EVH Striped Series or Charvel San Dimas? Which Is Better?
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- Опубліковано 7 лип 2018
- In this video, we take a look at the Charvel San Dimas and an EVH Striped Series Circles guitar. Of course, there is so much information available on the net but here I shed light on the features that set these guitars apart and the main deal breakers such as the Floyd Rose FRT-1000 tremolo systems, the pickups, the necks etc.
I'm not allowed back in my local guitar shop after I pulled my knob out :-(
Nathan Explosion: if you were metal it would have been a bazooka.
-dethklok rulz
MajorDook1 You should be ok with those guys eventually.Theres only one thing that could get you a lifetime boot. You weren't playing Stairway when you pulled your knob out, were you?
were you fiddling with A minor at the time?
😂😂😂😂😂
It may seem odd to compare these two, but I get so many questions about them and I hope this video helps clarify a few things.
Any thoughts on a comparison between the Charvel and an EVH Wolfgang Cam?
To me, the most blatant difference between the EVH Striped series and Charvels is the wood. EVH guitars are made of Basswood whereas Charvels are made with a variety of wood (Alder, Ash, etc.). Eddie's original Frankenstein was made of Ash, yet the striped series is not. In the end, it all comes down to tone and how it feels. I love the tone of Ash. I also like Alder. To me, Basswood is missing something in the tonal department. Perhaps EVH felt that way too; ...hence his reasoning for combining Basswood with a maple top? Maybe it's just me. I'd be interested in hearing how others feel about this.
PS - I enjoy these videos. Great job.
I' ve been playing the EVH red/black/white for almost 3 years now in our band without covering any song of Van Halen. It is just an amazing looking and great playing guitar for any kinds of rock songs. ( I even play 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton on it)....;-)..The Floyd Rose is fantastic....It stays in tune, no matter what you do...Just perfect!!!!
As a Van Halen fan since the early 80s, I don't worry about people calling me a fanboy when I use my EVH guitars (I have the striped red/white/black, and the USA Wolfgang Signature). I'm actually quite proud to call myself a fanboy of VH considering most of the music nowadays is garbage from a guitar standpoint. Anyway, nice comparison video, Cameron - I think you summarized it very well!
PDX Guitar Freak Never apologize for paying homage to the forefathers.
I would be stoked that someone else knew who van halen is these days too
PDX Guitar Freak Amen!
Chris Barnes : I would be stoked if they knew what a guitar was, and how to play one.😎🤘
I have a hard time buying an EVH guitar as I am not nearly as good a guitarist as Eddie and would embarass myself playing that guitar. So Charvel wins for me.
For my money the EVH is the perfect guitar in its class... except for the paintjob. Wish they were sold in standard colors like the Wolfgangs. Not that I don't love Eddie but I don't want a guitar with Eddie's graphics.
James Fielding You couldn't have put it better. I feel exactly the same as you.
Who cares about the paint job? I’d proudly gig with one of those! In fact, I’m getting one in a few weeks and it WILL be gigged with my head held high. Haters can kiss my ring.
Absolutely nothing wrong with wearing your influences on your sleeves.
@@jake2355 That's true, nothing wrong with it at all. All I was doing shedding light on the fact that you are at risk of that.
I personally would feel a complete dork and self conscious playing an overt signature guitar live though.
Cameron Cooper To be fair... they aren’t that expensive. I might just give it my own paint job
@@jake2355 that's what I'm thinking of doing.....I'm possibly buying my mates that's green with a black pickguard......it's an astounding guitar to play but I'm not too sure about the colour.....ide respray it no problem.
That’s perfect. I was thinking between these 2 guitars and saw your video. Thanks mate. Great job.
Cam, as always, great stuff. Terrific material in your videos. Terrific, no bullshit information. Keep it up. Cheers from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Great Video and even better playing! Love the purple pu ring and the pink knob, btw!
Cameron, Thanks for the comparison. You confirmed what I suspected and hope to own both someday... As always, great job!!!
ibanezgj1 thank you very much. :)
You looked at someone and seemed amazed at what you played, I know the feeling. You were great...
