Understanding Charvel Guitars! | Buyer's Guide
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2024
- Chris takes us through the story of Charvel guitars, and breaks down their various different ranges, models, and Jargon that might be tripping you up!
Thanks to the wizard that is Thom Pankhurst for coming and shredding it up on the guitars!
/ thompankhurst
Check out the Charvel range here:
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel
SKIP LINKS:
0:00 - Intro (So Cal HSH Style 1 Track)
0:58 - Overview
3:03 - History Of Charvel (pt1)
4:50 - San Dimas HH Style 1 Track
5:41 - History of Charvel (pt2)
6:28 - Joe Duplantier Model & Playing
8:05 - Price Ranges (Pro Mod, MJ, USA Select)
10:38 - San Dimas HH Style 1 Clean playing
11:15 - Different Models - DK (Dinky)
13:17 - So Cal Guitars
15:04 - San Dimas Guitars
16:48 - Other things to look out for!
18:38 - So Cal Clean Playing
19:27 - Outro (DK Clean Playing)
GUITARS USED:
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M, Maple Fingerboard, Platinum Pink
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel-pro-...
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E Ash, Neon Pink Ash
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel-pro-...
Charvel Joe Duplantier Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH, Satin White
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel-joe-...
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 HH HT, Satin Black
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel-pro-...
Charvel Pro-Mod DK24 HSH 2PT Mahogany, Natural
www.gak.co.uk/en/charvel-pro-...
RECORDED INTO:
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#Charvel #Guitar #Jackson
This was brilliant, every manufacturer needs a video like this. Rarely do you find an explanation on their websites.
I was expecting 80s metal as a starting theme for Charvel, this caught me by surprise
RIght? I thought I clicked on the wrong link LOL but the video was great
This was probably one of the most informative videos on guitars other than Fender/Gibson out there! Thank you!
This was really a pleasure to watch. Thanks and happy holidays
great video! nice format and well put together👍
I saw Thom open for my uncle David’s band back in 2006 and it’s been so sick to watch his playing and career grow. He sounds great on the charvels.
Thanks Sean. If I remember correctly was this in a giant inflatable bounce house? The one in the middle of that mini golf course? Lots of free whelks from what I remember. Good times
Great video, very well put together and clearly articulated, thank you so much. I just got interested in getting a Charvel and this video helped a lot with understanding the brand and models.
I bought my first Charvel in 1987 in Orange County California during my senior year of high school. I loved that guitar! Fast forward to today and I just bought my second Charvel - a DK24 HH in what I call Sky Blue. I like this new model even better. I am already planning on buying a DK24 HSH Mahogany and a So Cal Style 2 Hardtail. Thanks for the video the information is great.
Fantastic video , what a guy and so helpful and full of great info thank you.
great vid. very informative; learned a lot. thanks and cheers!
Great job guys!!
They are mighty guitars. Killer jazz Rock fusion beasts. I like the Tele type of Charvels prowess.
Great video. Answered a lot of questions!!!
Great video, well done!
Excellent video and well explained everything in detail, thank you very much! A couple of days ago I bought Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH CKB and I am very happy with this guitar, its sound is brutal!
Simply awesome. Now i know what these terms mean and no more confused. Thank you!!!
Just ordered my first Charvel guitar. Pro-Mod DK Signature Satchel in Satin White. Super stoked and can’t wait till it arrives! Super excited!
How is it?!
I've been playing Charvel (and Jackson) Guitars since my first Japanese Model 3DR back in 1989 I've never looked back having owned just over 50 of them over the years. I wish I could have kept them all!
Nice work! Thanks!
They should’ve continued the neon color San Dimas and SoCal
I was fortunate to get the neon yellow one second hand. One of my favorite guitars. I wanted something that just screamed 80s glam and this has it in spades.
Yeah, it's such a shame that most modern guitars are boring, vintage styled. I just want something that stands out with bold designs and colors. Closest thing to that are a couple Ibanez models and the Kramer Barettas and Pacers
If they'd do the metallic purple from a couple years ago WITH A FRICKIN MAPLE NECK... I'd be all over it.
