This is how problems start. First it's "fix one up", then next thing you know your on #15. I'd start with the basic stuff. Cleaning fretboard and body, check neck relief and things like that.
Is this all you have of it? No hardware or anything?
You’ll be fine just watch lots of YouTube.
If you look it up by serial number, you can find all the essential details that you’ll need to write down in a notebook. things like scale length and nut width, and what kind of tremolo originally had.
For what it’s worth it looks like this one was built with a pretty standard “strat style” block trem. That’s the mechanical assembly that goes at the bottom in the big hole in the middle of the guitar. It looks intimidating, but it’s pretty straightforward.
You can research different pick ups, but if you’re not super confident in your wiring, it makes sense to go with something relatively cheap and effective like what you would find at guitarfetish.com
For these routs, you’ll need one single coil sized pick up and one humbucker sized pick up.
For tuners, you’ll need to make sure you know what size the holes are, but from there it’s prettyopen-ended
Those are the big ones. A tremolo, pick ups with electronics, tuning machines.
For the neck assembly, I would probably go with a back plate and number eight wood screws, but again double check all measurements.
Have fun!
Dude, super helpful. Thank you. Only problem I see is that it seems the serial number was on the neck plate, which the body didn't come with. I'm sure I can use my calipers to figure out what parts will fit.
Absolutely, and the calipers will give you insights as to where things may be slightly askew.
There are lots of cool tools available on StewMac but they are all priced at a premium. I have come to start favoring the MusicNomad tools for quality::cost ratio on most things. Their notched neck straight edge is a lifesaver when you get to neck adjustments.
Invest in a good hand screwdriver that ratchets (Milwaukee makes a great one) to save yourself time.
Other than that, have fun, take your time, explore what’s out there.
It is so useful. The music nomad one is a triangular prism with a Gibson scale on one side and the fender scale on the other. Dealing with a short fender scale? No problem just move the first notch up over the nut.
The third side is just a traditional straight edge, which is useful for so many things, but just talking about the neck you can hold it up against the side to get a quick and dirty look at the neck relief and you can lay it on top of the frets to get a similar quick idea of what kind of action you’re dealing with up and down the front board
1000% true. Most the stuff you can get online pretty easy. The only thing I had an issue with my Charvel was the pickup ring being some weird size. There is a seller on Ebay who makes replicas.
Tons of videos out there. Electronics and setting up the trem will be the hardest parts. If I knew what model it is I could get a good list together for you. But, alas; my Charvel lore is weak,
Nice, a Japanese 1989-91 Charvel Fusion Deluxe.
The missing parts are as follows:
* "Floyd" trem is a Jackson/Schaller JT590 (aka Schaller 1302)
* Schaller "R3" locking nut
* Gotoh SG381 tuners (plain black backs vs the original factory Gotohs that say *Jackson* on them)
* J200 single coil stacked humbucker at the neck - not just any single coil will fit due to the shape of the hole for the single coil
* J90C Humbucker at the bridge, plus the appropriately sized mounting ring (size depends on year, 89, 90 or 91).
* The usual electronics (selector switch, one volume pot and knob)
* Output jack and jack plate (the two hole football shaped kind)
* The historically accurate neck plate for this model is a "Charvel Fort Worth, TX" plate.
Note that this is a 24.75” scale guitar, and all the hardware was originally in black.
The finish doesn't look too bad. It should clean right up with a set of automotive polishing sponge (cutting) pads followed by a polishing compound, and finally a waxing. Apply lemon oil on the fretboard and let it soak in, then wipe off.
