Motherboard for a Charvel Model 5

[Bert|Evil]

I have a Charvel Model 5 (1987), and I need a new motherboard for the original active pick-ups. The pick-ups still sound great, and I don’t want to put EMGs in if I don’t have to. Basically, I’m getting a crackling noise when I play.

Anyone know where I can find one?

[old Skool]

Check with Terry at Guitars-n-Stuff in Vinco (814)322-3015. He's really up on old Charvels. He fixed up my 650 with the active circuit. All I needed was a new volume pot. By the way if you ever want to sell that Model 5 let me know. I love those old Charvels. Good luck!

[metalchurch]

Sounds to me like either your Volume pot like Kenny said, or perhaps your Battery needs changed. I know that EMG's 9V batteries are supposed to last for 3,000 playing hours. I'm not sure on the battery life of the Charvel's active system. If all fails call Dr. Terry, he will surely have a diagnosis.

[Bert|Evil]

Thanks guys! I heard that there is a new guitar store in Vinco, but I didn’t know where it was. I’ll probably stop by during Memorial Day weekend.

I replaced the middle pot and knob. I checked the wires to and from the 9-volt, as well. I’m 90% sure that the problem is in the motherboard.

Kenny – I know what you mean, and it’s not for sale. It’s hard to find a deal (or a steal) on the Model 5 and 6 guitars.

[metalchurch]

i've never owned such a setup, so I was only trying to make a logical guess. Sounds like it might be a hard item to find. I don't recall seeing anything of the sort for sale lately on ebay, and I'm on there 2 or 3 times a day. Maybe I just missed them??? If Terry can't help you, you might just have to go w/ EMG's. Or go passive? I love old Jackson's and Charvels, they have the nicest feel and the best necks I've ever played. I always mod my guitars w/ Jackson necks for that reason. Reading this is making me regret selling my Model 3 a few months ago. I'm stupid sometimes.....
Good Luck with this, if you figure it out let me know.

[Bert|Evil]

Terry did a great job! Thanks again for the information.

As previously discussed, these motherboards don’t seem to exist anymore. Terry slapped an EMG Afterburner into my Charvel #5. These Afterburners are made to make passive guitars act a lot more like an active circuit using the existing pick-ups. They make an existing active set-up sound even better.

http://www.stevesmusiccenter.com/EMG-AB.html

[metalchurch]

That's great that you got it up and running again. I've only met Terry once myself, but on here, I've heard nothing but good things about his work. I guess the EMG afterburner is basically an active pre-amp for use with active or passive pickups.
Did you use your original Charvel pickups, or did you go with EMG's?

[Bert|Evil]

I guess the EMG afterburner is basically an active pre-amp for use with active or passive pickups.
Did you use your original Charvel pickups, or did you go with EMG's?

Bingo! You can make passive pick-ups more powerful for under $50.

That was my angst in this situation. I liked the pick-ups and I didn't want to install EMGs unless I had to. On the other hand, I searched high and low for a replacement motherboard with no luck. Installing the Afterburner was like killing one bird with one mortar shell*.

*denotes a bad analogy

[metalchurch]

Of course, I find 4 of them on ebay after you get your Charvel done!!
Always happens to me also!
Here it is, anyway;

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jackson-Charvel-ACT ... dZViewItem

[Banned]

Someone forward that auction to Terry! He can add those to his pile of vintage Kramer parts.

[Bert|Evil]

Of course, I find 4 of them on ebay after you get your Charvel done!!
Always happens to me also!
Here it is, anyway;

http://cgi.ebay.com/Jackson-Charvel-ACT ... dZViewItem

My first reaction was "DAMN!", but then I noticed that the item on auction has a toggle switch. The Model 5 doesn't have toggle switches, unlike the Model 6, so I don't know if it would work.

[metalchurch]

I'm not sure either, I'd imagine the toggle could be eliminated, but oh well, you got it Screamin now so that's all that matters. Glad you got it taken care of. I'd like to see a pic of your Charvel, could you post one or send me one if you get time?