(SOLD) Charvel Refinement R-S43 Silver 1999
Charvel Refinement R-S43, silver finish, made in Japan 1999. This is a bit on an oddity, but hey, it works a treat. Charvel and Jackson were one beast in the nineties, and they were making all sorts of excellent shred machines out of the well regarded Chushin Gakki factory in Japan. The Refinement series shared a catalog page with the cult favourite Surfcaster models, they were among Charvel's rounder and more vintage-styled offerings at the time. It's kind of like a Les Paul, but with a slimline body, a bolt-on slim maple neck and a bit of Star Trek styling. The silver finish paired with the brushed chrome hardware makes for a cool scifi look, it's defimitely offbeat but has a certain appeal. Being light in weight with a shreddable neck, it's extremely easy to get around quickly on, so you can blaze out a heap of notes quickly like the robot demon you are. It's a little more abrupt in tone than a Les Paul: faster and angrier attack with a slightly scooped midrange and a warm top end. It's a great guitar paired with a healthy dose of gain, it keeps plenty of definition and clarity even with a singing distortion. Works a treat.
Model: Charvel Refinement R-S43
Made: Japan, 1999, (serial C111594)
Finish: silver (called PT, presumably pewter?)
Body: basswood
Neck: maple, satin finish w/ rosewood board, 13.75" radius, 24.75" scale, 42mm nut, slim C shape
Weight: 3.390kg
Mods: knobs replaced.
Pickups: Charvel humbucker x2
Case: none
Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has a couple of chips on the bottom edge below the cavity and near the strap pin, as well as some dimples in the elbow area, near the switch cover and on the bottom edge. The sides have some dimples on the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front is pretty tidy, just some dimples and scuffs in the elbow area and near the knobs and some play wear on the horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings.