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Average Price: $700
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$400
$1001+
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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
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What type of pickups does the Charvel Model 3 use?
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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.
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Is the Charvel Model 3 suitable for heavy metal music?
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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.
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What is the neck profile of the Charvel Model 3?
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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.
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Does the Charvel Model 3 come with a locking tremolo system?
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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.
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How many frets are on the Charvel Model 3?
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The Charvel Model 3 has 22 frets, offering a wide range for soloing and chord playing across the fretboard.
Videos
Johan Segeborn
This1980s Charvel can compete with most vintage guitars!
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional build quality rivals USA-made Jackson and Charvel guitars
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Highly praised for reliability and long-term performance
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Vintage appeal with superior craftsmanship compared to modern counterparts
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Considered a top choice even among high-end guitar collections
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Remarkable resale value due to lasting demand
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Nostalgic value for those who learned on it decades ago
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Stands out for its durability and robust construction
CONS
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May require significant setup and maintenance upon acquisition
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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
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Finding original parts for the Jackson JT6 tremolo can be challenging; a Gotoh 1996t is a suitable replacement, though posts aren't interchangeable.
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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.
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Mismatched truss rod wrenches are a common frustration, highlighting the need for precise tool specifications when maintaining older Charvel models.
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Value and pricing
User experience
Build quality
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Guitars with a "Fort Worth, Texas" neckplate indicate Japanese manufacture, while those with "San Dimas, California" signify US origin.
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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Guitars from the Grover Jackson period have a unique four-digit number on the last fret.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
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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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