Somehow I never ever see neon Charvels on the market. You wonder where all the guitars go. It seems like they all make more than necessary and yet the aftermarket is always thin.
I've had a 3dr, model 4, fusion, 475, So Cal and now a type 2. Can't go wrong, they are just awesome
The Charvel factories where never in San Dimas. There P.O. Box was in San Dimas. Check out the video ...The Original Charvel Gang.
Thanks a lot for your explanations!
I'm a proud owner of a Charvel Desolation Soloist. It was my graduation present and after 10 years i still love it.
Looking into a new axe to add to my collection, perhaps another Charvel like the Jim Root signature guitar.
Awesome educational video thank you so much for this thorough explanation/ history of Charvel guitars. I’ve been very excited about this brand and after waiting months I finally got one. I originally wanted the one you have, but instead I got A DK 24HH… 2pt cm …From a reputable company. But when I got it - it arrived with the tremolo system all in pieces. Springs loose in the box and pieces rattling around inside the guitar. I sent it back… I was very upset. I’m getting a Schecter c-1 Hell raiser instead. I don’t know what happened -it came apart somehow during shipping. I’m sure it could’ve been fixed but I was pretty upset that it arrived like that…. But I still want to Charvel after watching your video… But at 1200 it’s not in the budget this year
Great video! Very clear and usefull
Wow, thank you a million times for sharing all this incredible info about Charvels! 🌟 It seriously helped me out big time in understanding them better! Keep spreading the knowledge, you're awesome! 🚀
My first Charvel was the same shell pink dk24 you have, and it's an insanely inspiring and incredibly well built instrument. It covers every sound I could ask for. Ended up getting the MJ Rick Graham signature this year, one of my favorite brands as of late!
How does the dk stack up against the Graham? Is the price jump of the Graham justified?
@@ryanmaxson9968 I feel that the pro-mod DK does something phenomenally well and that's giving a great all around instrument at a very reasonable cost. What the RG sig offers is a bit of an upgrade to that package w/ SS frets, model-only pickups and a few aesthetic choices. It's not a huge difference and to most not justified. But it's hard to beat the value of the pro-mod considering how amazing of an instrument that already is. Not many other brands carry such an instrument at that price.
I just bought mine today! Love the smell of the neck.
Thanks I love Charvel you did a great job on the video and the playing was really nice too!! Pretty in Pink Charvel way cool too!!
I just found out about these guitars. I am DEFINITELY getting one tomorrow! It’s the sound I’ve been looking for.
The perfect description of a Charvel is 'a Fender that's been modded in all he right ways'!
They're kind of heavy with Floyd weight added, many pushing 8.5 to 9 lbs. They need to switch to basswood to offset the Floyd Rose weight.
That mahogany 😍😍, I bought a charvel Jackson as my first guitar second hand, floyd rose locking, love it
I first heard about these back in the late eighties, local guitar shop sold them, and I worked with a guy who had one.
All he talked about was his Charvel. I being a telecaster man shrugged it off. Last summer I scored a Charvel case at a garage sale for 5 bucks so all I needed was a charvel that fit. Ironically a week ago I saw a Mij Charvel listed about 10 miles away. Purchased by dome light In a pickup truck, took me two days to get it set up, and after playing it I am thoroughly impressed. I like it a lot. I ended up with a wood carved front and back 375 deluxe. I would probably buy another.
I bought three Charvels in the last year, and I love them. they are my go to guitars now. the 12" -16" compound radius necks are the most comfortable necks I have ever played. I am going to trade in a strat and tele that I no longer play and buy a Charvel type 2. I highly recommend Charvel guitars
The necks are sublime and a shocking experience of one is used to playing Les Pauls
I am interested in buying a DK24, how is the neck, exactly? Is it thin? I am used to PRS and Fender Strats, so I'm looking for a more "shreddy" guitar with a thinner neck and flatter board. Is this what I'm looking for? The radius sounds like it will be awesome for sure.
@@Lovell93 in my opinion, it is thinner and flatter than a strat. Closer to an ibanez
@@lomoholga But if they don't offer a guitar I can pay £6000 for and snap the headstock off of it's not really giving me the Gibson experience is it?
Espero algún día tener la Joe Duplantier, la probé y me encantó ;)
I think your vid is going to be of use to the uninitiated. About a year ago I took a self-guided "crash course" in Charvel nomenclature, since some amazing models were available then, but going FAST! It all worked out, and I snagged a MIM Pro Mod San Dimas HH FR E in Ash with thin Charcoal finish...for under $1000 (US)!! It's my go-to, do-it-all tool...including octaved-down "proxy bass" tones for my "loop sctick" performances. It's truly unflappable!
Thanks for the Info
Bought a Charvel Dk24 Pro Mod and its easily the nicest guitar I've ever owned. Highly recommend.
The black charvel pro mod so cal 2 shown in the video has become my all time favorite guitar. I picked up a dinky 24 pro mod but not a big fan of the full shred pickup. I actually really like the stock fishmans in the so cal 2.
Thinking about selling my dinky and getting a second so cal 2, maybe the Joe signature
great video. thanks
I have a 2010 MIJ. My favorite guitar I own. Top mount Floyd Rose, single volume,and 3 way toggle. The craftsmanship is amazing. Never played a MIM one. Snag a MIJ if you can find one. Took me 2 weeks of zero sleep on every forum and used gear place on the web.
Also, before some UA-cam warrior corrects me, I know USA have top mounted Floyd and what not. MIJ has body mount humbuckers vs trad humbuckers with rings.
I have the MIJ Guthrie Govan, and I love everything about it except for the neck heel joint area and the lower horn thickness. The neck's profile becomes very sharp near the joint and is very uncomfortable on the hand when playing at the higher frets, and the lower horn is so thick that it dramatically decreases the distance from the horn to the neck, which means if you're a bit more loose with your movements, your hand will hit the horn easily. But other than those two issues, I love the feel of the neck, the radius, the rolled edges, and the simulated single-coil mode that sounds so good but without the associated noise or dropped volume, since it's still technically humbuckers but voiced to sound like single-coils. I wish all guitars with split-coil modes uses that approach instead.
You really have a great guitar player, guys 👌🏻
We're very lucky to have him! :D
Thank you!
I just got a pharaoh gold HT so cal pro mod and loving it. It sustains like a super strat from the 80s! The neck is smooth,rolled edges on the frets,first ebony neck but its smooth. I went with HT because i have three trem guitars already and want to explore with HT. Fender did good buying charvel and jackson
Edit almost forgot it has seymore duncan distortions!
I desperately, achingly want a Rick Graham signature. Dream guitar.
I just acquired a 87 series 3. Pretty and shiny. Missing parts. Has the Jackson Floyd Rose bridge, tuning machines, and it's nearly perfect except missing parts and two pickups. I am a amateur luthier, and can solder and wire. Need advice on sourcing vintage components and so on
socal style 2 hh ht and 2pt is one of the best guitars ever made in history of guitars and i am fuckin glad not a lot of people knows this.. i have 3 of them already in diff tunings and will get my 4th one in 4 months..
I already have two Charvels. Watching this may be bad for me, but I’ll try! Seriously, Charvel is certainly one of my favorite guitar brands.
The solo at 7:48 was wicked! Better than most of the post Marty Friedman Megadeth solos imo! Super tasty! 🤘
The 2006+ish 3 USA model relaunch of Charvel consisting of the San Dimas 1(strat) & 2(tele) as well as the SoCal 1 all for $999.00 were the GOAT. They'd keep it interesting by keeping the colors limited and changing every 3 months or so. Seymour Duncan(59n/JBb) in the San Dimas & DiMarzio(PAF-Pro/Super Distortion)in the SoCal. I dig the expansion and growth but those USA models in similarity are now $2,500.00 roughly.EDIT: I am a sucker for the new Pro Mod SoCal teles with the reverse headstock, Fishman open core fluence all hot rodded in alder & ash made in Baja California, Mexico.
I want a charvel.
Did you guys do a similar video with schecter?
I just bought one Charvel pro-mod 22 sss from Gak😎
For anyone Charvel user out there, need your insight
Does Charvel's stock pick-ups sounds better than EMG 81/85?
I have no idea since I never tried one, since it's quite difficult to find Charvel in my country. But I planned to buy one.