I am not sure whether to blame you, or thank you. It all started innocently enough, I got an EVH striped series (Red/White/Black) for grins, giggles and a bit of nostalgia. And I thought "Wow! This plays great! I *love* this thing! If only it was a bit more versatile!" Then I see *this* video, and sure enough, now have a San Dimas. I've played Charvels before, but never a San Dimas model. I love the feel. So, anyway, it's looking like I'll be adding a couple more guitars. Love your vids!
I just got the EVH red black and white over a Charvel San Dimas Specific Ocean, I felt I was gonna regret it cuz Charvel is my dream guitar it but Eddie really knows his drill, it sounds very transparent regarding high gain tapping, warmth and the neck is very cool with no lacquer. I think it sounds better than my ESP George Lynch Yellow Tiger which has a Seymour Duncan Screaming Demon. The bottom line is that the EVH sounds amazing!!! Keep it up Cameron, love your vids and you inspire me to shred like hell!!!
Good video I’m looking at these two
You're quite a Guitarist.Great Review!!
Nice vid man. Thanks for sharing.
I was literally considering selling my EVH Circles to get a San Dimas earlier today - thanks for the video!
How much do you think you'd want for that circles guitar if you do decide to sell it? I've thought about picking one up a couple of times.
Charlie Harper Sorry, only just seen this - probably in the £300-£400 range!
I feel inclined to take a side now, color-wise. I LOVE the loud finishes! I own a desert yellow Ibanez FGM-100, a neon yelow Ibby s1xxv and a neon pink ibby rg1xxv.
And boy do I love them!
You are one smooth player man. Rock on
I have both. Bought the EVH R/B/W on a whim in 2014, and went for a San Dimas after falling in love with the EVH, but wanting a similar feel without the graphics (and multiple pickups). They both play fantastic, but the Charvel obviously has more tone options on tap.
Could you maybe do a video where you shoot the necks of all of your guitars from the side so we can see the thickness and how much it varies? Maybe do some 1st and 12th fret measurements. thanx. great vids and playing btw
Got a slime green san dimas after watching your videos and it is a monster. No regrets.
Which is better ? Difficult to say... Each one is a great guitar. Charvel San Dimas is more versatile ( 6 different sounds), but I must confess I love Wolfgang p.u. High volume for "in your face" sounds or lower volume for really good clean sounds. Thanks for your video, Cameron and Greetings from France !
5:47 PULL ME UNDER YESSIR 🤘🤘🤘🤘i own both of these fantastic guitars, they have a home in my 80’s room full of Charvel’s, EVH’s, Kramer’s, Jackson’s, BC Rich Gunslingers and STIII’s, etc. guys seriously, if you don’t own a Charvel or EVH, you need to, this is the best channel hands down if you want to know about those brands, typically i use my EVH Unchained (circles) with my Fender Mustang GTX100 for maximum tonal value
Love that green one, wishbit had 24 frets, oh i like your channel, awesome playing
Thanks for the reply Mr cooper (John). I have an esp ltd bubbinga strat with recessed rose , and I love the action I can't get from that setup. My evh has great action but the difference in build, though slight, was where my question came from.
Thanks again. Would love to send a pic of my collection to you guys sometime.
Eflat916 👍
Cameron makes anything sounds good.
Well,
They're both made by Fender.
I just received my Red, White, and Black EVH stripe series, but mine is left handed.
Mine was made in Mexico.
An awesome guitar.
Who cares being called out as a van halen fanboy, i take that as a compliment. Both guitars are amazing, i wish i could afford any of them lol.
Julián Sáenz You'll save yourself time and money looking for one secondhand
Yeah, secondhand is still real pricy here, i'm from argentina. Economy is in the gutter here sadly
Great review
7:40 is pure comedy buddy. Nice one.
That are fantastic sounds beautiful I have red and black and white striped
Awesome! :)
I would personally go with the Charvel because you can get 6 different sounds out of it (3 way switch + push/pull coil split) for alot more sounds and styles.
Different sounds will inspire you and you will try out more stuff and experiment more, which is also motivating.
