Jackson vs. Charvel ...Preference?

Andy Eagle said:
I would strongly disagree that the neck profiles of these are C. They epitomise the D shape that was the core part of their offer at the time. You do get variance because of simpler production methods and hand sanding but the core neck shape has been D since production models.
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I'm going by the Musikraft profiles they have listed on their website. There are a lot of differing opinions about C and D profiles on the web these days...
 
sandmannn69 said:
I'm going by the Musikraft profiles they have listed on their website. There are a lot of differing opinions about C and D profiles on the web these days...
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Well I'm going on talking to Grover Jackson about it and having played hundreds .
 
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The MiJ DK Jackson I had prior to the Charvel did not have a string retainer bar and exibited a change in pitch when the nut would be tighted down vs loose - not a big deal but annoying - I take it the string retainer was thought not to be needed due to the angled headstock but that was not enough in the case of the guitar I had at least.

I'm not sure about the quality of the tuners on my MiM Charvel San Dimas though I'm not sure I should care that much given the nut is usually locked and I use the micro adjusters. When I do tune with the nut unlocked, getting to the right pitch is a bit challenging particularly on the hi E (maybe this is due to the retainer bar (I also have not yet replaced the stock strings whatever those are)). I may put lockers on just to facilitate easier string changes and I like the look of the hipshot lockers.
 
It's a bit silly to associate a brand with a neck carve. I have a Jackson with a baseball bat neck and tiny frets(!), a Jackson with a thin D neck (phenomenal neck), a very old Charvel with a C neck (also a really great neck).

The new Charvels are really, really good. With one exception that was a dud, I've tempted by every one I've tried. Still don't have one though.
 
All this talk of Charvel made me get these pictures out.
My first one is the flames one. Year ~1985, serial number low 1600's. Bought new from Guitar Center North side Chicago.
The red one was purchased new about 2 years later from the same place. Serial number ~3600's.
It did not come with the FR trem. I had a local shop install it.
Two I wish I still had!

Charvel Flames 1985.jpg

Charvel Red Floyd 1987.jpg
 
I wish I still had my Charvel Model 2, got it off a friend in the early 90's and it was my 1st good guitar. I toy with getting another but the prices are going up on them and there are other things id like to get
For reference but not mine, same color though
 
scottp said:
All this talk of Charvel made me get these pictures out.
My first one is the flames one. Year ~1985, serial number low 1600's. Bought new from Guitar Center North side Chicago.
The red one was purchased new about 2 years later from the same place. Serial number ~3600's.
It did not come with the FR trem. I had a local shop install it.
Two I wish I still had!

View attachment 127323

View attachment 127324
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Looks like those pictures are from the good old days.
 
Well, our team lost so time could have been better spent elsewhere if you know what I mean...but hey...we had some hot dogs...
I really appreciate everyone weighing in and giving opinions, it is what I was looking for. I have been reluctant to be an active participant in the forum even though I have been following it for years. Not sure why..maybe just intimidation from those much more experienced than I. I must say that this forum is one of the best out there after having been thru a few, and the only one I follow now. We might not always agree but it is honest and everyone is willing to share. I am a proud owner of the FM3 and use it live twice a month...what a music maker...and back saver. You all have been so helpful...you have no idea ...I might speak for the silent majority but one will never know.
Once I get to the shop and play thru a few I will kick out an update, knowing me I might walk out with an acoustic...wandering eyes...
 
ElectricPhase said:
It's a bit silly to associate a brand with a neck carve. I have a Jackson with a baseball bat neck and tiny frets(!), a Jackson with a thin D neck (phenomenal neck), a very old Charvel with a C neck (also a really great neck).

The new Charvels are really, really good. With one exception that was a dud, I've tempted by every one I've tried. Still don't have one though.
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What Jackson had tiny frets??
 
The correct answer is both of course. I have a Charvel Model 5 I bought new in 1987 and a Jackson RR1T I bought new about 15 years ago. Admittedly the M5 is more Jackson than Charvel in its DNA.
 
ElectricPhase said:
It's a bit silly to associate a brand with a neck carve. I have a Jackson with a baseball bat neck and tiny frets(!), a Jackson with a thin D neck (phenomenal neck), a very old Charvel with a C neck (also a really great neck).

The new Charvels are really, really good. With one exception that was a dud, I've tempted by every one I've tried. Still don't have one though.
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The neck carve with a flat fingerboard and 6100 frets was their selling point when they started. They were also early to adopt a 22fret strat neck with an overhang to keep fender compatibility. The reason it WAS associated with the brand is no one else was really doing it and players of the day loved it . And yes strat head Charvels had 2 3/16" heels not the the 2 1/4" of bolt on pointy head models. Only the very early 21 fret kit necks had 1 3/4" nut widths and a more C profile neck but we are talking 70s.
 
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Dumb question.... I've been getting so used to my Les Paul 60s neck that now I jump on my Jackson Soloist and it just feels too tall (it's great as far as shredder profile but just "tall"). Is the Charvel San Dimas or Pro Mod So Cal easier to get your hand around?
 
Unboxed said:
Dumb question.... I've been getting so used to my Les Paul 60s neck that now I jump on my Jackson Soloist and it just feels too tall (it's great as far as shredder profile but just "tall"). Is the Charvel San Dimas or Pro Mod So Cal easier to get your hand around?
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So Cal is close to identical to a Soloist in neck profile and nut width.
 
Rich5150 said:
Fender does own both brands, its more down to what you're looking for. Me Ive been leaning more towards old school 22 fret floyd Rose guitars With Hum Single or HSS configurations. I have a MIM Charvel as well as a Jackson USA Adrian Smith

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I really like the white Adrian Smith Jackson, had my eye on one of those for a while
 
ZoonDog said:
Hi all,
I am in the market to return to the 80's with a new guitar with Floyd Rose. I have a Kramer Focus with FR that I played in the day but the FR has pulled forward over time and there is no wood left to support the trem.
I have no experience with either Charvel or Jackson, but our local guitar shop carries both with several configurations and some EVH. Reaching out to the more experienced folks who might have an opinion on build quality, hardware, neck, etc...
I have played around with the Charvel San Dimas and liked the neck, but it wouldn't stay in tune. I see Jackson has released a new Pro series and Virtuoso series.

Thanks !
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I have almost exclusively Jackson guitars. I've got a Phil Collen PC-1 and a 90's Phil Collen archtop neck through and even a Charvette if anyone remembers those. I've also got a couple of the Jackson JS32 & JS34 guitars. Now those are really good value, around £300 and they're pretty solid guitars.

But yeah, the high end Jacksons are really good, you can't go wrong really. The Gus G models are nice, particularly the red San Dimas
 
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