Charvel Guthrie Govan Comparison - USA VS JAPAN
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- Опубліковано 20 тра 2024
- Comparison of the new Charvel Guthrie Govan signature MJ guitar with the GG USA model. In the video I compare both guitars in detail - let's talk about the specs, the woods, the neck, the electronics, including pickups and finally let's do a a sound comparison.
The Charvel Guthrie Govan MJ SD24 CM is the latest signature guitar of Guthrie Govan made in Japan.
#charvel #guthriegovan #comparison
0:00 Intro
0:11 Comparison specs
2:11 The necks
5:07 The back
6:55 The pickups
8:56 The sounds
14:56 The top
17:21 Conclusion
![Rig Rundown: The Aristocrats' Guthrie Govan & Bryan Beller [2022]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vmxFIkN_m8M/mqdefault.jpg)
Brilliant word of warning at the end: "None of these guitars come with Guthrie's guitar skills!!" Damn!
Excellent comparison brother.
Very thorough and appreciated. Thank you from Nashville Rocker.
superb comparison! thank you
thank you someone who finally does a proper review the neck is what they all leave out
Cool stuff man ! keep going!
Thanks for taking the time to make this comparison, i have always wanted to see something like this. Im gonna share it to a couple of friends
Thanks a lot.
@@RockGuitarVibes hi again, just curious, the body of the MJ is same size as USA? It seems smaller..or is it same size as dk24?
@@juankmarte4046 Body shape of the GG USA and Japan model is SanDimas - they are identical. The DK24 has the Dinky body shape - compared to the SanDimas shape the upper horn is slightly shorter and the lower horn is slightly longer., the upper horn has a deeper cutout and the body edges are less rounded.
@@RockGuitarVibes Hey mate long time!, now that you got a couple of months, do you know which pickups(suhr, seymour duncan and model) feel close to the MJ and USA version?, i really like that sound and even tho the MJ GG is mostly basswood sounds good!
Loved how you actually measured the necks. Really helps.
Glad I could help!
This video was wonderful and helpful. Guthrie Govan has the most underrated guitar signatures.
What a great video. Thanks for the thorough breakdown and explanation. I really like the Birdseye maple one.
Yeah, it's a great guitar - many thanks for your feedback!
That top is really sick indeed! 😊
Thank you!
Very detail comparison
Really good demo and comparison
Great video! Thanks for sharing
Great video. I have been looking for the exact dk24 neck thickness measurements on the web and have not found anything until now. Great comparison. Thank you.
Glad I could help 😎🎸
Beautiful work and video ! I just buy the MIJ and I am so happy with it !
Great job. Thanks for your do diligence!
BTW, I love your playing as well. I wish you'd share more of that side of you!
Amazing video, thanks for the hard work
Glad you enjoyed 🙏🎸
@@RockGuitarVibes just ordered the MJ today, now I play the waiting game… I was told it would be between 2 weeks and 6 months until I have it. This is my first time buying a guitar that I haven’t played, but I feel pretty confident after watching your videos (and having played other Charvels).
Thank you again!
I really appreciate the effort put into this video. I had an MJ preordered but having only the funds for 1 $2000+ guitar. I went for the USA model (Roasted Ash body) for all the extra features.. and a case. I found this channel because I was looking for info on the GG MJ model, but now I'm a subscriber for life. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your next video.
You're welcome - thanks so much for your comment!
Did your roasted ash arrive yet? If so, how do you like it?
@@ZappaIrl Awesome thanks! Great to hear that you like it. I ordered the Flame Maple one from another site, and got the same deal (it came to $555 off so it sounds like different places are running the same promo). When I got it though, it was clearly used with many dings and a huge dent in the wood. It was the best guitar I’ve played in terms of feel, but I sent it back for a new one. How does the Roasted Ash look in person?
@@CompleteProducer84 The guitar I got is definitely on the darker side of the color scale, as is the neck. The finish on the body is so thin, you can feel the grain, it's great. The 2 piece body is so well matched you have to look at the heel to see that it's even a 2 piece body. I've played Strats for years... this is my first Charvel... and I'm a covert.
