Charvel is a brand of electric guitars, originally founded in the 1970s by Wayne Charvel in Azusa and headquartered in Glendora, both cities in California. Charvel guitars became popular in the 1980s due to their association with famous rock and heavy metal guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen), Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats (band)), Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi), Warren DeMartini (Ratt), Randy Rhoads, Jake E.