ColonPowell
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
So...how does it sound?
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
So...how does it sound?
Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
- Thread starter XSSIVE
- Start date
SAVAGE DISTORTION
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
these schaller's with the large barrel shaped saddle lock screws have a overall warmer tone than the OFR, i dont know if it is the metal used or what?
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
^ he's got it!
this is a schaller floyd...very different than an OFR which is made by schaller.
OFR can be seen next to the korean floyd in my pics.
-Mike
these schaller's with the large barrel shaped saddle lock screws have a overall warmer tone than the OFR, i dont know if it is the metal used or what?
KeeperOS
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Erm, I knew all that, in fact my shredder axe had a Schaller Floyd copy (as in, the Floyd they copied was the Schaller instead of the OFR :9
. Now it has the Gotoh which I like better than both the OFR and the Schaller 
What I asked was, did Schaller build the OFR for Floyd Rose from day one or did they pick up the manufacture at some point and, if so, how does a Schaller-made OFR compare to a pre-Schaller OFR?
And, BTW, right now I'll have to agree with Mr John Suhr when he says that today's OFR isn't nearly as good as that of 5-10 years ago so, let's compare it to the "good" Schaller-made OFRs
...
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Erm, I knew all that, in fact my shredder axe had a Schaller Floyd copy (as in, the Floyd they copied was the Schaller instead of the OFR :9
. Now it has the Gotoh which I like better than both the OFR and the Schaller What I asked was, did Schaller build the OFR for Floyd Rose from day one or did they pick up the manufacture at some point and, if so, how does a Schaller-made OFR compare to a pre-Schaller OFR?
And, BTW, right now I'll have to agree with Mr John Suhr when he says that today's OFR isn't nearly as good as that of 5-10 years ago so, let's compare it to the "good" Schaller-made OFRs
...
KeeperOS
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Yeah, I think they used brass parts instead of steel parts.
Not sure though so take it with a grain of salt...
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Yeah, I think they used brass parts instead of steel parts.
Not sure though so take it with a grain of salt...
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
na it's to do with the Schaller FR base plate design being a "pot molded metal" which is much softer... they use steel inserts so it can stand the abuse on the posts
the Schaller FRO base plate is hardened steel which is brighter
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
na it's to do with the Schaller FR base plate design being a "pot molded metal" which is much softer... they use steel inserts so it can stand the abuse on the posts
the Schaller FRO base plate is hardened steel which is brighter
ColonPowell
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
I also agree with John Suhr 100%. OFRs have gone downhill for awhile, and pretty much took a nosedive in the last 2 years. I had to throw one away in 06, the metal was so soft, the knife edges were toast in 3 weeks (BRAND NEW Floyd). The Schaller children have taken over production in Germany of late, resulting in poor quality of everything across the board. I'll betcha these imports, Korea/China/Wherever are as good if not better than current OFRs from Schaller Germany. If all these new Charvels need is a little spitshine taken to them, I may just go grab one for fun! :bigthumb:And, BTW, right now I'll have to agree with Mr John Suhr when he says that today's OFR isn't nearly as good as that of 5-10 years ago so, let's compare it to the "good" Schaller-made OFRs
Vasshu the humanoid typhoon
Unseen
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Way cool review!!!
The Schaller Floyd was born as Floyd II in the days....and later on lived a licensed life from Schaller among others....
The only Floyds I am bying these days are Gotohs, or old 80s Floyds without the bloody new arm...hate those!
Love the depth of this stuff you man, just like your other work....great attention to detail and telling it like it is!
***** 5 Stars review indeed!
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Way cool review!!!
The Schaller Floyd was born as Floyd II in the days....and later on lived a licensed life from Schaller among others....
The only Floyds I am bying these days are Gotohs, or old 80s Floyds without the bloody new arm...hate those!
Love the depth of this stuff you man, just like your other work....great attention to detail and telling it like it is!
***** 5 Stars review indeed!
jmh151
Active member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Usually, you could get an well used '80's OFR off Ebay that was still in workable condition, little to no knife edge wear- even though the plating might be worn off it.
Last year I picked up a Floyd Rose Pro off ebay- same Schaller made stuff. When it arrived, the knife edges were SEVERELY worn, as if someone took a dremel and grinded them away- which woud be impossible if it was the same old hardened steel they always used.
I called up Floyd Rose, they were shocked, but nicely agreed to sell me a new baseplate.
