I bought a brand new '86 Model 3 (HSS) in 1987. Amazing guitar in every aspect. Had it for many years and foolishly sold it. Fortunately I was able to snag an '86 Model 2 (Single H). I upgraded the trem to an OFR and it's no going anywhere. Great channel, Thanks and keep up the good work.
Having owned many Charvels from almost every era (except the earliest San Dimas), I can say these Model Series guitars are wonderful instruments. I have never run into a bad one. The necks are far and away nicer than what Fender was putting out at the time. And there may have been a couple of cost-cutting measures, but the necks and bodies are on point with USA Jackson at the time. I have this same guitar in black and it's an excellent instrument.
Hey! I absolutely love my 1987 MIJ Charvel 3A. Mine is the SSH, white body, black pick guard. It's just the right balance of a versatile/shred guitar. Strat body is so comfortable to play, iconic looking and well balanced, yet the headstock says 'did you know that I also shred and melt faces?' I cannot imagine a nicer neck profile. It's just the right amount of slimness. Pickups sound great. Single coils are warm and full, JB style humbucker chugs beautifully. Yes, it's not super comfortable to play the highest frets. The volume knob is kind of too close to your right hand. The tremolo bridge is is large and blocky and sits off the body really high. But I don't care about any of that because it's pure late 80s awesomeness.
Nice! Burgundy mist is my favorite Charvel color, I’ve been looking for one forever but they are hard to come by. I’d keep it forever too if I had one!
My '86 Model 3A has a pickguard and the double-stud Kahler tremolo but different Jackson pickups with no covers (coils exposed). The selector switch is 5-way, with positions 1 and 2 splitting the coils in different combinations, position three selecting both humbuckers, 4 is the neck pickup and 5 the bridge.
Nice! Sounds like yours is a hair newer than mine then. There were some transitional changes between the one I have here which is very early and the later ones (which ditch the pickguard entirely, but always have the 5-way)
@@totallyradguitars959 I always wanted one of those Kramer's from the early 80s that has the Kramer logo the toothpaste aisle logo the big one I love those Kramer Pacers
Hi I’ve just been watching your video, I have the exact guitar your playing, the 3a it’s always been my favourite guitar I bought it in 86 and I still have it, one of the adjustment screw tuners broke years ago, do you know where you can get these, thanks Colin🏴
Hey! Yeah I know exactly where - if you go to www.whammyparts.com/make-model/kahler-replacement-parts/25xx-traditional and scroll down a bit, there are fine tuner screws (and lots of other parts too).
dood, I have that same guitar, blondish whatever faded, it has the USA j80's and a super switch, if you have the wiring diagram really like to see it.. TY, Dee.. gorgeous guitar BTW
@@LuisMorales-xr1gm That one came with a replaced 25k pot and an EMG. I swapped it to a J90C because I couldn't find a J95, but I used a new 500k pot. Sorry I'm not much help on this, I sold that guitar too
have one, it's a goldish yellow with flake, maple neck, not sure the neck is original there is a fitment issue I dont think charvel would allow to go out the door, the pocket is like 1/16th" wider than the heel is? or the heel is thinner have to compare some numbers see whats what there, but it's a good one for sure.. I like the MIJ charvel definitely just picked up a made in USA last night so anticipation in the mail.. yup .. rock on man that's a nice one there no jokes, the black on red fits nicely, sounds real good too, as they typically do, rock on son...
Great review. But honestly the modern Charvels sound way better and fuller in comparison to the 80s ones. I'm not sure if it's the wood or quality upgrades? Thanks
Appreciate your love of Charvel but if you are going to talk about company history at least do some basic research. Grover Jackson bought the company and Charvel brand from Wayne in late 1978. There was no merger, Grover was the guy behind it all from early on.
no you're right, the MIJ's beat any USA charvels made today, their mexican garb.. LOFL, I compare those to squier classic vibes.. problem is the Japanese are PHENOMENAL wood workers and they take serious pride in their work, you know how we used to do it in the USA? yea till clinton sold us to chyna, click willy that is, fore most of ya's were born.. thats beauty 2a, love it, I have a few myself, one that's mint mint 10.. I have that one in that off white with flake color almost a pale yellow? not as nice as that, it's been around but I like it.. you get tired of that one I have gear and or cash
Just A FYI. That kahler bridge is terrible if you actually use a bar. If you plan to keep the guitar and have a functional, reliable vibrato, a genuine Floyd Rose is the way to go for such a nice Charvel.
I’ve already sold this one, but I thought the bridge was pretty good. At least as good as any fulcrum type trem on a strat. Personally I’d never modify something original like this as it’d require drilling for studs/posts, if I wanted a floyd type bridge I’d have gotten one with those fitted from factory (like the 87+ model 3A’s).
