If you buy one of these be prepared to have it leveled and crowned, these have the worst fret jobs I've ever seen. Other than than that these are great but honestly the Schecter Nick Johnston is a winner.
@@Stratisfied22 really? Wow! I didn't have that experience at all. But to be fair I bought it used, so there's no way to confirm if it had any fretwork before. Keen to try out the Nick Johnston tho 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I ended up doing the fretwork myself after seeing another at the store that was terrible. It's still a great guitar but the quality control isn't the best while my Nick Johnston is superior in every way.
I feel like your video on this guitar discussing the middle position of this guitar and the wiring of Charvel guitars as the most informative of all the videos. Thank you for getting this out to the world!
Long time Gibson time user that really likes the their thin taper neck profile. The local mom and pop store carried the imported Charvels and I blew them off. They started carrying the regular line and the owner told me to try one. After a couple of minutes I picked out one of his three S-S-H 24 fret Dinkys. This guitar has the most comfortable neck I have ever played. Later on Charvel released the 22 fret S-S-S- Dinky and I selected the guitar in gold - not because I like gold, it was the most comfortable of the three he had in stock. Either guitar on its own is an incredible player. When I play them back to back, I'd rather play the 22 fret version. Somehow, someway, the 22 fretter just feels more right to me.
Nice one mate 😀👌 I love everthing about this guitar - except for the neck profile 🙈 It's just a bit too thin and flat for me and the kinda stuff I like to play. But everything else is near perfect - especially for gigging - incredibly versatile, comfortable, and nice and lightweight too 😎👌
Do you know what is funny? I did the same thing. I’ve had a Gibson less Paul 50s standard for a while, and I thought it was a beautiful instrument. I loved it. Then I picked up a Mexican made DK 24… it literally blew me away. Sold the Gibson, and I don’t miss it at all! It’s actually crazy I never think about it. These things feel much nicer than what they cost, and they have extremely good specs, and they’re just unbelievable to play. And I’ve got to agree, it’s the best feeling neck I’ve ever played in my life as well. Truly, the best electric guitar I’ve ever played.
The neck is on the thin side. I totally agree with you, I actually personally like it, but that’s just preference, of course. I like playing more lead on it, which I think is really fun and it’s great for that, I don’t find it to be too thin for me.
Purchased a second-hand one today, and it blew me away after 5 mins. Didn’t hesitate to take it off the guitar stores walls and home with me. Great review, by the way!
Absolutely love my Charvels. Hands down the best guitars I own. I have a gloss black 24 hh and a matte grey 24 ssh. I bought a Schecter SLS elite fr just before and I haven't touched it since. My only complaint is the low friction pot. Often I lower my volume unknowingly when pickup switching because it's so easy to turn. I'm not a big volume swell player either so I would rather have a normal one. The nut seemed to bind slightly on both guitars even after switching to lighter gauge strings which is odd for a tusq nut. Very minor complaints for something that feels absolutely incredible in your hands.
Nice one mate 😎👍 I was way late to the party with the Charvels - this was my first. So close to being perfect. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do about the neck (other than replacing it 🙈). For you... You can get both your issues remedied 😃 Replace the pot and have your nut recut or replaced. 👍 Tusq nuts are brilliant as long as they're cut well. Could also be the string tree? Maybe it's not perfectly straight? 🤷 Anyway.... thanks for dropping by 😃🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar Very true... And you're probably right about the string tree. I know it's kind of an obvious choice but the Ibanez AZ have thicker necks and SS frets. I've just never played an Ibanez that I could get along with
@@cbsaulren You're the 2nd person to recommend the an AZ - I'm starting to see one in my future 🔮 Cheers! I practically learned on an Ibanez RG470 in the 90's. I think that had a thin Wizard ii neck - loved it at the time, but my tastes have changed a bit since then. AZ is a great shout 😎👌
You know it mate! Agreed 👍 It's THE best location, location, location (soz, think I had the delay pedal on there 😜) Nice one though - I have a Fusion T too 😎👌
And they resolved one of the two flaws in Fender-style instruments; they flipped the bridge pickup to give an even response between all of the strings. (The other Fender flaw is very similar. It's the pickup on a Precision bass, which should ALWAYS be flipped so that the lower coil is closer to the neck, for a more balanced response from all the strings.)
@@stevecassidyguitar I'm not sure the blade aperture in those sc-sized humbuckers is wide enough to give an authentic sounding sc tone when they're split. Having said that, I've a Little '59 in my mahogany EVH-style with the pole screws, and it sounds reasonably good. As for the bridge pickup in the Charvel, if a reversed position was good enough for Hendrix, who are we to argue?🤣
Yeah, I’ve got to say I have one of these and it’s genuinely my best guitar by a mile!! The access at the heel joint is the best I’ve ever felt as well, it’s ridiculous. Like it genuinely feels like there is no guitar there and you’re just being able to play up high. It’s ridiculous. The guitar itself is the best electric I’ve ever played, even though I owned a standard 50s Gibson, Les Paul, I actually sold it because I didn’t want to play it! I think these are truly unbelievable guitars.
Totally agree sir. I got this used for a great price, but even if I bought this new at full price, I'd still say it's worth every penny. Very few guitars I could say that about these days 😃👌
Rather shamefully I know nothing about Charvel guitars but that things a stunner. Really good indepth review. That noodling at the end, I could have listened to you play all night. 🙌🙌
i really want a DK24 HH but I settled with modding a fazley (...lol?) to HH spec with duncans, fancy coil splitting and series / parallel. Scratches the shred itch.
These things are so well thought out, there’s no need to mod it, other than the pickups if one feels like experimenting. Locking tuners, TUSQ nut, solid bridge, neck is flat and so comfortable (seriously, play one!), and a stock SD Hot Rails! I don’t think i’ve ever heard of a guitar that comes with a Hot Rails. Just great, great stuff from Charvel. Keep thinking outside the box, we love it!
