1986 Model 3 Questions

[chrisbradshaw]

First let me state that this is a great forum. I bought a 1986 Model 3 Charvel about a month ago This is the first Charvel I have ever owned. I always went with the big names on guitars. Went into the music store where I live and played this one a year ago. It has chips and dings on it so I guess nobody ever gave it a second look. Thank goodness. I could not get that guitar off my mind for a long time but continued to go with the big names. I bought it to be a backup guitar for gigs and have since made it my main guitar. The neck profile is very thin compared to other guitars. I play a whole mixture of music and this guitar can pull off all the sound I need.

My guitar has a H-S-S set-up with a kahler trem. It is cream color with a black pick guard. I have not seen any others like this on this site. Please let me know if anyone else has a guitar like this and let me know what you think of it. Also what mods if any you may have done.

[MortenP]

First let me state that this is a great forum. I bought a 1986 Model 3 Charvel about a month ago This is the first Charvel I have ever owned. I always went with the big names on guitars. Went into the music store where I live and played this one a year ago. It has chips and dings on it so I guess nobody ever gave it a second look. Thank goodness. I could not get that guitar off my mind for a long time but continued to go with the big names. I bought it to be a backup guitar for gigs and have since made it my main guitar. The neck profile is very thin compared to other guitars. I play a whole mixture of music and this guitar can pull off all the sound I need.

My guitar has a H-S-S set-up with a kahler trem. It is cream color with a black pick guard. I have not seen any others like this on this site. Please let me know if anyone else has a guitar like this and let me know what you think of it. Also what mods if any you may have done.

Hey Chris, and welcome to the forums!!

I actually have a Model 3 like yours, only in black..It's a great guitar, but I'm not so sure about the Kahler, so I'm getting it changed with a Kahler Killer instead, which is double-locking..I'm gonna throw a Seymour Duncan Invader in the bridge, and a SD JB jr in the neck..I think it's gonna be a killer fiddle!!

Good luck with yours!!

[ZZB]

Welcome to the forum Chris, and congrats on your new Charvel - it's a great guitar and I'm pretty sure you'll love it just like the rest of us do our Models.

I have an '86 Model 3 in Pearl White (which is probably what your guitar is too). I'm a bit ahead MortenP as I already swapped the original Kahler Fulcrum bridge for a Kahler Killer. I can't say I was in any way unhappy with the original bridge, but it just so happened I came by a Killer locally and just had to snatch it.

I personally like my M3 all original, wouldn't mind dropping in the Fulcrum really. The Killer does look cooler. I've got other guitars with high output pickups - which is what I guess the Jackson pups in the Models were considered at the time - for stuff that calls for such things and the M3 is really serving as my "rock guitar" right now.

These guitars have a lot of fans on this forum and for a reason. It's a great, solid platform for mods and a great, solid guitar unmodded.

[chrisbradshaw]

Thanks for the input. I actually have the bridge blocked and do not use the tremolo. The stlye of music I play does not require much of that. I really like the neck profile. That has got to be the thinnest neck I have ever felt.

Chris

[ZZB]

Thanks for the input. I actually have the bridge blocked and do not use the tremolo. The stlye of music I play does not require much of that. I really like the neck profile. That has got to be the thinnest neck I have ever felt.

Compared to later and other J/C products, I'd say the Model neck profile is pretty fat. Compared to an average Stratocaster for example, it is indeed thin as as toothpick. One's mileage will definetely vary on this matter.

[GTarman68]

I have 2 of these.. (color)

[jeff300]

I've got one exactly like that too. I love it, including the Kahler bridge. No issues with it whatsoever, and yes, I use it. It is my favorite of my numerous Charvels.

[chrisbradshaw]

Cool, that's what my guitar looks like. I am glad to know that other people have the same and they like it to.

[ZZB]

...and here's mine, in case someone missed it earlier.

[GTarman68]

Twins...

[scaristei]

I have three Model 3's - a black one w/black pickguard and one just like yours and a 3A which also looks just like yours. The first two have Kahlers that I love and the 3A I just recently put a floyd on.......I have owned lots of guitars (strats, gibsons, moserites, etc) and these guitars are "head and shoulders" above them all ! ! ! ! Enjoy.

[leftwing73]

I just got a model 3 exactly like the one in the pictures - It was given to me free when a co-worker weas cleaning out his attic. Same snot-yellow color, mine needs some cleaning, a pickup cover, re-soldering of the output jack and some strings. Can't wait to hear what this thing sounds like!

[jcm800x]

Nice 3's and welcome to the site. I got my eyes peeled for a 3 or 3a down the road, I own a 2 and 4M. Rock on!

[GTarman68]

I have three Model 3's - a black one w/black pickguard and one just like yours and a 3A which also looks just like yours. The first two have Kahlers that I love and the 3A I just recently put a floyd on.......I have owned lots of guitars (strats, gibsons, moserites, etc) and these guitars are "head and shoulders" above them all ! ! ! ! Enjoy.

My first Charvel... 3A a great guitar..love it!

[texasfury]

Dammit GTarman68, you have exactly what I want. Sell it to me.