@@totallyradguitars959 Thats all good ! I was surprised to see that kahler on the Charvel. I owned a BC Rich Bich a long time ago (80's) and it came with that kahler. Was nothing but trouble for me. \m/
@@jrg770 They only showed up on the really early 1986 year Model 2's and Model 3's. I bet they weren't well received because people wanted to treat them like floyd's and they aren't. Charvel got smart and dumped the Kahler's on all models for 1987 and later.
lol, these work FINE, if you know how to set up and use.. good grief dood really? a "floyd rose" LOFL, these rose leg humpers are beyond refute, WHY butcher a guitar up to install an inferior bridge.. I see so many of these guitars FOR SALE, where someone got the bright idea, oh gee lemme screw this guitar up, ruh roh, sucks now guess I'll sell it.. yeesh there is an ALTERNATE kahler that will plug and play into this configuration, a floyd will not as the fulcrum patter is way too narrow.. however a narrow spaced fulcrum Killer bolts right in, good luck finding one, these work great just figure out how to use em ffs.. "I don't know how to use this bridge, so I recommend trashing your guitar cuz thats what I do when I am stuck"
Incorrect. Kahler's are fantastic. My 84 Explorer has had one on it since 85 and I've used it and some famous players used it on stage all these years and it has never let me down or left me hanging, and I use it like you would use a Floyd. Not certain how many years of experience you are using in your post.
Yes... that's why this video is called "Charvel Model 3A" emphasis on "3." You are also incorrect, the Model 5 was HH, not HSS, you are thinking of the Model 6. There is also the Model 5A (H) and 5FX (HS). I have a separate video on the 5 and 5A. Cheers
I own that guitar now I bought it on Reverb. I love it! Great video thanks!
Nice! That was an awesome guitar. I sold a couple of my Charvels and really miss them, can't keep them all though! Enjoy!
I bought a brand new '86 Model 3 (HSS) in 1987. Amazing guitar in every aspect. Had it for many years and foolishly sold it. Fortunately I was able to snag an '86 Model 2 (Single H). I upgraded the trem to an OFR and it's no going anywhere. Great channel, Thanks and keep up the good work.
I have an 86 (hss) model 3, used. Looking to sell.
Having owned many Charvels from almost every era (except the earliest San Dimas), I can say these Model Series guitars are wonderful instruments. I have never run into a bad one. The necks are far and away nicer than what Fender was putting out at the time. And there may have been a couple of cost-cutting measures, but the necks and bodies are on point with USA Jackson at the time. I have this same guitar in black and it's an excellent instrument.
Hey man hope to see more great videos like this in the future!!!!!👌
Thanks! I have a whole bunch of guitars to cover so they’re definitely coming soon!
You're a freaky guitar man... love it ! i see also some ADA preamps over there... what about a studio tour ? want to see all your amps and guitars !!
Hey! I absolutely love my 1987 MIJ Charvel 3A. Mine is the SSH, white body, black pick guard. It's just the right balance of a versatile/shred guitar. Strat body is so comfortable to play, iconic looking and well balanced, yet the headstock says 'did you know that I also shred and melt faces?' I cannot imagine a nicer neck profile. It's just the right amount of slimness. Pickups sound great. Single coils are warm and full, JB style humbucker chugs beautifully. Yes, it's not super comfortable to play the highest frets. The volume knob is kind of too close to your right hand. The tremolo bridge is is large and blocky and sits off the body really high. But I don't care about any of that because it's pure late 80s awesomeness.
HSS is a Model 3, not 3A.
@@r1deftone hi, which one is the 3A.
@@johnwardle9667 Two Humbuckers
@@johnwardle9667 HH, 3 way selector, one volume/one tone control.
OMG Oranges and Charvels, this Channel is nuts 8) I have a 1988 Charvel Model 6 and will own it til the day I die.
Nice! Burgundy mist is my favorite Charvel color, I’ve been looking for one forever but they are hard to come by. I’d keep it forever too if I had one!
I have a Rare 1988 Charvel Model 5fx. It's near mint..I've had it since 1990,so 33 years. It was a HS graduation gift.
I have the pearl white version. Got it on my 10th birthday in 86. Mine has L500 pickups from the 90s with the Kahler
My '86 Model 3A has a pickguard and the double-stud Kahler tremolo but different Jackson pickups with no covers (coils exposed). The selector switch is 5-way, with positions 1 and 2 splitting the coils in different combinations, position three selecting both humbuckers, 4 is the neck pickup and 5 the bridge.
Nice! Sounds like yours is a hair newer than mine then. There were some transitional changes between the one I have here which is very early and the later ones (which ditch the pickguard entirely, but always have the 5-way)
I love my 1988 Charvel 3dr
Same!! Best sounding Super Strat I ever owned
@@francoisproulx4980 im 29 it was handed down to me by my dad when I was in 6th grade I also have a 2000 Washburn dime slime 333
Nice! I have a Predator - sort of similar but with the toothpaste logo and a rails neck pickup. Killer guitar for sure!
@@totallyradguitars959 I always wanted one of those Kramer's from the early 80s that has the Kramer logo the toothpaste aisle logo the big one I love those Kramer Pacers
@@davidaix5771 I've got a couple of those, actually I play one in my newest video! I'll be working on a video like this one about them too.
