What's The Deal With Charvel?! 7 Awesome Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know About Charvel Guitars!

[@gkol69]

Steve Vai had a Charvel nicknamed "Green Meanie" when he did his Flex-able record and then playing with Alcatrazz. Wayne Charvel said in an interview that Steve Vai, Gary Moore and Eddie Van Halen were visiting his shop frequently, taking bodies and necks and knocking them hard to hear how they resonate to match a neck and a body.

[@chuckleggio279]

The Green Meanie was Grover Jackson's personal guitar that started out as a cherry burst paint job and he loaned it to Steve to take it on tour until he could make Steve a guitar. Steve had it painted green while on loan to him and when Grover called to ask for it back Steve told him he painted it green, Grover was like "you painted my guitar green, seriously?" Anyway he told Steve just keep it, it's a gift.

[@gtrman69777]

@@chuckleggio279 You're right about that. I remember seeing footage of him with Alcatrazz and he had that guitar in it's original finish.

[@BessieBopOrBach]

Fun video! The most important current Charvel fact, though, is that all the Pro Mod Charvels are made in the very same factory in Ensenada, Mexico that makes Fender's own instruments! They aren't just owned by Fender -- they ARE Fenders. And in my opinion this makes them kinda special, because most Jacksons are contract built in Asia.

[@BrettKingman]

Well done, Dagan. I'm a little older than you and had my first Charvel around '85. It was a cobra blue San Dimas with the pointy headstock and brass hardware. Great guitar. Qantas managed to break the headstock off on a flight from NYC to Melbourne so I stuck the neck in the garden and put a Kramer neck on the body. (I know, I know, I was young and idiotic. Now I'm old and idiotic..) Anyway, a year or so later, when they moved the line to Japan, I was offered my pick from the dozen or so models they had then. They were doing amps too - under the Jackson label. I took a 750XL and a Fusion plus a double stack 4x12 and Jackson head. The guitars were OK (especially the 750) but the Fusion never stayed in tune so I hocked it pretty quick. The amp served me well for a few years on the road. I gave it back to the distributor in the end in a tattered and toured condition. He wasn't happy (but what did he expect?). Come 2002 and Fender bought the brand and, in my opinion, did proper justice to it. I have around 25 of them now and they're all great. Thanks for the vid and sorry for the long rant! All the best. B.

[@geoffreyanderson2285]

In 1986 I bought a Made in Japan Charvel Model 4, and it was amazing.

[@greekfreak1980]

Charvel is the OG of the Superstrats, back in the 80´s EVERYONE was playing them. George Lynch & EVH were buying parts from Charvel and building their own guitars in the late 70´s, later Charvel started to custom build guitars for guys like Jake E.Lee, Warren DeMartini (Ratt) , Criss Oliva (Savatage), Gary Moore, Allan Holdsworth, Joe Satriani, even Jeff Beck. Steve Vai´s "Green Meanie", which was the "blueprint for the JEM, was a Charvel custom shop guitar. And they made the transition to the modern age very well. and still make some cutting edge stuff. You see guys like Guthrie Govan, Angel Vivaldi, Rick Graham or Joe Duplantier from Gojira, palying Charvels.

[@ryant3600]

Very good job on the explanation I couldn't have explained it any better. A lot of people didn't know if it wasn't for Randy we may never have had Jackson guitars. And think back over the decades of all the iconic Jackson guitars that have come and gone. It's such a good story that doesn't really get told enough.

[@tony_n316]

I have a Jackson (JS34Q Dinky) which is a 350.00 guitar and most recently I got the new Charvel San Dimas HSS in Blizzard Pearl for 1,000.00. Both guitars are a complete joy to play, but the appointments on the Charvel are just so much better with the rolled fingerboard, Floyd 1000, No-Load tone pot and an EVH low friction 500K volume pot. The Jackson is a straight up shred machine, but the Charvel is a straight up... Everything machine.

[@markslima1557]

Bought in a brand-new Snow White San Dimas in 2020, something to do in quarantine. Best decision in my musical life - best guitar I've ever owned. Yes, it is an 80s shred machine monster, but it is so much more versatile than just that.. with the single-coil option gives me six distinct tones to work with. Plays like such a joy! Buy one immediately.

