The GREATEST Japanese Guitar Ever Made - 1989 Charvel Jackson 750xl Archtop Soloist (Shawn Lane)
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- Опубліковано 2 лют 2024
- This is the story of my 1989-90 Charvel 750xl Flame Maple Archtop Soloist with Trem. Made in the Chushin Gakki factory for a little over a year, from late 1988 thru early 1990, the 750xl sat at the pinnacle of the Charvel Professional Series import line. Coming on the heels of their highly success their new Classic Series, Fusion Series, and Professional Series now featured a fresh headstock logo in a smooth toothpaste font. Where the Classic Series reprised many of the features of the lower models from the Model Series, and the Fusion Series experimented with guitars with a Fusion of specs all with Gibson 24 ¾ scale lengths, the Professional Series and its three models, the 550xl, 650xl, and big daddy 750xl, featured the very best in specs and craftsmanship the Chushin Gakki factory had to offer.
The 650xl was nearly identical to its Model 6 predecessor with set-thru neck construction, and active boost electronics, it did feature a 5-way switch instead of the slightly more cumbersome three toggles, The 550xl was basically a 650xl with dual humbuckers instead of HSS pickups. But the 750xl, often dubbed “The Les Paul Killer” by those in the know, stood apart from anything Charvel had made up until that time, or has made since.
First of all, like the Fusion Series guitars, the 750xl had a 24 ¾ Gibson scale, immediately pitting it against the likes of the Les Paul, which, thanks to Guns n' Roses's Slash and their 1987 album “Appetite for Destruction,” had enjoyed a recent renaissance of interest. But instead of simply copying a Les Paul, as so many Japanese companies such as Hoshino Gakki, the Ibanez parent, had done in the past, the Chushin Gakki craftsmen decided to take the basic idea of a Les Paul Standard - with its arched flame maple top on a thick mahogany body, dual passive overwound humbuckers, and fully bound neck - and give it a deluxe Super Strat spin.
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i see why ya were so fond of my '90 soloist archtop pro now :)
That guitar is running over with top-shelf attributes - What a beautiful guitar, story, and what a wonderful mother.
I dont normally do this but...
It was 1989, My mother walked in to a guitar store and purchased an all white Charvel 275 Deluxe, she picked it because it looks very similar to the one on the cover of Joe Satriani's album, Dreaming #11, which my mom and Dad would listen to all the time, he would end up playing the guitar and teaching my mom some rudimentary things on that same white charvel, 4 years later in 1993, I was born,
Some of My earliest Memories are crawling into my mothers room and reaching under her bed and unlocking the case which she would see and help me with, fast forward to age 8 or 9 and she started getting me guitar lessons at our local music store, one day she saw my progress I had made with the guitar and she said I could keep it as long as I take care of it, It would be my only guitar until I started buying more at around age 16.
This year i turned the big 30, i have owned and sold many guitars, yet I still have my mothers Charvel, every time I open the case the smell and looks brings back so many tearful and joyful memories and takes me back to a special place, it is more than a guitar to me, it is my time machine, to a better, easier time...
If you would like to see a picture of me with the guitar as a child here is a public post I made on the charvel page on facebook, I put more photos of the guitar in those comments.
facebook.com/groups/charvelguitars/permalink/10158747508615378/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Brad your mom bought you a 1989 Charvel and gave it to you in 1993
My mom bought my charvel in 1989 and it was destined to be mine in 1993 when I was born,
Eerily simular stories, thank you for sharing, that was truly a reminiscent expierence!
Badass guitar, brother!
@@PickupsAreNotTrucks thanks man! The real beauty is Brad's 750 XL ever since he posted this I have been looking at them online and they are so reminiscent of a 1958-1960 les paul color sceme with the flamed amber maple top and cherry red back, I love My charvel, it is a mid tier model but I always lusted after the set neck high teir models!
I have a neckthrough Ibanez RGT6EXFX. EMG 81s and 85s. A mid range model in production from 06 to 2010. Made in Korea, Indonesia and some rare ones were made in Japan. Somewhat unique in that Ibanez don't usually have too many neckthroughs in their catalogs compared to ESP and Jackson.
It's my second ever guitar and I remember the lovely day my dear pops and I went out to the music store to get some gear. He bought it for me along with a Marshall practice amp. It's a remnant of days gone by, a memory of my dad and a reminder of what once was. Guitars really are more than just instruments. It's why I'll never let it go.
