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Average Price: $675

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Description

Discover the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS, a solid body electric guitar designed to inspire both budding enthusiasts and seasoned shred masters. This model hails from the late '80s era, a time when Charvel was synonymous with high-performance guitars. Famed for its sleek design and versatile sound, the Model 3DR HS is a standout in the Charvel lineup.

The guitar features a unique HS pickup configuration, combining a powerful humbucker in the bridge position with a single coil in the neck, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities. The Predator's body is crafted from basswood, offering a lightweight feel without compromising on a full-bodied tone. Whether you're hammering out heavy riffs or delicately picking through a melodic solo, the Charvel Predator delivers with clarity and punch.

Its maple neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience that accommodates fast runs and intricate fingerwork. The 22 jumbo frets make this guitar comfortable for aggressive playing styles, while the double-locking tremolo bridge ensures you can dive and bend with confidence, keeping your tuning stable throughout.

Key Features:

  • HS pickup configuration (humbucker/single coil)
  • Basswood body for lightweight playability
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 jumbo frets
  • Double-locking tremolo bridge for tuning stability
  • Sleek design from the late '80s era

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Predator / Model 3DR HS with Rosewood Fretboard
Year 1986 - 1991
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Orange, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Fade
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel Predator
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS?

The Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS features a comfortable and fast-playing neck profile, ideal for rock and metal styles. This neck design allows for quick movements and ease of playability, making it suitable for both shredding and complex chord work.

What kind of tones can I expect from the HS pickup configuration on the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS?

The HS pickup configuration on the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS provides a versatile range of tones, from rich, full humbucker sounds to bright, cutting single-coil tones. This setup is well-suited for genres like rock, metal, and blues.

Is the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS is designed with advanced players in mind, offering features like a locking tremolo bridge and a fast neck. However, its playability and quality also make it an excellent choice for motivated beginners.

Does the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS have a locking tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning and expressive dive-bomb effects, perfect for rock and metal playing styles.

What is the fretboard radius on the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS, and how does it affect playability?

The Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS features a compound fretboard radius of 12" to 16", providing a balance between comfortable chord playing and smooth soloing, making it ideal for versatile play styles.

What are the finish options available for the Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS?

The Charvel Predator / Model 3DR HS is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, orange, red, white, and yellow, with gloss and metallic finishes that enhance its visual appeal.

Leigh Fuge

Leigh Fuge

I Got one of my DREAM GUITARS - 1988 Charvel 3DR

Video thumbnail for I Got one of my DREAM GUITARS - 1988 Charvel 3DR by Leigh Fuge

I Got one of my DREAM GUITARS - 1988 Charvel 3DR

Leigh Fuge

Leigh Fuge

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using Seymour Duncan SH4 JB for the bridge and DiMarzio SDS 1 for the neck to achieve a classic 80s and 90s metal sound.

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  • Owners often find vintage models modified or missing original parts, like neck pickups or switches, impacting restoration efforts.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge pickup and mounting ring are non-standard sizes, larger than usual, which requires retaining the existing mounting ring for compatibility.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar potentially needs an "F-Spaced" pickup in the bridge due to its string spacing, typically 53 mm for F-Spaced.

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  • The reverse headstock is a notable feature, especially desired in specific color configurations, such as white.

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  • The appeal of the Charvel logo with Jackson-style writing is a significant draw for enthusiasts, contrasting with newer logo designs.

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User experience

  • Stock pickups in the Charvel 3DR may be slightly larger than standard, which could lead to fitting issues when upgrading or replacing them.

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  • Some users report regret after selling their Charvels, noting difficulty and expense in finding similar models again.

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Comparisons

  • The Predator is closely related to the Fusion Deluxe, differing in headstock orientation and bridge type (Schaller vs. Kahler).

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