Charvel Surfacster HT, made in Japan 1993-4, black. The Surfcaster debuted in 1989 and turned heads immediately as a wildly different offering than Charvel's usual superstrat style models. I've been trying to score an original example at a workable dime for the shop for years now, so I'm very pleased to offer this gem up. During their relatively short production life, specs and setups changed a few times; this 'HT' model popped up in the 1994-5 catalogs before things changed up again a year or two later. You get the cool visual stuff: the 'gumby' headstock with the 'ice cream' logo, a bound fretboard and body, sharktooth inlays, the Rickenbacker style not-F hole, capital 'C' tailpiece, aged white pearl guard and the awesome slanted lipstick pickup, all on the approximately Jag-shaped body. It's a really striking aesthetic, these are some of the coolest guitars of the 90s. The lightweight body and super fast full scale neck make for easy movement, and paired with the sensible hardtail bridge and angled neck pocket, this is much less cumbersome and finnicky than a standard vintage-style Jag or Jazzmaster in the hands. The original Jackson humbucker has been swapped out for a Duncan 'Pearly Gates' model, which is a lovely pickup. There's plenty of growl and fullness on offer on the bridge setting, adding a nice girth to the snappy offset tone. The neck pickup balances nicely in terms of output, plus the slanted shape adds a little extra clarity and zing to the treble-side strings, so it's remarkably sparkly and chiming for a neck single coil. The semi-hollow basswood body adds a bit of breath and nuance to the midrange too, making for a lively and responsive feel and sound. I've got a good mind to keep this for myself, so you've got a limited window before I get cold feet on selling it and pull the listing. Alternately, you can wait a few more years for the next one?

Model: Charvel Surfcaster HT
Made: Japan, 1993-4, Chushin Gakki factory (387207)
Finish: black, 3-ply white pearl guard
Body: basswood
Neck: eastern maple, rosewood board, 16" radius, 25.5" scale, satin finish, slim C
Weight: 3.3kg
Mods: knobs replaced, bridge pickup replaced (originals not included)
Pickups: Charvel LST slanted lipstick single coil, Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbucker
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end and edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples and rub wear on the back from contact. The back has a scratch near the neck plate, a small chip on the bottom horn, some dimples in the middle of the body and some scuffs on the top edge, no major marks. The sides have a dimple on the top horn, some scuffs and small dents in the elbow area, some dimples near the rear strap pin, a pair of little chips near the jack and in the waist area of the bottom edge and some minor scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has some dimples around the almost-F hole and around the tailpiece, some scuffs near the knobs and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear only, 9/10 for life left. Setup with fresh 10/46 strings.