Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Muttley on February 08, 2006, 12:54:37 PM

Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 08, 2006, 12:54:37 PM
I've been feeling guilty for a number of years over the treatment I gave my first proper guitar, and I think it's about time I rectified the situation.

Being young and stupid (and playing in a punk band) at the time, I replaced the Jackson H/S/S pickups and controls with a single Humbucker (Seymour Duncan Screamin' Demon) and just a volume control.  Plus I covered the thing with stickers.  Hey, I was only 17.  ;)

Later on I had problems with the trem and locking nut and was unable to find replacement parts.  So a new trem was fitted by the guy from Palm Bay guitars.  Unfortunately, if I recall correctly, there was a problem with the width of the neck at the nut and the new locking nut wouldn't fit correctly, so I was doing without it.  Of course this caused tuning nightmares with the floating trem, and I ended up not using the guitar much (I had acquired 2 other guitars which ended up being used all the time).

It's now been sitting in a cupboard for many years, but I still have a soft spot for it as it did go through a load of stuff with me, and served me well despite the abuse I gave it.

(http://www.muttleyville.org/images/gear/Model4.JPG)

I've sent an e-mail to Feline Guitars outling the problems, and hopefully they will be able to help me to get it sorted, but I thought it would be good to detail the problems here too, if for no other reason than to serve as a warning to others.  :lol:

Feel free to point and laugh now.  ;)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: willo on February 08, 2006, 12:56:24 PM
L7?  :lol:

Aaanyway, I still have a soft spot for my first guitars too, and fully intend on jazzing them up also, so good luck!
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 08, 2006, 12:58:57 PM
Quote from: willo
L7?  :lol:


I know, I know.  ;)
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Dakine on February 08, 2006, 03:40:05 PM
She'll be alright mate.
Just needs some feline love and care.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: tewboss on February 08, 2006, 08:29:50 PM
The Floyd Rose locking nuts come in two widths if I remember correctly. It looks like the posts for the trem look at little rusty, and if the trem has been used a lot then the knife edges might be worn.

My Aria is a bit bar-stewardised. It had a chip which I thought I could repaint when I was 17 - you live and learn!
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Ratrod on February 09, 2006, 11:22:50 AM
I've done alot of (stupid) things to my first guitars too. They were kinda testing mules. Everything I know now about fiddling, tweaking and customizing guitars started with those first ones.

If the guitar is still in one piece it can be restored. I think Feline will do a helluva job, you won't be able to put it down once it's finished.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on February 09, 2006, 03:24:03 PM
Thanks guys
We will do everything we can to make this baby play to it's full potential
I am rather fond of old Charvels and like making them well again

My own 1986/7 relic is unrecognisable from when I first bought her
(I sold her and got her back years later )
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Ratrod on February 09, 2006, 04:13:35 PM
I sure hope you have a good supply of sticker removal stuff. :D

That craquelle finish should look stunning with a new clear coat and some polishing.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 09, 2006, 04:19:05 PM
Quote from: Ratrod
I sure hope you have a good supply of sticker removal stuff. :D


I'll leave that to the professional.  Knowing my luck I'd pick the wrong stuff and it'll end up looking like Mr Bean's been at it.  ;)  :lol:

Quote from: Ratrod
That craquelle finish should look stunning with a new clear coat and some polishing.


I can't wait.  :)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Pierre on February 09, 2006, 07:36:28 PM
I have a model 4 myself. If you want parts:

http://www.fretsonthenet.com Dave is just great. I bought a pickup ring and a cover plate from him, they look great.
If you want the electronics (midboost system) I have a spare set of original ones. Not spaming, just helping ;) Have fun with it and if you have any questions, ask.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: _tom_ on February 09, 2006, 07:52:49 PM
Use nail polish remover to get rid of the sticker stuff. Test on the back first but I dont see why it would cause any problems.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 09, 2006, 08:00:54 PM
Quote from: Pierre
I have a model 4 myself. If you want parts:

http://www.fretsonthenet.com Dave is just great. I bought a pickup ring and a cover plate from him, they look great.
If you want the electronics (midboost system) I have a spare set of original ones. Not spaming, just helping ;) Have fun with it and if you have any questions, ask.


Thanks mate, I shall definitely keep that in mind.