@@ZappaIrl That’s great to hear. I have been wondering about the comparisons with a strat, as I haven’t played one in so long. But the “stratty” tones in the GG (mixed with 24 fret) are one of the reasons I wanted one
Thank you so much for the review. 🙏🏼
I subscribed to your channel because you do great content!
Hava a wonderful day!
Thanks a lot for the positive feedback - you're welcome!
The very last quote had me subscribe instantly! Excellent review sir!
Thanks for the super accurate analysis.
And hey next time you sir attempt removing the neck of that caramelized jewel make sure everyone's fully ready for that! ;)
Cheers!
Thanks a lot mate 🙏🎸😎 will do so...
Thanks a lot for this honest video!
Got the Japan version and I’m really impressed with the whammy stability with 10-46 gauge strings (and a generous amount of lube on the nut/saddle). I did have a stability issues though with 11-48s. I might not have filed the G string nut enough though.
I also love the single coil option.
Incredible comparison video! Let's go ahead and remove the neck to get to the bottom of this! Only you go deep enough to unravel all the mysteries of our future purchases. You are absolutely the best! You never fail to educate and entertain! I own a Ernie Ball Music Man Sabre with a gorgeous flame maple neck and have to agree that while beautiful they can be distracting while playing. Luminescent side markers would be a huge bonus! Thank you for the hard work, time and effort in this comparison.
Comments like yours will keep this channel alive - thanks so much.
Thank you for this! I have been wondering about the differences. Last week I ordered the Flame Maple USA model in brand new condition, but when it arrived it was clearly used with various dings and a large dent/split wood. The guitar was the BEST feeling/playing guitar I have played though, even feels better than my Majesty and the PRS Custom 24 I so regret selling. I had to send the GG back, and I am hoping I can get the new one to feel as good.
Thanks for your comment. This shouldn't happen - except the guitar is sold as relic 😉 Hope the next one is fine!
@@RockGuitarVibes Agreed, thanks again!
Loved this video! I don’t have the funds to buy these models. I’m going to purchase the Charvel DK24 Pro-Mod HSH, it has very similar specs to these Guthrie guitars!
Great video. Very nice comparison! I own the USA version and I love it, but I would love to get the japanese one too
Thanks a lot 👍🎸🙏
I have a new 2022 GG Flame Maple with the mini toggle and a 2022 DK24 ProMod Transparent Black Burst and I have to say they both feel nearly identical when playing on the fretboard but the GG has got some really nice rolled edges. Action felt just a tiny bit higher on the GG but bending up 4 semitones was no issue. The tone on the GG is absolutely more versatile especially when using clean and crunch sounds. Plus, when running it off a katana with some downloaded tube models, they both are just a joy to play. If anyone wants to get a great guitar but cant afford at the time the MJ or even the higher priced model, maybe try out the 2022 dk24 models first.
Yeah, these made in Mexico models are pretty good.
Thank you so much for this vídeo 🙏
Many thanks for your positive feedback 😎👍
Awesome video. Thanks!
The hole where you set in the vibrato bar has a little screw to fix the bar. so it can't slide out.
NIce comparison
I admire your patience, restringing and loosening strings for the sake of your subscribers. I hope you take care of yourself without burning out!
Thanks so much, mate 🎸🙏
Just now came across this brotha 💯 awesome 👍 and your playing skill is also pretty damn good as well!! From Texas, Greetings 👍
Thanks so much, mate 🙏😎🎸
Love your channel ❤I wish I could play like you! I just got the Japan model other day 😊
Thanks a lot, mate 🙏😎🎸
Excellent video, very helpful. God bless.
Thanks a lot 🙏 😎🎸
Just subscribed your a great player and demonstrater! How many guitars do you own?
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it! I think currently I own 16 electric guitars.