Your comment made me inspired to write this. God bless.
What an awesome mom!
I just found a 1990 Jackson Professional with the exact top as this, dual buckers(Fishman) and a hardtail, ebony board, same reverse inlays, and the Jackson logo in the headstock is MOP. I have been looking for along time, and it just showed up. I had a white Pro in the early 90's and ended up losing it. It was my 1st real good guitar..so happy to have found this one!
Bought one new in 89 and regrettably sold it 6-7 years later but it came back home last year and it will not be leaving again. I had started looking for another and found this one and when it showed up it was the one I had sold many years earlier. The pickups had been changed but was still in very good condition. Needless to say, I was floored when I saw the serial # and realized it was mine to begin with. Like a lost dog, it found it's way home.
Wow!! Incredible story! Thanks for sharing that with us! 🤘
Hats off to all the hhard working parents who paid a shit ton for us for a guitar because they knew we would love it
i had a harmony@@BillyMaise
Brad I’m glad you’re in your happy place!
😂 How could one be unhappy with a guitar like that !?
Thanks for sharing , Brad . Thats awesome ! You thanking your Mom's loving sacrifice for buying that guitar was so heartfelt . In 1995 my parents took most of their income tax return and bought me my first rig . A black Epiphone Special II and a 12' Crate amp . I still have the guitar . In 1996 I got a job at a pizza shop and I was saving up to buy a new amp earning $4.25 /hr lol . One day my Dad said "come on, we're going up to KRA Music (Columbus , Ohio) and I'll help you buy that new amp . I traded in my Crate and with Dad & Mom's help I purchased a new Fender Princeton Chorus . I still have that amp . Cherished Memories :)
My first amp was a Crate GX-10. Nice practice amp, but it couldn't keep up with larger amps.
I still have my ESP The Junior II made in Japan from that era, bought in 91 with my first salary. More than 30 years later it is still my main guitar. Incredible !
MiJ guitars of the 70s, 80s and 90s are the best and affordable even nowadays. Loved them
Hey, that’s a great tribute to your mother, and what a fine guitar. Great to see you still have it as my first guitar is long gone and grateful that it is.
My Dad bought me a guitar for my 13th birthday. It was made in Japan and he told me I could have any guitar that the music store had, no matter what the cost. But he also said pick the one I want by feel not by cost.Ilooked and played several Gibson new and used guitars and many other brands. But the guitar I picked was a natural finish Aria les paul copy. The year was 1973 when I turned 13 years old. I didn't know a les paul from a Telecaster, the only other guitar I had owned and first learned to play was a Tesco that I bought used from my aunt for 15 bucks plus she gave me a cheap amp. I payed for that guitar by mowing lawns around the neighborhood.The Aria cost $352.00 in 73 and I still have it and play it. It is in near mint condition along with original case. I like you would never part with it.But I really like the Charvel, it looks and sounds great, and now Im wanting one if I can find it out there somewhere.God bless I love your videos.
Was that an aria Pro 2? I had one of those, I own 3 gibson les pauls right now, but I miss that aria and think about it too often. .
@@themodsify No it was just Ària but it looks just like the pro 2 maybe they added the pro later I dont know. I got mine in 73 so it may have been made in 72 I love this guitar it has a figured maple fingerboard all natural finish
The real Les Paul Killer was, and still is, the Yamaha SG. I thought everyone knew that. My first guitar, which I still own, is also a Charvel from 1987, and I later acquired a Yamaha SG from 1984. My Charvel is my shredder, and my SG is for everything else. Two totally different beasts.
Man, after discovering Shawn Lane a couple years ago my entire world of shredder influence was shattered.
As another commenter on one of his videos on UA-cam said , "Shawn makes all my former guitar heros sound pedestrian"
And he was right....
Then I saw Roy Marchbank....
Sounds awesome too
You should hear it with PAF pro's like Shawn lane had in his! it is godlike!
