

Flatten the fretboard radius, add larger frets, widen the neck, add a humbucker, and so on. The recipe for a great Charvel was also made by paying attention to the details of the finish and setup. Use a Stratocaster-style guitar as the platform and build it for more comfort, hard rock tone, and speed. The formula for Charvel was essentially a simple one. Into the late 1970s and early 1980s, Charvel’s popularity grew as many up-and-coming guitar wizards became associated with these instruments, including: Warren DeMartini, Jake E.

These early San Dimas, CA made Charvels are documented and coveted by their owners, and consequently worth thousands of dollars. When that occurred, the category of the Super Strat was truly born. This left the market open for a guitar that could successfully merge some of the features of both instruments to create what would be viewed by many as the ultimate rock and roll guitar.Ĭharvel was initially a parts supplier offering upgraded hardware, bodies and necks for Stratocasters before developing its own brand of complete customized guitars. The two traditional and most famous electric guitars, the Gibson Les Paul and the Fender Stratocaster, were essentially polar opposites in both sound and feel. In the early 1970’s, electric rock and roll music was booming and growing in sophistication, and guitarists were interested in getting more from their instruments to help enhance their playing and inspire further creativity.