[@OscarBenben]

Holly cow 🐮 I get lost about the EVH story… is it a Charvel, a Kramer or a Schecter finally ? 🤣😁

[@Kylora2112]

Yes.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Hearing Dagan say he wasn't around for the 80s blows my mind..just a young man still!! Few these days represent the greatest era of guitar...the 80s...from the way he dresses to the live of hair music to his style and choice of guitars Is PURE 80S... RIGHT ON BROTHER.. MAD RESPECT 🤘😜🎸🎶🔥

[@eddiejr540]

AGREED!!!!!

[@roywarriner8441]

Let me guess, you also think that was the best decade for rock and todays music is garbage. You would be wrong on all counts. I'm probably much older than you and I think we are just coming into the golden age of guitars. I'd say the guitar came into it's own as a lead instrument in the 50's though. In my opinion the 80's is the decade of the least influence or innovation.

[@ericwarrington6650]

@@roywarriner8441 you got the today's music is garbage part correct...that's not even really debatable..at least the crap mainstream stuff...60-70-80....those 3 decades gave us the best rock has to offer imo..I grew up in the 80s and 90s...I'm 47 so I'm no youngster buddy.. been around..I've seen almost 200 shows. I'm pretty sure I'm qualified to offer an opinion...as far as guitars go today is the greatest day for guitars and almost all instruments... quality and versatility available is pretty amazing

[@roywarriner8441]

@@ericwarrington6650now you are changing your story. You said the 80's. If you are still sourcing your music from mainstream radio, you are stuck in the 80's. They have this thing now called the internet. They only complaint I have about todays music is that I don't have time to listen to it all.

[@ericwarrington6650]

@@roywarriner8441 you know man I was just complimenting his play and yeah in my opinion and others this was the greatest decade for many reasons..mostly it built off the magic oof the 60s and 70s.. which is my opinion and you are welcome to your own...have a nice day

[@fullclipaudio]

I own two Charvel guitars. Locking tuners, Gotoh tremolo, tusc nut, Duncan pickups - what more could you want? I have a 22 fret Super Strat and a 24 fret dual humbucker. The 5 position pickup selector has combinations that you just do not find on any other guitar. They play like a dream and never go out of tune.

[@billygwalthney369]

I have 1 of the charvels from 1988 with reversed pointed headstock that says Charvel by Jackson. I bought it myself new back then. All original near mint condition 👍

[@wernervanderwalt8541]

Charvel and Kramer was epic then Jackson and Ibanez joined the epic line up.

[@raytorvalds3699]

Did you know Kramer started with aluminum (aluminium) necked guitars and basses ? (I didn't, until today).

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

Great video. I’m 52 and always been a Fender strat man. Recently just bought a Jackson soloist to try out the Floyd Rose for fun. I’m now selling my guitars ( Fender & Epiphone) to get a Charvel San Dimas ash sunburnt. They are a joy to play.

[@dixee6498]

That is awesome!

[@salildeshpande7]

Great to hear you enjoyed something new after playing vintage for so long. It's such a joyous hobby.

[@rocktorrocks]

Awesome vid as usual Dagan! I have a neon yellow Charvel So Cal that screams 80’s and I love it. I can’t help but hammer out Motley Crue riffs whenever i pick it up. I feature it often on my channel for 80’s covers. It’s surprisingly versatile for other styles too.

[@victorramsey5575]

I have a white with maple board so-cal. I play it more than any of my other guitars. I discovered the middle position with both 'buckers split and going into a little fuzz is pure heaven for some moody jazz.

[@rocktorrocks]

@@victorramsey5575 So true! I was genuinely impressed with the tones it can get with the humbuckers split. The middle position is great, I’ve found it gets a surprisingly close traditional strat tone. The white so cals look awesome BTW, i think they had that as an option the same year as mine.

[@AudaciousAce1989]

Try some of Marc Diglio’s riffs from XYZ

[@gregorytranchita2676]

Absolutely love watching your videos! Your enthusiasm for guitar is second to none. I grew up in the 80s so, for me, the best era of music ever. Im also a guitar/gear addict so your channel is pure entertainment. Thanks for constant great content!

