Gary Moore’s 1982 Charvel San Dimas: A Hot-Rod Guitar from the ’80s

Gary Moore’s collection of guitars includes instruments that represent the craftsmanship of heritage makers like Gibson from the 1950s and 60s. However, some of his guitars reflect the practical modifications and rough prototyping that musicians sometimes require for their gear. One such example is Gary Moore’s heavily modified Charvel San Dimas, cobbled together from various parts.

This ‘bitsa’ Charvel San Dimas served as a workhorse for Gary Moore during the early 1980s. When this guitar was later auctioned at Bonham’s, it fetched an impressive sum of over $40,000. The guitar was a result of quick modifications made to suit Gary’s specific needs, which often arose from busy touring schedules and recording commitments.

The guitar’s modifications posed a challenge for authenticator Steve Clarke, who had to deal with its hastily fitted components. Clarke shared that the guitar had initial issues, including a faulty pickup and corroded battery terminal. The EMG pickup had an output of 16.53k, but the battery compartment was in poor condition due to a burst battery that had been left inside the guitar. Despite these challenges, with some expert care and replacement parts, the guitar eventually came back to life.

Looking closely at the guitar’s construction, Clarke noted that it was surprising that the guitar functioned at all. The scratchplate surrounding the pickup appeared to have been crudely shaped, indicating that the guitar might have been put together hastily for Gary Moore’s use.

This modified Charvel San Dimas exemplifies the ingenuity and resourcefulness of musicians and their techs when it comes to customizing instruments for specific requirements. While some guitars in Gary Moore’s collection showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of renowned guitar makers, others like the Charvel reflect a more utilitarian approach.

The guitar’s history and modifications speak to the creative solutions that artists like Gary Moore often adopt to meet the demands of their music careers. The rough charm of the ‘bitsa’ Charvel San Dimas stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of musicians and their willingness to push the boundaries in pursuit of their unique sound.