Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands!

80's Rocker · 10-13-2009, 09:51 PM

Alright guys! I got a Charvel model one not too long ago and I was thrilled with it at first but now that I am really comparing it to other guitars alot it is not what I was looking for and so I decided not to upgrade it how I was going to. So I have decided that I am going to start saving up for a nice guitar that will do my Marshall justice! So things I am looking for are

-strat style body
-single humbucker pickup
-ORIGINAL Floyd Rose
-pointy/bananna/hockey stick headstock
-maple or alder body

I was going to get a Gibson Les Paul, but even though it would be more versatile and I would get some great 70's tones when I need them, I just think that a Kramer or Charvel would make me happiest. So, I am here to ask people that have owned one or both of the brands, the good and bad things about each. Whose quality overall is best? Not as much tone related because every guitar is different. Just things like quality, ease of setup and playability, tuning, general things like that. (although if you do feel that one sounds better in tone than the other then feel free to say why). Just tell me which one you thing is better (reissues or original 80's)and why. I cant really play either brand anywhere so thats why I ask. Oh and pics are always welcome along with vids.

Thanks guys, and Rock On!

livebiz · 10-14-2009, 12:08 AM

The US built Kramers and Charvels from the 80s are both good choices. I have both and as nice as a good Kramer is, a good period Charvel is a far better guitar. The unfinished necks are awesome and the fit and finish on a good San Dimas era guitar is custom shop quality.

USA Pacer Special. Most beak necks on Kramers on the chunky side, but are comfortable to play.

83 Charvel

American Viking · 10-14-2009, 12:11 AM

I had a Charvel a while back, traded it for a Spector bass. The only thing that keeps me from regretting the trade is I still hang out with the guy that has it and I know it's being taken care of an rocked properly. It was a Soloist/Dinky type. Great neck, one of the best bolt-ons I ever had.

bro blue · 10-14-2009, 12:42 AM

Charvel all the way.

butterguitar · 10-14-2009, 01:48 AM

I got the Kramer 1984 and I love it. However its not made anymore, but its a fine guitar for everything from blues to metal. It is however, a copy of Eddie Van Halen's 5150.

The neck of the Kramer is beefy though (im a fan of U necks), while they are still comfortable, the Charvel's have a much slimmer neck. Too eachs own.

SwedishWings · 10-14-2009, 06:16 AM

I have to agree with the folks above that Charvel (US made) are superior. i never agree with the neck of Kramer, it's harder to play.

You might want to check out Schecter before you buy one. I had a strat style Mahogany Schecter in the 80's that was just the best guitar i ever owned: tone, feeling, stability, flexibility, everything was just right with that guitar. I traded it for a vintage Strat, which i'll still regret...

poeman33 · 10-14-2009, 06:45 AM

I had a Kramer Baretta the first year they came out. It just sang. The natural finish neck took a little while to get used to, and you had to wipe it down after every set, but the guitar had so much natural sustain it was great. It was my main stage guitar. I overused the Floyd all the time...but who didn't in the 80's.

Grandturk · 10-14-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80's Rocker

-strat style body
-single humbucker pickup
-ORIGINAL Floyd Rose
-pointy/bananna/hockey stick headstock
-maple or alder body

You're going to have trouble with those specs and the brands you've specified.

A - Kramers have a modified strat body. The Charvel body is much closer to a strat shape. Kramers just look funky to me.

B - Kramer had exclusive license to the Floyd Rose back in the day. That means there's a hell of a lot of Charvels out there with V trems, Kahlers and licensed Floyds.

C - anything imported is typically not going to be alder or maple - think basswood (which is awesome)

How much do you want to spend?

Do you want a new guitar, used guitar or vintage collector guitar?

80's Rocker · 10-14-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandturk

You're going to have trouble with those specs and the brands you've specified.

A - Kramers have a modified strat body. The Charvel body is much closer to a strat shape. Kramers just look funky to me.

B - Kramer had exclusive license to the Floyd Rose back in the day. That means there's a hell of a lot of Charvels out there with V trems, Kahlers and licensed Floyds.