[@jmabs5096]

Wish charvel would change their headstock logo BACK BIG CHUNKY LETTERS LIKE AT 10:10!!! I hate the common logo they used dinky and small...

[@rogerowens5669]

The Concorde was built by Charvel then no longer design came in through Grover Jackson....

[@coldragoon]

Dat intro doe lol 🤘🏽🔥

[@teknomanning]

I have the mim hsh dinky 24. In mahogany. The Guthrie knockoff. Lovely. Wayyy above its price point 👍🏿✌🏿🕺🏿😊

[@jimmartin4430]

I bought my Charvel Model 4 in 1987. Went to the guitar shop to buy a fuzz box and walked out with my beautiful Charvel. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned and play it regularly. So versatile but more importantly it’s so stable.

[@see7music261]

Wayne stayed about a year after Grover purchased. Documentary called "The Charvel Gang" explains it well. Grover worked for Wayne for basically free for about a year and borrowed money from his parents ($8000) to buy it when Wayne was ready to get out of it.

[@Kanthon]

That pink Charvel looks tiny next to this gigantic man.

[@Pulse2AM]

Just to make you jealous, I grew up in Hollywood in the 80's and spent just about every weekend on the Sunset Strip going to all the clubs when hair metal was huge. My girlfriend at the time was a photographer for some rock magazines so we were backstage a lot and at all the parties after the shows! God it was a good time to be alive! I miss it.

[@tonymccarthy4772]

I could smoke blunts and listen to Dagan talk about guitars all day.

[@NWTMasterWolf]

The 80's were awesome and I love the styles from then still. Charvel has always been a favorite of mine.

[@victorramsey5575]

I like that you mentioned the bumblebee is buried with Dimebag. If I remember correctly, the bumblebee is also the guitar you hear in all of Eddie's "Back To The Future" riffs. So Dimebag hold the key to the space-time-continuum. Awesome.

[@MrNumber1gator]

I own 2 prepro Charvels 76 and 77 both stamped in the neck pocket Azusa CA and are awesome.

[@isMike999]

I ONLY play Charvel/Jackson and that was a badass opening riff Dagan....I KINDA....kinda stole it just now...LOL

[@matthewsouthwell9653]

My personal favourite Charvel is the Warren DeMartini signature with the single humbucker and the skull 🔥

[@eddiejr540]

Agreed.... I love that guitar...one day my man...one day!!!!

[@przemyslaw1235]

I love this Boy🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅hes like 80 rock star never grow up😆😅never change 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@maxmustardman298]

Randy only designed half of the would be Jackson Rhoads / concorde if you will. He came up with the offset v but someone else inspired the jackson headstock.

[@kotogray8335]

I have an original Charvel by Jackson and a USA RR1 Jackson They have a very distinct sound They WERE metal back in the 80s

[@nicholassparks3153]

If you want a real Charvelle then you need to buy a Waynes Guitar. Unfortunately Waynes shop burned down in the Paradise fire in 2018 and is no longer making guitars. Wayne is a family friend. After he left and Jackson took over there were a lot of legal issues and a lawsuit. In the end Jackson kept (stole) the Charvelle name. Wayne wasnt even allowed to sign an autograph with his last name. And now Charvelle is just a fender with Charvelle stamped on them.

[@chuckleggio279]

Karl had left Charvel to go on his own in 1979 and Randy had the guitar built in 1979 at Karl's shop. The guitar was built while Randy was still with Quiet Riot. Randy wore polka dots and bow ties while in Quiet Riot.

[@generationomega9342]

I have my ✔️ So. Cal S1 HH FR (Affectionately named Ava "the Black Widow" Gardner). And my ✔️ San Dimas S2 HH FR (June Marlow). And my Bucket List holds a place for a DK24... CHARVEL!

[@mikee9673]

The Charvette’s were inteoduced in ‘89. Were they made in Korea or Japan? Laminated or solid body? Anyone???

[@elsantoproductora]

Charvel also made a replacement neck for Guilmour's black strat

[@jaktje]

I just got the new dk24 hardtail version, with popular burl. I am absolutely in love with it. Have a fender strat and used to own a gibson lp standard. But this thing plays smooth, sounds incredible.

