Grover Jackson Legacy Series - spiderweb graphic strat

FMIC announced in 2007 that Grover Jackson was back with the Charvel Custom Shop and that a new series of guitars called the Grover Jackson Legacy Series were being produced that were true to the originals. This first of its kind Charvel Masterbuilt Series consisted of 5 classic models that helped define Charvel in the 80’s. Each and every detail on these guitars were replicated and reproduced using original tooling and techniques.

This specific collection was built especially for the 2007 Winter NAMM Show and was limited to only 20 pieces (globally) for each model. The promotion literature stated that each guitar came with a special certificate hand signed by Grover Jackson as well as Todd Krause, Mike Shannon, Tim Wilson, and Mike Eldred all of which were original employees of Charvel in the beginning and were part of the design and building of these historic reproductions. However, Tim Wilson left the company and original builder Stephen Stern replaced Tim Wilson on the certificate.

The first Charvel Grover Jackson Legacy Series consisted of five guitars; 1H1SC Spider Web (the guitar I purchased), 1H Offset Bullseye, 2H Diagonal Stripes, 2H Spiral Checkerboard Star and a 1H Gold Bolt Star. I was lucky enough to get the NAMM displayed Spiderweb guitar bearing the first serial number in the series GJ1000.

After poor sales (actual not a single guitar sold at the original $10k list price) FMIC reduced the list price on these guitars by 50% and I jumped at the chance to add one to my collection. My first impressions was that the case was pretty cool (has red piping) and the folder has "Master Built" imprinted on it. However I was a little disappointed that the folder only contained a certificate with signatures but included neither a picture of the finished guitar nor a CD with build (in-progress) pictures.

The following little details immediately jumped out at me when I opened up the case for the first time:

1. The guitar is super light weight.
2. The v-trem was true to the originals and had the correct black screws and
    springs.
3. Likewise the trem arm tip was shaped like originals.
4. The back plates were made of plastic (like the originals).
5. The neck had wood dot inlays (rosewood?) and the side markers are brass (like
    early prepro Charvel guitars).
6. The neck was fitted with a phenolic nut.
7. They used a Les Paul style toggle (however it was not identical to the originals).
8. The logo was true to the originals, correct size logo and has no “Made in USA”.
    However, it looks to be silk screened (not a decal like on the originals).

My overall first impression was that there were a few details not true to the original (example toggle, tuners and input jack) but as a whole it was close and they nailed the neck profile. Plugging her in I was immediately impressed with the neck which was beefy and played effortlessly, fret work was perfect and the intonation was dead on right out of the box! The color is actually pink with blue pearl and upon removing the neck I discovered the neck has a woodburn (HANDCRAFTED CHARVEL MFG) which can be found on very early original Charvel guitars and the neck was fitted with the same style truss rod nut as the originals.

I cannot say enough good things about this guitar. It was a little pricey but well worth it as it serves as a fitting tribute to Charvel’s golden age and plays/sounds as good as she looks. Other nice touches true to the original Charvel guitars include the butterfly (Fender) style string tree and no paint in the control cavity. If you love the neck profile on early 21 fret Charvel Strat Heads this guitar is for you. I am THRILLED with this guitar and will be adding other Grover Jackson Legacy Charvel guitars to my collection in the future.