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Average Price: $1,194

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Charvel Model 5 is a testament to precision craftsmanship and high-performance design, offering musicians a powerful tool to express their creativity. This solid body electric guitar is a favorite amongst shredders and rock enthusiasts for its combination of classic design and modern playability. With its sleek contours and fast neck, the Model 5 provides superior comfort during extended play sessions.

Equipped with a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system, this guitar ensures tuning stability even during aggressive playing and extreme dive-bombs. The dual humbucking pickups deliver a wide tonal range, from warm, rich lows to bright, articulate highs, making it versatile enough for various genres. The bolt-on maple neck and rosewood fingerboard enhance the overall tonal clarity and sustain, while the 24 jumbo frets provide ample space for intricate solos and fast-paced riffs.

The Charvel Model 5 also features a straightforward control layout with a 3-way pickup selector, allowing for quick switching between different tonal settings. Whether you're playing rhythm or lead, this guitar adapts seamlessly to your needs, making it an indispensable asset for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar design
  • Dual humbucking pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Floyd Rose locking tremolo system for stable tuning
  • Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 24 jumbo frets for easy playability
  • 3-way pickup selector for versatile sound options

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Model 5 HH with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Black Cherry, Burgundy Mist, Cobalt Blue, Electric Blue, Pearl White, Red
Year 1986 - 1989
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Poplar
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 5
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Charvel Model 5 use?

The Charvel Model 5 is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, which provides a powerful and versatile sound suitable for a range of genres, from rock to metal.

Is the Charvel Model 5 suitable for advanced guitar players?

Yes, the Charvel Model 5 features a neck-through construction, 24 frets, and a locking tremolo bridge, making it highly suitable for advanced players looking for precision and sustain.

What is the neck profile like on the Charvel Model 5?

The Charvel Model 5 has a comfortable neck-through maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, offering a smooth playability with a 12" to 16" compound radius, ideal for fast playing styles.

Does the Charvel Model 5 have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Charvel Model 5 features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning even during aggressive playing and dive-bombing techniques.

What body material is used in the Charvel Model 5?

The Charvel Model 5 is constructed with a poplar body, which contributes to its balanced tone and lightweight feel.

guitarsib

guitarsib

Charvel Model 5

Video thumbnail for Charvel Model 5 by guitarsib

Charvel Model 5

guitarsib

guitarsib

Video thumbnail for This Charvel sounds BETTER than the Model 6 - The Charvel Model 5 - 1987 by The Tone King

This Charvel sounds BETTER than the Model 6 - The Charvel Model 5 - 1987

The Tone King

The Tone King

Video thumbnail for 1987 Charvel Model 5 and 5A Review by Totally Rad Guitars

1987 Charvel Model 5 and 5A Review

Totally Rad Guitars

Totally Rad Guitars

Video thumbnail for Charvel model 5 test by Nick Scarfo

Charvel model 5 test

Nick Scarfo

Nick Scarfo

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Model 5.

Features and functionality

  • The Kahler bridge allows for quick restringing, excellent tuning stability, and can be locked with an Allen key for a hardtail setup.

    Source
  • The Charvel Model 5 can come with original brass rollers on the Kahler 2300 bridge, adding unique aesthetic and functional value.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kahler bridge offers smoother trem action compared to a Floyd Rose and is noted for faster and easier restringing.

    Source
  • Despite myths, Kahler bridges reportedly do not negatively impact tone due to body wood contact, debunking old misconceptions.

    Source
  • The Charvel Model 5 is likened to the Jackson Soloist in quality, offering a similar feel and build at a fraction of the cost during its production era.

    Source
  • The original J90C pickup is known for its tight and punchy tone, especially effective for high gain music styles, and is speculated to have been made by Seymour Duncan.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the boost circuit as a standout feature, inspiring some to incorporate similar circuits into custom builds.

    Source
  • An owner with a long history of use states the Model 5 has rock-solid tuning stability, even after multiple modifications and extensive play.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the instrument's longevity, with some continuing to use it as their primary guitar for over 30 years.

    Source
  • The discovery of a Charvel Model 5 at a yard sale for $75 showcases the potential for value finds, with resale values reaching up to $1800.

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Use cases and applications

  • The boost circuit is praised for its sound quality, prompting some owners to design similar circuits for other guitars and pedals.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped out the original JT6 bridge for a Schaller Floyd Rose, noting improved performance and reliability.

    Source
  • Some users have removed all knobs except for one volume and added a mini switch for splitting pickups, emphasizing a simplified control layout.

    Source
  • Some owners replace the original Jackson J80C neck pickup with Seymour Duncan or EMG pickups, though preferences vary towards DiMarzio for personal taste.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Charvel Model 5's Japanese craftsmanship is praised for its durability, with some guitars still in great condition after decades of use.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thomas Gabriel Fischer uses Charvel Model 5

Thomas Gabriel Fischer

Singer, Guitarist

Celtic Frost

...
Verified via YouTube

He used it at the 1989 live Celtic Frost gig at Hammersmith Odeon. This guitar can be seen in this video. As seen in the video his Model 5 gitar has multiple Michelle logos on it, those are the initials of his ex-wife Michelle Villanueva.

See how Robbin Crosby uses Charvel Model 5

Robbin Crosby

Guitarist

Ratt

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen holding a Model 5 backstage at a fan meet and greet in Japan on 05/15/87

See how Glen Drover uses Charvel Model 5

Glen Drover

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen playing a Model 5 live with King Diamond

See how Sead Zele Lipovaca uses Charvel Model 5

Sead Zele Lipovaca

Guitarist, Composer

Divlje Jagode

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Zele is holding a Charvel Model 5 electric guitar. In an earlier post I labeled it as a "So-Cal" Charvel, but upon further inspection I have concluded that it is a Charvel Model 5 due to the shape and EMG-esque pickups.

See how Rob Martin uses Charvel Model 5

Rob Martin

Guitarist

Discordance Axis

...
Verified via Disposableunderground

"...and a Charvel Model Five guitar, neck-through body, one of the ones I used"

"I would have people come up to me and ask what size of strings I used, and I would tell them .008s, and they would be like, “What?!” It’s like, the lightest possible strings"

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Charvel Model 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ampeg SS-150H
Ampeg SS-150H Guitar Amplifier Heads
1

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