[@ryant3600]

I preferred the Charvel w/ the Jackson headstocks. Criss Oliva's Charvels always made me want one. I saw one at a pawn shop back in the later 80's, it was just a black Charvel w/ the Pointy headstock and at that time even back then they wanted 900 for it..

[@Dr-Stu]

This is like a history presentation by someone who crammed all the studying in the night before (believe me I'd know).

[@DevRSVR]

Seriously, this is the most complicated convoluted facts stories ever. Very interesting though. I think I’ve found the guitar I want. These are bithin. Regular Fenders are just a bit boring.

[@deandee8082]

78ish you have the EVH type of hand made stuff, (boogie) then pre production charvels, charvel USA, 86ish charvel sold name then you have charvel japan R, then charvel japan TM, then charvel japan by grover jackson, then charvel Japan and USA again in the early 90's, forget who made those? then all your charvett which was like charvette taiwan, charvette japan, then wherever the charvette grovers were made?

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Since the moment I graduated from high school I've been a huge Charvel guy. Bought a new Made In Mexico So Cal like the one Dagan plays in the intro (but in all white), one of the best guitars I've ever had, hands down. However I then traded it for an older Made In Japan CX291 from I believe 1990 (whoch has the toothpaste logo but on a Fender headstock), It's a guitar I've been dreaming about for a long time and I literally can't stop playing it!

[@lancerobbins4909]

Born and raised in Los Angeles area. I do know this. Grover was a luthier working for CHARVEL. When Randy Rhoads walked in (after EVH) Bought a boxy and neck and built Frankenstein Rhoads design was so "UH HMM" Different that Grover thought it would kill cbarvels future business wise so he decided to put his isn name on it and the rest is history

[@vannmagruder9038]

What speakers are in that cab

[@Quicksilver_Cookie]

It's simple to explain, the way I feel it. When you pick up a Charvel it's like a playful puppy. Wagging it's tail happily, it wants to play. Wants to just have fun, and be little silly. On the surface it's a bit tongue in cheek, clearly a bit of a love letter to the 80s. Underneath it's all business. Finely made, great specs, spectacularly well playing necks.

[@djmessina9278]

I am not sure exactly, but i do know that my high school girlfriend used to babysit for Wayne’s kids in like 1985-86 and he was actively making his Charvel guitars at the time. In fact, she was having him make one for me as a birthday gift, but we broke up before i got it. 😢

[@BaldPerspective]

8:39 Black with yellow stripes. You said, "black with white stripes."

[@rogerowens5669]

Pro dog your always trying to get a thumbs-up from a man 🤟.😎 and Sandoval did the painting on the Bumblebee I went ahead and pinch out the money for a Kramer 84 just for the fun of it 🤣🤙 holler at me later

[@rosskn]

So I went to your Manchester branch to try out a Charvel DK24 sadly they didn't have any just some San Dimas ones which I tried but I really want the DK 24 the salesman (who was very nice and helpful) he said they could get one from another branch oh good I thought I can try it out before shelling out £999 but no I'd have to lay out a deposit before they would bring it from one PMT store to another PMT store then if I didn't like it I'd get the deposit back. I was a bit taken aback that I'd have to do this never had to put a deposit down to try out a guitar that they had in stock in another store.

[@jackvai2681]

JACKSON KNEW RR WAS GOING TO BE A LEGEND... THAT'S WHY HE WANTED HIS NAME ON THE HEADSTOCK... JUST ANOTHER CASE OF BIZZZZZNISSSSMENNNNA LYING TO MUSICIANS.

[@Fret-knot]

I didn't know any of these facts about Charvel, Jackson and EVH guitars... apart from the fact that Fender own the lot now. I didn't realise how closely linked they all were. Just subbed 👍🏻

[@robertpeacock4609]

ihave 2 usa jackson bassa usa 1 bolton am 1nethrugh pdand ahb engs j135

[@othrerir_jussi]

Jackson and Charvel guitars will always have a special place in my heart. I always knew they had a connection but never really researched it, i just knew i liked them.