Thank you for you attention
I have the Pro Mod DK24 Mahogany like in the video but mine has 2 string trees on the headstock. Is this what they're like now or is this an earlier model? I love them BTW as I have a Slime Green SoCal as well :)
Do you recommend a DK or non Dk
Are the DK models noticeably smaller in reality compared to the pro mods??
Cheers
Great video. As a beginner i dont own a hsh guitar. Whats the pros/cons with that configuration comparing the hss. Not the bridge but for the middle and neck configuration? What kind of player, style etc leans into hsh over hss? I dont really get this. Hope you can answer it. Thanks
The HSH guitars (somewhat obviously) have a humbucker in the neck which is going to give you tones that most humbucker's give you in that position. In general, think thicker tone, more pronounced low/mid and less hum in comparison to a single coil which, depending on the pickup will generally be thinner and more in line with something in a strat/tele than a Les Paul for instance.
It should also be noted that the humbucker in the neck can be split to give you single coil tones/blended in with another pickup to provide some different solutions to finding tones. For instance, the Guthrie Charvel has a HSH configuration and approximates some more Stratlike tones with ease, whereas getting a single coil to sound like a humbucker can be an uphill struggle.
One of the core reasons people don't opt for HSH over HSS (aside from pickup preference) is actually to do with the placement of the pickup. A single coil is easier to fit into that 'sweet spot' people describe towards the neck, in comparison to a chunky humbucker that will be harder to get in that spot due to its size/if the guitar has 24 frets etc.
Hope this helps you somewhat!
@@ThomPankhurst Excellent reply. To your latter point regarding the sweet spot, would it make sense to go for a 22 fret HSH or a 24 with slightly longer scale to put the humbucker in the sweet spot?
Or, why didn't they simply increase scale length on HSH by 10mm for that reason?
Presollally I believe that the Jackson js Series is one of the best Choices for Guitar players of all skill levels
I have a USA Charvel. I'm guessing early to mid eighties? It's champagne finish, I picked it up for peanuts, love to know what it's worth.
Trying The pink one yesterday. Felt like bare wood on the neck…does that change after playing it for a while? It was like a handbrake, and not fast at all. My gloss neck guitar got fast after a few weeks… probably from hand grease..🤔
Couldn’t play the pink one with sweating hands 🤷♂️
4:53 Erm, I know this about the guitars, but that solotone definately needs some kind of midboost. A tubescreamer, klon, SD-1... Any mid boost.
15:49 If I put +6 db @ 1000 Hz on my mixer, this tone sounds fantastic! That's what I mean with a midboost!
And come on, the guitar is midrange instrument, so it needs mid frequencies! Never forget!
Oh, personally I'd love to have a San Dimas HH with that classic JB / '59 in dark blue.
Excellent nomenclature distillation.
I have been looking for a strat guitar to play Hendrix and SRV stuff, but I want a hardtail with locking tuners... which led me to consider the San Dimas HSS. Any owner out there who could give an opinion on how adequate is that guitar for that job?
fookin a mate
I just recently got the Platinum Pearl model. What I've found so far in moving from Fender to Charvel: The neck is definitely reminiscent of Ibanez, not my usual cup of tea but I've adjusted so far. The other big hang-up for me was adapting my picking to the pickups sticking out more and where the harmonics were compared to my old Fender stratocaster. Otherwise, worth every penny. The pickups are definitely hotter than a usual strat so you're going to have to pull the volume back to get more vintage-esque tones, but I absolutely love having that sweet neck tone, in-betweens, and being able to kick ass on the JB (I do a lot of grunge, punk, etc). The tuning stays rock solid if you're doing mostly chords, etc and even on bends, it usually stays fairly well. I've had no complaints so far! The neck can definitely nail those two, and if you end up wanting more vintage you can always put some SSL-1s in there! Hope this helps!
@@sweatervestviking That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for, thanks!
Excellent video guys. Charvel literally makes exactly what I want. Minus putting on stainless steel frets on any model. Which shouldn't be so over priced just for the nickel alternative.. This is a problem with the industry, not Charvel. Anyway keep on rockin in the free world /m/
What about MIM? Most Charvel's production models are made in Mexico at the Fender plant.