Hell yeah!! Thats a beast of a geetar you got there sir, love how they've wired in the 5 way switch on that the tones are brilliant! Would seriously think about that model as a partner to my dk24 hh. The trem system is absolutely bulletproof and the neck feels incredible. Brilliant review sir and an absolute pleasure to watch as always :)
Aww Mate - Thank you so much! 🙏 But yeah, I totally love that wiring - It's inspired me to mod a couple of other Strats to have similar options 🤓👍 If you already like the neck on the DK24 - you can't go wrong with this 😀👌
Awesome mate! 😃👍 I actually wish I did like the neck profile. Then it would be the almost perfect guitar! 😎👌 I'd still change the pickups - but that's an easy fix 😁
It's weird... different strokes for different folks n all that. I'd never used one before this but I like it a lot. Have been thinking about getting the same pot on my other guitars too 🙈 I've not knocked this one out of place yet, maybe I'm just too tame and feeble with my right hand technique 😆🤷♂️
@@nigelsmith721 Weirdly, as I was replying to your last comment I was thinking the exact same thing. I don't think I've ever heard of that option tho. If it doesn't exist - Me & You ➡Dragons Den - Let's go! 😜
Man! That's a classic shredder axe! 😎👌 I cut my teeth on an Ibanez RG470 with lic Floyd rose - loadsa fun when they're dialled in perfect, but yeah generally a total PITA 😆👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Chapmans go dirt cheap and honestly this one was perfect qc wise. Only downside for you would be that flat 14" radius (turns out I really like it)😁
@@pudss Yeah that's the only thing that puts me off the moderns, but apparently the Hybrid is 9.5". I keep having a peek on EvilBay every now and again
I recently purchased a Charvel DK24 to back up my Suhr Classic HSS (which also has a roasted maple neck). Fantastic, feature-packed guitar for the money. Is it the Suhr quality-wise? Of course not. However, Suhr is Suhr at the end of the day so that's expected. What a fantastic guitar, especially at the price range. Do wish it had SS frets like the Suhr, but I will address that in the future when it's time for a fret job. The competition appears to be the Ibanez AZ, but even the premium models outprice these Charvels.
That Sounds like a very fair assessment sir. I'm yet to try out a Suhr. Always been very curious. I'll check one out one day. Ibanez AZ does seem quite close 😃👍
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome. Stunning Guitar and Playing. Great features on this guitar. I have never played a Charvel but keeping my hopes up to find one on used market locally as this model is $1900- Australian new here... Ouch. All the best. Cheers
Thanks mate - for your comment and the Sub! 😃🙏 Welcome to the channel 👍 That's a tough choice mate - I'd strongly recommend you try out both (if possible). Spec-wise the Charvel Smokes the Fender easy. Locking Tuners, Roasted maple, Seymour Duncans (I would probably prefer the Fender pickups), heel access, truss rod access, luminlays, Gotoh 510 Trem... The Fender will win on resale value, pickups (imo), and personally I prefer the neck feel on the Fender - the Charvel is too thin, flat and shreddy for me. Or... You can scrap all of that and have the best of both... Check out my recent vid on the "Fender Killer" a modded Jet JS400 - It has the best of both (imo) but you could mod it to your taste, have a better Guitar to your specs for around £300 - £500 depending on how you do it. Good luck! 😃
I have the 24 fret model with the regular sized humbucker (HSS) My only ‘complaints’ are it doesn’t have stainless steel frets, and the price is high Other than that it is a perfect super strat if you don’t want a double locking vibrato system I play jazz on it and that may seem stupid, but the neck is effortless to play- satin finished, rolled edges, rolled frets, nice and thin but not Ibanez Wizard thin. I put an LSR roller nut on and it stays in tune pretty well with moderate trem use. The cutaway is amazing for upper fret chord work too.
Nice one mate 😎👌 - this is pretty much my sentiments exactly 👍 I would have liked stainless steel frets at this price too - but I suppose for a big name brand like Charvel, the price is to be expected. There's always plenty of great more affordable younger brands offering similar specs (with stainless steel frets!) for way less, like Eart, Soloking and Harley Benton etc... I find the neck on this Charvel still a wee bit thin for my tastes - but it's all subjective innit 😀👍
Excellent demo video, Steve! I've found the flat board 16 radius or so just hurts my old joints in my hand to play, so my only one is up for sale. I will stick to 10 to 12 radius on my tele styles!
@@calbrockocat8728 Had never heard of these (just did a McGoogle). I can totally see the appeal of this - looks great - love the inlays and the knobs. 😎👍 But, yeah that would be too shreddy for me too.
Sorry mate, I'm not 100% sure how much detail I can give you. All I can say is it's my favourite trem ever - I've since had a 510 installed on another 2 strats 😃 The tuning stability is excellent (but it's rarely the trem that's responsible for tuning stability - it's all about the nut imo). In operation the responsiveness is "close" to what you could expect from a Floyd Rose style trem (slightly less extreme). I hope that helps mate - I can't provide much more info than that - soz 😬🤷♂️
Agreed mate - "Versatile" sums it up nicely👌. I actually love the jack socket placement, it's one of my favourite features on this guitar. The neck is the only thing that's not perfect for me - juts a wee bit too flat and thin. Other than that - Love it! 😀👌
I have this model in Pharaoh's gold, it's everything I wish that my USA fender strat was, also just bought an Ibanez AZ and black ice burst and I hardly ever play my fender anymore
Steve! Just came across your channel looking for more info about this Charvel and you did not disappoint my man. I've never owned a Charvel since they always seem too "shreddy" and I'm more of a blues/classic rock guy, but the playability elements on this thing make me want to give it a try. And not only did you provide an extremely thorough and accurate review of the instrument, but your comedic skills deserve props as well. I don't normally find my self laughing out loud during guitar reviews! Well done sir, informative AND entertaining...liked and subbed! Looking forward to checking out your other vids. BTW love the hat, I wear the same style for all of my gigs :-)
Aww mate! Thank you for this comment - you've made my day 😀🙏 Thank ya for the Sub too! 😎👍 They're excellent guitars tho 👌 I don't play this one too much as, like you, it's a bit too shreddy for me too. But I can't seem to let it go. It's my go to shreddy guitar - but I never shred 🙈 I'm guessing you may be follically challenged like myself - Hence the hat choice? 😜 All the best mate - welcome to the channel 🙏
Cool, sooo many guitars and so little time! I couldn't shred even if I wanted to, but it's fun to dream 🙂 and yes, quite follically challenged. Played my first gig about 4 years ago without a hat and my wife told me my head was shining bright under the stage lights lol. Been rockin' the head-ware ever since @@stevecassidyguitar
I have Charvel locking tuners on one of my guitars. They are good and are solid, but would not be my first choice. I keep checking to see if the knobs are tight, and I don't have the distraction with other tuners.
