Charvel
Since 1974
Charvel began in 1974 as Wayne Charvel's guitar repair shop in Azusa, California. When Grover Jackson purchased the company in 1978, it became ground zero for the 'superstrat' revolution—a modernized Stratocaster with humbucking pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, and flatter fingerboard radii built for speed. Eddie Van Halen, Warren DeMartini, and George Lynch made Charvel the sound of 1980s rock. Now owned by Fender since 2002, Charvel continues to produce some of the finest performance-oriented guitars available, from the accessible Pro-Mod series to USA Select and Custom Shop instruments.
52
Years in Business
1.5M+
Guitars Sold
$40M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Charvel Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Charvel guitars.
Charvel Price Overview
Charvel covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$850
+5% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,800
Active listings
Sold This Month
420
+4% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$6,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Charvel Timeline
Wayne Charvel Opens Shop
Wayne Charvel opened a guitar repair and parts shop in Azusa, California, laying the groundwork for the superstrat revolution.
Grover Jackson Acquires Charvel
Grover Jackson purchased the business from Wayne Charvel and began building complete guitars, refining the modified Stratocaster concept.
Eddie Van Halen Connection
Eddie Van Halen brought his iconic striped guitar to the shop, beginning a relationship that helped define 80s rock guitar tone and style.
San Dimas Era Begins
Charvel relocated to San Dimas, California. 'San Dimas' Charvels from this period are now among the most collectible superstrats ever made.
Jackson Brand Splits Off
The Jackson brand officially separated from Charvel, with Jackson focusing on pointy designs while Charvel retained the superstrat identity.
USA Production Ends
Original USA-based Charvel production ceased as manufacturing transitioned to licensed international factories.
Fender Acquires Charvel
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation acquired both Charvel and Jackson, providing resources for a quality-focused brand revival.
Pro-Mod Series Launched
Introduced the Pro-Mod series—MIJ/MIM guitars with premium features like Seymour Duncan pickups, stainless frets, and compound-radius fingerboards.
USA Select Returns
Relaunched USA Select production with American-made instruments featuring premium materials and Custom Shop-level attention to detail.
Super Stock Series
Introduced the Super Stock series—premium instruments bridging the gap between Pro-Mod and USA Select with enhanced specifications.
Complete Charvel Product Lineup
Charvel: The original superstrat—built for speed since 1978
Custom Shop
Hand-built masterpieces from Fender's Corona facility
Custom-built superstrats at ~$3,500-$6,000+
Custom modern designs
One-off creations by master builders
USA Select
Premium American-made instruments
USA superstrat at ~$2,199-$2,499
USA modern design at ~$2,199-$2,499
USA Dinky at ~$2,199-$2,499
Pro-Mod Series
Professional features at mid-range prices
Modern Dinky at ~$1,049-$1,199
Classic superstrat at ~$999-$1,199
Modern single-hum at ~$999-$1,199
Offset superstrat at ~$999-$1,199
Super Stock Series
Premium bridge between Pro-Mod and USA
Enhanced Dinky at ~$1,499-$1,799
Premium superstrat at ~$1,499-$1,799
Artist Signature Series
Models designed with pro players
HSH fusion machine
Modern prog-metal design
Gojira frontman's choice
"Charvel: The original superstrat—built for speed since 1978"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Pro-Mod Series Buying Guide
Best Value Superstrat
Pro-Mod DK24 and San Dimas models ($999-$1,199) deliver Seymour Duncan pickups, stainless steel frets, and compound-radius fingerboards—pro-level specs at mid-range prices
Configuration Matters
HH (dual humbucker), HSS, and HSH configurations are available. HH suits metal/hard rock, HSS adds single-coil versatility, HSH covers everything from cleans to high-gain
Floyd Rose vs Hardtail
Choose Floyd Rose for dive bombs and expression, hardtail (HT) for tuning stability and simpler string changes. Both are excellent—match to your playing style
Vintage Charvel Guide
San Dimas Era Gold
Pre-1986 San Dimas Charvels are the holy grail of superstrats. Hand-built in California, these feature one-piece maple necks and USA hardware. Prices: $2,000-$5,000+
Model 1-6 System
Original Charvels used a numbered model system (1-6) based on features. Model 1 (basic) to Model 6 (top-tier). Higher numbers command higher prices
Charvel vs Jackson Confusion
Early Charvel and Jackson guitars share the same workshop. Check headstock logos carefully—Charvel had the distinctive 'bubble' script logo vs Jackson's pointed design
Used Charvel Buying Guide
Check the Floyd Rose
Many Charvels feature Floyd Rose tremolos. Inspect knife edges, spring tension, and locking nut condition. A worn Floyd affects tuning stability and resale value
Pro-Mod Used Values
Used Pro-Mod DK24 guitars at $650-$850 are outstanding value. The stainless frets and compound radius age exceptionally well—these are built to last
Fret Condition Priority
Charvel's stainless steel frets (Pro-Mod+) virtually never wear. On older or Standard models with nickel frets, check for wear—refrets on compound-radius boards are expensive