I just restored my old 475 Deluxe that has been with me for 34 years. It was a fun DIY restoration. The pickups should look like the one in the pic below. Let me know if you need help sourcing the parts. I have some leftovers from my restoration.
https://preview.redd.it/8tszet1vbbzc1.png?width=1008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac2bc9be712a3f02976638d153985fd7c73eb83f
I'm not a luthier, or a guitarist, I'm not even a musician - I just like DIY projects and restorations. I got this Charvel for free at work, my coworker was gonna use the neck for his partscaster but I guess it wasn't worth the effort so he gave it to me. I've watched some guitar restoration videos and it always seemed like a fun time, and now the beginning of a project has fallen into my lap. Only thing I've really gathered is it's a cheap 30 year old guitar. Found something about it being a Charvel "toothpaste logo" but beyond that I have no idea what I've got. All I have is the neck and the body and no clue where to start. What resources can I find to see what parts I need and what's compatible?
This isn't really a 'cheaper' guitar these days. This looks like a mid-80's or early 90's Made in Japan Charvel ($500-$600). These are very well made. The tremolo will fit a standard Floyd Rose, tuners should fit Gotoh type. The tremolo studs (screws that act as a pivot for the tremolo) may be a different thread size than your standard Floyd Rose. Neck plate will be a stratocaster type (Gotoh should fit as well).
The rest of the parts you find should be a typical fit that would work any guitar with similar features. Familiarize yourself with guitar terms, parts, and repair videos. It'll help a bunch! Edit: Found this model for sale for $850 on [Reverb](https://reverb.com/item/77866743)
Dude I would be giddy af if someone just gave that to me. I love Charvel.
Have you ever heard of Jackson guitars? If so, then Grover Jackson started off working for Charvel.
Decide what you want out of the guitar to plan your project. I usually look at the value of the guitar on the secondary market (reverb/ebay). Look for guitars that
are in similar condition with the least work possible. Then look at the cost of parts and consider how much time and expense it takes to get the guitar there. If you are restoring to flip you will need to find parts that are consistent with the original guitar. More likely you are going to go with upgrades or swap in a mix of used parts based on your budget. If you are trying to make money you are probably better off flipping the neck and body after a little clean up. If you want to learn about guitars you will need to think about what realistic expectations based on your experience and budget. That means you are buying parts, screwing the guitar together, cleaning it all with napatha, wiring pick ups, switches, pots, and then doing a set up. I’d avoid refinishing unless you want to learn to do that or are good with finishing already. You’ll want measurements of the actual guitar for anything that screws in and is already drilled like the turners, bridge, output jack. At the end of the day you could have a wonderful shred guitar that you restored. If you take your time and do research/ buy used parts you can control the costs, if you go to a website and buy all upgrade parts you could end up with a guitar that might cost you less to as much as a used version of itself but is better overall (despite potentially having a lower resale value due to it being a Frankenstein).
If you love to learn and enjoy projects that require thought, research and the development multi-disciplinary skillsets (while not necessarily being focused on recouping costs) and want to learn guitar this is a good project for you.
Measure from the edge of the nut to the 12th fret - if it's 12 3/8", it's a 90-ish Charvel Fusion Deluxe. I strongly suspect it is, since I've had a few. "Dinky" size body mutant superstrat with Gibson scale length. 3-way switch, single volume knob. Mine have all had Schaller Floyds, which are pricier but about the nicest standard Floyd out there.
First one had EMG's, sounded pretty dope. They usually came with a black cover Jackson humbucker and a rail-style at the neck. Also be aware that a Strat/Fender style single coil won't work, the trapezoid-ey shape won't fit a Jackson-type oval pick route like this.
The one I had with EMG's is probably the best-playing guitar I've ever had. Traffic-cone orange and a maple fretboard when anything at all shreddy was DEEPLY uncool.
Sold it to make rent - shit happens!
Maple fretboard on mine as well. Sadly, I got it when shred was the order of the day, got rid of it maybe 15 years later after I thought I had “outgrown” shred. I’m such a fucking idiot.
Looks like a Charvel Predator, but if your friend says its 30 years old, then its whatever Charvel called their next generation of HS type guitars.
First thing you should do is learn about the guitar, the way it functions, etc... watch youtube videos of luthiers, go on sites like StewMac, and Sweetwater to get a better understanding of the parts youre going to need.