[@Troubledplum7]

Anyone know where to buy necks with the sharp jackson headstock design? I love that look

[@fireonhigh100]

older wood is better? hellyeah,, no fretts po ping out your board after 2 yrs. buy old and leave it to whoever is worthy ; ]

[@jerryk3280]

San Dimas style 2 is amazing! Save up your money kids 😀

[@dwightlove4870]

Good video I didn’t know about any of this👍

[@joedavis8481]

Great video , I just got a pro mod San Dimas mim for 1k and it's awesome 🎸🤘🍻

[@TedTheTree]

Well if they're good enough for Wes Borland...;

[@TheBbtlegit]

Love Charvel guitars.

[@mike1967sam]

Dude you are one big mofo, that guitar looks like a mini Strat around your neck.

[@torgo4ever]

My San Dimas Model 2 is my number one and none of my other 8 guitars is even close.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video,super helpful.

[@jp2503]

I can't tell if that guitar is peach colored or if it's just from the lighting.

[@nicolaebreaban8154]

I have a Charvel Desolation. Best neck and most beautiful Les Paul style guitar I've ever seen.

[@denverrandy7143]

I want a desolation.they look great and sound killer!!!

[@enthused7591]

As a huge Charvel fan, I think we're in the midst of the EVH brand becoming the next legendary guitar brand. Coming from the same Mexico factory, the 5150 series guitars are similar enough to Charvels but with paint matched hockey stick headstocks and slightly thicker necks, which I like a lot. I think at first, people thought the EVH brand owned by Fender wasn't super cool because it was like this over commercialization of Eddie's name, but now that he's passed and knowing that Eddie himself had lots of input on these guitars, my bet is that the EVH brand is kind of in an infancy of becoming that next big household brand name that people want.

[@eddiejr540]

I would love to try one if the 5150 guitars but I can’t get my hands on one and I been burned buying online but I agree with you in that!!!!

[@bigman9854]

It’s like les Paul being named after les Paul, after a while it stops being seen as just a signature

[@sublyme2157]

My first guitar was a Charvette by Charvel. Loved that guitar!

[@nickm.9474]

HAHAHA. I just bought that same guitar.

[@rogerowens5669]

The Bumblebee was built as the Charvel garage

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Joe Duplantier edition in all white please!

[@michaelq3071]

I love Charvel guitars...

[@jaredray7001]

HEY GUYS YOU'RE SPELLING RANDY RHOADS NAME WRONG (Rhodes) AND WE AMERICANS DON'T CARE FOR THAT AT ALLOW!!!! PLEASE STOP!!!

[@jaredray7001]

At all, not allow. My bad.

[@tmoss89]

Please send me a charvell

[@themetalghost]

Just recently got my first two Charvles. a 1986 MIJ Model 3a and a more recen MIM Henrik Danhage sig. model. Always loved how they looked!

[@MattHealey.]

Don’t forget to breath dagan lol

[@MattHealey.]

@@DavidOakesMusic that’s just how is he. The enthusiasm is great tbh

[@Inferno5150]

His passion and enthusiasm are quite contagious too

[@heidimc5013]

Wow. That clears it up 🤔

[@robertpeacock4609]

have 4 fotwoth bases wth bas kahler trems

[@Joe_Jimenez_official]

Man, I bought that guitar he is holding at the beginning and I am pretty disappointed at the rough fret ends. Really sharp and it screams bad finish. Very sad that quality has gotten so bad.

[@jlestes1985]

When I first starting playing guitar I went to a local guitar store and he refused to sell me a Feder Squire. He instead sold me a Jackson/Charvel model 1 and a 30 Fender amp for $250. I still have both pieces 24 years later and still love playing this guitar to this day.

[@mojoi_iv_v7_i975]

Great video! I personally have never liked Charvel's with the Fender headstock. I have a Charvel Model 4 from about 1987. That head stock is my favorite. I don't care how good the guitars they make today are, I don't like the look and I can buy other guitars that play and look great. If they ever brought back that late 80's head stock, I'd be tempted to buy another Charvel. And I really wish Charvel would bring back the Model 4. That was a great guitar, it really set itself apart from all other guitars at the time or today. BRING BACK THE MODEL 4!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lueysixty-six7300]

Love me a Charvel - got me that pink DK24 top left the Xmas before last (so 2020 ). It has fast become my #1...but I still am Jones'ng for a San Dimas, like the one you started on (or ws that a so cal...🤔..?) ...only a slime green one would be my choice. They haven't been doing the fluoro colors, the last few years - I do hope they bring them back. Need me a "Kawasaki green" one - but a fluoro yellow...orange...or not pink one would be an awesome "next, best". If I got the cash together today, it'd have to be the white one. I do !Ike the white - it's crisp, and contrasts well with whatever you're. Whether you wear a lot of black because you're I to metal...or whether you're just a fat bastard like me..(!😆), It's good to have a white guitar so you can wear black and still see the guitar when you're on stage! I'd prefer green or yellow...orange or hot pink, tho...