C - anything imported is typically not going to be alder or maple - think basswood (which is awesome)

How much do you want to spend?

Do you want a new guitar, used guitar or vintage collector guitar?

A-The body shapes of both are fine, I just meant I want a double cutaway type and not a star or explorer shape or something.

B- Now that is one of my problems, I have never really seen many old Charvels with OFR's and I am leaning more towards Charvel (I posted on another forum too) based on all the responses I have got with people saying they were better, especially the neck.

C-I suppose Basswood would be fine. I would just prefer those other woods. I know baretta reissues (which most people claim to be better thatn originals) have solid maple bodies. I thought original san dimas back in the 80's would have an alder but maybe not...

I am looking to spend probably no more $1500 unless I really really want it.

What do you guys think about these guitars.

Kramer Baretta 1985 Reissue USA Made with Hard Case - eBay (item 260491005636 end time Oct-18-09 18:00:30 PDT)

2005 USA CHARVEL SAN DIMAS STANDARD REISSUE~JACKSON - eBay (item 330368346550 end time Oct-18-09 23:26:26 PDT)

Ther is also a Kramer in Nashville TN, which is a couple hours away from where I live, that is a Kramer 1984 prototype Baretta reissue that is the only one of its kind that never went into production.

Thats it and I might actually check that one out. (although how great can a prototype of an $850 guitar that never went into production be?)

Thanks for all of your feedback guys, its all appreciated greatly.

shawkey · 10-14-2009, 01:05 PM

charvel every time, although i do miss my old pacer imperial(weighed a ton)

shawkey · 10-14-2009, 01:08 PM

ahhh my vote just missed 66.6 and 7 hundreths

Grandturk · 10-14-2009, 01:13 PM

I couldn't get to ebay auction for the Charvel, but if its a 2005 San Dimas pointy - these are great guitars. There's been some reported problems with the clear lifting on the headstock, but that can be fixed by Charvel - lifetime warranty. Don't know how much they were asking in the auction, but these typically go for $600 - $800. They were not great sellers when they came out and were blown out by dealers at $1000 at the end. The ProMods further devalued them when they came out in 2008.

If you're seeking a vintage Charvel - strat head or pointy, be prepared to do your homework because there's a lot of fakes out there. moreso with the strat heads, but the pointies have there share as well. Buy from a reputable collector. These have been pretty scarce on the market and I would be prepared to pay more than $1500 since Jackson pointies are approaching the $1000 and over mark as well.

If you didn't like your Model 1, you may not like a USA Charvel, either. The most significant difference is the finish on the neck - otherwise, the frets, fretboard radius, and basic geometry is the same. USA's just had different body wood (typically alder, but could be anything) and an oiled neck. San Dimas Charvels typically had Duncan or Dimarzio pickups - Jackson pickups didn't come along until Charvel pointies were largely discontinued.

80's Rocker · 10-14-2009, 01:25 PM

I like the feel of the model 1, it just has problems. It does not star in tune for a long time, it does not have much sustain at all, the notes die out easy if I bend too much, and the neck can be moved up and down very slightly which badly puts the strings out of pitch then I have to retune it again, I also dont like the regular little tremelo, you cant use it and stay in tune at all. I also think the sound could be alot better. It has a great feel that I love to it, just not the quality that I am looking for. The san dimas model was $1125 buy it now so I guess that is not a good deal according to what you just told me lol.

Grandturk · 10-14-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80's Rocker

IIt does not star in tune for a long time, it does not have much sustain at all, the notes die out easy if I bend too much, and the neck can be moved up and down very slightly which badly puts the strings out of pitch then I have to retune it again, I also dont like the regular little tremelo, you cant use it and stay in tune at all. I also think the sound could be alot better.

Clearly it needs some work. Typically, these guitars are very good playing and sounding - and have drastically increased in price in the last few years.

But - be aware, that pointy headstocks and vintage trems flat out do not work - USA made or otherwise - they will rarely stay in tune under even moderate whammy use.

kernal · 10-14-2009, 02:22 PM

I've had a Framer Focus 6000 since it was new, bought it in '86. It has a 1 5/8" R2 nut and an original Floyd, banana headstaock, a thin neck, and an alder body.