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: PhilKing on February 10, 2006, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Use nail polish remover to get rid of the sticker stuff. Test on the back first but I dont see why it would cause any problems.


The best thing is Pledge!  I worked in music retail for years and we would get lots of things in with stickers on.  You just rough up the surface of the sticker a bit, spray on lashings of pledge and leave it about 10 min.  It works everytime and doesn't damage the finish.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 10, 2006, 01:43:34 PM
Quote from: PhilKing
Quote from: _tom_
Use nail polish remover to get rid of the sticker stuff. Test on the back first but I dont see why it would cause any problems.


The best thing is Pledge!  I worked in music retail for years and we would get lots of things in with stickers on.  You just rough up the surface of the sticker a bit, spray on lashings of pledge and leave it about 10 min.  It works everytime and doesn't damage the finish.


Pledge (or equivalent) I can do.

Jonathan at Feline also said lighter fluid is a better alternative to nail polish remover.  Have to be careful not to do a Hendrix though I suppose.  ;)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 10, 2006, 01:44:59 PM
I'm thinking about making this a total shred-monster with the refurb.  Do you think a Miracle Man / Trilogy Suite HSS set would be the way to go?

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: patch on February 10, 2006, 02:02:57 PM
I've seena product mentioned on a few site called goo-gone, it's a sticky remover treatment type thing. I sometimes get that residue after taping up my guitars for painting so i may try the pledge idea.

(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e382/patchdoghouse/IM000411.jpg)[/img]
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Ratrod on February 10, 2006, 02:42:51 PM
Nice Eddie job there Patch.

Check out www.meanstreetguitars.com
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Pierre on February 10, 2006, 03:04:12 PM
Quote from: Muttley
I'm thinking about making this a total shred-monster with the refurb.  Do you think a Miracle Man / Trilogy Suite HSS set would be the way to go?

Muttley

I didn't like my MM too much, so it's for sale now. It's an amazing pickup, but it depends on what sound you want really. It took time for me to appreciate its properties but I found something else better for me later on. So it all comes down to what you want to achieve with it.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: JamesHealey on February 11, 2006, 08:47:01 AM
I've sold many many guitars over the years i've regretted letting go and i've sworn now to keep the guitars i've got at the moment lol..

anyway, yea i once let this Japanese Strat go to a guy called joe, i'll buy it back oneday i swear.. it's an incredible guitar, will need some work though.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Afghan Dave on February 11, 2006, 01:06:15 PM
I have to add my voice here as it was a revelation when I discovered this,

WD40!!

Spray just as little as you need to cover the adhesive residue left after you pull the stickers off, leave for a few moments and then wipe your past away.

The beauty of this is that it simply cannot damage the finish and works like a charm.

I feel better now I've shared  :D
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on February 13, 2006, 12:09:35 PM
Quote from: Afghan Dave
I have to add my voice here as it was a revelation when I discovered this,

WD40!!

Spray just as little as you need to cover the adhesive residue left after you pull the stickers off, leave for a few moments and then wipe your past away.

The beauty of this is that it simply cannot damage the finish and works like a charm.

I feel better now I've shared  :D


I would advise keeping WD40 well away from guitars
Especially if you might ever wish to have the article refinished- as the paint will NOT stick to anywhere that the WD40 has touched
WD40 is silicone and the enemy of paintshops anywhere- I will not allow it in my workshop as I have bare wood products that will evenytually be painted.
If WD40 gets between the paint and body of the guitar through a crack it may well stat to erode the adhesion between the paint and wood.

Just my advice on the subject.....stick to lighter fluid
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Kilby on February 13, 2006, 12:54:29 PM
I thought pledge containes silicone too.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Afghan Dave on February 13, 2006, 01:11:58 PM
I have to add my voice here as it was a revelation when I discovered this,

DO NOT USE WD40!!

Spray none of this near your guitar!  You never need to cover the adhesive residue left after you pull the stickers off, leave for a few moments and then wipe your past away.

The danger of this is that it simply damages the finish and will not work like a charm.