Nice guitar
Hi I’ve just been watching your video, I have the exact guitar your playing, the 3a it’s always been my favourite guitar I bought it in 86 and I still have it, one of the adjustment screw tuners broke years ago, do you know where you can get these, thanks Colin🏴
Hey! Yeah I know exactly where - if you go to www.whammyparts.com/make-model/kahler-replacement-parts/25xx-traditional and scroll down a bit, there are fine tuner screws (and lots of other parts too).
dood, I have that same guitar, blondish whatever faded, it has the USA j80's and a super switch, if you have the wiring diagram really like to see it.. TY, Dee.. gorgeous guitar BTW
What brand and value pots are in this model? 500k Alpha?
Sorry, I'm not positive. I sold this one a long time ago (right after this video actually)
@@totallyradguitars959 do you know what pot in your 5/5A?
@@LuisMorales-xr1gm That one came with a replaced 25k pot and an EMG. I swapped it to a J90C because I couldn't find a J95, but I used a new 500k pot. Sorry I'm not much help on this, I sold that guitar too
@@totallyradguitars959 No worries at all buddy.
I have an 86 3A with a 5 way switch. Double Jackson humbuckers. Contradiction to your statement.
Great video though
have one, it's a goldish yellow with flake, maple neck, not sure the neck is original there is a fitment issue I dont think charvel would allow to go out the door, the pocket is like 1/16th" wider than the heel is? or the heel is thinner have to compare some numbers see whats what there, but it's a good one for sure.. I like the MIJ charvel definitely just picked up a made in USA last night so anticipation in the mail.. yup .. rock on man that's a nice one there no jokes, the black on red fits nicely, sounds real good too, as they typically do, rock on son...
It's said Kay-ler and that is a single locking trem.
Great review. But honestly the modern Charvels sound way better and fuller in comparison to the 80s ones. I'm not sure if it's the wood or quality upgrades? Thanks
Nice guitar I have charvel from the 80desthey look like your but in defeat colors
Appreciate your love of Charvel but if you are going to talk about company history at least do some basic research. Grover Jackson bought the company and Charvel brand from Wayne in late 1978. There was no merger, Grover was the guy behind it all from early on.
no you're right, the MIJ's beat any USA charvels made today, their mexican garb.. LOFL, I compare those to squier classic vibes.. problem is the Japanese are PHENOMENAL wood workers and they take serious pride in their work, you know how we used to do it in the USA? yea till clinton sold us to chyna, click willy that is, fore most of ya's were born..
thats beauty 2a, love it, I have a few myself, one that's mint mint 10.. I have that one in that off white with flake color almost a pale yellow? not as nice as that, it's been around but I like it.. you get tired of that one I have gear and or cash
Overpriced. They were low budget guitars in the early 90s. Very generic sound. Not sure why they are suddenly $1,200 guitars
Just A FYI. That kahler bridge is terrible if you actually use a bar. If you plan to keep the guitar and have a functional, reliable vibrato, a genuine Floyd Rose is the way to go for such a nice Charvel.
I’ve already sold this one, but I thought the bridge was pretty good. At least as good as any fulcrum type trem on a strat. Personally I’d never modify something original like this as it’d require drilling for studs/posts, if I wanted a floyd type bridge I’d have gotten one with those fitted from factory (like the 87+ model 3A’s).
@@totallyradguitars959 Thats all good ! I was surprised to see that kahler on the Charvel. I owned a BC Rich Bich a long time ago (80's) and it came with that kahler. Was nothing but trouble for me. \m/
@@jrg770 They only showed up on the really early 1986 year Model 2's and Model 3's. I bet they weren't well received because people wanted to treat them like floyd's and they aren't. Charvel got smart and dumped the Kahler's on all models for 1987 and later.
lol, these work FINE, if you know how to set up and use.. good grief dood really? a "floyd rose" LOFL, these rose leg humpers are beyond refute, WHY butcher a guitar up to install an inferior bridge..
I see so many of these guitars FOR SALE, where someone got the bright idea, oh gee lemme screw this guitar up, ruh roh, sucks now guess I'll sell it.. yeesh
there is an ALTERNATE kahler that will plug and play into this configuration, a floyd will not as the fulcrum patter is way too narrow.. however a narrow spaced fulcrum Killer bolts right in, good luck finding one, these work great just figure out how to use em ffs..
"I don't know how to use this bridge, so I recommend trashing your guitar cuz thats what I do when I am stuck"
Incorrect. Kahler's are fantastic. My 84 Explorer has had one on it since 85 and I've used it and some famous players used it on stage all these years and it has never let me down or left me hanging, and I use it like you would use a Floyd. Not certain how many years of experience you are using in your post.
Dude its not a 5 .... model 5 was a 24 fret neck thru Hss active mid boost monster
Yes... that's why this video is called "Charvel Model 3A" emphasis on "3."
You are also incorrect, the Model 5 was HH, not HSS, you are thinking of the Model 6. There is also the Model 5A (H) and 5FX (HS). I have a separate video on the 5 and 5A. Cheers