I routed out the front (to pull up on the bar and octave), put a Bartolini LC 60double HB in the bridge, and two Duncan hotrail singles. I also modded the electronics a bit, and replaced all the frets with 6100's.

The Focus 6000's were made by ESP in Japan. Basically, they are a very high quality import (I would say these were just as good as their American made counterparts). The body, which is "square-cut" around the edges, was modeled after a Jackson soloist of the time period, I believe.

Basically the guitar is a screaming shred machine. Awesome, totally awesome! Wouldn't ever trade or sell it for anything! Love it.

I've had a Fender Srat, an LP, a BC Rich...sold them all (regretfully). But the F6000 stays with me...I'll never sell it.

But I also still have my Charvel SD star (that's needs restoration). The neck has always felt too wide, but I know if I replace the original neck, it won't be worth as much. It also has the original Wilkinson trem, which is basically the same as a Fender...it's no Floyd!

Out of the two, I like the Kramer. Not that it's a better guitar (the Charvel is a MUCH better guitar), but I've had the Kramer so long, it's like an extension of me when I play it. I guess my Kramer is to me, like "Blackie" is to Clapton.

Grandturk · 10-14-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernal

like "Blackie" is to Clapton.

Or "was" I guess...

butrus · 10-14-2009, 04:27 PM

kernal · 10-14-2009, 09:57 PM

Nice Charvel butrus. From the logo on headstock, i'd say a Model 4 perhaps from the late 80's?

Grandturk · 10-14-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kernal

Nice Charvel butrus. From the logo on headstock, i'd say a Model 4 perhaps from the late 80's?

That's a 675 - 24 frets, neck through. The 475, which replaced the Model 4, was a 22 fretter bolt on.

80's Rocker · 10-14-2009, 10:56 PM

So, I have this posted on the vintage charvel and jackson forum, this one, and the kramer forum (to get 2 biased and one not lol). So far Charvel is winning by far. I would love to get one but I just have a strange feeling telling me to get a Kramer 1985 baretta reissue. I am not sure why when everything and everybody else is telling me otherwise. The only thing I cant figure out is that if Charvel is so much better then why in the 80's did like every guitar player become Kramer endorsees at some point or another? Not trying to make it a smart-a$$ question, its a serious one.

HOT TUBES 70 · 10-15-2009, 01:15 AM

remember the fusion deluxe , what a killer axe !!
shredder guys dream !!!
my pal had one ......mint shape , lost it in a flood of his basement !!!

steelhorse · 10-15-2009, 06:04 AM

I vote for this:

27 fret, 25.5" scale. Crushing machine.

HOT TUBES 70 · 10-15-2009, 09:41 AM

thats a nice guitar as well .
sweet top !!
27 frets , i would not need that many myself !!! LOL !!!

Grandturk · 10-15-2009, 09:45 AM

I never liked Kramer necks. The always felt wrong in my hands. Also, they used smaller frets which I never liked.

But obviously, I'm biased:

steelhorse · 10-15-2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70

thats a nice guitar as well .
sweet top !!
27 frets , i would not need that many myself !!! LOL !!!

You never know. LOL

That was made to my spec.

Flame maple top,
natural reveal binding
maple neck thru module with mahogany wings
ebony fretboard
grover 18:1's
chrome EMG 81/60
Original floyd
Vol/Vol/Tone 3 way
Dunlop pins
Signed by Bernie Rico Jr.

80's Rocker · 10-15-2009, 01:25 PM

It still is looking like Charvel is taking a big lead. Mostly having to do with the necks like most people are mentioning. I actually played my first Kramer yesterday and I liked the neck alot actually. I also like Charvel necks alot too though. The way I see it right now is that I am probably going to get whichever I can find the best deal on. However I just have a feeling I should get the 85 baretta even though that most people say to go Charvel, I am not sure why though. You guys have some nice guitars though....perhaps a bit more pics are needed to help me make a decision

.

steelhorse · 10-15-2009, 06:05 PM

My take on this whole what kind of guitar to get is to not get tunnel vision. Kramer, Charvel, they're not the only strat type guitars out there that are any good, there are tons.