[@bigquinny32]

Brilliant video yet again Dagan. Just got a Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR. Amazing instrument and up there with my PRS CE24 and 1993 Limited Edition Fender USA Strat.

[@blustulagu]

Fact 1 they don't make a HSS hard tail 22XJ with locking tuners in a Tele shape prefer with maple neck ash body n purple. So no they don't make a guitar for everyone . 😂😂

[@mattpeterson553]

The funny thing is, if you boil everything down, and did I mention that I worshipped Charvel, and to a lesser extent, Jackson, in the 1980s...Charvel (before there were Charvel guitars), essentially assembled guitars from Warmoth parts.

[@VegetableMan1400]

I had a Charvel Model 3 back in the late 80’s it had the pointy headstock. I didn’t get on with as the neck felt wider and flatter than the Strats I was used to. Also my band mate called it The Shovel! I’m guessing the current range have a narrower neck, more Fender like but with the flatter radius?

[@jeffmartinaz]

Wayne didn't have anything to do with the bumble bee. Grover built that one. Sorry I keep chiming in here. I just watched a 2 hour interview with Grover, and this was all covered there, Still fresh in my head.

[@ryant3600]

Yeah Randy's Sandoval was done right after Karl left Charvel. The Sandoval V I believe was built in Karl's garage.

[@2DclanSnipingTeam]

I've read that Carl Sandoval built Randy's polka dot V in the garage at his house. Great video. Thanks.

[@elliottbarcus9649]

Thank you Dagan

[@quentincroisez8061]

Dagan !!!!! That's my new model !!!! U totally right ! affordable custom like model !!!!!!

[@carpingdownsouth7082]

I purchased my charvel so-cal version 2 from PMT online, sadly the setup was shocking, The nut needed major work, as if it had just been missed from the checks and setup. Guess they can’t all be winners…

[@richardjones2811]

That would be a problem from Charvel not PMT. You would think each guitar gets checked by the shop but sadly that does not happen.

[@jeremyobriant7266]

The Charvels have gotten expensive. Much more so than other brands (even Fender) have due to the shipping issues and shortages. I bought a Charvel last year for 800$ and now that same model is 1100$. The Angel Vivaldi Nova has gone up about 450$ since last year. They're great guitars but the pricing has gotten ridiculous. Hopefully this ends and they got back to standard pricing. I was planning on getting a Nova but not right now.

[@patrickdarcie435]

i wanted a Charvel back in the mid 80's more than anything. the best i could do was a Charvette in 88 which i did alot of mods to, EMG 80, Floyd Rose [Schaller], Etc.....played that for many years. as i got older i was finally able to afford better guitars. i now own several Charvels and Jacksons as well. some newer and some 80's models.....by the way, i was led to believe that when Grover approached Wayne about taking over the Charvel name, that Wayne said he wanted nothing to do with it but later changed his mind.

[@miketurner9332]

I’m looking to buy a Charvel. San Dimas style 1 or So-cal style 1? Any recommendations?

[@skylineXpert]

I remember after jackson bought them they copied the bumble bee. There is one for sale on ebay for 110.000$

[@cc_1983]

They just need some more DK pro mod HH models with 24 frets. I have a HSS and it’s fab but would love a green slime one with a floyd and 24 frets!

[@damonsdeliberatedetour492]

I started playing them in the 80's. I have one made by Lee Garver. I still have mine from the 80's and a couple of others.

[@phreak1118]

I have a '90 Charvel 475 deluxe, a USA San Dimas and 2 Mexican So-Cals. Some of my favorite guitars. (I also have an '88 Jackson Soloist)

[@rationalrockstar6514]

Nice background info...I loved Charvel 🎸🎸🎸