For sale is a very rare and highly sought-after Charvel Model 8M Spectrum, made in Japan circa 1988–1989.

This is an early production example featuring the original Charvel logo (pre-“toothpaste” era), which significantly increases its collectability among vintage Charvel enthusiasts.

Finished in gloss black with a one-piece maple neck and maple fingerboard, this guitar delivers the fast playability and snap typical of late-80s Japanese Charvel/Jackson instruments.

The guitar is in excellent overall condition and retains all its original hardware and pickups.

Specifications

  • Made in Japan (MIJ), circa 1988–1989
  • Body: Basswood
  • Neck: One-piece maple (bolt-on, reverse headstock)
  • Fingerboard: Maple
  • Scale length: 25.5" (648 mm)
  • Frets: 22
  • Radius: Compound (approx. 12"–16")
  • Nut: Locking nut
  • Bridge: Jackson JT6 locking tremolo (original arm included)
  • Pickups: 3x Jackson J-200 dual-coil pickups (SSS configuration)
  • Electronics: Active Jackson JE-1200 circuit
  • Controls: Volume, Tone, 5-way selector, mini toggle (preamp on/off)
  • Hardware: Chrome

Electronics & Shielding

The original JE-1200 active circuit has been professionally rebuilt to ensure full functionality and reliability.

Additionally, all electronic cavities have been fully shielded, significantly reducing noise and improving overall signal clarity.

Condition

Excellent condition for its age, with only minor signs of use. Fully functional and ready to play.

Included

  • Original JT6 tremolo arm
  • Non-original hard case (included for safe shipping)

Notes

The Model 8M is one of the rarer variations of the Spectrum series, especially in this configuration with maple fingerboard and early logo. Its combination of active electronics, versatile pickup configuration, and iconic late-80s design makes it both a great player and a collectible instrument.

Feel free to message me for additional photos or details.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listed20 hours ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • The Spectrum / Model 8 with Maple Fretboard
Finish
  • Black
Categories
Year
  • 1986 - 1989
Fretboard Radius
  • 12"
  • 16"
Pickup Configuration
  • SSS
Nut Width
  • 1.625"
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Fretboard Material
  • Maple
Body Material
  • Basswood
Body Shape
  • S-Style
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Model Family
  • Charvel The Spectrum / Model 8
Neck Material
  • Maple
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Locking Tremolo Bridge
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Wood Top Style
  • Opaque
Color Family
  • Black
Finish Features
  • Matching Headstock
Scale Length
  • 25.5"
Neck Construction
  • Bolt-On
Number of Frets
  • 22

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