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Usually, you could get an well used '80's OFR off Ebay that was still in workable condition, little to no knife edge wear- even though the plating might be worn off it.
Last year I picked up a Floyd Rose Pro off ebay- same Schaller made stuff. When it arrived, the knife edges were SEVERELY worn, as if someone took a dremel and grinded them away- which woud be impossible if it was the same old hardened steel they always used.
I called up Floyd Rose, they were shocked, but nicely agreed to sell me a new baseplate.
jhale667
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
First of all, EXCELLENT review. I agree with those who suggested you may want to consider doing that professionally. If these production models are indeed on a a par with the original Model series, no one should be surprised a few tweaks are necessary.
And to compare it to a custom shop offering, as some have done, is kind of silly. If you go in expecting THAT level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, you're bound to be disappointed.
I'm even more interested to try one of these based on Mike's review...though I'd still probably end up changing out the neck for an R5-width Musikraft version...and the man-meat tuners would have to go, agreed :doh:...that was one of the first things I thought to myself when I saw them the first time. They're just not Charvel-correct, and stand out like a sore thumb...and those knobs they're using...yuck. Also agree somebody must've got a bulk deal on those monstrosities...:34:
Good to know they'll do that! Though I've been having good luck with Ebay Floyds...
Oh, and thanks for the closeups of the Korean(?) Floyd vs. the OFR...there ARE all kinds of subtle differences to the baseplate if you look, for example the string-lock slots on the cheaper version are rounded at the top as opposed to squared, and those saddles actually look just like some Mighty-Mite replacements I got recently, which is interesting...
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
First of all, EXCELLENT review. I agree with those who suggested you may want to consider doing that professionally.
If these production models are indeed on a a par with the original Model series, no one should be surprised a few tweaks are necessary.And to compare it to a custom shop offering, as some have done, is kind of silly. If you go in expecting THAT level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, you're bound to be disappointed.
I'm even more interested to try one of these based on Mike's review...though I'd still probably end up changing out the neck for an R5-width Musikraft version...and the man-meat tuners would have to go, agreed :doh:...that was one of the first things I thought to myself when I saw them the first time. They're just not Charvel-correct, and stand out like a sore thumb...and those knobs they're using...yuck. Also agree somebody must've got a bulk deal on those monstrosities...:34:
Good to know they'll do that!
Though I've been having good luck with Ebay Floyds...Oh, and thanks for the closeups of the Korean(?) Floyd vs. the OFR...there ARE all kinds of subtle differences to the baseplate if you look, for example the string-lock slots on the cheaper version are rounded at the top as opposed to squared, and those saddles actually look just like some Mighty-Mite replacements I got recently, which is interesting...
Last edited:
XSSIVE
OCDologist
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
thanks fothe kind words on the review guys.
as for the floyds, yeah i agree with Suhr too that the OFR is slipping and the GOTOH is the current best made one. for me though i'm not giving up on the OFR just yet. since i don't build guitars in bulk like Suhr i can get away with filing nuts level, tearing downt he floyd cleaning and rebuilding it to make sure everything is tight and filing and burs off the saddles and nut slots. i haven't had any problems withe soft knife edges thankfully but i can say i've been a bit upset with the plating (black and chrome) on some new ones.
jhale667....yeah, there are lots of little differences between the cheap floyd and the OFR. as for the tuners, well that part was my own personal nit picking and just having some fun pointing out their phallic nature...i was thinking theodie like lol. obviously in a real review i would have skipped that vulgar bit but for all you guys you can have the real deal PG-13 review hahaha.
from other peoples reviews it seems that these are a great value and the only common issue i've heard is thankfully the easiest fix...the dried oil film on the frets. 1-2-3 with some 0000 steel wool as you do the initial set-up and you're good to go. granted if you're picky like me you may want to go into more detail with the frets and with cleaning the hardware up...the floyds seem dull in a few pics i've seen. my ground wire and the buffing marks on mine and the other black one i picked from seem to be isolated incidents as of now...haven't heard anyone else mention it.
great guitars, not custom shop level (i hate having to say that but people keep BS-ing you and saying they are but they just aren't...i have 6 Charvels counting this new one and have played many more...i think i've figured them out by now lol) but it's a guitar i'm very happy to have in my collection and a real good player which is what matters most. don't get hung up on the production model vs custom comparisons it's just not logical or fair to compare them since some of the customs cost 3 times as much as the production models. you're lying to yourself to build up and justify your new guitar if you think these are on that level. i went into this review saying i'm going to air all the guitars dirty laundry and not fluff it up like most people do to make their new purchase seem better to others or to make themselves happy about the money they just spent. be happy about the money spent on these and go play the snot out of them!!!!