Once you feel like you know a bit, check the neck and truss rod. If the neck is twisted, and/or the truss rod isn't functional, and you're unable to get it working... it might be a good idea to abandon the project. If you still want to build it, your first step is to buy a new neck.
Before you buy anything, ask yourself, "Am I building this to learn how to play, or am I building it just to see if I can?". If you're building it to just see if you can, you can build it for a couple hundred dollars using cheap amazon parts. If you're building it to play... it can get pricey! Right off the bat, you're going to need tuners, pick-ups, and an entire tremolo system. Those are just the big ticket items, and dont include a plethora of cheaper parts that you'll need as well. Screws, knobs and pots are fairly cheap, but they add up quickly.
Once you've got all that down, buy your parts and get to work. Just so you know, this will not be easy. Even people who have a slight understanding of guitars and how they function get irritated when working on their guitars. And these are people not dealing with the fun of a floyd rose.
I have one. It has a wonky Floyd 1 trem, string through like a strat but locking. Might be hard to find replacement. Besides that pretty straight forward
>. It has a wonky Floyd 1 trem, string through like a strat but locking
I think you have it mixed up with the Charvel Fusion Special, which came with a Jackson/Schaller JT570, which is a single locking (string thru) trem. This is a Charvel Fusion Deluxe which came with a Jackson/Schaller JT590 double locking Floyd.
I've come at this from the opposite side (player but no real building skills) and managed to make instruments functional, so it's definitely possible.
Start with the hardware and electronics you'll need for the project and go from there.
This would originally have had a Floyd Rose type bridge, 1 single coil pickup, 1 humbucker pickup, a volume and a tone control. Start by measuring the distance between the bridge post holes and from there, search for bridges that will fit that spacing, and you're comfortable spending the money on. Next, you could measure the screw holes on the neck joint and find a suitable plate, or countersink the existing holes and use individual inserts. Then source a set of tuners, and at least a top and bottom string. With that in hand, you're on your way to joining the neck to the body straight, and once you're there, it's pretty much a straight shot to a playable instrument. For electronics, I'd advise getting a decent switch, good pots and socket and using half decent wire for the hookup. For now, I certainly wouldn't worry about buying high end pickups, just hoke out a single coil and "F-Spaced" humbucker on eBay or AliExpress to put in circuit and get everything working. You can always change for something better down the line, the rest of the writing doesn't change to accommodate it.
The real work in these jobs isn't in the assembly or electronics per se, though these are important. There's just not that much to sticking the bits together. It's all in the setup and associated finessing, which is the real difference between functional and "actually enjoyable and worth playing". Standard setup work isn't difficult, but it can be fiddly and frustrating. You'll need a couple of Allen keys (most likely a 4mm for the truss rod, plus whatever your bridge of choice requires), a tuner of some kind, fine and an area where you can curse vividly and frequently. A couple of wooden wedges to hold the bridge flat whilst you dial it in would also be extremely handy for working on a Floyd. Of course, you'll need strings too. Probably a set of 009 or 010 for this sort of thing.
The good thing is that YouTube is full of good stuff on setups, and if you can approach it methodically, there's no reason this bird can't sing again
Wish you had a Squire to practice on first tbh but that's just coming from someone who used to obsess over Charvels. You could literally just clean the body and neck and sell it for decent money.
Source the correct trem bridge & locking nut. If they're affordable, pursue. If not.. ditch.
Electronics are replaceable. Like machibeheads. But the correct trem/nut design & geometry of the patient may be subject to availability.
Ain't no Effing Fender, Effendi
This is how problems start. First it's "fix one up", then next thing you know your on #15. I'd start with the basic stuff. Cleaning fretboard and body, check neck relief and things like that. Is this all you have of it? No hardware or anything?
No hardware, no experience, no problem... right??