I've for had any problems with these tuners - so far... (it will probabl;y happen tomorrow after saying that 🙈). So what would be your first choice of locking tuners? 😀
Not sure because there are a lot I have tried but a lot I have not. @stevecassidyguitar As far as the tuner styles, my first choice is Vintage Tuners. I think they got it right the first time. I feel each time it was improved, it loses something. I like Vintage tuners first, then Grover style tuners second, then locking tuners third, and guitars with a locking nut 4th. I am not changing them, and sorry to any guitar tuners that did not come in 1st.
@@metalsoso5460 Ah I see! Apologies I misunderstood you the first time - I thought you meant it was Charvel locking tuners specifically you didn't trust. Got ya now tho 👍 I can't argue Re vintage tuners tho - no problems there. I do prefer lockers tho - mainly for the quicker string changes. Saves about 2 seconds per string! 🙈 I
Just received my Charvel Pro-Mod, DK24,HSH,2PT,CM, Mystic Blue. So looked good coming out of the box, rather pleased. I have other Charvel from 86 and newer. Well, can’t play the new one. Every fret edge top and bottom side are a knife’s edge! Absolute finger killer. Flipping it over in my lap to look at the back, turned it back over and a big chunk of paint fell off near the rear bridge. Found the chunk on the floor by my feet. As to how well it plays, can’t tell ya. The music store I bought it through is kind enough to help me to possibly get a resolve, and see what they can do. Disappointed, Absolutely! This is not acceptable, and a better QC of the From Mexico needs to be solved.
Wow mate! That sux big time! Hope you managed to get it returned, refunded or replaced. This one I had is probably 2 or 3 years old now - still going strong. I'd expect this from Fender, but don't often hear many bad reports about Charvel. 😬👎
Hey Steve, not sure if you're still on the hunt for a more fat strat neck with similar specs, I recently got my hands on a Cort G290 fat and it feels much more like a standard strat neck profile but with a compound radius and all the bells and whistles you would want in a super strat. Just thought I'd mention!
Great shout mate - thank you! I have seen these, but not yet in the flesh - really like the look of the blue one 😎. Have seen used ones on eBay go for very reasonable prices - will keep an eye out. Thanks again mate! 😃👍
Some good info, if say that guitar is a keeper mate, id say a moded hb fusion is pretty much in the same league as i have one is the only reason i haven't bought this model.
Man id love to see you compared this to that HB Fusion 3 25th edition. Does this also have stainless steel frets? Also: you play less than 10 percent shreddy stuff in your band? Tell them you will shred exclusively from now on!
I could compare it to the HB Fusion ii (although I've modded it 🙈) - I've got one here. No stainless steel frets on the Charvel unfortunately - If it had em, it would be very hard to beat this.
I would like to see the comparison with this and a HB Fusion modded! Im seriously considering the DK22 but if the HB isnt much worse id rather save some bucks and install other pickups, just not sure if the 510 trem would fit or body work is needed
I have a modded Fusion ii - Just changed the Humbuckers to a Seymour Duncan and an Iron Gear. It really depends what features are most important to you. They kinda look similar but they both offer different specs. The stand out feature on the Fusion (for me) is the Stainless Steel frets - but the stock Roswell pickups are lacking - "apparently" the newer Tesla's are better 🤷♂️ The Charvel's stand out features are too many to mention, but maybe not as valuable as the SS frets? 🤷♂️ Like I say, you just really have to weigh it up for you. Good luck mate! 😀👍
@@panosv7258 Thank you mate!🙏 BTW.. I "think" I remember reading somewhere, the Gotoh is an easy-ish swap on the Fusion form the Wilkinson 50iiK 👍 Can't guarantee it tho
The Harley Benton firemist is probably the closest to the spec although I think the radius is just 12" across the board. The pickups are obviously not as good a spec, but switching those out and maybe upgrading the trem isn't going to set you back too much. If the Charvel had stainless frets, I would have one myself but the Harley Bentons are doing it a whole load cheaper and with the SS frets.