I feel better now I've shared  :roll:
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Ratrod on February 13, 2006, 03:46:29 PM
That reminds me of a nice quote I read:"You only need two tools. WD40 and duct tape. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use the WD40."
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on February 13, 2006, 04:25:56 PM
In car repair workshops where they also have a respray shop - they will not use WD40 in a spray form - since once airbourne it gets on things it shouldn't.
They may use a non aerosol equivalent however......
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 14, 2006, 11:05:17 PM
I've now removed the stickers ready for Jonathan to get started on it when I drop it into him this week.  It's actually coming up quite nicely, which is fantastic.  :D

(http://www.muttleyville.org/gallery/d/157-1/DSC00023.JPG)

The stickers came off reasonably easily with just a bit of warm soapy water, but a few stickers have left some residue which I will try and get rid of with some lighter fluid as suggested (gotta buy some first though).

I'm definitely thinking a Miracle Man / Trilogy Suite set at the moment. Any other suggestions?

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on February 14, 2006, 11:11:01 PM
dude that looks amazing!!!!
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 14, 2006, 11:14:53 PM
Quote from: sambo
dude that looks amazing!!!!


It's amazing what a bit of cleaning can achieve, isn't it.  Or so my wife keeps trying to tell me.   :twisted: ;)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on February 14, 2006, 11:16:53 PM
hahaha!

but seriously dude thats a sweet guitar... now you need some equally manic pickup covers on whatever new bkp's you get... you should get somr crazy design on them. i mean nice flashy chrome covers just wouldnt match the outrageous finish  :twisted:  :P
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Ratrod on February 15, 2006, 01:10:20 PM
Maybe Mr Pig can create a similar finish on a pickup cover. Something like a craquelle camo finish.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on February 15, 2006, 01:11:52 PM
yer you should look into that muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Kilby on February 15, 2006, 02:03:59 PM
Could always get them etched with a sort of lava flow effect

Rob...
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on February 15, 2006, 05:32:33 PM
you make it sound so simple rob...

i can just imagine tim putting the order through to steve now....:

"yer just etch the lava flow right there steve..."
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on February 17, 2006, 02:11:35 PM
Dropped the guitar off at Feline this morning.  :)

I'm going with black pickups to match the originals, and because all black hardware looks really cool with the paint job.  The pickups are going to be a coil-tappable Miracle Man in the bridge, and two Trilogy Suite's in the middle and neck.  He's also fitting some Nailbombs to my SG, and doing a refret job on that too.

Can't wait to see/hear the finished product.  :)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Dakine on February 17, 2006, 02:34:05 PM
COOL

am excited for you Muttley!

Maybe ya cat will truly rock out now LOL!
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Kilby on February 17, 2006, 02:57:25 PM
Quote from: sambo
you make it sound so simple rob...

i can just imagine tim putting the order through to steve now....:

"yer just etch the lava flow right there steve..."


Heh, have a look at the laser etching guys (from the links section).

Supply them with the artwork and the cash, and then your item gets etched.

Rob...
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on February 17, 2006, 06:29:53 PM
Quote from: Kilby
Quote from: sambo
you make it sound so simple rob...

i can just imagine tim putting the order through to steve now....:

"yer just etch the lava flow right there steve..."


Heh, have a look at the laser etching guys (from the links section).

Supply them with the artwork and the cash, and then your item gets etched.

Rob...


yer but 'the cash' for the etching could probably buy you a whole new guitar...
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: 38thBeatle on February 18, 2006, 07:59:43 AM
Looking forward to the results Muttley.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on February 18, 2006, 11:43:08 AM
Quote from: Muttley
Dropped the guitar off at Feline this morning.  :)

I'm going with black pickups to match the originals, and because all black hardware looks really cool with the paint job.  The pickups are going to be a coil-tappable Miracle Man in the bridge, and two Trilogy Suite's in the middle and neck.  He's also fitting some Nailbombs to my SG, and doing a refret job on that too.

Can't wait to see/hear the finished product.  :)

Muttley


We'll take good care of your axes and make them into the best they can be
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on March 29, 2006, 09:46:35 PM
Forgot to post that when I picked up my SG the other week (which sounds and plays rather nice now I must say), Jonathan had my Charvel on the bench and work was well under way.

I'm getting rather excited about it after reading about Johnny Mac's Model 6 (and hearing the awesome clips he did too).

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Johnny Mac on March 30, 2006, 06:46:47 PM
Quote from: Muttley
Forgot to post that when I picked up my SG the other week (which sounds and plays rather nice now I must say), Jonathan had my Charvel on the bench and work was well under way.