If you really like that EVH pick up, you can always buy it separately (~100$) and replace the bridge pickup with it. Which is also way cheaper than buying a brand new guitar and the EVH guitars can be pricey.
oOVanHalenOo the evh guitars we bought were all second hand for less than £400 ....This includes the circles in this video
You can also coil tap the evh cheaper
I bought a Charvel San dimas last week. Online. because I can't find them here at stores...My main reaons to bought it were to try a compund radius, the announced ease of playing..for fast playing/shred...bending, lower action....I didn't find that were really diferences in that aspect for guitar I already own, Les Paul, Line 6 Variax, Ibanez, Strat...that might be solved with a good set up, because for example I find the nut to high..But I opted to return it back...and I will keep on trying another one that surprise me a little bit....I'm considering the "Evh Wolfgang Standard Quilt"...can someone give me an opinion about that or some alternatives...And also about the set ups on the Charvel's and how they came to you, and experience with these kind of guitars. thank's
I have a few San Dimas guitars and an original run EVH stripey. That are all great guitars. Considering they are all made in the same factory now and use pretty much the same hardware they are very similar minus the EVH branding.
Thank you Cameron ! I love your vids for many reasons. But this is aquestion i have wondered about . I own Evh bumblebee and want a Charvel ._.. So they play the same even with floyd rescessed in Charvel and not on Evh ?
Eflat916 they play virtually identical....necks and general feel pretty much the same ...it's just what you like trem wise...some people don't like back routed...cam and I don't care and own several of both and it does not affect your playing unless heavy leaner on the trem
What's the first song you played on the charvel I recognise it from somewhere? Sick video btw
I was thinking the same...but can't place it
Nice to hear some Dream Theater, Cam.
Also the So-cal doesnt have the direct mounted pickups, this makes the biggest difference to me.
I have a couple of both and I love them but the San Dimas is more versatile. Not for nothing, but I’ve always been told to NEVER use lemon oil on a maple board. I use it on rosewood, but I think lightly moist damp rag with just water is better.
Cameron, do you have any experience with the new Kramer guitars? Specifically “The 84”? I kinda wanna get one but I kind of have mix feelings about Indonesian guitars
Indonesian guitars are good but I'm not sure about Kramer guitars. Not played one for a long long time
Cameron Cooper is really like to build a 5150, but I’m thinking I should just pass on the new Kramer’s. I just can’t find enough reliable info about them.
I bought an EVH Striped series back in 2016. Payed 1200.00 or so Canadian. Then I saw the San Dimas and was actually upset I didn't buy that instead. At one point a lot of guitar stores had even reduced the price of the San Dimas to like $899.00. I guess they are not very popular. One small guitar shop near me even had a brand new seafoam green one reduced to $799. I was kicking myself.
Nothing wrong at all with an EVH striped series, but over all you get a lot more guitar out of the San Dimas.
first of all, youre a good player. Both guitars are fine. I have played both. On you're point about the VH fan boy thing. You are so right! I have the black and yellow EVH art series Charvel/Fender. Its the best neck, and the only neck I've come across exactly like it. I have always felt slighty foolish about playing it live. So...LOL...Im actively looking for a good deal on another one I plan to repaint and install a front pickup. THATS how much I love the guitar. Also, Im mad that they came out with the EVH budget series. It makes my Art Series less special.
The Charvel Floyds are better then my EVH guitars. If you love super strats, both are really fun guitars!
I got a MIM Charvel San Dimas last year. A lot of guitar for the money. It has my fav JB/59 pickup combo with single coil operation and a tone knob bypass. Only thing I don't like about it is i am not used to a 22 fret neck.
Where is the Specific Ocean San Dimas? Absolutely beautiful guitar color, with nice pickups and a great neck built for speed!
Cameron you'd totally love/hate my Hondo H-1 beast:
battleship gray, old Floyd WB-2, an EMG passive with nothing but a volume knob.
the thru body neck DOES kinda feel like a 2x4 at first grab, but the short-ish 24 fret scale and action job, plus it's crazy looks (took the "extra" horn off the headstock), it's just fun.