Can't argue with any of that mate spot on 👍 Although, I'd say it's maybe closer to the HB HSS Fusions. They're a bit more "Super Stratty", have the contouring, neck heel carve and roasted maple boards. I can still see a SC 25th in my future one day though - brilliant specs! 🤓👍
@@stevecassidyguitar well, funny you should mention that. We may be seeing one of those fusions popping up in the near future. Keep it on the down low though 😉😉
Oooohhh... interesting! Ok.. we're gonna need to get to the bottom of this one 😀👍 Has anyone got Columbo's number? 🕵️♀️ Seriously though - I'll see what I can find out. but i'm putting a 3min research cap on it 😁
Man! That's a great shout! Lots of similarities. I really like the California blue finish and love the sound of the pickups from the demos I've heard 😎👍 I think it would look a lot better with a roasted maple neck though and wish it had a 9.5" radius. The stain they use on the maple makes it look really yellow. But definitely closer in neck profile spec to what I like - cheers mate 😃👌
@@stevecassidyguitar that's totally right, the Harley Benton is more a general guitar for beginners or players that want to step up from their first guitars and Charvel is a more target focused guitar, both are killers and I want to test a Charvel against my main guitar, a Parker Nitelfy, best guitar ever made hahahahaha
@@stevecassidyguitar got lucky, my guitar teacher has a big collection and is starting to sell some, I'm saving for his black '98 Parker Fly (Deluxe I think, I get lost with the models a lot hahahahaha)
Check out the Ibanez AZ2204NW. HSS, oval c neck (no wizard) with ~9"-12" compound radius, 22 jumbo stainless steel frets, Gotoh T1702B tremolo, switching system for 9 different pickup configurations/sounds. Prestige line, made in Japan. Very pricey...but could be the one for you! Enjoyed the video. Subbed!
Awww mate!! 😃 Thank you so much for this! 👍 I'll definitely go investigate this Ibanez further - this sounds super close on paper 😎👌 And thank you for the sub 🙏
Ah it's sooo close! Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of rosewood boards. Goldilocks syndrome strikes again! 🙈 Still.... Thanks again for the suggestion 👌
They make an ibanez az with a roasted maple neck aswell.. its got stainless steel frets aswell.. more rounded neck profile, same bridge. But it's like 1800usd I played one the other day and it sounds like what you described... I personally liked the rick graham signature more though... also I think the ibanez was hss not sss.
@@Hubblereach0 Cheers for the recommendation mate! 😃👍 Technically this Charvel is HSS too (and that's my preference anyway 😃👍). I probably should have also stipulated a price point too - $1800 is a bit steep for me. But.... This guitar you've mentioned does sound great! Any idea what the model is? 😬 I could keep an eye out for a used one 😃👍 Thanks again mate 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitarnever underestimate the sneakiness 😉I had 2 Charvels in the past. 2 Japs from about 10 years ago. A So Cal & Pro Mod. Well spec’d machines. The pickups were too hot for me also. Game changer. The Pro Mod had Di Marzio’s I think and the So Cal had Seymour’s. Just didn’t do it for me
Hhhmmmm... Good question 🤔 I don't play that way - but I've just tested it for you with a both a straight and right angled cable. The right angle does get a bit in the way, rubbing against the right leg. The straight cable is better, but it's still touching the right leg a bit - It didn't bother me, but I was only playing for a couple of mins. Best thing to do is try to find somewhere you can try one out or has a good returns policy. Thomann are pretty great for things like that - 14 day free returns, no hassle etc 👍
Great guitars - I have the Pharaohs Gold which is lovely ... but mine came with a very poor trem and massive tuning instability, so I"ll have to pay extra now to get it sorted. Tonally awesome, but the trem/nut relationship is awful from the factory and not acceptable for a pricey instrument .. shame
Awww mate that IS a shame ☹️👎 Sorry to hear this. What's up with the trem specifically? Is it still the stock strings on? You have just got unlucky with a poorly cut nut. Hopefully that's all it is and is an easy fix for a tech. Also (sorry to assume... you probably already know this but...) after using the trem if it goes out of tune sharp or flat, do you know the wee reset trick? Just give it a quick pull (or push) in the opposite direction to reset it - for me this puts it back in tune instantly 😃👍 Hope you can get it sorted - very impressive guitars to me 🤞
Yeah mate thin D sounds about right. 👍 It's not as quite as thin/flat as an Ibanez wizard, but quite thinner than a Fender modern C. It's actually very close to the Fender flat Oval if that helps? 😬🤷♂️ Neck profiles are a bit tricky to describe in words 🙈
Thanks mate! Good question 👍 The neck shape is thinner, it's not as thin as an Ibanez wizard, but it's thin, a bit like the Fender flat oval. The compound radius is a premium feature but at 12" - 16" is a bit too flat (for me). The rounded edges feel really great though 👍 But... As I'm a Fender guy, I still much prefer the Jet/Fazley necks which are identical to the Fender C/modern C and I also prefer the 9.5" radius on the Jet/ Fazley's. I've just chucked about £300(ish) of mods at the Jet JS400 😁 Should get it back next week then will make a vid 👍👍👍
@@stevecassidyguitar good to know jet is identical to fender modern C. I played a jet in a local music store. Felt great. But couldn’t justify another guitar the moment. Got to get rid of some stuff first 😢 Mods sound great and reminds me of Lee from studio rats channel. I love his perspective on gear, good value and gig worthy
@@hollywoodactress oh yeah! The stuff is definitely gig worthy, I've been gigging the Jets and Fazley's for a few months now - almost completely un-modded(except for the Tuners). Henning Pauly has just uploaded a review of the Jet JS400. Great vid 👍 (but he got the string gauge wrong - they come with 10's 😁) I prefer 9's on a strat, made a massive improvement to the feel for me. But yeah... No rush to get one mate - I'm sure Jet are gonna be around for a very long time 😃👍
I remember these costing €700-800ish several years ago which was okayish. Over €1000?? these days. The Jackson brand is offering similar stuff for alot less. These guitars play themselves though. Shame prices are up.
I hear ya mate - it seems like the prices across the board have skyrocketed recently. I think for the specs on this Charvel it's "almost" justified tho - with the SD pickup set, Gotoh 510 trem, it's really top notch parts in this. I reckon a Harley Benton Fusion iii HSS is a great priced alternative, although it's still got a few differences. Which Jackson models would you say are similar to this? I had a Jackson for about a week when I was 16, (it was a black performer series dk or something) there was nothing wrong with it - I just didn't like the pointy headstock 🙈 But yeah I'd maybe have a look at Jacksons again now - cheers mate! 😀👍
Jackson does offer more cost-effective models, and they are really good. I’ve played them, but they genuinely do not hold a candle to these. These genuinely feel like a $2000 guitar. absolutely they’re in a different league.