I'm getting rather excited about it after reading about Johnny Mac's Model 6 (and hearing the awesome clips he did too).

Muttley


Hey thanks dude!!

I'm getting excited for you! I love Charvels they just kick butt and they look cool. You have picked a great pickup set they will blow you away man!  :twisted:
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 12, 2006, 04:54:40 PM
(http://www.muttleyville.org/gallery/d/282-1/DSC00020.JPG)

Yeah, baby!   :D 8)

More details later on.  :)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 12, 2006, 05:29:29 PM
All Finished? It's looking like a Pheonix! How's it sounding and playing like? :twisted:  :twisted:
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: sambo on April 12, 2006, 06:04:57 PM
wow! looks amazing!!!
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: 38thBeatle on April 12, 2006, 07:55:11 PM
You must be chuffed- looks great !
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: _tom_ on April 12, 2006, 08:07:12 PM
That finish looks awesome, nice one.
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 15, 2006, 10:25:33 AM
Quote from: Johnny Mac
All Finished? It's looking like a Pheonix! How's it sounding and playing like? :twisted:  :twisted:


It's playing better than I ever remember it doing.  I'm really enjoying having it up and running properly again.

With the individual switches for each pickup, plus a coil tap on the bridge humbucker, I've got about 11 different pickup combinations to play with which makes it pretty versatile.

Not had a chance to put it through the amp yet, but sounds great on headphones through the PODxt.

In the next couple of days I'm going to try and do some recordings comparing the MM and Nailbomb in my SG wih the same riff and amp settings.  :)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 15, 2006, 10:26:16 AM
Quote from: 38thBeatle
You must be chuffed- looks great !


Like a man run over by a steam train.... chuffed to bits.  :D
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 27, 2006, 11:16:32 AM
The Charvel had a good workout at rehearsal the other day.  It both plays and sounds wonderful, really happy with it.

I'll try and get some pics of it in action.  :)

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 27, 2006, 06:30:13 PM
Good stuff Mutley! Sound good the MM's eh! What's it like to the sg with nailbombs?
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 29, 2006, 09:11:33 AM
Quote from: Johnny Mac
Good stuff Mutley! Sound good the MM's eh! What's it like to the sg with nailbombs?


The Nailbomb's are a bit more... how shall we say... polite.  ;)

The Nailbomb's kick arse for that early 90s metal sound, the MM is just a monster.  :lol:

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: indysmith on April 29, 2006, 10:07:40 AM
Quote from: Muttley

The Nailbomb's are a bit more... how shall we say... polite.  ;)

bullshitee, i think the Nailbomb is a lot more agressive than the MM, which is a lot fatter and smoother, where the nailbomb bites and screams...
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on April 29, 2006, 01:15:39 PM
Quote from: indysmith
Quote from: Muttley

The Nailbomb's are a bit more... how shall we say... polite.  ;)

bullshiteee, i think the Nailbomb is a lot more agressive than the MM, which is a lot fatter and smoother, where the nailbomb bites and screams...


Was I talking about agression?  No, I don't think I was.

Have you tried them both side by side with the same amp settings?

Muttley
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Johnny Mac on April 29, 2006, 01:47:28 PM
Quote from: Muttley
Quote from: Johnny Mac
Good stuff Mutley! Sound good the MM's eh! What's it like to the sg with nailbombs?


The Nailbomb's are a bit more... how shall we say... polite.  ;)

The Nailbomb's kick arse for that early 90s metal sound, the MM is just a monster.  :lol:

Muttley


That's how i remember the two side by side at last years LGS. The MM harmonics are mental aren't they!

Indy put a clip up to demonstrate what you mean  :P
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on May 04, 2006, 10:21:05 AM
Had another rehearsal with this guitar last night and I just love it to bits.  :D
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Johnny Mac on May 04, 2006, 05:48:35 PM
Quote from: Muttley
Had another rehearsal with this guitar last night and I just love it to bits.  :D


Cool! You at the lgs sunday?
Title: My poor old Charvel Model 4
Post by: Muttley on May 04, 2006, 08:41:52 PM
Quote from: Johnny Mac
Quote from: Muttley
Had another rehearsal with this guitar last night and I just love it to bits.  :D


Cool! You at the lgs sunday?


Unfortunately not.  Gonna be there on Saturday.