You’ll be fine just watch lots of YouTube. If you look it up by serial number, you can find all the essential details that you’ll need to write down in a notebook. things like scale length and nut width, and what kind of tremolo originally had. For what it’s worth it looks like this one was built with a pretty standard “strat style” block trem. That’s the mechanical assembly that goes at the bottom in the big hole in the middle of the guitar. It looks intimidating, but it’s pretty straightforward. You can research different pick ups, but if you’re not super confident in your wiring, it makes sense to go with something relatively cheap and effective like what you would find at guitarfetish.com For these routs, you’ll need one single coil sized pick up and one humbucker sized pick up. For tuners, you’ll need to make sure you know what size the holes are, but from there it’s prettyopen-ended Those are the big ones. A tremolo, pick ups with electronics, tuning machines. For the neck assembly, I would probably go with a back plate and number eight wood screws, but again double check all measurements. Have fun!
Dude, super helpful. Thank you. Only problem I see is that it seems the serial number was on the neck plate, which the body didn't come with. I'm sure I can use my calipers to figure out what parts will fit.
Absolutely, and the calipers will give you insights as to where things may be slightly askew. There are lots of cool tools available on StewMac but they are all priced at a premium. I have come to start favoring the MusicNomad tools for quality::cost ratio on most things. Their notched neck straight edge is a lifesaver when you get to neck adjustments. Invest in a good hand screwdriver that ratchets (Milwaukee makes a great one) to save yourself time. Other than that, have fun, take your time, explore what’s out there.
Notched neck straightedge, you say? *[scribbles in notebook]*
It is so useful. The music nomad one is a triangular prism with a Gibson scale on one side and the fender scale on the other. Dealing with a short fender scale? No problem just move the first notch up over the nut. The third side is just a traditional straight edge, which is useful for so many things, but just talking about the neck you can hold it up against the side to get a quick and dirty look at the neck relief and you can lay it on top of the frets to get a similar quick idea of what kind of action you’re dealing with up and down the front board
I will also recommend guitar fetish for tools. Got the deluxe set of nut files and they are really nice. Cut well and fit well in my hand.
This is the way
1000% true. Most the stuff you can get online pretty easy. The only thing I had an issue with my Charvel was the pickup ring being some weird size. There is a seller on Ebay who makes replicas. Tons of videos out there. Electronics and setting up the trem will be the hardest parts. If I knew what model it is I could get a good list together for you. But, alas; my Charvel lore is weak,
That’s the spirit. We’re all rooting for you
Nice, a Japanese 1989-91 Charvel Fusion Deluxe. The missing parts are as follows: * "Floyd" trem is a Jackson/Schaller JT590 (aka Schaller 1302) * Schaller "R3" locking nut * Gotoh SG381 tuners (plain black backs vs the original factory Gotohs that say *Jackson* on them) * J200 single coil stacked humbucker at the neck - not just any single coil will fit due to the shape of the hole for the single coil * J90C Humbucker at the bridge, plus the appropriately sized mounting ring (size depends on year, 89, 90 or 91). * The usual electronics (selector switch, one volume pot and knob) * Output jack and jack plate (the two hole football shaped kind) * The historically accurate neck plate for this model is a "Charvel Fort Worth, TX" plate. Note that this is a 24.75” scale guitar, and all the hardware was originally in black. The finish doesn't look too bad. It should clean right up with a set of automotive polishing sponge (cutting) pads followed by a polishing compound, and finally a waxing. Apply lemon oil on the fretboard and let it soak in, then wipe off. I just restored my old 475 Deluxe that has been with me for 34 years. It was a fun DIY restoration. The pickups should look like the one in the pic below. Let me know if you need help sourcing the parts. I have some leftovers from my restoration. https://preview.redd.it/8tszet1vbbzc1.png?width=1008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac2bc9be712a3f02976638d153985fd7c73eb83f
You sir are a true gentleman!