(the "stab-o-matic" because its length and points are such a drywall hazard lmao)
another I'd picked up looks like it'd be at home on a bizarro world batman/metalocalypse stage, 22 fret fixed bridge, EMG passive copy (China) and volume knob... and that's all. black body cut into wings and points, headstock like a fish gutting knife. it was someones custom build I saw at a pawn shop for 75 bucks that I just could NOT pass on, that somehow arrived in this state 2,000+ miles away from Hollywierd. I've built and worked on so many, its a well done stage axe. I slapped in the Chinesey pickup, adjusted intonation+action, moved the strap lug to where its not neck heavy (hate that), that's all.
there's plenty to be said for multiple pickups, switches, tone pots etc, good stuff (I like my Ibanez a lot!), same time ya can sequence program a good multi effects pedal (or foot switched rack mount) for "3 voices this/that song" for the bone simple pickup+volume stage axes. can do some really fun things with old Digitech RP-100/150/250 pedals. got a preference for those pedals because the display # is right underfoot using them, stereo output is nice too. there's a few guys who say "you need this guitar, that amplifier" etc, when a good amp modeling multi effects pedal can give you about anything you'd really want. (and yes, it's F'n tedious to set all the voices up in sequences!)
sweet tone bro...js
Cameron, do you own any Jackson's? Charvel's in Tokyo are expensive, and wandering if less expensive Jackson can be an alternate choice?
I know sooooooo unfair! my lefty san dimas is black and it plays like a dream but i love those 80s neon colours!!
strip it on down and make it look how you want it. you can get rattle-cans in about any color, and hard automotive UV proof clear coat too (wont yellow).
model nutty strip it down??? Can you do this at home?
Luka S.R It'd take you forever to do that. If I were you, seek out a specialist.
Cameron Cooper oh, i see , I've emailed charvel about more lefty models so I'll probably just wait!
Cam, I'm meaning remove neck and all hardware, sand it completely with 320 then 400 grit, clean, then self etching automotive primer, sanding, clean, primer, sanding, clean, 2-3 coats of color, then color sand 800 to 1200 grit, followed up with the clear coats (more color sanding between). yes it does mean the guitar is down and apart for a week or so just to do it, and it means being careful with it 5-6 weeks. it also means no long distance traveling from sea level over 4,000 ft mountains during that time because it'll really screw a nice paint job!
(also do NOT wax+polish for about 4 months, let it fully-fully cure)
I've done lots and had many luthier buddies over the years, so to me it's really all pretty basic. if ya hate the results, the original finish is still underneath and can be brought back with stages of sanding then re-polishing. I understand guitars mechanically a LOT better than I can play them, and known tons of awesome players who don't really understand a lot about the machines that they're playing on. totally understandable, it's relative while being worlds apart at the same time.
I say it crazy!!!
I have 4 Ibanez Jems, and a RB10 and just ordered the EVH 5150. Regardless to which guitar you prefer to buy someones played it in public before you, mine are played by some of the best in the game...
True Fan Boy...
LEVELL SHANNON Fair enough. I'm happy with my Charvels. Arguably played by some of the best also.
Imagine how many of those guitars EVBH would have sold back in 1980. LOL He wouldn't have had to make any more music. He was light years aherad of his time. I love CAMERON COOPERS reviews Keep up the great work.
Cameron great video as always!
Question: what is your amp eq and chorus eq in this video? Amazing sound!
Yoni Kup I'm using a Yamaha thr10x no pedals. I'm on a custom patch
yes I know, I meant the eq on the Yamaha and the speed depth and mix on the editor =)
Yoni Kup I'm honestly not sure of the top of my head. However in this video I'm using my secret patch
Cameron Cooper damnit! I hoped it wasn't your secret patch so you could share it, sounds killer!
What evh head are you using for this demo if thats what your using. Sounds good
Just using a Yamaha THR10X :)
Will charvel necks fit on evh bodies? Specifically a San dimas neck on the new evh 5150 guitars?
I. for one, miss my customized '81 KRAMER Pacer with an OEM Floyd Rose, and a CARVIN M22SD (split coil). My favorite tool for removing paint from the walls. She was lean, clean, mean...
... and stolen.
Wish I at least had more pictures. Makes me wanna cry.
ouch! some of the Kramer's were real sweeties.
I had a black Pacer with a cream DiMarzio Super D in it.... It was stolen as well.
Thumbs up for the memories, DaddyO... not for the criminals who stole them.
Have an awesome safe weekend.
Generation Omega i miss the 80s.... It was a much simpler times when the worst we had to worry about was the Soviets dropping the bomb. Fun music, big hair, and hot girls in skin tight leather pants.... Those were the days.
