US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

[BloodRose]

I have a couple of questions.. How much better is a US cs Charvel over one of the Japanese promods? And why? Im not asking US promod vs Japanese, Im talking the reg US model vs Japanese promod.

Reason I ask is this.. My Japanese made Charvels are my fav axes. Ive gotten so hooked on them, esp the white one as the neck is slimmer and edges rolled more. Ive modded them with big blocks and stuff and they just slay.. Ive never played a US model tho, so I wonder if they are 3 times the price better?
Admittedly, Im a novice player, but I cant imagine the difference being that big..

Also, one thing that kind of disappointed me was the the neck shapes were diff on the 2 I have.. I wonder how the US ones compare?

Any insight? thanks!

 

[Zerberus]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

One is a custom shop guitar, the other is an imported production instrument. Wood selection, attention to detail, hardware, fit and finish, just quality in general.... Both are on par for their respective price points IMO.

As far as CS quality goes, my USA CS Jacksons and Charvels make even my Model 6s and USA Selects blush a little bit.

Whether or not the difference is worth it to you is somethign you`ll have to decide. :beerchug:

 

[BloodRose]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

Thanks Zerb! Yeah, Ive been around long enough to know WHY they are more expensive with the fit and finish and woods and stuff, but the ones I have and some of the model series and such are AWEFUL darn close.. I guess at this level, it wont matter so much, but if I was really good, perhaps the nuances would show more.. My Washburn WM526 is a one off and tho its impecable, I suck just the same on it... haha

 

[kramersteen]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

What mij charvels do you own? My main player is a charvel fusion custom... there so awesome. I have about 15 other electric guitars carvins,shadows,ibanez, fender yjm etc and i always go back to the fusion.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

80's and early 90's charvels are incredible. I want to get my hands on a 550xl..
View attachment 39017

 

[BloodRose]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

I have a 88 Charvel model 4. I have a new Pro mod San dimas and So cal.

San dimas is black.. no pics yet.

 

[Bludave]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

I don't own any Charvels, but from my experience with Fenders, the Japanese made Fender necks are very impressive.

 

[flieger67]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

BloodRose - there can be a number of reasons why the USA Charvels cost more than the Japanese models. Not the least of which is collectability, particularly of the original guitars. For the current USA CS versus the Japanese guitars, the CS would cost extra due to the individual attention during construction, particularly if there's something unique, like a custom finish, unusual pickup/electronics layout, etc. Whether or not the CS is worth "three times" the Japanese ProMod is a call for you and your wallet.

I haven't played a Japanese ProMod, but a few years ago, I played one of the earlier ProMods. It was a nice guitar but not quite to the level of workmanship on my Music Zoo Natural. The ProMod's neck, though, had a really nice shape to it and I thought, that for the price, it was a really good guitar. I wouldn't be disappointed to own one.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

I have a 88 Charvel model 4. I have a new Pro mod San dimas and So cal.

San dimas is black.. no pics yet.

awwww that white with purple looks nice as. I have a friend with a spectrum in white crackle. Its a real player for sure.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

Thanks Kramersteen! Yeah, IMO, it looks even better in person.. Its pretty much my main player these days.. Love it!

 

[kramersteen]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

Thanks Kramersteen! Yeah, IMO, it looks even better in person.. Its pretty much my main player these days.. Love it!

Do you adjust the truss rod on the heel or the headstock?

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: US charvel question and US vs Japanese question

Heel adjust on those.

The CS Charvels, as with all Customs, get a lot more attention to detail than production models, mostly in the neck.