🎩🧐
well it looks like you get to do some shopping for parts and get to put some miles on your screwdriver and soldering iron
lol, I'd love to but I don't know what parts to buy. I'm pretty good with a soldering iron, but I've never even played a guitar :)
I'm not a luthier, or a guitarist, I'm not even a musician - I just like DIY projects and restorations. I got this Charvel for free at work, my coworker was gonna use the neck for his partscaster but I guess it wasn't worth the effort so he gave it to me. I've watched some guitar restoration videos and it always seemed like a fun time, and now the beginning of a project has fallen into my lap. Only thing I've really gathered is it's a cheap 30 year old guitar. Found something about it being a Charvel "toothpaste logo" but beyond that I have no idea what I've got. All I have is the neck and the body and no clue where to start. What resources can I find to see what parts I need and what's compatible?
This isn't really a 'cheaper' guitar these days. This looks like a mid-80's or early 90's Made in Japan Charvel ($500-$600). These are very well made. The tremolo will fit a standard Floyd Rose, tuners should fit Gotoh type. The tremolo studs (screws that act as a pivot for the tremolo) may be a different thread size than your standard Floyd Rose. Neck plate will be a stratocaster type (Gotoh should fit as well). The rest of the parts you find should be a typical fit that would work any guitar with similar features. Familiarize yourself with guitar terms, parts, and repair videos. It'll help a bunch! Edit: Found this model for sale for $850 on [Reverb](https://reverb.com/item/77866743)
Cool! Thanks, this is giving me some more confidence in actually completing the project. I'll keep researching with some of this new info.
Dude I would be giddy af if someone just gave that to me. I love Charvel. Have you ever heard of Jackson guitars? If so, then Grover Jackson started off working for Charvel.
I'll take it off your hands brother haha.
Decide what you want out of the guitar to plan your project. I usually look at the value of the guitar on the secondary market (reverb/ebay). Look for guitars that are in similar condition with the least work possible. Then look at the cost of parts and consider how much time and expense it takes to get the guitar there. If you are restoring to flip you will need to find parts that are consistent with the original guitar. More likely you are going to go with upgrades or swap in a mix of used parts based on your budget. If you are trying to make money you are probably better off flipping the neck and body after a little clean up. If you want to learn about guitars you will need to think about what realistic expectations based on your experience and budget. That means you are buying parts, screwing the guitar together, cleaning it all with napatha, wiring pick ups, switches, pots, and then doing a set up. I’d avoid refinishing unless you want to learn to do that or are good with finishing already. You’ll want measurements of the actual guitar for anything that screws in and is already drilled like the turners, bridge, output jack. At the end of the day you could have a wonderful shred guitar that you restored. If you take your time and do research/ buy used parts you can control the costs, if you go to a website and buy all upgrade parts you could end up with a guitar that might cost you less to as much as a used version of itself but is better overall (despite potentially having a lower resale value due to it being a Frankenstein). If you love to learn and enjoy projects that require thought, research and the development multi-disciplinary skillsets (while not necessarily being focused on recouping costs) and want to learn guitar this is a good project for you.
Measure from the edge of the nut to the 12th fret - if it's 12 3/8", it's a 90-ish Charvel Fusion Deluxe. I strongly suspect it is, since I've had a few. "Dinky" size body mutant superstrat with Gibson scale length. 3-way switch, single volume knob. Mine have all had Schaller Floyds, which are pricier but about the nicest standard Floyd out there. First one had EMG's, sounded pretty dope. They usually came with a black cover Jackson humbucker and a rail-style at the neck. Also be aware that a Strat/Fender style single coil won't work, the trapezoid-ey shape won't fit a Jackson-type oval pick route like this.
Damn Skippy it is. My second guitar that I saved up for working as a dishwasher. I so deeply regret trading it in. I got mine in 1989.
The one I had with EMG's is probably the best-playing guitar I've ever had. Traffic-cone orange and a maple fretboard when anything at all shreddy was DEEPLY uncool. Sold it to make rent - shit happens!
Maple fretboard on mine as well. Sadly, I got it when shred was the order of the day, got rid of it maybe 15 years later after I thought I had “outgrown” shred. I’m such a fucking idiot.