DaddyO,
Lived it. Loved it... When ignorance was bliss, and I was still pretty...
Now the young girls call me "sir," and my daughter's friends say, "You got a cool dad." At least all is not lost.
Cal Jam II '78
Van Halen '82 (and '84)
SoCal, class of '83.
... And still cool in 2018.
- Late!
Would have liked to hear more of pull me under on that guitar.
If you play in drop d, the EVH, if not the Charvel. Both great fun, my Charvel is more versatile then my EVH. The Charvel Trem is much better, the EVH is a little clunky. My EVH is super light, = better tone IMO. The EVH is great for Country! Who would have thought, never tried with the Charvel, but why not, similar tone. Fun video!
Is it me or are the Charvel pickups hotter? Did you leave the mic and vol set up the same?
My Evh is suspiciosly light also . Difference between alder and basswood?
Put an EVH bridge pickup in the Charvel and then you got something!
I wish the charvels were non recessed Floyd’s and had d tunas
completelly off topic but I was wondering Cameron: if i'm not mistaken you've graduated from uni.
What are your plans now if i may ask?
My plans are to write as much original material as possible and start a band.
Best of luck your going to need it
Cam, way back when, what we did and always aimed at with every project: 35 originals and a couple covers we all know+love. when ya get out "walking the dog" (playing every place possible!) opening for other acts etc... 10-12 songs literally out of a hat = set list, so it's always random from show to show. people start following they'll hear a few familiar and a few "new" (to them). if you get scouted, you have the material ready for a 2-3 album deal no problem, get in cash out and all very quickly about it too. I have no real love for the Hollyweird music industry, it's competitive, incestuous, and worse. we didn't ever get label signed, but if it happened we were plenty ready enough. we did get some local radio station air play, which isn't all that easy with original rock/metal. the 12+ years of 7 different band projects was still GREAT FUN, so no regrets about any of it!
The weight difference comes from the basswood used in the striped series whereas the "original" frankenstrat used ash which is a considerably heavier wood.
That's right!
I'd bet a week's salary that they both come off the same assembly line.
twinsmm1 Probably right on that one
These guitars made in Asia could very well be manufactured in the same factories.
@@stratrat57 they aren’t made in Asia, lol.
"I play guitar a lot..."
If no one can tell, I'm smiling...
... I thought you spent your free time playing Mind Craft.
Little Brother, you're like Anakin Skywalker. The Force is strong with you. Just don't turn to the Dark Side... and keep 'em coming.
Thanks for the demo.
Generation Omega Do this I will. Good relations with the fretboards I have. ;)
I'd go for the Charvel. More versatility, plus i don't like too light guitars, unless they are semi-hollow.
Since EVH and Charvel are both FMIC products, is the neck on the Charvel the same neck as the Striped series? The specs on paper seem the same (12-16 compound etc) Is there any difference in the neck profile?
Yeah, EVH profile has slightly less depth. Barely anything in it. If you can play it won't affect you in the slightest
EVH sounds better in my opinion.They both sound great,evh,a little brighter.Ya sound great Cameron.
Thank your for aknowledging Lefty Guitar problems! I'm a massive fan of the Bumblebee guitar but as a lefty I can only get the Red/Black/White EVH. as for Charvel, they have just 1 lefty guitar, with a pickguard, which I find really dissapointing...
Cameron Cooper : is it possible to put a D-tuna on the Charvel Floyd rose? Great Demo btw
Tjalling de Jong only with the current models you can only put a dtuna on if you block the trem off. Either that or buy a Japanese or USA model which has the trem flush with the body.
Ah ! ok , i understand what you mean , thx for the tip
What ever happened to kayler tramelo ( my spelling's off ) they were at the top for years ?
It's kind of ironic that back in 79/80, the original bubble bee and the circle guitar where made by Charvel, of course long before they were bought out by Fender.
How about the neck of EVH Wolfgang special, have you try it or own it? I just want to know how different it is compare with Charvel in term of thickness?
Same in thickness but much narrower nut width
@@CameronCooper Thank you ^_^
What was that first riff you played?