@Thesegotoeleven1968 ooh noe I gota look it up
.I never played a tube amp ..I know he had a practice amp in the vid bit it's rare for me to like tone..once in a while..bit I have alot of small practice amps I got a spark and a katana but I got em used and dnt knkw how to get all the effects..thanx for the reply
Awsome to tslk to Freinds who enjoy what I do
@@joshuataft5541 Katana is a great little amp! I use one as my practice rig! sounds very tube like! 👍
Thank you for sharing this cool story, Having three of these beautiful instruments I can second you by saying they are the best Japanese made guitars.🎸🎸🎸
MY first was a Fender American Telecaster. In 1974 my Mom and i went together and bought it for $125 cash and a nice Teisco semi hollow guitar.I was playing in a little garage band here in Tennessee. Playing parties,schools, and a little at the VFW club. I was the oldest at 17. I kept it till 1996-7 till i needed diapers for our daughter. I still miss it.Great video Brad. Thank you. Glad you still have yours
The one that got away for me was a 1962 jazz master that I had, and sold around 1980. I regret its departure from my life ever since.
Keybaord players will think nothing of paying $4,500 for a synth they haven't even touched while guitarists will spend all afternoon in a guitar shop deciding whether to buy a $17 fuzz pedal.
Perspective; You sold that guitar 44 years ago, if you'd saved a dollar a day you'd have enough to buy ten of them or a Custom Shop version.
So stop looking over your shoulder and look forwards instead, eh? Isn't that better? :o)
@@PrinceWesterburg Well, actually I do have enough money to buy ten of them. Plus, at this time in my life I do own too many, if that is even a thing. That said, the question that was asked in the video was "what particular guitar do you wish you still had" and I answered. I don't think I need to tell you where to insert your "perspective". Is that better?
Thanks for the great video Brad. Your mom was already in tune with your love of music and she chose to spend her hard earned dollars on something that would help you realize a dream and propel your career in that direction. That's a special mom and makes a great instrument all that more special to you.
My Jackson guitar was not produced in Japan like yours, Brad, but I think it's pretty special too. It is a USA KE2T-KELLY guitar, one of a hundred or less, made for Musician's Friend and signed by Marty Friedman. Years ago I had a brief email conversation with the guy who flew Marty to Texas to sign it. It is in minty condition with only some light surface scratches in the finish. It is a treasured piece and I am fortunate to own it. Oh, lest I forget to mention, I really enjoyed watching the video of your time with Johnny Hiland, too. Good stuff!
JACKSON's are amazing guitars!
Awesome!
Awesome Nostalgic video. Im a big fan of all the toothpaste Logo era Japanese Charvel. The Charvel 750xl is just a masterpiece. I owned a Ferrari red Fusion that i regret selling in 1995 to buy an Ibanez 550.
My favorite guitar i own and play is the Carvin Jason Becker JB200SC signature model.
I got a massive soft spot for Charvel from the 80s.
So cool you have that footage from your youth, thanks for sharing it!
Just as valid as a vintage gibson or fender..absolute work of art. I will always have a soft spot for the super strat!!
I found a white early 90’s 550 SL pro in a hawk shop for 325$ in 98’. My main instrument was stolen and we had gigs booked. Usually pawn shop guitars are cheap junk, I did a backflip and happily paid the man. I, luckily recovered my Jackson from the county property room.
Then I had two badass super strats, I still have both.
The ghost of Johnny Cash in the mirror at the end was spookie!!! 🙂
I miss this guitar. I bought one in 93. Sold it in 99.
Wow, your story really parallels mine within the same time frame pretty much, however my dream guitar it a 1989 Kramer Nightswan Aztec, same Gibson scale and everything. Bought it new, still have the original bill of sale and I can't ever get rid of it either. Nothing plays like it at all. The rereleased version is nothing like the original. I've had the frets recrowned twice so the frets and the action is super low. Never goes outa tune. Has the original Floyd Rose on it. Just a monster. Think I paid $2200.0 or $2400.0 back in 89-90. Still my favorite to play!
Dang Brad as a pretty long time fan of your channel I never would have guessed that this would have been one of the earliest guitars you purchased. I guess I always assumed you were more into acoustic singer/songwriter type music based on your affinity for antique amps and equipment and your thick Southern accent and dry sense of humor. Just goes to show you never really know someone quite like you think you might. I guess I have seen references to Metal and your appreciation for some of it like your early introduction to Brad Gillis and his work with Ozzy post Randy Rhoads as well as your really cool Tool covers (Tool are the 4 best musicians ever, deal with it haters). That’s an awesome guitar though, I love everything about it. Japanese guitars had/have an amazing attention to detail especially with the fret work and finishes and I really love the color combination on that guitar as well. If I had a guitar like that I would be so excited to pick it up everyday just from looking at it each day. The fact that you were able to keep it after all these years especially given how much your mom must have really wanted to make sure you got a top quality instrument regardless of what it took for her to do so is incredible. She must have really loved you. My parents were never able to spring for a quality guitar for me either because they had no extra income or maybe they just didn’t care because they had to have known how much guitar playing meant to me considering I played that crappy Squier Strat everyday and never gave up learning. It’s a rare thing to still possess one of the first guitars you ever owned considering how many different situations can arise in the span of a couple years so the fact that you were able to is very cool. Keep that guitar passing through your bloodline and gift it to a newer generation guitar enthusiast in your family on the condition that they must never sell it and must one day pass it along to the next generation so that it continues to create history and produce the maximum affect possible so that your mother’s hard work and love never dies and continues to touch future generations of loved ones.