Theres no perfect guitar, as what one person will want, the will not. I have a Charvel, and its just brilliant. There are some things about id want to change, and i have changed the trem to a Schaller lockmiester, as its just a much better trem, and its not made of dog shite, like the 1000 series trem that was in it. And i may change the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio Tone Zone, as i perfer that pickup to the JB thats in there. But if i was going to get my perfect guitar, id have Crimson make it for me.
Wise words mate 👍 I love the Gotoh trem on this Charvel - never tried the Schaller you mentioned tho. I'm not a big fan of the JB either. Modding can always get you close to your perfect guitar. But the annoying thing is... As soon as you get close - Boom! Your tastes change 🙈 It's all about the chase 😁
Well spotted mate 😁👍 It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪 I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈). In this one I took Tom Selleck's head and put it on Joe Satriani's body and called him Burt Reynold's because they look a bit similar 🤡👍 This one is even more stupid 😜 ua-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/v-deo.html Apologies in advance 🙈
@@elevenAD I was really lucky to score this one for £600 delivered. For my circumstances - that still counts as a lot of money to spend on (another 🙈) guitar 😜👍
@@stevecassidyguitar At least you like the guitar, i paid full price when they first came out i think it was $1100 and i never really bonded with the guitar. I love the way it plays but i dont love the way it sounds, especially the bridge pup. some players make this pick up sound great but im not one of them.
@@elevenAD I'd have to agree. All 3 of the pickups are a bit too hot for my taste, and the neck profile a bit too shreddy for me. I'm keeping it stock as it may not stay with me forever 😬 Nut it's so close to being one of the best ever imo 😀
Have you tried a Charvel? or Interested to try one? 😀
If you buy one of these be prepared to have it leveled and crowned, these have the worst fret jobs I've ever seen. Other than than that these are great but honestly the Schecter Nick Johnston is a winner.
@@Stratisfied22 really? Wow! I didn't have that experience at all. But to be fair I bought it used, so there's no way to confirm if it had any fretwork before.
Keen to try out the Nick Johnston tho 😃👍
@@stevecassidyguitar I ended up doing the fretwork myself after seeing another at the store that was terrible. It's still a great guitar but the quality control isn't the best while my Nick Johnston is superior in every way.
@@Stratisfied22 Good on ya mate for rectifying it yourself 😎👍
Even more curious about the Schecter now - thanks! 🙈
@@Stratisfied22 total BS I have mail ordered 3, other than a bit of fret sprout and a little filing, they have all showed perfect.
I feel like your video on this guitar discussing the middle position of this guitar and the wiring of Charvel guitars as the most informative of all the videos. Thank you for getting this out to the world!
Thank you so much mate! 😃🙏
Glad it was useful 👍
Long time Gibson time user that really likes the their thin taper neck profile. The local mom and pop store carried the imported Charvels and I blew them off. They started carrying the regular line and the owner told me to try one. After a couple of minutes I picked out one of his three S-S-H 24 fret Dinkys. This guitar has the most comfortable neck I have ever played. Later on Charvel released the 22 fret S-S-S- Dinky and I selected the guitar in gold - not because I like gold, it was the most comfortable of the three he had in stock.
Either guitar on its own is an incredible player. When I play them back to back, I'd rather play the 22 fret version. Somehow, someway, the 22 fretter just feels more right to me.
Nice one mate 😀👌 I love everthing about this guitar - except for the neck profile 🙈 It's just a bit too thin and flat for me and the kinda stuff I like to play. But everything else is near perfect - especially for gigging - incredibly versatile, comfortable, and nice and lightweight too 😎👌
Do you know what is funny? I did the same thing.
I’ve had a Gibson less Paul 50s standard for a while, and I thought it was a beautiful instrument. I loved it.
Then I picked up a Mexican made DK 24… it literally blew me away.
Sold the Gibson, and I don’t miss it at all! It’s actually crazy I never think about it.
These things feel much nicer than what they cost, and they have extremely good specs, and they’re just unbelievable to play.
And I’ve got to agree, it’s the best feeling neck I’ve ever played in my life as well.
Truly, the best electric guitar I’ve ever played.
The neck is on the thin side. I totally agree with you, I actually personally like it, but that’s just preference, of course. I like playing more lead on it, which I think is really fun and it’s great for that, I don’t find it to be too thin for me.
Purchased a second-hand one today, and it blew me away after 5 mins. Didn’t hesitate to take it off the guitar stores walls and home with me. Great review, by the way!
Nice one mate! Congrats and happy NGD! 🥳👍
What colour did you get? 😃
I just bought the Mahogany and walnut version of the DK22. It’s lovely.
That's a very classy looking Guitar 😎👌
Congrats mate! HNG! 😃👍
My HB have the same colour neck and body although my is HH. Love this colours combination.
Nice one! "HB" you taking about the Harley Benton yeah? Fusion?
@@stevecassidyguitar yes, fusion iii
@@elmarg7966 Very Nice 😃 - I know the very one, I'll bet it's awesome 😎 👍
This is an amazing guitar. I got the Pharaoh Gold one in 2022 and it's just a solid, dependable and versatile guitar.
Totally mate! Cheers 😀🙏
I don't play mines enough but can't part with it - It's too good! 😎👌
Absolutely love my Charvels. Hands down the best guitars I own. I have a gloss black 24 hh and a matte grey 24 ssh. I bought a Schecter SLS elite fr just before and I haven't touched it since. My only complaint is the low friction pot. Often I lower my volume unknowingly when pickup switching because it's so easy to turn. I'm not a big volume swell player either so I would rather have a normal one. The nut seemed to bind slightly on both guitars even after switching to lighter gauge strings which is odd for a tusq nut. Very minor complaints for something that feels absolutely incredible in your hands.