Great comparison and some tasty playing there too. By the way what was that nice background track being played when the MJ neck was being removed? Thank you for all you do.
Thanks a lot - it's a jamtrack from JTC.
phenomenal video, really useful thanks! I bought a new GG USA basswood flamed maple last year and was so hyped about it but it ended up having several problems with the tremolno system being poorly installed and making a grating/ grinding noise whenever the whammy was used or even when just bending strings. I returned it as I didn't feel a guitar like that should arrive with problems. They have since been unavailable but after watching this I think I'll save the one thousand pounds and try to get a MJ when/ if they become available (all sold out here in UK) I reckon Japanese craftmanship is better than american anyway.
Thanks a lot for your comment. I totally agree that shouldn't happen on a new guitar. Peach Guitar had several in stock but it looks like all are sold - this guitar is highly demanded! I already ordered mine last year just after it has been announced. Luckily my USA model was perfect so I can't say anything bad about made in USA.
Had the same problem w tremolno so I just took the screws off and use it floating. It’s a strange system since you have find the sweet spot of screwing them in so they don’t fall but at the same time they aren’t impeding the tremolo to work.
I managed to get a MJ model but on day one the high e string broke and the small circular string lock at the locking bridge fell out and was lost, I am waiting to hear from the dealer how to get a new one. Do you have any experience with this? Thanks again
Thanks . Some licks played reminded me a lot of karate band. Very nice.🎉
Great video. I always felt that the USA version looked more premium, perhaps it was the way the Neck was flamed. I also preferred the darker inlays on the USA version. It's only a small difference but I feel that the MIJ model just doesn't look particularly nice IMO. I think the MIJ overall just looks Cheaper.
It is cheaper…
@@sagnier I know I suppose I just meant it’s a shame to see what’s supposed to be a newer refined model be a downgrade
If there's a Guthrie Govan midrange model in the $1200 to $1500 range pretty sure it will sell like hotcakes
Hey! thanks a lot for this comparison, that is really interesting. Have a question (did not had the energy to read each comments to find the answer), what amp did you use for your review? Thanx in advance :) Cheers
Thanks for your comment - I think for the clean it was the Victory V30, the Suhr Badger 18 for Crunch and for HighGain the Neural Gojira Plugin.
@@RockGuitarVibes Wow!! three different setups... nice, they all sound great, really!! I'm clearly seduced by the Charvel US signature GG, it seems to be a killer guitar. Thank you for you answer :)
@@stefproton1418 Glad I could help - it's a great and very versatile guitar 😎
Great video. Thank you so much.
What do you think about the tuning stability on the MJ? I consider picking one up soon, but I'm hearing different stories on the tuning stability, ranging from very disappointing to fantastic. The truth will lie somewhere in the middle I suppose? Cheers!
Thanks a lot. I can only speak for the guitar that I personally own - the tuning stability of this model is pretty good. However, it is not as good as with a good double-action tremolo.
Hi, would be great to see your inspection of Charvel Rick Graham Signature MJ DK24 guitar. It has nice specs and SS frets.
Yeah, I would love to test that guitar...
Thank you for the comparison! Looks like they will be selling more than a few of the MJ's. If it's not too much trouble, would you go buy an ash model USA for further study??? 😁 Cheers!
thats overkill haha
LOL, I think I won't do this in the near future but who knows...
Better guitar review on youtube!
I just ordered my 2nd gg model. How is it the neck feeling of the japanese model vs the american one? Thanks
Personally I slightly prefer the US neck because of the rounded fretboard edges and it's a tiny bit thicker...
I feel the mexican dk24 should have an option with the neck similiar to the MJ, that thickens from the 12 frets
I'm playing an Ibanez with a Wizard neck with a thickness of 19mm and 21mm, which feels great to me. Do you think I would notice a difference with the 20.5mm and 22mm on the American model? Do you know how the neck profile differs between the Wizard necks and the Guthrie Govan models? Unfortunately, I don't have an opportunity to try one out where I live. I have very small hands compared to Guthrie and I'm worried a thicker neck would bother me quite a bit.