I think there was always an unspoken expectation that I couldn’t sell that guitar.
Your fingerstyle Metal playing is quite impressive Brad! I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It's a real stark contrast to your videos over the past couple of years. While you do play some shredder type stuff in some, mostly seems to be blues/classic rock and various other styles which is all great stuff either way. I had no idea you really started as a shredder though lol. This video was a great one and I've used D'Addario strings since the 90's lol.
I have my 650xl from '89. Swapped the bridge pup for a j90c. Still one of the best guitars I've ever played. I absolutely love it!
I had a 650xl in white. Absolutely KILLER axe.
@@TheGuitologist Mine is the most beautiful shade of pearl blue. We've been through a lot of stuff together. Jim Root played it a few times, way before Slipknot existed. He had a black Charvel 5, back then. That was a sweet guitar, too!
The first guitar I fell in love with is my 1991 Fender USA made strat that I saved my money for and purchased on layaway from GC. I had been playing foreign made el cheapos prior to that. During that same time I picked up a 1979 twin reverb. My hearing has not been the same since.
The best i had was a peavey patriot tele blue..i got in a motorcycle accident ..they must have thought i woukd die cause it was left at the gig pkace and they made iff with it..i wasnt in love with the look but it played amazingly...i had a black beauty with no guts i wish i had ...ive gone through alot i wish i had. As a kid wed trade or move on to other things..but i keep em all now...oddly my most olayed now is a jay turser sg clone with heavy strings sounds awsome thru my cheap amps.. ❤ thanks brad..ypu brought me down memory lane i apriciate you for that❤😔🙏👍
My first high quality guitar was a 1989 Ibanez RG750. Saved up a long time for the $750 to buy it new. Gigged with it all through the 90’s. I have a lot of guitars, but that one is irreplaceable. The only one that I’d never sell. Still looks, plays and sounds great. That’s a killer Charvel BTW.
Those OG 80s RGs are the shiz. I was always team Charvel though.
That's a heartwarming story Brad. Awesome guitar with an awesome story, I can tell how much it means to you.
My first guitar was a Samick Strat copy in 3 tone brown sunburst, white pick gaurd, my parents surprised me with it on my 12th birthday, along with a Peavy 15 watt amp, moderately sturdy hardshell case, and accessories. I was so excited (thank you Mom and Dad!)!
I felt that I outgrew that guitar at 15 (or at least wanted a nicer one, and one that looked "cooler"). I wanted an Ibanez RG, like Munky and Head from Korn, and Wes Borland from Limp Bizkit, I thought their guitars looked so sweet, all pointy and such. At the time, you couldn't get a 7 string Ibanez for under a grand, at least to my limited knowledge at the time. Also, I was in bands playing pop punk, ska, and a little harder stuff then, so a low B string wasn't necessary.
I sold the Samick to my very good friend as his first guitar, I taught him some power chords and he became our second guitarist. I was so happy that he took great care of that guitar, he upgraded/customized it and put some work into it, my father even helped him with the color changing Chameleon paint job!
I settled on a sparkly silver Ibanez RG 220 B (B for black hardware), locking nut, floating trem, but there are string ferrels on the top of the bridge so you don't cut the ball ends of the strings off (easier for my lazy self at the time). $299. I had a job at a pizza place, as well as what i got for my Samick. My dad helped me cut two pieces of wood to block off the trem eventually, because I didn't know how to get it all tuned up right. I ended up buying a Seymour Duncan Jazz pickup for the neck position and a JB in the bridge, and an awesome older punk rocker who delivered pizza at my job installed them for me, probably did a setup on it, too, cuz it played and sounded wonderfull all throughout my time playing in bands (I played bass in a few, as well, though). I still have it to this day, still love it, sparked my obsession with RGs, JEMs, JPMs... I'm building my second RG now, it will be #6. 😂
Sorry for the incoherent rambling, I love your channel and this was a great video, much love Brad!