Nice one mate 😎👍
I was way late to the party with the Charvels - this was my first. So close to being perfect. Unfortunately there's nothing I can do about the neck (other than replacing it 🙈).
For you... You can get both your issues remedied 😃
Replace the pot and have your nut recut or replaced. 👍
Tusq nuts are brilliant as long as they're cut well. Could also be the string tree? Maybe it's not perfectly straight? 🤷
Anyway.... thanks for dropping by 😃🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar Very true... And you're probably right about the string tree. I know it's kind of an obvious choice but the Ibanez AZ have thicker necks and SS frets. I've just never played an Ibanez that I could get along with
@@cbsaulren You're the 2nd person to recommend the an AZ - I'm starting to see one in my future 🔮 Cheers!
I practically learned on an Ibanez RG470 in the 90's. I think that had a thin Wizard ii neck - loved it at the time, but my tastes have changed a bit since then. AZ is a great shout 😎👌
Truss adjust wheel. Yes. I agree. My HB fusion t has it. Amazing.
You know it mate! Agreed 👍 It's THE best location, location, location (soz, think I had the delay pedal on there 😜)
Nice one though - I have a Fusion T too 😎👌
And they resolved one of the two flaws in Fender-style instruments; they flipped the bridge pickup to give an even response between all of the strings.
(The other Fender flaw is very similar. It's the pickup on a Precision bass, which should ALWAYS be flipped so that the lower coil is closer to the neck, for a more balanced response from all the strings.)
Good shout - of all the features this one is packing - forgot to mention that 🙈
Not a big fan of the hot rails in it tho 😬
@@stevecassidyguitar I'm not sure the blade aperture in those sc-sized humbuckers is wide enough to give an authentic sounding sc tone when they're split. Having said that, I've a Little '59 in my mahogany EVH-style with the pole screws, and it sounds reasonably good.
As for the bridge pickup in the Charvel, if a reversed position was good enough for Hendrix, who are we to argue?🤣
@@EddieG1888 Totally - I think that was their inspiration 👍
Only heard good things about the lil 59. 😎👍
Yeah, I’ve got to say I have one of these and it’s genuinely my best guitar by a mile!!
The access at the heel joint is the best I’ve ever felt as well, it’s ridiculous. Like it genuinely feels like there is no guitar there and you’re just being able to play up high. It’s ridiculous.
The guitar itself is the best electric I’ve ever played, even though I owned a standard 50s Gibson, Les Paul, I actually sold it because I didn’t want to play it! I think these are truly unbelievable guitars.
Totally agree sir. I got this used for a great price, but even if I bought this new at full price, I'd still say it's worth every penny. Very few guitars I could say that about these days 😃👌
Rather shamefully I know nothing about Charvel guitars but that things a stunner. Really good indepth review. That noodling at the end, I could have listened to you play all night. 🙌🙌
Aww mate! Thank ya kindly 😀🙏
This was my first Charvel experience - I was decades late to the party too 🙈👍
Really enjoyed your review ! Thanks Steve !
Thank you mate! 😃
A Charvel in your future perhaps? 👹
i really want a DK24 HH but I settled with modding a fazley (...lol?) to HH spec with duncans, fancy coil splitting and series / parallel. Scratches the shred itch.
Mate! That's the best way to go imo! The Fazley's (the ones i've tried anyway) bare bones are legit😎👌
These things are so well thought out, there’s no need to mod it, other than the pickups if one feels like experimenting. Locking tuners, TUSQ nut, solid bridge, neck is flat and so comfortable (seriously, play one!), and a stock SD Hot Rails! I don’t think i’ve ever heard of a guitar that comes with a Hot Rails. Just great, great stuff from Charvel. Keep thinking outside the box, we love it!
Totally agree! It's "almost" perfect (for me) 😎👌
Esp and ltd have guitars that come with hot rails.
Hell yeah!! Thats a beast of a geetar you got there sir, love how they've wired in the 5 way switch on that the tones are brilliant!
Would seriously think about that model as a partner to my dk24 hh.
The trem system is absolutely bulletproof and the neck feels incredible.
Brilliant review sir and an absolute pleasure to watch as always :)
Aww Mate - Thank you so much! 🙏
But yeah, I totally love that wiring - It's inspired me to mod a couple of other Strats to have similar options 🤓👍
If you already like the neck on the DK24 - you can't go wrong with this 😀👌
Ha! Your cons are pros for me lol! I think I'm about to be a new Charvel owner. This thing looks incredible!!
Awesome mate! 😃👍 I actually wish I did like the neck profile. Then it would be the almost perfect guitar! 😎👌
I'd still change the pickups - but that's an easy fix 😁
@@stevecassidyguitar Lol, for sure. I have this one in my wishlist as we speak!
@@PocketDelicious You deserve it mate - You've been good 👹
That low friction Vol pot is a bit of a ballache - so easy to knock down (or up) a few degrees inadvertently but I'll learn to swerve it...
It's weird... different strokes for different folks n all that. I'd never used one before this but I like it a lot. Have been thinking about getting the same pot on my other guitars too 🙈
I've not knocked this one out of place yet, maybe I'm just too tame and feeble with my right hand technique 😆🤷♂️
@@stevecassidyguitar maybe it needs a “fully on” detent like the Tone pot has one for full bypass? 🤷🏻♂️
@@nigelsmith721 Weirdly, as I was replying to your last comment I was thinking the exact same thing. I don't think I've ever heard of that option tho.