Ha I own a MIJ Charvel in its very first generation. it is my favorite guitar I own.
That song for the Intro tho! NOICE! Is that just a jam?
I need that charvel
Are stainless frets a premium feature on charvels, or is it standard? Or perhaps nonexistent?
They appear on the MJ and the USA models! Just not on the standard range
Good lord, what is he playing through with that Joe Duplantier sig?? Monster tone.
Thanks for the history. I have a DK24 red ash made in Korea, are they as god guitar builder like the Japanes or USA. And why are just RED ash DK24 built in Korea?
i actually picked a skatecaster for 250$ as my second guitar and theres something magical about that guitar
Smoking intro. 👏
I wish they’d re-release the Surfcaster. Trying to get one used has been a nightmare.
Me too! They were so cool.
i have a skatecaster and i fukn love it.
Charvel's neck carves are the best in the business
I think the MJ guitar that was sold just prior to shooting the video was an MJ DK 24 Mahogony / Walnut..... Guilty your honor,
It was! Lucky you, I hope it’s treating you well!
@@GakCoUk yep, it's great thank you
I've read that the Pro Mod's were also MIJ guitars around 2010 / 2011, do you know if this is true? If I recall, you say the Pro Mods are not MJ or USA (around the 19:40 mark). Side note: Thom rocks! Favorite playing section for both clean and dirty at 14:00 mark, but could listen to that intro section for days.
Yea from the research I've done that's true. Took me forever to determine the model of charvel I have
Yeah, they were made in Japan for a while when they first reintroduced them. I have one from 2011 and it is an incredible guitar. Far superior to the current Mexican made ones plus they came with an SKB hard case for around £600-£700. I heard that there was either a fire at the factory or it was something to do with the Fukushima disaster. Either way, track one down and you will not be disappointed.
Yes, it’s very true. I own a 2010 MIJ. It is amazing. Top mount Floyd Rose, single volume, and a 3 way toggle. The main differences between the MIM San Dimas.
@@delsi3795 do you have a So Cal or a San Dimas? Does the trem rest on body or float?
@@Jesse_Johnson do you have a So Cal or a San Dimas? Does the trem rest on body or float? I have one of each, the trem on the So Cal rests on body, the San Dimas floats. I want the San Dimas to be on body too, but the height of the neck at the joint won’t allow it. It’s a bit frustrating. I’m going to have to take measurements to find out where the differences between the two axes are. Also, the pickup mounting in the San Dimas is very wobbly versus the So Cal.
‘Uh’ 🕺🏻
I'll be honest here Mark, I have no idea what this means
It’s amazing how many people still think charvel guitars are a one trick ponies. The selling point for me is not the versatility, but rather how fun they are to play. Possibly the best bang for the buck!
Whats the song at 5:00
Green with White pickguard in Left handed Please Charvel/Fender I love my Charvels
Touching on neck profiles and body contours, along with frets and examples of pickups that come stock with them would have been super helpful. And also the fact that a lot of the Charvels come with really shitty nuts that should be upgraded right off the bat. I mean, a $1500 CAD guitar that doesn't come with a Graphtech nut? What? I have my eye on the satin black Pro Mod DK and that's the first thing I'll be changing if I buy one. But overall not a bad video for a general overview.
It’s crazy to think they’re from San Dimas CA. I used to live there.
I'm ready for stainless steel frets on roasted flame maple neck
I think the tele style are the coolest looking guitars.
We can't all be wild stallions🎠
Is Charvel guitar any good? I mean is this better or fender or Gibson
What about the guitars made in Mexico?
What about Kahler tremelos?
I've got a charvette red crackle circa 1999, and it's signed by Dave Murray, sorry not selling lol.
we've been over this 1000 times, but "dinky strats" were a charvel thing, wheras jackson was using his name for the flying v and concorde looking stuff.
you can find very very early order forms for Charvel Dinky-strats, it was a thing.
its a charvel shape but for some marketing reason fender is saying charvel is "borrowing it from jackson" which is nonsense obv on multiple levels, and ever since the guitar heads online have been repeating it like theyve always thought that. lol no offense your playing is very nice 😎👍👍
enjoyed the video!
