CHARVEL manufactured the MODEL 1 superstrat between 1986 and 1989. It had a single Jackson 90C humbucker controlled by a single volume knob.
Eddie Allen reviewed the Charvel Model 1 in 1988 for Guitarist magazine as follows. IF YOU'RE EASILY Confused by the multiple pickup/tone configuration most guitars seem to sport, or if like a lot of players you never change from the bridge pickup or even alter the tone control, then this Charvel could be for you. The Model | looks and handles like the pro standard instrument it is, although I think a scratchplate might add something to the overall appearance.
Very comfortable to handle with a good balance, the acoustic sustain in the Charvel is apparent as soon as you play it. The bolt-on neck is really nice, wide but shallow with a fast smooth action, either the factory or the distributor has made a nice job of dressing the frets. Joining the body at the 16th fret, the neck has an extension to the fingerboard to allow for the 22nd fret. While access to the top frets is easy enough, I have played guitars that feel more comfortable when working at that end of the fingerboard.
First impression of the Charvel plugged into an amp is that of a “one sound’ guitar, however by experimenting with playing techniques there are some pleasing tones to be found. The pickup is sharp and full with just the right amount of power to overload the clean setting on an amp. Overdrive really makes the Model| sing — bags of sustain and some nice cutting harmonics.
Conclusion
I suppose the Charvel Model| could be regarded as just a basic guitar, but this would be doing it an injustice. It is, in fact, a very usable musical tool, but because of the simple electronics the variety of sounds that can be achieved do rely on the skill and technique of the player.
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Body Material: Basswood
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Neck Material: Matt-finished maple
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Fingerboard: Quarter-sawn maple
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Pickups: One J90C ceramic Humbucker
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Finish: Red polyester
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Nut Width: 43mm
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Frets: 22 nickel silver
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Bridge/Trem: 3-spring fulcrum
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Weight: 8lbs
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Hardware: All black
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Controls: One volume pot
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Machine-heads: Jackson SG38-07B
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Case: £99 extra
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Country of Origin: Japan
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RRP; £329 inc. VAT.