Interview with Charvel’s Michael McGregor about New Pro-Mod Series for 2010

Charvel recently introduced its Pro-Mod Series of guitars, replacing its U.S. made Production Series with new models made in Japan. The new models are nearly identical in specification to the discontinued Production Series and include San Dimas and So-Cal models offered in standard colors of Black, Snow White, and Ferrari Red. A few changes in specs include the use of chrome hardware on San Dimas models rather than black, but perhaps the most significant change – the guitars now have a lower price point and include hardshell cases.  Charvel is also still having fun offering a “Wild Card” model that will offer unique specifications and rotate on a somewhat regular basis.

We were intrigued about the new Charvel Pro-Mods and Michael McGregor, Charvel’s product manager, was kind enough to take some time out to answer some questions for LegendaryTones.

LT: The new Pro-Mod series, with their lower price point and included SKB hardshell cases, look to be even greater values for the money than the now-end of life'd USA Production Series. What were the reasons for moving the Pro-Mod series production to Japan?

MM: We wanted to continue offering an affordable Charvel guitar to the players that would not normally buy a Charvel Custom Shop guitar. We understand that not everyone can afford to pay $3,000 for a dream guitar. Now players can get a production version for a fraction of the price. The facility in Japan has been building Jackson and Charvel guitars for more than 20 years.

LT:In many ways, this recent move to Japanese production brings to mind the history of the changeover from production in the 1980's from California to Japan. How are these two events similar or different in terms of production capability, methods used to build the instruments, etc.?

MM:This is more of an expansion to a lower price point rather than a move. We still make Charvel Custom Shop instruments; in fact, the demand has increased every year. Now we will offer the right production model at the right price.

LT:What can you tell me about the plans for Charvel's U.S. Custom Shop?

MM:The Charvel Custom Shop, as always, is the cream of the crop: That will never change.

LT:Going back to the Pro-Mods, were there any other changes made in specifications with these beyond the colors and use of chrome hardware for the San Dimas ProMod?

MM: We changed the San Dimas to "direct mount" pickups.

LT:Will color options and pickup configurations rotate on a regular basis as they did on the USA models, or will there only be a Wildcard that is changed regularly?

MM:Just the Wild Card.  We'll throw in some cool options as well as color changes.
 

LT: Moving forward, and only generally speaking, what can we expect to see with future models or changes to the Pro-Mod lineup or Charvel in general?

MM: You will see some hard tails, string thru, graphics etc. We'll mix it up on pickups as well.

Visit Charvel.com for information about Charvel's latest Pro-Mod Series as well as its custom shop instruments.