I don't know if you will notice a difference but I certainly do. To be honest I'm not a big fan of the Wizard necks - for me they are too thin and wide... The neck of the Charvel USA model feels slim even it isn't as thin as the Wizard neck - I think it's because of the rounded fredboard edges. You should also give your hands some time to get used to it.
@@RockGuitarVibes Thanks for the fast reply! I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I have an Ibanez with the same neck profile, and an ESP Grassroots with a 20.5/22 neck profile. I certainly feel the difference, although it's something very minor and something you'll get used to after playing for a few minutes.
do you know what kind of magnets are in the pickups?
Sorry, no idea - please leave a comment if you have figured it out!
I have found the tremol-no unit pretty hopeless as the little thumb screws cannot counter string tension. How about you?
Works fine for me with 10/46 strings - double check if all three screws are tightened.
Were parts made in Mexico and assembled in Japan you mentioned Mexico when starting the neck dialogue ?
I don't think so - AFAIK all is made in Japan, except the hardware. Only the pink Charvel Dinky is made in Mexico.
Last night Guthrie used both versions liberally, and maybe used the MJ version a little bit more(?). If I had kept my eyes closed, I wouldn't have had any idea he was switching back and forth. Guthrie will have to tell you why he switches (he appeared to be tuning on the fly).
I'm not slamming every endorser, but most don't seem to use their signature models for much of their live sets, if at all. Not saying "all", just saying "most." I can be convinced to settle on the word "many". Guthrie only used his two signature models, and that speaks to the quality and design of BOTH versions.
Replying to my own reply. David Mead with Guitar World (Aug/5/2021) probably answered the two guitar shuffle Guthrie does on stage in his interview with Guthrie:
“The last stage rig I used was two of my signature Charvel guitars: an ash-bodied one tuned down to D and a basswood one with a maple top not tuned down to D."
Just got the american model and also own the mij model.. IMO, the American model really is a cut above in looks, feel, and sound(even smell)😊.. The MIJ feels more mass produced and simply put, boring? Both amazing guitars but like you said, you get what you pay for.. However, I’d personally look for a used USA model for a similar price. I also had an issue with the nut of the MIJ needing to be lowered on the high e to stop it from popping out.. I’m thinking of switching it to a bone nut but time will tell. Also, noticed Guthrie used the MIJ model for a while and while touring with Hans Zimmer but in his recent shows I’ve only seen him with two of the USA models. Anecdotal evidence but it says something to me.
Can you tell if the veneer is printed or is it actually made of Ash wood? Really on the fence on whether I want to buy this or not.
It's not printed - it's a real ash veneer.
@@RockGuitarVibes I think that’s enough for me to justify the purchase then. Really appreciate all the work you put in for this guitar, nobody else has gone as in depth as you!
@@jedisponge16 Thanks a lot for your kind words 😎🙏🎸
nice playing at the end... lol you can tell you've tried learning it though!
Yeah, Guthrie is of course on another level - however, trying to play the impossible can help to get better 😎
@@RockGuitarVibes I tried too, but gave up after the first 5 bars..lol
Excellent video. Und now ve dance!
Nice video-are you able to adjust the bridge pickup height or saddle height on the US model?
Thanks for your comment - yes you can.
The neck on the USA model is one of the best feeling I've used on any electric guitar.
It’s incredible, agreed! I thought nothing would ever beat my Majesty in terms of feel/ease of playing, but 80% of the time I pick up the Govan because it’s just amazing to play
I am really wanting the Japanese version. I have a EBMM Majesty as well but my local story got one of these Japanese models and I am just in love with that guitar.
Same feeling for me: the fretboard is just mind blowing , the best ever ❤❤❤
I just watched another video that said the middle position on the Japanese model is ONLY the middle coil. So not sure why yours is so different.
