Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $700

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Charvel Model 3 electric guitar is a compelling choice for musicians seeking a blend of classic aesthetics and modern playability. Designed during the heyday of rock and metal, this solid body electric guitar showcases the distinctive craftsmanship that Charvel is renowned for. Its sleek design is geared towards high-performance playing, featuring a smooth neck profile that caters to fast and intricate fretwork. With a versatile pickup configuration, the Model 3 offers a broad tonal palette suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from searing leads to warm, articulate rhythms.

The guitar's construction is both robust and resonant, ensuring durability and a rich sound. The inclusion of a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system allows for expressive dive-bombs and stable tuning, making it ideal for guitarists who love to experiment with pitch. The Model 3's refined hardware and intuitive controls offer a seamless playing experience, whether you're on stage or in the studio.

For musicians who value precision and reliability without sacrificing style, the Charvel Model 3 stands out as a versatile and enduring instrument.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction for enhanced resonance
  • Smooth neck profile designed for fast playability
  • Versatile pickup configuration offering a wide range of tones
  • Licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system for expressive pitch control
  • Durable hardware for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Model 3 HSS with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Burgundy Mist, Electric Blue, Pearl White, Red
Year 1986 - 1989
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel Model 3
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Charvel Model 3 use?

The Charvel Model 3 features an HSS pickup configuration, which includes a humbucker in the bridge position and single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Charvel Model 3 suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Charvel Model 3's HSS pickup configuration and locking tremolo bridge make it well-suited for heavy metal, allowing for powerful distortion tones and stable tuning during aggressive playing.

What is the neck profile of the Charvel Model 3?

The Charvel Model 3 features a comfortable bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth playing experience with a 12" to 16" compound radius, ideal for fast playing and easy bending.

Does the Charvel Model 3 come with a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Charvel Model 3 is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for precise pitch control and stable tuning, even with extensive use of the tremolo bar.

How many frets are on the Charvel Model 3?

The Charvel Model 3 has 22 frets, offering a wide range for soloing and chord playing across the fretboard.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

This1980s Charvel can compete with most vintage guitars!

Video thumbnail for This1980s Charvel can compete with most vintage guitars! by Johan Segeborn

This1980s Charvel can compete with most vintage guitars!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Charvel Model 3 Super Strat Guitar Up Close Video Review by Essex Recording Studios

Charvel Model 3 Super Strat Guitar Up Close Video Review

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for 1986 Charvel Model 3 The Last Year For MIJ Charvels With A Kahler by Rexylab

1986 Charvel Model 3 The Last Year For MIJ Charvels With A Kahler

Rexylab

Rexylab

Video thumbnail for Charvel Model 3 -1987 by Jonas Kjellgren

Charvel Model 3 -1987

Jonas Kjellgren

Jonas Kjellgren

Video thumbnail for 80's Charvel- Model 3: The 'Kiss Me' guitar by Art, Cars and Guitars -Scott M Fischer

80's Charvel- Model 3: The 'Kiss Me' guitar

Art, Cars and Guitars -Scott M Fischer

Art, Cars and Guitars -Scott M Fischer

Video thumbnail for My New 1986 Charvel Model 3 by Kalen Baker

My New 1986 Charvel Model 3

Kalen Baker

Kalen Baker

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality rivals USA-made Jackson and Charvel guitars

  • Highly praised for reliability and long-term performance

  • Vintage appeal with superior craftsmanship compared to modern counterparts

  • Considered a top choice even among high-end guitar collections

  • Remarkable resale value due to lasting demand

  • Nostalgic value for those who learned on it decades ago

  • Stands out for its durability and robust construction

CONS

  • May require significant setup and maintenance upon acquisition

  • Need for cleaning and fixing oxidation for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Model 3.

Setup and maintenance

  • Finding original parts for the Jackson JT6 tremolo can be challenging; a Gotoh 1996t is a suitable replacement, though posts aren't interchangeable.

    Source
  • Retrofitting a 24-fret neck into a 21/22 fret neck pocket causes alignment issues; body modifications or neck adjustments are necessary for proper fit.

    Source
  • Mismatched truss rod wrenches are a common frustration, highlighting the need for precise tool specifications when maintaining older Charvel models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner purchased a similar Charvel Model 3A for $200 seven years ago, considering it a steal even then.

    Source
  • For $350, an all-original Charvel Model 3 in great condition with a case is considered a fair deal by owners.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners from the mid-80s era express nostalgia and regret over selling their Charvels, highlighting the guitar’s lasting appeal.

    Source
  • Owners often encounter difficulties when previous modifications are poorly executed, impacting playability and repair costs.

    Source

Build quality

  • Guitars with a "Fort Worth, Texas" neckplate indicate Japanese manufacture, while those with "San Dimas, California" signify US origin.

    Source
  • Older Charvels with damage or poor modifications can prove challenging to restore to a playable condition, underscoring the importance of assessing prior alterations before purchase.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend upgrading with Dimarzio Tone Zone or Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB pickups for enhanced tone.

    Source
  • Installing an original Floyd Rose top-mounted avoids the need for additional routing, maintaining the guitar's original structure while upgrading tremolo performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Guitars from the Grover Jackson period have a unique four-digit number on the last fret.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Jackson Charvel guitars with "Professional" on the headstock are identified as Japanese-made instruments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Charvel Model 3 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Charvel Model 3, a standout from the 1986 Japanese lineup, impresses with its charismatic design and playability. Despite initial skepticism about its reputation, this guitar defies expectations with its captivating charm and quality construction. Priced reasonably at £419 back in the day, its sound and feel are top-notch, making it a joy to play. While it's important to acknowledge potential variability in production models, this particular piece shines brightly, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, the review is a glowing endorsement, celebrating the Model 3's allure and musical performance.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phil Collen uses Charvel Model 3

Phil Collen

Guitarist

Def Leppard

...
Verified via Photo

He is seen playing a Model 3 live with Def Leppard in Italy in 1988.

See how Paddy McAloon uses Charvel Model 3

Paddy McAloon

Singer, Guitarist

Prefab Sprout

...
Verified via YouTube

Prefab Sprout - The Golden Calf, Get Fresh May 7th 1988

Charvel Model 3

See how Peredur Ap Gwynedd uses Charvel Model 3

Peredur Ap Gwynedd

Guitarist

Pendulum

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In an article on Guitar.com titled "The Collection: Pendulum's Peredur ap Gwynedd," Peredur Ap Gwynedd discusses his customized Charvel Model 3, which is fitted with a Fender neck and headstock.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Charvel Model 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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