Charvel Surfcaster

Charvel Surfcaster
Charvel or Jackson
1992 — 2005
Semi Hollow
Bolt-on
Mahogony or Basswood
Maple
Rosewood, Ebony or Maple
Jackson JT-490 tremolo or 'C' stop tail
2 lipstick single-coils, 1 lipstick and 1 humbucker
Sea Foam Green, Sunburst, Orange

The Charvel Surfcaster is a model of electric guitar designed in the early 1990s, and manufactured from 1991 to 2005 by the Charvel/Jackson guitar company. The Surfcaster has been considered a boutique style guitar that employs many retro styles from leading manufacturers of the fifties and sixties. These design aspects make it significantly different than other models from Charvel/Jackson that focused mainly on the hard rock guitarist. The Surfcaster was picked as a "Pawn Shop Prize" by Guitar Player magazine in July 2003.

Contents

Sound and playability

The Surfcaster guitar is typically known for its twang and was originally targeted to the Country music guitar player. The low output Chandler lipstick pickups contribute to the open airy sound. Later models with humbucker pickups appealed to Metal and Pop guitarists.

Design

Originally available only in the two lipstick pickup configuration, later models would include a humbucking pickup in the bridge position. Later solid body 3 lipstick pickup variations were also produced. A twelve string and four string bass version were also created and are highly collectible. In later years the Surfcaster was released under the Jackson brand name and production facilities changed from Japan to India. Quality & cosmetics suffered. When Charvel/Jackson was purchased by Fender in 2002 they dropped the Surfcaster because of its similarity to guitars sold under the Fender brand.

Notable Surfcaster players

See also

External links