Charvel Surfcaster Guitar & Bass Ad (1991)
The Charvel Surfcaster surfaced in the early 1990s, and it was manufactured from 1991 to 2005 by the Charvel/Jackson guitar company. It was never very popular in terms of sales, but was considered a boutique style guitar and those who like them, like them a lot, like me! It is reminiscent of the Fender Jazzmaster but with a Rickenbacker style f-hole. 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.
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. 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.
Here are a some detailed photos of a beautiful matching pair. Enjoy!
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Electric Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
Charvel Surfcaster Bass Guitar
I love the bridge on the six-string. Was it proprietary, or are they still available new on the aftermarket?
I remember almost buying one of these back in the early 90’s in Toronto, I see them from time to time on e-bay and almost bought a 12-string version a couple of years ago….but then I bought my Eastwood Classic 12 and have been happy with it ever since.
I’m not a fan of the red sunburst finish, but a semi-hollow body might be cool. My only real complaint about my Twin Tone is that it feels like it weighs 20 pounds. When I win the lottery, I’m going to have to buy a Tuxedo or an RS-II just because they’ll be significantly lighter. I like the body shape and the Rickenbacker knock-off f-hole on the Charvel, and, like Jim, the bridge is pretty cool-looking, too, though function trumps form as far as I’m concerned. Any bridge on a new electric guitar ought to be adjusto-matic in one form or another.
Yes. And a 12 string version. Love the lipstick pickups.
Didn’t they also build a mosrite clone called the Avenger?