80's Rocker · 10-15-2009, 06:25 PM

Yea, but they are going to be the 2 that really gives me that 80's vibe when I play it. And for the specs that I want they are the 2 that fit my criteria the best.

steelhorse · 10-15-2009, 06:31 PM

Whatever that's supposed to mean. I play mostly 80's stuff and have no problem hitting it with my gear and none of it is from the 80's or named Kramer or Charvel.

I like K's and C's, I just like the feel, and tone of the others more.

Enjoy the hunt my friend!

Jesstaa · 10-15-2009, 07:08 PM

I love Jacksons, so I'ma say Charvel.

Never played a Kramer though... Infact I've never played that many guitars really =( I should start finding out what works for me, although I think my likes are pretty thrash metal generic.

View Poll Results: Charvel or Kramer?
Charvel	26	78.79%
Kramer	7	21.21%
Voters: 33. You may not vote on this poll

10-13-2009, 09:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
80's Rocker Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: stuck in the 80's! Posts: 251	Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! Alright guys! I got a Charvel model one not too long ago and I was thrilled with it at first but now that I am really comparing it to other guitars alot it is not what I was looking for and so I decided not to upgrade it how I was going to. So I have decided that I am going to start saving up for a nice guitar that will do my Marshall justice! So things I am looking for are -strat style body -single humbucker pickup -ORIGINAL Floyd Rose -pointy/bananna/hockey stick headstock -maple or alder body I was going to get a Gibson Les Paul, but even though it would be more versatile and I would get some great 70's tones when I need them, I just think that a Kramer or Charvel would make me happiest. So, I am here to ask people that have owned one or both of the brands, the good and bad things about each. Whose quality overall is best? Not as much tone related because every guitar is different. Just things like quality, ease of setup and playability, tuning, general things like that. (although if you do feel that one sounds better in tone than the other then feel free to say why). Just tell me which one you thing is better (reissues or original 80's)and why. I cant really play either brand anywhere so thats why I ask. Oh and pics are always welcome along with vids. Thanks guys, and Rock On! __________________ 80's Rocker Epiphone Les Paul Stantard Marshall JCM 800 2204 1960 Cab Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Charvel Model 1 Rock On!

10-14-2009, 12:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
livebiz Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 10	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! The US built Kramers and Charvels from the 80s are both good choices. I have both and as nice as a good Kramer is, a good period Charvel is a far better guitar. The unfinished necks are awesome and the fit and finish on a good San Dimas era guitar is custom shop quality. USA Pacer Special. Most beak necks on Kramers on the chunky side, but are comfortable to play. 83 Charvel

10-14-2009, 12:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I had a Charvel a while back, traded it for a Spector bass. The only thing that keeps me from regretting the trade is I still hang out with the guy that has it and I know it's being taken care of an rocked properly. It was a Soloist/Dinky type. Great neck, one of the best bolt-ons I ever had. __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

10-14-2009, 12:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
bro blue Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Southern USA Posts: 112	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! Charvel all the way.

10-14-2009, 01:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
butterguitar Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 18	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I got the Kramer 1984 and I love it. However its not made anymore, but its a fine guitar for everything from blues to metal. It is however, a copy of Eddie Van Halen's 5150. The neck of the Kramer is beefy though (im a fan of U necks), while they are still comfortable, the Charvel's have a much slimmer neck. Too eachs own. __________________ Bugera 1990 Crate Blue Voodoo Cab w/ Celestion 75's Marshall AVT w/ MC412 Kramer Pacer Epiphone SG Double Neck OLP MM1 Guitar 1987 Yamaha Pacificia

10-14-2009, 06:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
SwedishWings Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 18	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I have to agree with the folks above that Charvel (US made) are superior. i never agree with the neck of Kramer, it's harder to play. You might want to check out Schecter before you buy one. I had a strat style Mahogany Schecter in the 80's that was just the best guitar i ever owned: tone, feeling, stability, flexibility, everything was just right with that guitar. I traded it for a vintage Strat, which i'll still regret...

