1988 Charvel Model 4

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I grabbed this one online without any pictures - a huge risk - and described as a 3DR. It is in fact a Model 4, but that doesn’t bother me at all. Like any model 4, it has the Jackson JT-6 Tremolo, JE-1200 Mid Boost circuit powered by a 9v battery, and the J50BC/J200/J200 pickup configuration. I’ve swapped the J50BC out for a Dimarzio Super Distortion for the time being just to have a change of pace, especially since I have several other guitars with J50BC’s in the bridge position. Another standout feature of Model 4’s is the neck, which for this era has shark tooth inlays but no binding, which is pretty unique as far as later Charvels and Jacksons go (most shark tooth inlay necks are bound these days).

Of course the real highlight is the finish, a rainbow crackle paint job. This is a truly striking finish, even the non-guitar players in my circles think this is one of the coolest ones I own. The finish also benefits from being a real standout in any lighting condition - something that always bugged me about the Kramer Holoflash jobs is that they sometimes just look grey in the wrong light or in pictures. This guitar looks interesting and unique anywhere, anytime - very cool. I’ve also seen this finish with a bit more black in between the colors, kind of a more spread out look. I’d love to get my hands on one of those someday, or maybe a magma crackle which is more of an orange to yellow fade which can look very cool. Either way, I have to say this is one of the best finishes on any guitar I’ve ever seen.