NGD: Charvel Custom Shop, Kids Art Graphic #2

[shreddermon]

Some folks may remember the guitar I did a few years ago, where my young kids painted it up with their handprints, etc. The girls had a lot of fun doing that, a kids’ art graphic on a Custom Shop Charvel. And it turned out great.

After receiving that guitar, I quickly decided that one day – hopefully way in the future, after I’ll have enjoyed it for many years – I would pass it on to them as a personal family keepsake. Well, two daughters + only one guitar = possible trouble. So I eventually came to the conclusion that I’d have to have them do a second guitar. (...Speaking to my wife: “Right, honey? I mean, they’ve each got to have one.” )

I didn’t just want to repeat the handprint theme, though. My girls have different personalities, and so should the two guitars. I also still wanted to keep it personal, though, with something directly “theirs” right on it. So I loosely decided on doing a lip print theme. I was going to embellish that with other stuff, too, but left those other details more open-ended until finally receiving the guitar body-in-white. So yes, those are my daughters’ actual lip prints painted on the guitar! LOL My youngest suggested a heart in the middle, and my wife did the XOXOs, too.

The guitar’s specs:

- Dinky Strat body, mahogany
- Quartersawn maple neck, oiled
- Pau ferro fretboard, 22 jumbo frets
- H-S layout - Dimarzio Mo’ Joe & Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues 2
- 1 volume & 3-way toggle
- Original Floyd, non-recessed
- Chrome hardware

And on to the pics. It’s a pretty crummy day out here today, so props to Matt for the indoor pics before he shipped me the guitar…









Hanging out with big sister…





And cool case, a nice bonus…



I’ve got to give a big thank you (again) to Mike Learn for paint, body cast mold, and other advice! And, as always, big thanks also to Matt at Matt’s Music – he always goes above and beyond. Finally, mucho kudos to all of the guys at the Charvel Custom Shop for doing an absolutely great guitar, and allowing me to again build out my - and my kids’! - dreams.

[artonsafari]

Awesome idea! So the question is who gets which one?

[Matt_B]

Very cool addition to the set. Congratulations.

[Jack Napalm]

That is one awesome guitar! Congrats. How long did it take?

[neilli]

Yeah, that's really cool Pat - I have to ask, was it all 'first take' stuff or did you end up cleaning things up / wiping first tries off?

[shreddermon]

So the question is who gets which one?

Big sis gets the Strat, little sis gets the Dinky.

How long did it take?

2 years & 10 months, unfortunately. On the flip side, I have another order in, and was told that build was only about 3 weeks behind this one. That would put it around only a year and a half or so. So the wait times seem hit or miss. Or possibly improving for more recent orders, which is J/C's goal.

I have to ask, was it all 'first take' stuff or did you end up cleaning things up / wiping first tries off?

First takes only. You've definitely got to plan in advance. There are no second chances.

Pros like Mike might be able to fix their own mistakes. Amateurs like us? Not so much. You'd just end up with nasty smears or, even worse, going too far and ruining the base color.

Like Yoda said: "Do or do not. There is no try."

[Kempo Bulldog]

Very cool. I also have two daughters and I love the idea of leaving them something they helped create that is also so personal to you.

[z1n]

Wow those are awesome! Great idea!

[daisp]

Now that's cool...nicely done

[Hellbat]

It doesn't get more personalized than that. Great set!

[Radiohead]

Very Cool. Love the concept. Do you girls show interest in playing?

[Johnnyryche]

Very cool idea, Pat. Well done.

[shreddermon]

Very Cool. Love the concept. Do you girls show interest in playing?

Yes, they do. Not quite there yet for the guitar, though. I mean, I've taught them both a few simple chords, etc. And they like to tool around on their own kid-sized guitars, but nothing serious yet.


My older daughter has played cello with school orchestra for a few years now, and has gotten really good. My younger daughter isn't yet old enough to join the school music program, as that doesn't start until next year for her. She doesn't have to choose an instrument until then, but is thinking either cello or violin. When they show enough interest for private lessons, I think the transition to another stringed instrument (guitar) will be fairly smooth. They have to want it on their own, though - I'm not going to force it. And I'm completely cool with and proud of their interests with other instruments, if that's their own path.

[shreddermon]

Now that I've been able to play it for a day or so, thought I'd add some thoughts on the guitar itself. Aside from the cool and personal paint job, it is a killer guitar in its own right!

The neck is on the thinner side, as far as strathead profiles go. Feels closer to a pointy head back shape, IMHO, which is one of my favorites. I'm really stoked about the neck feel, one of the best I've got or have played! And the fretboard is one of the darkest pieces of pau ferro I've ever seen. Usually these are like a lighter milk chocolate-like brown, with reddish, rusty streaks throughout. This one is streaky, but more dark chocolate swirled with milk chocolate, if that makes sense. Not much red or rust colors in it, at all. Kind of cool and unique, as far as what I've seen before. Fret work is top notch, and it plays just great. Set up was near perfect out of the box, too.

Ive got this pickup combo in a couple of other guitars, too. I dig Satch, but I'm not a big fanboy or anything. I just really like the Mo Joe pickup, period. I think there's a lot to be said for a medium-but-not-too-high output PU, especially Alnico Vs. They just seem to have more clarity and definition. IMHO, the Mo Joe sounds like a slightly hotter JB, but without the muddyness you sometimes get in the low end. And the Heavy Blues is a nice do-it-all neck SC. It's also slightly on the hot side, but it's real strength is on the cleans. Think SRV with the gain down. All of which is nicely complimented by the mahogany body - the tone is just great. And the body has some singing cool overtones, especially a ringing natural harmonic on a high C.

And this is the first time I've had an original-style 22 fret Dinky. I love the 24 fret versions, always have. But OMG what have I been missing all this time? It's like the perfect combination of Strat and Soloist feel/playability. I'm really digging it. I think a production ProMod version of this body style would be a no-brainier success for Charvel!

[Psh511]

That's just awesome