-Mike
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
thanks fothe kind words on the review guys.
as for the floyds, yeah i agree with Suhr too that the OFR is slipping and the GOTOH is the current best made one. for me though i'm not giving up on the OFR just yet. since i don't build guitars in bulk like Suhr i can get away with filing nuts level, tearing downt he floyd cleaning and rebuilding it to make sure everything is tight and filing and burs off the saddles and nut slots. i haven't had any problems withe soft knife edges thankfully but i can say i've been a bit upset with the plating (black and chrome) on some new ones.
jhale667....yeah, there are lots of little differences between the cheap floyd and the OFR. as for the tuners, well that part was my own personal nit picking and just having some fun pointing out their phallic nature...i was thinking theodie like lol. obviously in a real review i would have skipped that vulgar bit but for all you guys you can have the real deal PG-13 review hahaha.
from other peoples reviews it seems that these are a great value and the only common issue i've heard is thankfully the easiest fix...the dried oil film on the frets. 1-2-3 with some 0000 steel wool as you do the initial set-up and you're good to go. granted if you're picky like me you may want to go into more detail with the frets and with cleaning the hardware up...the floyds seem dull in a few pics i've seen. my ground wire and the buffing marks on mine and the other black one i picked from seem to be isolated incidents as of now...haven't heard anyone else mention it.
great guitars, not custom shop level (i hate having to say that but people keep BS-ing you and saying they are but they just aren't...i have 6 Charvels counting this new one and have played many more...i think i've figured them out by now lol) but it's a guitar i'm very happy to have in my collection and a real good player which is what matters most. don't get hung up on the production model vs custom comparisons it's just not logical or fair to compare them since some of the customs cost 3 times as much as the production models. you're lying to yourself to build up and justify your new guitar if you think these are on that level. i went into this review saying i'm going to air all the guitars dirty laundry and not fluff it up like most people do to make their new purchase seem better to others or to make themselves happy about the money they just spent. be happy about the money spent on these and go play the snot out of them!!!!
-Mike
lpmarshall
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
FedEx tried to deliver mine about a half hour ago, and I'm at work. Bah!!!!
I guess I'll have to try and pick it up, I can't remember if they attempt deliveries on Saturdays.
EDIT: Looks like they changed the delivery date until Monday, I guess I HAVE to go pick it up today. It will seriously bother me to know it is sitting there all weekend lol
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
FedEx tried to deliver mine about a half hour ago, and I'm at work. Bah!!!!
I guess I'll have to try and pick it up, I can't remember if they attempt deliveries on Saturdays.
EDIT: Looks like they changed the delivery date until Monday, I guess I HAVE to go pick it up today. It will seriously bother me to know it is sitting there all weekend lol
Last edited:
jhale667
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Yep, and noticed at least one more looking at your pics again, a variance in the fine-tuner tension spring claw. 
Just curious, as I haven't seen a new one - doesn't the Gotoh have a completely different baseplate shape, not even close like a Schaller?
Also, is there ANY designating mark besides the absence of the "Made in Germany" the identifies the Production model's Floyds as NOT a true OFR? Are they better, worse, or comparable to the 'exact' Ping copy (haven't tried either yet)? I know pretty soon one will have to watch Ebay auctions more closely to see what's being passed off as an OFR...well, not like you didn't have to already...lol
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Yep, and noticed at least one more looking at your pics again, a variance in the fine-tuner tension spring claw.
Just curious, as I haven't seen a new one - doesn't the Gotoh have a completely different baseplate shape, not even close like a Schaller?
Also, is there ANY designating mark besides the absence of the "Made in Germany" the identifies the Production model's Floyds as NOT a true OFR? Are they better, worse, or comparable to the 'exact' Ping copy (haven't tried either yet)? I know pretty soon one will have to watch Ebay auctions more closely to see what's being passed off as an OFR...well, not like you didn't have to already...lol
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
WTF is up with that? Do these people think that sound transports well through a sticker?