I have like 15 80's MIJ charvels like 12 vintage charvel cases, 7 of them tweeds.. and 4 charvetts, those are great as well the MIJ charvetts ... love me a charvel... I wish I had gotten back into guitars before the Pre Pros got so damn expensive and collectible, they were very affordable when I first started playing back when they first came out, then my strat was stolen and I was out until like 6 years ago I started up again and have since collected a few guitars in fact I started collecting guitars cuz a friend of mine gregg back in the day had a white pre pro and it was the best guitar I ever played on hands down above and beyond it fit me so well I am still searching for that feel, it was electric..of course back then it wasn't known as a pre pro, it was just a charvel made in USA.. MIJ's weren't around yet..who knew you had an MIJ charvel grail? very cool you should play it more...
I honestly never figured you for a superstrat kinda guy. It's an absolute blessing to have a fine piece of equipment like that when you're 16. That Soloist is a beauty and most shockingly for me, it's an instrument from adolescence that's still in tip top condition.
Mine was a Cimar xr 2075, it got away, but I found it back after 32 years. You still have yours, happy to see that!!
You can shred like a boss and you can hot rod a tube amp with relative ease, you sir are doubly blessed
My 1993 40th anniversary USA strat in red with grey tortoise shell pickguard and Texas special pickups. Bought it new in '93 and still gig it. I did switch the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio hot rail and added locking tuners. This was a gift from my great Aunt who lived with us growing up and helped raise me. Sadly, she passed in 1998. Definitely priceless for me.
Man I started playing around that time and wanted a Charvel/Jackson so badly. So cool that you had one and even cooler that you were able to keep it. I don’t think I people today understand how much guitar that was in 1992
The guitar that made me fall in love with music was my father's Aria Gibson hummingbird copy. When I was little I remember him playing songs from artists like Buffy St Marie and Bob Dylan. When I finally got the opportunity to get a guitar oddly enough I bought an early 80's Kramer Pacer with the EVH pick-up and Floyd Trem. Wish I still had both those old guitars, but circumstances happened.
You are correct. Shawn proves it beyond a doubt. I had a cheaper model (375 deluxe), still the best Japanese guitar I've ever played.
A fantastic story and review! Loved the meloncholy tribute with old pics, almost a tear-jerker! And what a wonderful Mother, blessings to her!! I still have my Cream colored Tokai Stratocaster purchased in 1984 new from a music store in California for $446. I have had a refret done on it and I replaced the tuning keys with actual Fender ones at one point. This guitar looks to be going for around $1100 nowadays. And the one that got away is a PRS EG-3, burgundy red with a rosewood fretboard. I sold it when money was needed and although I have a PRS 509 Ten-top, I miss it terribly.
My first good guitar was a parts caster. A single humbucker Strat style. A Warmoth basswood body with a Dimarzio maple neck with a Dimarzio Megadrive pick up. The bridge was a standard Strat trem, blocked. Black Gotoh tuners rounded it out. Played like a dream. Screaming tone. Had it for 5 years. Sadly it was stolen.
that thing is beautiful , i purchased a charvel bass guitar in 1991 . i got it used from a coworker . i giged with it and it was my main instrument for all thru the 90s into recording a lot of music with it . i started playing around with active basses for a while and it got put in a case . its in very good condition . i never dropped it and its free of dings and exxesive wear . its minty . its such a great bass . white .it came in a tweed hard case . the guy sold it to me for 300 . it came with a wide leather strap , boom mic stand , guitar stand , arion bass eq pedal and bass distortion , cabes etc . the guy who sold it to me was really into camaros , he wasnt a musician . you would love this bass , its a fine instrument indeed .
When I believe it was your mom who handed you the pick, the look you had on your face was priceless. That look of,” I don’t need that damn thing!” Great video Brad.
My first “pro grade “ instrument was a 1990 RG550 in all black. That guitar was with me through opening up for Suicidal Tendencies,Exodus and Pantera on Aug.18 1990 at the Stone in San Francisco, right after the release of CFH. It was later stolen back in 1995. It was short lived but man, I loved that guitar. Like your guitar, it opened up a whole new world of playing, women, drugs , Bay Area thrash and road trips!