I have a 88 charvel 3DR reversed headstock in near mint cond all original I bought new in 88
I have the ‘86 model 4 I bought brand new as a junior in high school. I still own it. Kahler tremolo. Mine still has the price tag. $1200
painful thing is finding a store that carries these T-styles here in Hungary :-(
This video is okay. I didn’t learn anything new. Some things I already know weren’t included, and probably should have been - such as country of manufacture for pro mods. It’s mostly Mexico, but as you showed for the Gojira model, it’s Indonesia. Should have been some information about neck profiles too, at least
I used to own 1990 Charvel 475 and it was brilliant for the price. I think I paid something like 450 euros.
Pro mod San Dimas are made in Mexico.
Intresting. Would've been even better with a little less hand waving.
How is Wayne doing at the moment? And how is his new company "WAYNE Guitars" doing?
I still have my ‘85 san dimas charvel that I bought new....I’m a tele guy now but will keep the charvel until I die
@@pigjubby1 what a cool job you had....yes playing well,though rarely.......very well made guitar....poplar B͏o͏dy,....it is a single bridge humbucker black with Pointy headstock,..George Lynch had on like this,...neck plate reads Charvel ,4381 P.O. Box 245 san dimas ca. 91773 USA...bought it new from a guitar center in Chicago....that’s wild if you may have fretted it,..either way it had to be sitting right next to you in shop
@@pigjubby1 ...fascinating....if you don’t mind I have questions.....did you realize at the time that you were working at the coolest guitar company later to be of legend?....what was the vibe and working conditions?.....was it all business or fun with fellow players?.....how was quality control run for picking wood, cuts, weights etc...I think in 86 everything went to Japan, was that the end for your job and the shop?...do you have any of those guitars....
@@jakelee7639 I had no clue what they were and would become. I made guitars as a hobby before I started there. I already knew about guitars but not at that scale. Most guys were 19-24. There was no real automation just hand work. An over-head pin router was the most technical. All the guys really did a good job. I was taught how to fret "their way" which was quick and easy. I fretted and inlayed over 1,000 guitars, easy. The foremen were all great. Mike Shannon was the best guy to work for. Extremely patient and always positive. After six month you were allowed to make a guitar at their cost, which was pennies. They reneged on that promise and I knew after that, that it was not the place for long term employment. Understand, it was $5.00 an hour when minimum was $3.35 which was decent for a 21 year old kid, but there was no medical or any real future if you wanted a family and a house. It was good for what it was. The guys doing the airbrushing were amazing. I never saw most of their work as they were across the lot from the wood shop. In late '86 they moved to Ontario and there were guys from Korea in the shop taking pictures. They were already planning on going over seas. I left before they moved.
@@pigjubby1 so cool to hear about this,...85 May have been close to either taking off point or already peaking for them....I remember 84 with ratt videos having charvel, George Lynch, Vivian from dio, etc....mtv was millions in advertising for them, continued through late ‘80’s but most knew the guitars were then different,...any kid could buy the new cheapo ones and it wasn’t as special to have one.....were you using like a drill press type set up to fret? How were inlays perfectly leveled without scratching fingerboards?......I really appreciate hearing all this from you and I bet thousands who will read at later times will also enjoy hearing first hand from you about charvel when they were so great
@@jakelee7639 The fingerboard were leveled all by hand. After they came off a router that gave them a rough radius, they were then inlayed and sanded perfectly smooth with sandpaper, a metal block and a straightedge. The shark inlays were routed by the pin router. The shark fin inlay cavities were filled with epoxy and ebony dust, then the inlays pushed in just right. Then that was sanded flat as stated.
I have a Model 6 Charvel (I think). The serial number begins with the letter "C" and nobody seems to know anything about it. Is it a rip-off? The build quality is excellent but the wiring in the guts is a mess. Floyd Rose licensed trem, shark fin fretboard inlay, Thru-neck, Jackson branded pickups. It all seems very top notch, but why doesn't anyone at Fender or anywhere else know anything about it???
I thought charvel made ice cream cakes! 🍰