Description

Rare bird alert! 90s Charvel Surfcaster XII Electric 12-string! Made in Japan in Midnight Black finish, $2499 with HSC!

The Charvel Surfcaster 12 is a distinctive 12-string electric guitar known for its unique combination of surf rock aesthetics and versatile tonal capabilities. The midnight black finish adds a sleek and stylish look to this already eye-catching instrument. Originally introduced in the early 1990s, the Surfcaster 12 has become a sought-after model for its jangly, rich sound and vintage-inspired design.

Key Features:

Body and Neck:

  • Body Shape: Semi-hollow body with f-holes, contributing to a resonant and airy tone.
  • Body Material: Typically made from alder or basswood, providing a balanced and lightweight feel.
  • Neck Material: Maple neck for stability and a smooth playing experience.
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood fingerboard with shark fin inlays, offering a warm tone and comfortable playability.
  • Finish: Midnight black finish, giving the guitar a sleek and modern appearance.

Electronics:

  • Pickups: Equipped with two lipstick-style single-coil pickups, known for their bright and clear sound.
  • Controls: Features master volume and tone controls, along with a three-way pickup selector switch for versatile sound shaping.

Hardware:

  • Bridge: Fixed bridge with individual saddles for precise intonation and stable tuning.
  • Tuners: Vintage-style tuners for reliable tuning stability and a classic look.
  • Nut: Graphite nut for smooth tuning and durability.

Sound Characteristics:

  • Jangly and Rich: The 12-string setup provides a full, chiming sound with rich overtones, ideal for adding texture and depth to your playing.
  • Bright and Clear: The lipstick pickups deliver a bright and clear tone, perfect for surf rock, jangle pop, and other genres that benefit from a clean, articulate sound.
  • Resonant and Airy: The semi-hollow body design contributes to a resonant and airy tone, adding a layer of acoustic warmth to the electric sound.

Specifications:

  • Body Shape: Semi-hollow with f-holes
  • Body Material: Alder or basswood
  • Neck Material: Maple
  • Fingerboard: Rosewood with shark fin inlays
  • Scale Length: 25.5 inches
  • Pickups: Two lipstick-style single-coil pickups
  • Controls: Master volume, master tone, three-way pickup selector switch
  • Bridge: Fixed bridge with individual saddles
  • Tuners: Vintage-style tuners
  • Nut: Graphite
  • Finish: Midnight black

Country of Manufacture:

  • Japan: The Charvel Surfcaster 12 was primarily manufactured in Japan, known for high-quality craftsmanship

Notable Users:

Tom Petty:

Tom Petty, known for his work with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, was seen using the Charvel Surfcaster XII. The 12-string sound complements the jangly, melodic rock that Petty is famous for.

Elvis Costello:

Elvis Costello, a prolific songwriter and musician, has used the Charvel Surfcaster XII to add a unique sound to his diverse musical repertoire.

Peter Buck (R.E.M.):

Peter Buck, the guitarist for R.E.M., has been known to use a Charvel Surfcaster XII. Its bright, chimey sound fits well with the band’s signature jangle pop and alternative rock style.

The Cure:

Members of The Cure, particularly during the band’s tours in the 1990s, have been seen playing the Charvel Surfcaster XII. The instrument’s distinctive tone adds to the band’s lush, layered soundscapes.

Sonic Youth:

Members of Sonic Youth have been known to experiment with a wide range of guitars, including the Charvel Surfcaster XII. Its unique sound complements their avant-garde and experimental music style.

The Church:

Marty Willson-Piper of The Church has used the Charvel Surfcaster XII. The band’s atmospheric and richly textured sound benefits from the 12-string’s resonant and chiming tones.