Dude, hearing you wax philosophical on that beautiful axe I almost wept. It is nice to hear you be in such a good place in your headspace! I love it. You always hang it out there....very brave.
My heart years for the one that was stolen from me a few years ago. It was the burst finish with a trem.... I always wanted a hardtail though.
Yes! I played a 87 Model 6 forever. Very well made. I still have a 92 Jackson Fusion XL from that factory. Very well made!
My all time No.1 was a 1982 Charvel san dimas Two humbucker strat in pearl white with a painted matching headstock all maple body and neck ,stock Duncans. all brass hardware with a Vintage brass strat style trem (Kahler's🤮). Custom ordered from Charvel in 1982.
For a guitar that needs no introduction. You gave it one hell of an introduction.
Thanks for sharing Brad very cool! My first love guitar is a 1998 Fender Nashville Deluxe I bought new the summer of 1999 I was 17. I still have it recently started playing it again it’s like a time machine great memories and a great guitar
1979 Greco stratocaster. As soon as I got it I knew I had done well and its still with me to this day !
Like you, it was the love of a parent that got me something over budget but wanted me to have the best. My dad got me american standard tele, which ill always own, and ive played the hell out of. Seeng that i ws becoming proficient, doubled down and bought me a cherry red lp standard premium plus. He loved to listen to me play. Miss u dad. Keep fighting the good fight, Brad.
Been playing 40 years, built loads of guitars and owned many I didn't build, never had that 'one' more certain ones that where prominent along the way - the same as Jeff Beck has Esquire, Les Paul, Strat, tele and even Gretsch along the way; Horses for courses.
I have a 2002 Ibanez RG421 that was produced for only one year in Japan, all trimmed out with gotoh hardware, with the original stock vintage Ibanez pickups. All the later ones that you see now days are fairly inexpensive guitars and are definitely priced where a beginner can afford. It’s a HH with a 5 way, love those quacky positions as well. It’s just the one man, damn good player and and definitely a staple in the collection and the one that you cannot get rid of. Its not worth a lot in terms of money but as you said the feeling I get when I pick it up, it’s priceless. Thanks for sharing your story on yours. That’s a fantastic looking guitar and a great piece of history with a very underrated guitarist attached to it.
This would have been a great mothers day video.
The specs alone make it GOAT, but then you see it as well and just, damn
My go to guitar - got away. It was stolen in 1983, and until then I had no idea what it really was. I bought it in 2 pieces as the neck became unset at the previous owner's gig. It was a 1959 (really) goldtop Les Paul (over burst (according to Carter's Vintage. Probably a custom ordered from someone in Detroit, where I purchased it. I reset the neck with epoxy 330, and had the defective bridge pickup replaced by Pyramid Guitars on Grand River in Detroit, all in all I had $325 invested in it. Super low action, almost fretless wonder, and with the split coil taps and phase mini switch (installed by Joe Glaser) I could get every sound possible. I have missed that guitar so much so, that I have started to make a replacement because there's no way I can afford the real deal. Your guitar is awesome Brad. Keep it and keep jamming.
Dude. SA WEET AXE!! I loved the documentary style of this vid. BRAVO. !
My 2 most prized possessions were a 79 Gibson Explorer and one of these 91 Jackson's. I was living in Lexington, Kentucky, around the summer of 2004. Little did I know, but I had moved into one of the biggest crack neighborhoods in Lexington. I was there less than a month when my house was broken into. My TV, collectibles from my childhood, my 2 prized guitars, my Marshall JCM amp, and some jewelry were stolen. I never got any of it back. I remember asking the neighbors if they saw anything only to realize they probably helped. I learned a valuable lesson. Every time I've moved after that, I never let anyone see what I'm actually moving into my new place. On more than 1 occasion since, I've refused help from neighbors asking if I need a hand moving my stuff in. I don't associate with any of my neighbors now. I don't loan them my tools. I don't say hello. I act like they don't even exist. Another house I lived in got broken into some years later by another neighbor, who got caught. I had a safe, he tried desperately to open but was unsuccessful. This was in a much nicer neighborhood. I'll never see my guitars again. I haven't had an instrument anywhere near as good as those guitars since. I probably never will.
Thanks for this video Brad. Was not aware that it was a 24 and 3/4 inch scale model
Yep. With 9s it's like playing air!
@@TheGuitologist Cool. Sounds like it would be a lot of fun!
I got one of these as well. I bought it in early 90's paid like $500 - Used. Great guitar.
