Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,542

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the nostalgic waves of sound with the Charvel Surfcaster, a semi-hollow electric guitar that redefines the intersection of vintage charm and modern playability. This iconic instrument, with its bound semi-hollow offset body and captivating cat's eye f-hole, stands out in both aesthetics and sound. It's not just a guitar; it’s a portal to the past, equipped with a versatile array of lipstick and humbucker pickups that provide a wide range of tones, from warm jazz to biting rock. The Surfcaster's JT-40 vibrato bridge and roller nut enhance its playability, making it a favorite among players looking for a unique instrument that refuses to be pigeonholed. Whether you're a collector seeking the rare figured top variant or a musician in pursuit of distinct tonal qualities, the Charvel Surfcaster offers a blend of style and substance that’s hard to resist.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow offset body with a cat's eye f-hole, offering a unique look and resonant sound characteristic.
  • A variety of lipstick and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile sonic palette from clean jazz tones to aggressive rock.
  • Equipped with a JT-40 vibrato bridge and roller nut for superior tuning stability and expressive vibrato effects.
  • Available in both highly sought-after figured top versions and the standard plaintop models, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Surfcaster
Finish Magenta, Midnight Black, Sea Green Turquoise, See Thru Orange, See Thru Red, Starglow
Year 1991 - 1995
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Orange, Pink, Red, Teal
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Charvel Surfcaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.625"
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Flamed, Opaque

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Charvel Surfcaster suitable for?

The Charvel Surfcaster is versatile across genres like surf rock, indie, and alternative due to its semi-hollow body, which provides a bright, resonant tone.

What is the neck profile of the Charvel Surfcaster like?

The Charvel Surfcaster features a slim, fast-playing neck profile, making it comfortable for quick chord changes and lead playing, appealing to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Does the Charvel Surfcaster have a tremolo bridge?

Yes, the Charvel Surfcaster is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato effects.

How does the pickup configuration of the Charvel Surfcaster affect its sound?

With its SS pickup configuration, the Charvel Surfcaster offers a clear and articulate sound, ideal for clean tones and dynamic playing styles.

Is the Charvel Surfcaster a good choice for beginners?

While the Charvel Surfcaster offers professional features, its playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for beginners looking to explore a semi-hollowbody guitar.

LouBass09

LouBass09

Oasis - Bring It On Down [Guitar Cover]

Video thumbnail for Oasis - Bring It On Down [Guitar Cover] by LouBass09

Oasis - Bring It On Down [Guitar Cover]

LouBass09

LouBass09

Video thumbnail for Charvel Surfcaster from 1992 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Charvel Surfcaster from 1992 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Charvel Surfcaster 12 Figured Cherry Burst 1990s played by Jim Zwinselman | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

Charvel Surfcaster 12 Figured Cherry Burst 1990s played by Jim Zwinselman | Demo @ TFOA

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional playability with a neck comparable to Ibanez models

  • Unique, warm tones from lipstick pickups with minimal humming

  • Versatile sound range, comparable to Jaguars

  • Classic design with a near-mint appearance even after decades

  • Highly praised by notable musicians like Andrew VanWyngarden and Belinda Butcher

  • Stands out for its crisp, smooth sound not easily found in other guitars

  • Excellent for pairing with humbucker-equipped guitars to cover a wide tonal spectrum

CONS

  • Limited appeal if you prefer traditional humbucker coil sounds

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report a wiring issue where the neck pickup is directly wired to the pot, requiring a full rewire to restore functionality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Lipstick pickups deliver a bright, punchy sound and respond well to effects, although there can be a noticeable volume difference between neck and bridge pickups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the original switch with a newer style can resolve wiring issues and improve reliability.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck feels great and familiar to those accustomed to Jackson/Charvel guitars, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • The seafoam green Surfcaster is highly coveted due to its rarity and distinct look, making it a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Owners describe the string tension of the Surfcaster as closer to an acoustic guitar, providing a unique playing experience compared to typical electrics.

    Source

Other

  • The Surfcaster is considered rare, often sought after by collectors, making availability a significant challenge.

    Source
  • The headstock font of the Surfcaster is praised for its retro and appealing design, with some users expressing a desire for its return in modern models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Charvel Surfcaster's aesthetic and sound are often compared to Rickenbacker guitars, highlighting its unique style and sonic character.

    Source
  • A user compared the Charvel Surfcaster to the Jackson Outcaster, noting the Surfcaster's appeal as a semi-hollow body versus the solid body Outcaster.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner acquired a Charvel Surfcaster for $250 at a pawn shop, highlighting potential deals on this rare model.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
simon_vaillancourt

AMAZING Guitar !!!

If you have the chance to buy a '90 Surfcaster, just do it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Charvel Surfcaster

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Clapton custom ordered this non-tremolo version of the model and acquired it in the early 1990s. It features a strings-through-neck construction, a non-standard bridge baseplate with six saddles in place of the normal bridge/tremolo block and non-locking nut.

Original Bonhams auction page here.

See how Joe Perry uses Charvel Surfcaster

Joe Perry

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via Getty Images

In this photo we can see Perry playing a Black Charvel Surfcaster.

See how Bilinda Butcher uses Charvel Surfcaster

Bilinda Butcher

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Photo

Bilinda Butcher is seen playing a Charvel Surfcaster in a user-uploaded photo on Flickr, showcasing her use of this semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

See how Scott Ian uses Charvel Surfcaster

Scott Ian

Guitarist

Anthrax

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Scott Ian performing live, he can be seen playing a black Charvel Surfcaster with a white pickguard.

See how Melody's Echo Chamber uses Charvel Surfcaster

Melody's Echo Chamber

Singer, Keyboardist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

Melody's Echo Chamber is seen playing a Charvel Surfcaster, as featured in a photo on her Instagram account.

See how Will Sergeant uses Charvel Surfcaster

Will Sergeant

Guitarist

Echo & the Bunnymen

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live clip from the Jools Holland show, Will can be seen playing his 12-string Surfcaster. There's a good look at the headstock at the 1-minute 50-second mark.

See how Scott Putesky uses Charvel Surfcaster

Scott Putesky

Guitarist, Music Producer

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via YouTube

Scott Putesky can be seen using a Charvel Surfcaster throughout the Marilyn Manson music video for "Dope Hat".

See how Tommy Victor uses Charvel Surfcaster

Tommy Victor

Guitarist

Danzig

...
Verified via Photo

Tommy Victor used Charvel Surfcasters in the 1990s, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

See how Dave Gregory uses Charvel Surfcaster

Dave Gregory

Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via Guitargonauts

Dave used the Surfcaster on the XTC track 'Fruit Nut' along with several home recordings and studio sessions.

See how DØVYDAS uses Charvel Surfcaster

DØVYDAS

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

seen playing the guitar in this photo

See how David Lowery uses Charvel Surfcaster

David Lowery

Singer, Guitarist

Cracker

...
Verified via Charvel Surfcaster Guitars

David Lowery, the guitarist, is confirmed to use the Charvel Surfcaster as detailed on the official Cracker gear page at crackersoul.org, indicating his preference for the instrument's sound.

See how John Wozniak uses Charvel Surfcaster

John Wozniak

Singer, Guitarist

Marcy Playground

...
Verified via tiktok

In the video, Wozniak shows off the guitar as one of the parts of his gear. Wozniak also mentions that the guitar includes a modified bridge pickup from Australian company Madlove.

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 Surfcaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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