Thoughts on old charvel and kramer guitars

[nightfiend14]

Hey guys, I just wanted some thoughts on some guitars I'm thinking of getting.
First would be something like a early 80's Kramer focus 3000/2000 or similar.
The other i'm thinking would be older Charvel model 375 or something similar from them.
Anybody have any experience or thoughts on either? I'm looking at getting one or maybe even both though I know they are pretty similar in the aspect both being S/S/H with floyds, bolt on necks, and rosewood boards.

Is $225-250 range good for either in fairly good condition considering the age? I think so but just wants some thoughts. Thanks guys.

[rlintz]

I absolutely love my '87 Charvel Model 3 (made in Japan). Great player to this day. Only problem is the Jackson JT-6 Floyd for which spare parts are somewhat hard to come by and expensive when you can find them. That price sounds about right also - check finished auctions on e b a y for another pricing data point.

[Holy Katana]

Originally Posted by rlintz

I absolutely love my '87 Charvel Model 3 (made in Japan). Great player to this day. Only problem is the Jackson JT-6 Floyd for which spare parts are somewhat hard to come by and expensive when you can find them. That price sounds about right also - check finished auctions on e b a y for another pricing data point.

Wait, couldn't you replace it with an OFR or a Schaller or Gotoh?

[jaxadam]

Yup. I have a Charvel Model 6 that I threw an OFR on and that thing rocks.

[Racerx2k]

I've a Charvel/Jackson fan, since the 80s. Great guitars. Sadly, I've had two Kramers, and each had their serious downfalls. Neither would stay in tune, and both had crappy-sounding pickups. I WANTED to like Kramer, but just didn't have good experiences.

[nightfiend14]

Originally Posted by Racerx2k

I've a Charvel/Jackson fan, since the 80s. Great guitars. Sadly, I've had two Kramers, and each had their serious downfalls. Neither would stay in tune, and both had crappy-sounding pickups. I WANTED to like Kramer, but just didn't have good experiences.

what kind of kramer did you have?

[maestrocity91]

Originally Posted by Racerx2k

I've a Charvel/Jackson fan, since the 80s. Great guitars. Sadly, I've had two Kramers, and each had their serious downfalls. Neither would stay in tune, and both had crappy-sounding pickups. I WANTED to like Kramer, but just didn't have good experiences.

I have an '86 Kramer stagemaster, I have to agree with Racer X up there about the pickups but I swapped them out for some duncans. Sounds lovely now, and the neck is absolutely wonderful too!

[Racerx2k]

I think they were both Kramer Focuses. The first one was a single hum guitar, in 7-up green, and all black hardware. I had that around 1988. The second one was a snow-white, double hum guitar, all black hardware, that I had around 1993. I was the second owner of both, and I'm starting to understand why.

[slashrox]

Get a Kramer, Never played one but I want one.

I'm actually looking at getting either a 1984 or baretta reissue, possibly an old pacer or nightswan too.

[OLIE_ROCKS_THE_80'S]

Old kramers and Charvels are quite nice I have a few and they Rock the 80's

[jim777]

Charvel model series guitars are great guitars, no question. Kramer is hit and miss.

[wixomwhat]

I have 2 Kramers.
One is a Salmonish Pink 86' Focus 6000 and the other Is a Parts Mutt Vanguard which is shaped like a RR V. I really Dig both of them. The necks aren't skinny and flat the Wizards or anything they are pretty thick espcially the on the focus.
If you get a focus change the Pickups!

Heres a pretty crappy pic but there the 2 on the right.

[The Euphor]

Had a Kramer Pacer, from the good years. Great guitar, Duncan pickups sounded good. I now regularly play a Kramer Ferrington, no clue what year, but they are great!

[Mikael Jurman]

Had a Kramer Sustainer - the old one, not the new from Mysicyo. Great guitar!

Now I have a Charvel 475 special - even better. That's one great guitar with active pickups.

Mikael

[andy7jem]

I have a Kramer Stagemaster Deluxe I. Got it new. She's a little worn and mostly retired but she's very special to me I played in a covers band from 1990-1992 and always had people coming up and saying "great guitar"