Great vid, but I think you missed one of the biggest differences. The Charvel FR is full floating while the EVH is dive only. Fluttering aside, I much prefer dive only for easier set-up and stability.
Chris T I think you'll find I did mention that little difference. 8:50
Cameron Cooper I did see that, just figured it was worth describing in a little more detail what that meant difference wise. Tough to cover everything in one video though. Best for people to try it out for themselves and decide.
I use a d-Tuna and a Goldo Back Box on my Charvels, which allows the trem to stay in tune when I pull the d-Tuna. So it's still fully floating and can drop to D while staying in tune. It won't do Vai style flutters though.
The EVH sounds better....🎸🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎸👍
I have been looking for a few years now, an 80s model Charvel similar to the late great Shawn Lane played. I believe it was called a soloist, just like Jackson, and the Charvel logo is in cursive style, just like the Jackson logo. Not easy to find a seller.
Scott Patterson The model Shawn played was the 750XL. They don't come up for sale very often and the prices are pretty high. It was basically an archtop Soloist.
Dude luv the Dream Theater - "Pull Me Under"..Noice
i think the EVH is better because of the D tuna and i love the stripes.
Does anyone know what song Cam is playing beginning at 0:46 !?
Brad Day It's one of mine. ;)
Ibanez Prestige 2550e or J Custom, cannot go wrong with that. Those other 2 I might use for back ups
That's fine, but Ibanez aren't for me. The look doesn't suit me nor do I like the super thin necks.
Is the Floyd on the EVH a top mount (down only)?
TimberMoto yes....
Who is that standing next to J.H on your amp?
Stone cold coffee lemmy
Has anyone ever noticed that the pick up in the Evh striped series is very high and close to the strings? I compared to the music man axis that I à direct mount pickup also and the striped series is higher. I may have to get mine routed a bit deeper, I find it too close to the strings
The first riff sounds like something Eddie would have played while writing unchained
Sick tone and chops good go through the guitars the EVH is a tad hotter
Having experienced both I'd say the EVH pickup is one of the best I've ever heard on a guitar. The necks are the striped series are killer, a little more beefy to me. That being said, the Charvel have more pickups and tonal options. To me perfection would be a Charvel with Evh neck and EVH bridge pickup. I'd put 2 srv pickups in mid and neck.
I'm sure if you bought a Charvel body and EVH neck you could make it work
I have trouble seeing much of a difference between the two. Especially at the level where any playing would be affected.
I guess you couldn't bust out any joe pass on the evh since there's no neck pickup, but there probably won't be many people doing that.
I wanna know which plays better the strat headstock or the hockey stick 5150 one .
They both have the same neck so logically they should play the same.
I’m proud to be a Van Halen fan boy!
So, now my obsessive guitar-collecting-gene is telling me I need a San Dimas. Ouch. My wallet. Thanks a lot, Cameron.
With all your guitars, what about the guitar will make you keep it standard tuning or e flat? What about the guitar makes you tune it either way ?
Just depends on which songs I want to play and what mood I am in :)
Great thing about guitar, ican play to whatever mood fits for that time . A great stress reliever
How do you mic your amp up?
I don't deserve Charvel but I'm old enough to get a Eddie guitar just for old guy fun!
I found a evh 1 striped guitar for $499, and i didn't think twice about buying, the only sad part is that the pickguard was cut up like the frakenstrat, and so i had to fabricate a new one
I got rid of my san dimas and got a Ibanez rga iron label. The charvel was nice, just lazy when it comes to Floyd roses. The whammy didn't fit very good, some play in it. But I'm loving the RGA
Comparing both videos, that EVH sounds the best.
EVH. But I love Charvels. And Jackson’s .
what song are you playing at 5.29?
Lefteris Panos In A Little While by U2
I love a neck pickup too much to get that EVH.
There's nothing wrong with looking like a van halen fan boy. Eddie is one of the best all around players ever. there are faster players, more emotional players, just better players in general but not many. Eddie changed everything single handedly. Everyone knows he is a great lead player, but not enough people talk about his awesome rythym work. as the only guitarist in the band he has to be spot on with his rythym work or it will all fall apart at the drop of a hat. also I love the necks evh use they feel very broken in, and the Wolfgang humbucker might be the best stock pick up you can get.