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Author Topic: My poor old Charvel Model 4  (Read 21424 times)

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« 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.



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

willo

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #1 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!
The large print giveth, and the small print taketh away...

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2006, 12:58:57 PM »
Quote from: willo
L7?  :lol:


I know, I know.  ;)

Dakine

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2006, 03:40:05 PM »
She'll be alright mate.
Just needs some feline love and care.
"Do not go gentle.........Rage"

tewboss

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #4 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!

Ratrod

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #5 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.
BKP user since 2004: early 7K Blackguard 50

FELINEGUITARS

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #6 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 )
www.felineguitars.com - repairs & custom built
Great fretwork!
Buy your BKPs & Earvana from ME!

Ratrod

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #7 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.
BKP user since 2004: early 7K Blackguard 50

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #8 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

Pierre

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #9 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.

_tom_

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #10 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.

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #11 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

PhilKing

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #12 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.
So many pickups, so little time

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #13 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

Muttley

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My poor old Charvel Model 4
« Reply #14 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