10-14-2009, 06:45 AM	#7 (permalink)
poeman33 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 432	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I had a Kramer Baretta the first year they came out. It just sang. The natural finish neck took a little while to get used to, and you had to wipe it down after every set, but the guitar had so much natural sustain it was great. It was my main stage guitar. I overused the Floyd all the time...but who didn't in the 80's. __________________ --------------- Marshall JCM2000 DSL50 Avatar Vintage 4x12 cab Fender American Deluxe HSS Strat Ash body

10-14-2009, 01:05 PM	#10 (permalink)
shawkey Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: philly pa Posts: 36	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! charvel every time, although i do miss my old pacer imperial(weighed a ton)

10-14-2009, 01:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
shawkey Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: philly pa Posts: 36	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! ahhh my vote just missed 66.6 and 7 hundreths

10-14-2009, 01:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Grandturk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 110	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I couldn't get to ebay auction for the Charvel, but if its a 2005 San Dimas pointy - these are great guitars. There's been some reported problems with the clear lifting on the headstock, but that can be fixed by Charvel - lifetime warranty. Don't know how much they were asking in the auction, but these typically go for $600 - $800. They were not great sellers when they came out and were blown out by dealers at $1000 at the end. The ProMods further devalued them when they came out in 2008. If you're seeking a vintage Charvel - strat head or pointy, be prepared to do your homework because there's a lot of fakes out there. moreso with the strat heads, but the pointies have there share as well. Buy from a reputable collector. These have been pretty scarce on the market and I would be prepared to pay more than $1500 since Jackson pointies are approaching the $1000 and over mark as well. If you didn't like your Model 1, you may not like a USA Charvel, either. The most significant difference is the finish on the neck - otherwise, the frets, fretboard radius, and basic geometry is the same. USA's just had different body wood (typically alder, but could be anything) and an oiled neck. San Dimas Charvels typically had Duncan or Dimarzio pickups - Jackson pickups didn't come along until Charvel pointies were largely discontinued.

10-14-2009, 01:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
80's Rocker Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: stuck in the 80's! Posts: 251	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I like the feel of the model 1, it just has problems. It does not star in tune for a long time, it does not have much sustain at all, the notes die out easy if I bend too much, and the neck can be moved up and down very slightly which badly puts the strings out of pitch then I have to retune it again, I also dont like the regular little tremelo, you cant use it and stay in tune at all. I also think the sound could be alot better. It has a great feel that I love to it, just not the quality that I am looking for. The san dimas model was $1125 buy it now so I guess that is not a good deal according to what you just told me lol. __________________ 80's Rocker Epiphone Les Paul Stantard Marshall JCM 800 2204 1960 Cab Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Charvel Model 1 Rock On!

10-14-2009, 02:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
kernal Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I've had a Framer Focus 6000 since it was new, bought it in '86. It has a 1 5/8" R2 nut and an original Floyd, banana headstaock, a thin neck, and an alder body. I routed out the front (to pull up on the bar and octave), put a Bartolini LC 60double HB in the bridge, and two Duncan hotrail singles. I also modded the electronics a bit, and replaced all the frets with 6100's. The Focus 6000's were made by ESP in Japan. Basically, they are a very high quality import (I would say these were just as good as their American made counterparts). The body, which is "square-cut" around the edges, was modeled after a Jackson soloist of the time period, I believe. Basically the guitar is a screaming shred machine. Awesome, totally awesome! Wouldn't ever trade or sell it for anything! Love it. I've had a Fender Srat, an LP, a BC Rich...sold them all (regretfully). But the F6000 stays with me...I'll never sell it. But I also still have my Charvel SD star (that's needs restoration). The neck has always felt too wide, but I know if I replace the original neck, it won't be worth as much. It also has the original Wilkinson trem, which is basically the same as a Fender...it's no Floyd! Out of the two, I like the Kramer. Not that it's a better guitar (the Charvel is a MUCH better guitar), but I've had the Kramer so long, it's like an extension of me when I play it. I guess my Kramer is to me, like "Blackie" is to Clapton.

10-14-2009, 04:27 PM	#17 (permalink)
butrus Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Europe Posts: 9	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands!