Every bolt-on I ever got the first thing I did was remove all stickers, spacers and body paint from the neck pocket. It always comes out better.
[/QUOTE]
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Heel sticker…
WTF is up with that? Do these people think that sound transports well through a sticker?
Every bolt-on I ever got the first thing I did was remove all stickers, spacers and body paint from the neck pocket. It always comes out better.
[/QUOTE]
daemon barbeque
Zuhahahaologist
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Thanx for the review and excellent pictures Mike!
My bandmate was thinking pulling the trigger on one ,and I was looking for a honest review on them!
You saved his money! Since he was thinking the same "they are as good as the CS ones" bullcrap heheh
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Thanx for the review and excellent pictures Mike!
My bandmate was thinking pulling the trigger on one ,and I was looking for a honest review on them!
You saved his money! Since he was thinking the same "they are as good as the CS ones" bullcrap heheh
KeeperOS
New member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Visually its' shape is different (and, IMO, better looking) but the dimensions are an exact fit and at the very least I can tell you that the string lock screws are interchangeable since in my Gotoh I used the OFR screws as they were a tad shorter and cleared the Schaller route in my guitar whereas with the Gotoh screws it (barely) did not
BTW, yeah, I'd be very interested to know how these OFRs fair compared to the Ping OFR and even how they do with today's Schaller OFRs...
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Here's how the Gotoh looks like (click for the full res picture)
Visually its' shape is different (and, IMO, better looking) but the dimensions are an exact fit and at the very least I can tell you that the string lock screws are interchangeable since in my Gotoh I used the OFR screws as they were a tad shorter and cleared the Schaller route in my guitar whereas with the Gotoh screws it (barely) did not
BTW, yeah, I'd be very interested to know how these OFRs fair compared to the Ping OFR and even how they do with today's Schaller OFRs...
Last edited:
Sirion
Well-known member
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
I'm getting one of the orange ones, if I can get it to Norway at a decent price. While I'd love to have a custom shop, I can't afford it at this time, and from what I've read from trusted sources, it seems like the kind of guitar that would have been good enough to build a career around, even though it's not a Suhr.
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
I'm getting one of the orange ones, if I can get it to Norway at a decent price. While I'd love to have a custom shop, I can't afford it at this time, and from what I've read from trusted sources, it seems like the kind of guitar that would have been good enough to build a career around, even though it's not a Suhr.
Last edited:
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
While I highly respect John´s opinion on many things, this is one of the things where I completely disagree. Especially considering that Helmut Schaller and co. have been using the same machines and the exact same suppliers for raw metal since long before they started manufacturing OFRs (and of course the OFR specific forms and templates have also remained unchanged), and most of the employees have been there since at least the early 90s.
And being an owner of a late 80s OFR from what was then also already Schaller production (I think Schaller started making tehm in around 86 or so) and Multiple recent ones, as well as coming on 20 years as a professional tech I honestly have to say I don´t agree a bit. IMO it´s just an additional drop in the "older must be better" pan...
Again, no disrespect to John meant in any way, but here our opinions are completely different
That said: Mondays and SNAFUs have always existed
Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…
Erm, I knew all that, in fact my shredder axe had a Schaller Floyd copy (as in, the Floyd they copied was the Schaller instead of the OFR :9
What I asked was, did Schaller build the OFR for Floyd Rose from day one or did they pick up the manufacture at some point and, if so, how does a Schaller-made OFR compare to a pre-Schaller OFR?
And, BTW, right now I'll have to agree with Mr John Suhr when he says that today's OFR isn't nearly as good as that of 5-10 years ago so, let's compare it to the "good" Schaller-made OFRs
While I highly respect John´s opinion on many things, this is one of the things where I completely disagree. Especially considering that Helmut Schaller and co. have been using the same machines and the exact same suppliers for raw metal since long before they started manufacturing OFRs (and of course the OFR specific forms and templates have also remained unchanged), and most of the employees have been there since at least the early 90s.
And being an owner of a late 80s OFR from what was then also already Schaller production (I think Schaller started making tehm in around 86 or so) and Multiple recent ones, as well as coming on 20 years as a professional tech I honestly have to say I don´t agree a bit. IMO it´s just an additional drop in the "older must be better" pan...
Again, no disrespect to John meant in any way, but here our opinions are completely different
That said: Mondays and SNAFUs have always existed
Last edited:
