Wayne Charvel started his company on the basis of making Fender instruments that were out of warranty better. His repair shop became legendary. Wayne even worked alongside Grover Jackson, making his own models under the Charvel namesake in the 70’s and 80’s.
Since Charvel has been a part of Fender (2002), the company has flourished by going back to its roots (no pun intended). I always associate Charvel with Eddie Van Halen, and the whole “Custom Shop Hot Rod” mentality that Charvel offers. Charvel is known for making the “Super Strat” that dominated the market in the 80’s.
While Fender may own Charvel now, the attitude remains the same behind the company. The whole idea is to have a Super Strat with options that make you feel like you have a custom guitar. Charvel offers so many different models that I have a hard time even keeping up with them. But I know that every Charvel I have played in the last 10 years or so, has been excellent.
Jim Root noticed this as well, and he was surprised at the Charvel models that were still affordable for most people. Jim bought a few for nostalgia’s sake, since he had played them years ago. In a recent interview he talked about how surprised he was at the features you get for an affordable price. Jim “fell in love again” with Charvel guitars.
Keeping signature guitars in budget territory has always been a part of Jim’s philosophy. His Fender and Squier models were both reasonably priced. Jim also steers away from over-branding, and likes to keep the guitars simple. The Jim Root Charvel Pro Mod follows in this tradition, and maybe even beats his Fender models in a few categories.