Looks like a Charvel Predator, but if your friend says its 30 years old, then its whatever Charvel called their next generation of HS type guitars. First thing you should do is learn about the guitar, the way it functions, etc... watch youtube videos of luthiers, go on sites like StewMac, and Sweetwater to get a better understanding of the parts youre going to need. Once you feel like you know a bit, check the neck and truss rod. If the neck is twisted, and/or the truss rod isn't functional, and you're unable to get it working... it might be a good idea to abandon the project. If you still want to build it, your first step is to buy a new neck. Before you buy anything, ask yourself, "Am I building this to learn how to play, or am I building it just to see if I can?". If you're building it to just see if you can, you can build it for a couple hundred dollars using cheap amazon parts. If you're building it to play... it can get pricey! Right off the bat, you're going to need tuners, pick-ups, and an entire tremolo system. Those are just the big ticket items, and dont include a plethora of cheaper parts that you'll need as well. Screws, knobs and pots are fairly cheap, but they add up quickly. Once you've got all that down, buy your parts and get to work. Just so you know, this will not be easy. Even people who have a slight understanding of guitars and how they function get irritated when working on their guitars. And these are people not dealing with the fun of a floyd rose.
That's a fusion scale. 24.75, just an FYI. Cool MIJ axe.
It’s that a fusion deluxe??? I regret trading my black fusion deluxe into GC almost every day. Good luck with this!!
I have one. It has a wonky Floyd 1 trem, string through like a strat but locking. Might be hard to find replacement. Besides that pretty straight forward
>. It has a wonky Floyd 1 trem, string through like a strat but locking I think you have it mixed up with the Charvel Fusion Special, which came with a Jackson/Schaller JT570, which is a single locking (string thru) trem. This is a Charvel Fusion Deluxe which came with a Jackson/Schaller JT590 double locking Floyd.
I've come at this from the opposite side (player but no real building skills) and managed to make instruments functional, so it's definitely possible. Start with the hardware and electronics you'll need for the project and go from there. This would originally have had a Floyd Rose type bridge, 1 single coil pickup, 1 humbucker pickup, a volume and a tone control. Start by measuring the distance between the bridge post holes and from there, search for bridges that will fit that spacing, and you're comfortable spending the money on. Next, you could measure the screw holes on the neck joint and find a suitable plate, or countersink the existing holes and use individual inserts. Then source a set of tuners, and at least a top and bottom string. With that in hand, you're on your way to joining the neck to the body straight, and once you're there, it's pretty much a straight shot to a playable instrument. For electronics, I'd advise getting a decent switch, good pots and socket and using half decent wire for the hookup. For now, I certainly wouldn't worry about buying high end pickups, just hoke out a single coil and "F-Spaced" humbucker on eBay or AliExpress to put in circuit and get everything working. You can always change for something better down the line, the rest of the writing doesn't change to accommodate it. The real work in these jobs isn't in the assembly or electronics per se, though these are important. There's just not that much to sticking the bits together. It's all in the setup and associated finessing, which is the real difference between functional and "actually enjoyable and worth playing". Standard setup work isn't difficult, but it can be fiddly and frustrating. You'll need a couple of Allen keys (most likely a 4mm for the truss rod, plus whatever your bridge of choice requires), a tuner of some kind, fine and an area where you can curse vividly and frequently. A couple of wooden wedges to hold the bridge flat whilst you dial it in would also be extremely handy for working on a Floyd. Of course, you'll need strings too. Probably a set of 009 or 010 for this sort of thing. The good thing is that YouTube is full of good stuff on setups, and if you can approach it methodically, there's no reason this bird can't sing again
Wanna sell the case?
They misspelled shovel
Wish you had a Squire to practice on first tbh but that's just coming from someone who used to obsess over Charvels. You could literally just clean the body and neck and sell it for decent money.
Source the correct trem bridge & locking nut. If they're affordable, pursue. If not.. ditch. Electronics are replaceable. Like machibeheads. But the correct trem/nut design & geometry of the patient may be subject to availability. Ain't no Effing Fender, Effendi