvins and the pointy headstock option!! That blue one is hot! I just picked up a Kramer Bluesbreaker model which is the Japanese issue of a Stagemaster. Same guitar, just doesnt say American on the headstock.. I absolutely LOVE it! Plays unreal and the sustain is killer for a Floyd axe. So, now its really got me curious about the Soloist and model 6 since I wanted those so much back in the day..
Also wondering about that blue Edwards too! (or LTD EC1000) I just cant go a grand..
pinto79
New member
75lespaul
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Actually, his does have binding on the neck, shark fins and active pickups. No binding on the body.
Actually, his does have binding on the neck, shark fins and active pickups. No binding on the body.
75lespaul
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Okay, I haven't seen the guitar in about a year, but I'm very familiar with it. I may be mistaken about the shark fins, but I don't think I am about the binding, and I know it has active humbuckers. Now I have to ask him to veryify this just so I know I'm not nuts, ha ha.
^^ then it´s probably a model 6
Okay, I haven't seen the guitar in about a year, but I'm very familiar with it. I may be mistaken about the shark fins, but I don't think I am about the binding, and I know it has active humbuckers. Now I have to ask him to veryify this just so I know I'm not nuts, ha ha.
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Correct! But, I chuckle cuz EVERY Ebay listing Ive ever read says active pickups.. haha
Correct! But, I chuckle cuz EVERY Ebay listing Ive ever read says active pickups.. haha
Uk Ant
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Is that the same oddball circuit that was in the SP3 spectrum things?
Those were nice guitars, but slightly barking cosmetically but the electronics were kinda fun
Is that the same oddball circuit that was in the SP3 spectrum things?
Those were nice guitars, but slightly barking cosmetically but the electronics were kinda fun
75lespaul
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
I thought a battery meant the pickups were active? That's how the salesman presented it to him when he got it. So this is still a battery powered option, but it is a midboost? You learn something every day. I don't think too many people are aware of that, that's why you see the description as active in ads.
I thought a battery meant the pickups were active? That's how the salesman presented it to him when he got it. So this is still a battery powered option, but it is a midboost? You learn something every day. I don't think too many people are aware of that, that's why you see the description as active in ads.
Re: Charvel model 6 question
Yeah, the pickups themselves were passive and IMO, kinda bland.. The battery runs the midboost circuit
Yeah, the pickups themselves were passive and IMO, kinda bland.. The battery runs the midboost circuit
dsileck
New member
Re: Charvel model 6 question
I have a solid 87 Model 6 that I completely updated. Had stainless frets installed, pulled the old JT-6 for a Floyd with titanium block and new Kahler nut. Then I gutted the cavity since my RTM didn't mesh with the boost. I added two stk-4's and the RTM with an EMG afterburner instead of the mid boost. The results are simply amazing.
I have a solid 87 Model 6 that I completely updated. Had stainless frets installed, pulled the old JT-6 for a Floyd with titanium block and new Kahler nut. Then I gutted the cavity since my RTM didn't mesh with the boost. I added two stk-4's and the RTM with an EMG afterburner instead of the mid boost. The results are simply amazing.
kramersteen
PowerMetalRaph
Re: Charvel model 6 question
the 550 xl is where its at.
the 550 xl is where its at.