If it doesn't exist - Me & You ➡Dragons Den - Let's go! 😜
I have a charvel model 3 which has been in storage for about 5 years now! Lovely guitar but the Floyd rose is a pain in the arse
Man! That's a classic shredder axe! 😎👌
I cut my teeth on an Ibanez RG470 with lic Floyd rose - loadsa fun when they're dialled in perfect, but yeah generally a total PITA 😆👍
Love a good superstrat. my chapman ml1 pro 2016 came stock 'SSS'. It's actually 3 single sized humbuckers though. 🤣
Ha! More LIES! they're all at it 😆
Actually been looking at the old ML1 Hybrids recently 👹
@@stevecassidyguitar Chapmans go dirt cheap and honestly this one was perfect qc wise. Only downside for you would be that flat 14" radius (turns out I really like it)😁
@@pudss Yeah that's the only thing that puts me off the moderns, but apparently the Hybrid is 9.5". I keep having a peek on EvilBay every now and again
@@stevecassidyguitar ooh TIL, there's hope yet!
I recently purchased a Charvel DK24 to back up my Suhr Classic HSS (which also has a roasted maple neck). Fantastic, feature-packed guitar for the money. Is it the Suhr quality-wise? Of course not. However, Suhr is Suhr at the end of the day so that's expected. What a fantastic guitar, especially at the price range. Do wish it had SS frets like the Suhr, but I will address that in the future when it's time for a fret job. The competition appears to be the Ibanez AZ, but even the premium models outprice these Charvels.
That Sounds like a very fair assessment sir. I'm yet to try out a Suhr. Always been very curious. I'll check one out one day. Ibanez AZ does seem quite close 😃👍
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome. Stunning Guitar and Playing. Great features on this guitar. I have never played a Charvel but keeping my hopes up to find one on used market locally as this model is $1900- Australian new here... Ouch. All the best. Cheers
Thank you mate! 😃👍
It is a great guitar 👌 Luckily these models were launched a few years ago, so you might get lucky finding a used one 🤞
Nice review, subscribed. I'm thinking of picking this up (or AM Performer Strat)
Thanks mate - for your comment and the Sub! 😃🙏 Welcome to the channel 👍
That's a tough choice mate - I'd strongly recommend you try out both (if possible).
Spec-wise the Charvel Smokes the Fender easy. Locking Tuners, Roasted maple, Seymour Duncans (I would probably prefer the Fender pickups), heel access, truss rod access, luminlays, Gotoh 510 Trem...
The Fender will win on resale value, pickups (imo), and personally I prefer the neck feel on the Fender - the Charvel is too thin, flat and shreddy for me.
Or... You can scrap all of that and have the best of both... Check out my recent vid on the "Fender Killer" a modded Jet JS400 - It has the best of both (imo) but you could mod it to your taste, have a better Guitar to your specs for around £300 - £500 depending on how you do it.
Good luck! 😃
I always fancied getting one of these guitars. Not gonna bother now though, just gonna stick my Strat in the Air Fryer.
It's the latest mod no-one is talking about 😆👍
@@stevecassidyguitar Hahaha
Wow, that sounds great 👍
Thank ya very much mate! 😃🙏
Tis a remarkably great guitar! 🎸😎👌
Nice video & great guitar, mate.
Cheers mate! 😃🙏
I have the 24 fret model with the regular sized humbucker (HSS)
My only ‘complaints’ are it doesn’t have stainless steel frets, and the price is high
Other than that it is a perfect super strat if you don’t want a double locking vibrato system
I play jazz on it and that may seem stupid, but the neck is effortless to play- satin finished, rolled edges, rolled frets, nice and thin but not Ibanez Wizard thin.
I put an LSR roller nut on and it stays in tune pretty well with moderate trem use.
The cutaway is amazing for upper fret chord work too.
Nice one mate 😎👌 - this is pretty much my sentiments exactly 👍 I would have liked stainless steel frets at this price too - but I suppose for a big name brand like Charvel, the price is to be expected. There's always plenty of great more affordable younger brands offering similar specs (with stainless steel frets!) for way less, like Eart, Soloking and Harley Benton etc... I find the neck on this Charvel still a wee bit thin for my tastes - but it's all subjective innit 😀👍
Excellent demo video, Steve! I've found the flat board 16 radius or so just hurts my old joints in my hand to play, so my only one is up for sale. I will stick to 10 to 12 radius on my tele styles!
Thanks mate! 🙏 I totally get you 👍Sometimes even the 12" is too flat for me 🙈
Which one are you selling? (Just out of curiosity 👹)
@@stevecassidyguitar The Sawtooth SM-24. Satin black thing with 24 frets. Nice looking and very light, but just doesn't fit me.
@@calbrockocat8728 Had never heard of these (just did a McGoogle). I can totally see the appeal of this - looks great - love the inlays and the knobs. 😎👍
But, yeah that would be too shreddy for me too.
Great review! I am getting this guitar.
Thanks mate 😀👍 It's a truly brilliant guitar 👌I don't play it too often, but was having a go on it again last night - loadsa fun 😀
@@stevecassidyguitar Mine should be here within a few days, can't wait 😂
@@NeonBlazeMusic Exciting times! Which colour did you go for?
Please show and explain details about the stability of the Gotoh Tremolo, how deep is useful and how stable is it?
Sorry mate, I'm not 100% sure how much detail I can give you. All I can say is it's my favourite trem ever - I've since had a 510 installed on another 2 strats 😃
The tuning stability is excellent (but it's rarely the trem that's responsible for tuning stability - it's all about the nut imo).
In operation the responsiveness is "close" to what you could expect from a Floyd Rose style trem (slightly less extreme).
I hope that helps mate - I can't provide much more info than that - soz 😬🤷♂️
awesome review man
Thank you mate! 😃🙏
Love this guitar it is so versatile ! My only criticism is the jack is located at a wired angle in the back. But it is an awesome guitar.
