Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

[ErikH]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Thank you for a very objective review. I had wondered about those when I first heard about them, and thats about what I expect out of a $1000 guitar on the market. That being said, as a Kramer fanatic, I made an early purchase on the Pacer Imperial "reissue" at the Kramer Expo this year, and it is one OUTSTANDING guitar.

Allbeit, Kramer won't be able to flood the market like Charvel because of Gibson/Epiphone's lack of interest in Kramer, however, it is an amazing recreation of the 80's Pacers. They should hit the market in the Fall, I'd be interested in hearing the exact same review from you (Mike) about the Imperial to compare - objectively since I'm obviously swayed by the Kramer brand.

Thanks again,
Mike
(vintagekramer.com)

Now that is a reissue I'd like to get my hands on. Beak neck and all. Good stuff. Thanks for the photo, Mike. That would look sweet next to my NYC Baretta.

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

i've never actually owned a Kramer. i've played a few and i've always wanted one of the two Marilyn Monroe ones (the Kline or the newspaper graphic one) but never found one for sale. i've played quite a few though. anyway, i'd review one if someone sent me it but i don't plan on buying one to review and i'll be very honest the body shape and control layout drive me a but nuts on that one. functional...sure...aesthetically pleasing...not so much.

-Mike

 

[gainfreak!]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

i've never actually owned a Kramer. i've played a few and i've always wanted one of the two Marilyn Monroe ones (the Kline or the newspaper graphic one) but never found one for sale. i've played quite a few though. anyway, i'd review one if someone sent me it but i don't plan on buying one to review and i'll be very honest the body shape and control layout drive me a but nuts on that one. functional...sure...aesthetically pleasing...not so much.

-Mike

After reading your review, I think that you would like the old USA Kramer Baretta II, Pacer II and the stagemaster. They are very similar to the Charvels and they don't have that funky bodyshape (some dig it but I Don't although they are comfortable!)

Here is a picture of one of My Baretta II's

All the best

~Ralph~

 

[Foulacy]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

What an insanely in-depth review. I love these new so-cals and style 1/2, except for the trem, but they play **** good. But probably not as good as those 2 kramer's!! ^^^

 

[gainfreak!]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

What an insanely in-depth review. I love these new so-cals and style 1/2, except for the trem, but they play **** good. But probably not as good as those 2 kramer's!! ^^^

I haven't played the new Charvels yet (the $999 version) but I can tell you that all of my old 80's Kramers play like butter! I can get the action extremely low on all of them, so low in fact that you can't get a guitar pick inbetween the strings and the frets lol. That is something which I can't do on some of my other guitars.

All the best.

~R~

 

[ernieandbert67]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Hi Mike,
as already said great review, you really know your Charvels. I mainly now play strats,teles and les pauls but in a bid to renew my metal youth bought a Production Series c/w Duncans in candy blue. really pleased with the sound and playability, the guitar was well set up by the shop although I have changed the knob [suprise'suprise].
the guitar really does remind me of the model series guitars i played in the 80's.
One problem however is the trem i am happy enough with its tuning etc however the arm comes loose instantly rendering it useless for any fine bends as it leaves some play. You mentioned this in your review and that you would try to rectify it, any luck!! would fitting a OFR sort this out, i have been looking on the net but still confused as to exactly which trem is a OFR does the OFR come in the black and white box with 'the floyd' on it.
you advice would be appreciated

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

i should actually do a review 2.0 since after owning 5 (7 if you count the two i returned due to bad necks) of these and the neck from a 6th i have to say i'm more impressed with them as they work out the bugs. i've had two lemons with bed necks pass through my hands and be returned so they are not without fault that's for sure. they have however fixed that odd fingerboard roll my black one had which is the reason i sold it. the hardware still sucks and i replace it on every one i own but the necks have a great shape which is what keeps me coming back.


as for the floyd, you can swap to a real german made floyd bar and it will stay tight or just do what i do and and just replace the whole floyd with a real german one, nut and all.

real german floyds can be bought from www.guitarpartsdepot.com and www.warmoth.com

-Mike

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Ok, sorry to fuel this ancient thread, but Ernieandbert67 sparked a question. I been drooling over these charvels since they came out. However, my work got slow and gear money has gone away.. Since they dont really do anything I dont already have, I cant justify getting one.. I do hear the charvel necks feel great. My question is this... I have a couple of Model 4s. How does the neck shape and fret size and all compare to the model 4??

 

[Atomic Chameleon]

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Re: Charvel Production Model..IN DEPTH…

Hi Mike,
One problem however is the trem i am happy enough with its tuning etc however the arm comes loose instantly rendering it useless for any fine bends as it leaves some play. You mentioned this in your review and that you would try to rectify it, any luck!! would fitting a OFR sort this out, i have been looking on the net but still confused as to exactly which trem is a OFR does the OFR come in the black and white box with 'the floyd' on it.
you advice would be appreciated

Put a little drop of super glue onto the outer screw shaft on the base plate then tighten the bar on. It should stay but you may need pliers and isopropyl to remove it. I have two German OFRs and one of them doesn't stay 100% tight so even the German Schaller Floyds are prone to that.

Regarding the flush-mount neck angle, you can also shim up the saddles once the pivots have been lowered resulting in the bridge being set level with the body (bottom right link):

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/guitar_frsaddles.htm