Yeah there was a window of time when these were very affordable on the used market. not any more!
Great story. I'll share mine:
I was 18 just starting University, and had saved up all my $$ working that previous summer painting. My father was in a guitar shop, and randomly stumbled across a guitar: an Ibanez RG Prestige 2820. Apparently someone had just traded it in for an ESP Eclipse. He snapped a few pics, e-mailed them to me, and asked "Want me to pick it up for you? You can pay me back". I didn't hesitate, and immediately said yes. Still have it to this day, the older I get the more I appreciate the Japanese craftsminship. Apparently it was a limited run of 500 in Japan, also has a 1-piece quilted maple top!
Thank you for an incredibly sweet documentary! And the guitar sounds absolutely killer too.
Awesome guitar!
Omg, I love the stock footage! That’s a killer guitar you got . . . and a huge expense for your mom at the time. I’m sure your mom wouldn’t have gotten that for you if she thought your playing was crappy . . . or on the flip side, maybe she got it hoping you’d improve your skills. Either way, I’m glad you still have it. If I had a guitar like that, I wouldn’t want to ever part with it either.
Fun fact: I was 8 or 9 around the time you got this guitar, lol.
Tickle my tidbits, that was the kind of video that I have been doom scrolling to view for what seems like forever.
Thanks for sharing this intimate take.
Cheers
Nice video. The guitar is still beautiful looking. Very interesting history of that guitar.
Paul Speer also played a Charvel 750xl / on most of his albums
GOLD,NOTHING BUT GOLD!
Best video I've watched on YT in forever. 🌹❤🙌MOM🙌❤🌹
You drop your pick enough and I guess eventually you won’t bother picking it back up. Beautiful video and guitar Brad!
Exactly!
What a great video and guitar. I’ve been looking to get a 1989 just like because of Shawn. Thanks
In my closet is a 750xl professional transparent red, mahogany body, flame maple top, hard tail, mint I mean mint condition, bought at Mothers Music on Granville street Vancouver B.C for $950, Canadian dollars, I had to take a loan for this, year 1989, these are the tooth paste logo Charvels😊
Love your work and informative vids. Never stop :)
Different kind of video. Very cool brother.
If ya ever visit fam in Paducah.. holler at me and I’ll take ya to Unga Bunga Music. = )
Such an amazing guitar and story! You have an awesome mom! Yeah…that instrument is priceless. I’ve always been a fan of the Japanese built Charvels and recently scored a nice Model 6 husk and sent it to GMW for a complete overhaul. Wow…such a great playing guitar!!! Congrats on having yours in the collection after so many years! Cheers!
Just crossed 30 years with this thing!
Hey Brad very cool guitar 🎸 I remember drooling on those in the music store back in the day !!!
1986 Charvel Model 5 Pearl White. Bought it new in Roanoke VA. Along with my 1985 Kramer Pacer Deluxe Candy Blue, also bought at the same store. They are my workhorses. Great channel btw !
The 80s Kramer Pacers are phenomenal guitars. We were so spoiled.
Hi Brad. We are about the same age. I got my first electric guitar in 1991. I had a Japanese Charvel 475 deluxe in pearl white. I remember the allen wrenches for the floyd were stamped West Germany. Unfortunately, I no longer have that guitar, but I do have a 1988 Jackson soloist custom shop. One of the best guitars I own.
My mom bought me a Jackson Kelly Performer with a Peavey Rage 158. Still have the Jackson and my sister owns the Peavey.
Nice video on a beautiful guitar. I have the same relationship with my first electric, which is a chinese 100$ strat copy.
Btw, Chushin was one of the biggest (if not the biggest) manufacturer of LPs and all kinds of copies for countless brands far into the 80s. I've worked on dozens of Chushin-made instruments over the years. Their craftmanship was steadily improving and reached a very high level after the 70s. They even created their own housebrand of guitars, named Cobran, but sadly the factory didn't survive.
My first American Strat. As soon as I started playing I could feel the difference. No I sold it for some quick cash. Had to get another.
I had a 475 deluxe desert crackle and regrettably sold her. Awesome neck and build quality
"The lower level Model series"? Come on man my '86 Model 4, 5 and 6 would wipe the floor with that 750xl! But it is cool to be in love with a special instrument! I know I am. Killer playing BTW
We are the same age and my version of this was my Washburn EC-29 29 fret guitar that I bought from the local shop for 800 bucks in 1991. Was my first "real" guitar. Many hours on that sucker!
soloist sl2 mah was also an lp killer. ended up playing mim fender 96 with vintage frets to this date hehe
I've lived most of the last 25 years in Japan but rarely see the toothpaste Charvels come up on the used market, and never seen a 750. That said, in about 1990 I bought a toothpaste Fusion Custom which I still have. Killer guitar.