10-14-2009, 09:57 PM	#18 (permalink)
kernal Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 25	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! Nice Charvel butrus. From the logo on headstock, i'd say a Model 4 perhaps from the late 80's?

10-14-2009, 10:56 PM	#20 (permalink)
80's Rocker Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: stuck in the 80's! Posts: 251	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! So, I have this posted on the vintage charvel and jackson forum, this one, and the kramer forum (to get 2 biased and one not lol). So far Charvel is winning by far. I would love to get one but I just have a strange feeling telling me to get a Kramer 1985 baretta reissue. I am not sure why when everything and everybody else is telling me otherwise. The only thing I cant figure out is that if Charvel is so much better then why in the 80's did like every guitar player become Kramer endorsees at some point or another? Not trying to make it a smart-a$$ question, its a serious one. __________________ 80's Rocker Epiphone Les Paul Stantard Marshall JCM 800 2204 1960 Cab Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Charvel Model 1 Rock On!

10-15-2009, 01:15 AM	#21 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 1,675	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! remember the fusion deluxe , what a killer axe !! shredder guys dream !!! my pal had one ......mint shape , lost it in a flood of his basement !!! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

10-15-2009, 06:04 AM	#22 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,888	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I vote for this: 27 fret, 25.5" scale. Crushing machine. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

10-15-2009, 09:41 AM	#23 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 1,675	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! thats a nice guitar as well . sweet top !! 27 frets , i would not need that many myself !!! LOL !!! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

10-15-2009, 09:45 AM	#24 (permalink)
Grandturk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 110	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I never liked Kramer necks. The always felt wrong in my hands. Also, they used smaller frets which I never liked. But obviously, I'm biased:

10-15-2009, 01:25 PM	#26 (permalink)
80's Rocker Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: stuck in the 80's! Posts: 251	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! It still is looking like Charvel is taking a big lead. Mostly having to do with the necks like most people are mentioning. I actually played my first Kramer yesterday and I liked the neck alot actually. I also like Charvel necks alot too though. The way I see it right now is that I am probably going to get whichever I can find the best deal on. However I just have a feeling I should get the 85 baretta even though that most people say to go Charvel, I am not sure why though. You guys have some nice guitars though....perhaps a bit more pics are needed to help me make a decision . __________________ 80's Rocker Epiphone Les Paul Stantard Marshall JCM 800 2204 1960 Cab Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Charvel Model 1 Rock On!

10-15-2009, 06:05 PM	#27 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,888	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! My take on this whole what kind of guitar to get is to not get tunnel vision. Kramer, Charvel, they're not the only strat type guitars out there that are any good, there are tons. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

10-15-2009, 06:25 PM	#28 (permalink)
80's Rocker Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: stuck in the 80's! Posts: 251	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! Yea, but they are going to be the 2 that really gives me that 80's vibe when I play it. And for the specs that I want they are the 2 that fit my criteria the best. __________________ 80's Rocker Epiphone Les Paul Stantard Marshall JCM 800 2204 1960 Cab Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Charvel Model 1 Rock On!

10-15-2009, 06:31 PM	#29 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,888	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! Whatever that's supposed to mean. I play mostly 80's stuff and have no problem hitting it with my gear and none of it is from the 80's or named Kramer or Charvel. I like K's and C's, I just like the feel, and tone of the others more. Enjoy the hunt my friend! __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

10-15-2009, 07:08 PM	#30 (permalink)
Jesstaa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gippsland, Vic, Australia. Posts: 799	Re: Kramer VS Charvel! Battle of the 80's Brands! I love Jacksons, so I'ma say Charvel. Never played a Kramer though... Infact I've never played that many guitars really =( I should start finding out what works for me, although I think my likes are pretty thrash metal generic. __________________ GEAR LIST Marshall JCM900 4100 (6L6) (1995) Marshall Valvestate 1965A cab (????) Cort VX-2V (2008) TUBES/SPEAKERS Power: Groove Tube 6L6GCB Phase Inverter: Sovtek 7025 Pre: V1 - N.O.S Mullard ECC83. V2 National 12AX7A Speakers: Celestion G10L-35 Marshall forever My tube amp & Real Music appreciation forum

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