1989 Charvel Mod 6 Pearl White

An 80s set-neck Strat all-rounder with some clever wiring.

Meister Ede's first serious guitar was a Charvel Custom Shop HSS in see-through blue with gold hardware, and that's where the interest in Charvels started. The 80s superstrats have been gaining ground for a while now and count as “vintage” superstrats in their own right. Even John Mayer occasionally reaches for something comparable from Charvel or Jackson, which rather proves these guitars do more than high gain.

You get a wealth of bell-like Strat sounds with a forceful humbucker at the bridge — the HSS idea at its most flexible. On top of that there's a built-in mid boost, the sort of thing Eric Clapton and Richie Sambora both appreciate on their Fender Strats. What's remarkable is the sustain this guitar develops, which presumably comes down to the set-neck construction. The Floyd Rose-style tremolo does exactly what it should and should keep Eddie Van Halen fans happy too.

This one was bought at Valley Arts in Cologne in 1989 and has been played regularly but carefully ever since. MEISTER EDE was lucky enough to acquire this superb example from its first owner. If you're after a flexible HSS in 80s style, a Mod 6 is worth looking for.