It's because I did it right 😀
@@RockGuitarVibes looks to be that way. Guitat Magazine needs to get their stuff together. Just did my own research 🤣
Is it just my idea, or the maple top of the USA model is more like a veneer?
It's around 3mm. You are right, most tops are thicker - however, a veneer usually less than 0.5mm.
@@RockGuitarVibes Right, however I am wondering how much of a difference it might make. Eitherway, the guitar is spanky enough as it is
I would love to own this guitar ♥️👍🏻
Guthrie did mention that the top is just a veneer for looks only
Seems not so much different in tones between MIJ and USA model but in many details like materials and electric parts ...?
That's true but if that difference in tone is what you are looking for it can be worth the money - I think everyone has to decide for themselves ...
I think the Japan version sounds dull, the USA version has much much more twang and brightness, which when playing clean I know it's coming from the body or better said the total quality of the guitar is just much better imo.
If the wood being a veneer bothers anyone, go watch Jim Lill's findings on where electric guitar tone comes from (spoiler alert it is definitively not the wood!) However Jim does not state an opinion on any of his testing, he lets you take away what you will from the results.
To me it's less because of the sound, it's more because of the value in that price range - using a veneer is a bit questionable.
I recommend ''Physik der Elektrogitarre'' by Prof. Dr. Manfred Zollner, about the whole ''toanewood'' debatte.
Sadly, it's only available in German atm, but there will be an english translation in the future.
Charvel USA models are custom made to order, which makes them way too expensive. Charvel's commercial lineups since the beginning was always produced in Japan
Incorrect sir. They have their USA select guitars and then they have USA Custom shop guitars.
The USA model is 1000€ more expensive than the MJ - a pricey guitar already. Is it worth the difference?
If you love high end guitars I would say yes. However, the difference in tone is not worth that money.
Just to know, don't you think that the Japan model is sounding quite dark ? I mean, not enough bright ?
No, never had that feeling.
It sounds slightly more muddy than the american version to me.. The mij seems to have a little less clarity and twang compared to the US model. It’s slight but there.
The MJ seems to have more clarity, but the tone of the USA is much more warm and rich.
Agree, USA sounds fuller.
Prefiero la modelo Suhr de GG. Lo cierto es que la japonesa parece de menor calidad por una diferencia de precio que no es excesiva.
I also own a GG Suhr model - love it too 😎🎸
Really deserve the USA trem system over the MJ option?
Both are great - the USA has that Tremol-No which is a nice option. But the MJ can be ugraded.
nice refyou...
Thanks a lot mate 🙏😎🎸
Charvel (Guthrie Govan) forgot to provide the Tremolo Locking Bridge with set screws to fix the octave....!!!!
Don't think so - you can adjust intonation with the screws in front of the bridge saddles.
@@RockGuitarVibes, I did that, do I have to move it manualy? that cannot be done!!! I'm missing a screw system like my fender stratocaster!
@@jaapvanwageningen9931 Yes, if the pitch is too low you have to move the saddle to the direction of the headstock. It's also recommended to loosen the string before adjusting the saddle.
@@RockGuitarVibes- Thanks, I've been doing that way of ajusting for about 50 years, but mis finetuning of my stratocaster!
@@jaapvanwageningen9931 OK, I can understand that - but it is what it is 😉
Right-handed people are lucky to have choices. I'm always sad that I don't.
That's true - unfortunately...
6.49 you scratched the back surface of the american one
True, well observed! Luckily it's my own guitar which already has some dings and other scratches 🙂
is there a raisin that can talk to squirrels in a way that is both moving and absurd?
Is this poetry?
@@RockGuitarVibes its whatever you want it to be.
No matter the version someone has, there is one thing for certain. They're not going to play like Guthrie Govan. That's guaranteed.😂
That Guthrie model is mega expensive.
Well. it's not cheap that's right - I think made in Japan has it's price...
are u indian? cuz u sound like indian
No, I'm german - still trying to improve my accent, but guitar playing has higher priority...🎸
This german english...
...is what it is 😉