This was so awesome! I love the historical deep dive.
Really nice story Brad. My first dream guitar was an early 90's Fender Plus in a one off factory Kelly type green finish with lace pickups. I still have it, just can't part with it either. I remember paying it off on a layby and feeling the butterfly's the day I went to make the last payment.
That's an elite Super Strat and is on par with Hamer USAs of the time imo. I had the lowly 3A! My first proper guitar at 16 yrs was a '75 natural finish Stratocaster with maple neck. It was stolen in 1988 while I was serving in the army overseas in Germany. I'm still searching for it. It has or had an Alembic Stratoblaster preamp built in. I grew up with Rush similarly to you with Tool. I learned it all on that Strat! Keep an eye out for it.
Your Mum must have seen your potential, your gift. A great thing for a parent to impart. Without wishing to sound negative, I think many kids are lucky if their parents even see them.
My love affair with guitars begins and ends with an Epiphone EA 250 which I bought myself for £80.00 uk, owned for many years, and had to sell eventually because of hard times.
I was never a proficient guitarist but, I truly believe that owning a decent instrument improved my playing and like a good book, I never wanted to put it down.
My son has now surpassed my playing abilities, I just wish I still had my EA 250 to pass on to him now.
I once owned a cherry sunburst Charvel 850XL, curly/flame maple top, ebony fretboard in early 90's and crazy messed up long hair to go with the guitar, both is now gone !
Great video, an what an AMAZING Charvel. I love my Model Series guitars, but your 750XL is definitely an upgrade. And what a wise choice of instrument, especially back when grunge and Jaguars were all the rage.
Shawn Lane had a Snow White 750xl sent to Kieth Dudney and Barbara Mandrell. That guitar sat in their studio and never even got set up as it was sent straight from the warehouse . It eventually got displayed here and there and was eventually sold at her auction. Someone bought it and cherished it for a while but eventually sold it to a store in Nashville. I bought it 1 hr later for $350. and I have had it for the last 12 years. Ironically it just so happens that it is sitting on a stand next to me.
Wanna sell it?
I got my first good guitar @17 yrs old. It was a tossup between a Charvel Model 6 which was built like a tank, infact just like yours however there was a used Ibanez RG750 in maroon with a slight metallic inflection, and when I picked it up it felt perfect. The neck was so thin and it sounded wonderful. The whole guitar rumbled if you held it to your ear, a very deep rumble because it was made from lightweight timbers.
I still have it and I am replacing the worn-out trem and having a new scratch plate cut for it. The PUs are ceramics made by Seymour Duncan and because they are high quality with plenty of winds and that ceramic magnet, coupled with the Basswood timber it just sound unbeatable for very high gain sounds. They are flat across the spectrum but huge low end, very complex mids and a nice top end. It's still a secret it seems that ceramic PUs made properly sound fantastic for rock/metal. Now they are vintage and people will pay a lot for Ibanez stamped Seymour Duncans of the early 90s era. I even gave this guitar a name Amelie. I will have her for life, I cannot imagine not having her.
On the page of the Jackson/Charvel catalog you showed there's a picture of Tim Pierce holding a Jackson. I always loved that Charvel 750 XL......I can remember when those old Jacksons and Charvels could be had for 3-400 bucks. Then everyone caught on. I used to have a Jackson PS 1 and I still have a Jackson KE 3 with the pile o skulls graphic.
Yep, $300-$400 for most Model Series Charvels all day long. Maybe $600 for a real good Model 6, at most. Those were the days. I used to lust after the Kelly Pile o Skulls in the Musician's Friend back in the day.
I really enjoyed this video, thank you. As for my first real guitars: My younger brother travelled from another country by several buses, with 2 big hiking backpacks, 1 in the front and another in his back, 1 fender champ amp in one hand and 2 used epiphones on the other, 1 White Sg G400 and a '56 LP P90 gold top, that i requested him to purchase, just that memory of his effort, and watching him outside my house that night, fills my life with joy. Take care.
Awsome story brad..my memories are simular..diff guitsr but same story