Agreed mate - "Versatile" sums it up nicely👌. I actually love the jack socket placement, it's one of my favourite features on this guitar. The neck is the only thing that's not perfect for me - juts a wee bit too flat and thin. Other than that - Love it! 😀👌
It is actually made with gigging in mind, and it works like a charm. No need to run your cable through your strap.
@@cheenu711 I still run my cable through my strap too 🙈 Just out of habit tho😂
I have this model in Pharaoh's gold, it's everything I wish that my USA fender strat was, also just bought an Ibanez AZ and black ice burst and I hardly ever play my fender anymore
Nice one mate - The Pharaoh's gold looks super classy 😎👌.
I love almost everything about this guitar, but I do prefer a Fender modern C neck profile
Steve! Just came across your channel looking for more info about this Charvel and you did not disappoint my man. I've never owned a Charvel since they always seem too "shreddy" and I'm more of a blues/classic rock guy, but the playability elements on this thing make me want to give it a try. And not only did you provide an extremely thorough and accurate review of the instrument, but your comedic skills deserve props as well. I don't normally find my self laughing out loud during guitar reviews! Well done sir, informative AND entertaining...liked and subbed! Looking forward to checking out your other vids. BTW love the hat, I wear the same style for all of my gigs :-)
Aww mate! Thank you for this comment - you've made my day 😀🙏 Thank ya for the Sub too! 😎👍
They're excellent guitars tho 👌 I don't play this one too much as, like you, it's a bit too shreddy for me too. But I can't seem to let it go. It's my go to shreddy guitar - but I never shred 🙈
I'm guessing you may be follically challenged like myself - Hence the hat choice? 😜
All the best mate - welcome to the channel 🙏
Cool, sooo many guitars and so little time! I couldn't shred even if I wanted to, but it's fun to dream 🙂 and yes, quite follically challenged. Played my first gig about 4 years ago without a hat and my wife told me my head was shining bright under the stage lights lol. Been rockin' the head-ware ever since @@stevecassidyguitar
I have Charvel locking tuners on one of my guitars. They are good and are solid, but would not be my first choice. I keep checking to see if the knobs are tight, and I don't have the distraction with other tuners.
I've for had any problems with these tuners - so far... (it will probabl;y happen tomorrow after saying that 🙈).
So what would be your first choice of locking tuners? 😀
Not sure because there are a lot I have tried but a lot I have not. @stevecassidyguitar As far as the tuner styles, my first choice is Vintage Tuners. I think they got it right the first time. I feel each time it was improved, it loses something. I like Vintage tuners first, then Grover style tuners second, then locking tuners third, and guitars with a locking nut 4th. I am not changing them, and sorry to any guitar tuners that did not come in 1st.
@@metalsoso5460 Ah I see! Apologies I misunderstood you the first time - I thought you meant it was Charvel locking tuners specifically you didn't trust. Got ya now tho 👍
I can't argue Re vintage tuners tho - no problems there.
I do prefer lockers tho - mainly for the quicker string changes. Saves about 2 seconds per string! 🙈
I
Just received my Charvel Pro-Mod, DK24,HSH,2PT,CM, Mystic Blue. So looked good coming out of the box, rather pleased. I have other Charvel from 86 and newer. Well, can’t play the new one. Every fret edge top and bottom side are a knife’s edge! Absolute finger killer. Flipping it over in my lap to look at the back, turned it back over and a big chunk of paint fell off near the rear bridge. Found the chunk on the floor by my feet. As to how well it plays, can’t tell ya. The music store I bought it through is kind enough to help me to possibly get a resolve, and see what they can do. Disappointed, Absolutely! This is not acceptable, and a better QC of the From Mexico needs to be solved.
Wow mate! That sux big time! Hope you managed to get it returned, refunded or replaced.
This one I had is probably 2 or 3 years old now - still going strong.
I'd expect this from Fender, but don't often hear many bad reports about Charvel. 😬👎
That thing sounds like a beast.
You are a beast Steve. I love your playing.
Agreed! Possibly a little too beastly for me 🙈
@@JimThomi Aww mate! Thank ya so much! - You've totally made my day! 😀🙏
Great video, thank you very much!
Thank you! and thanks for watching mate! 😃🙏
Hey Steve, not sure if you're still on the hunt for a more fat strat neck with similar specs, I recently got my hands on a Cort G290 fat and it feels much more like a standard strat neck profile but with a compound radius and all the bells and whistles you would want in a super strat. Just thought I'd mention!
Great shout mate - thank you! I have seen these, but not yet in the flesh - really like the look of the blue one 😎. Have seen used ones on eBay go for very reasonable prices - will keep an eye out.
Thanks again mate! 😃👍
Some good info, if say that guitar is a keeper mate, id say a moded hb fusion is pretty much in the same league as i have one is the only reason i haven't bought this model.
Fanks luv! 😘 Yeah, although I don't love the neck - I can't seem to face parting with it... yet 😜
But yeah - Modded fusions all the way! 🤘
Man id love to see you compared this to that HB Fusion 3 25th edition. Does this also have stainless steel frets?
Also: you play less than 10 percent shreddy stuff in your band? Tell them you will shred exclusively from now on!
I could compare it to the HB Fusion ii (although I've modded it 🙈) - I've got one here.
No stainless steel frets on the Charvel unfortunately - If it had em, it would be very hard to beat this.
I must like it…I just bought the exact same guitar the other day
Absolute killer Guitar! HNGD mate! 😀👌 I've still got mines - even though I don't love the neck - I can't let it go 😂
I would like to see the comparison with this and a HB Fusion modded! Im seriously considering the DK22 but if the HB isnt much worse id rather save some bucks and install other pickups, just not sure if the 510 trem would fit or body work is needed
I have a modded Fusion ii - Just changed the Humbuckers to a Seymour Duncan and an Iron Gear. It really depends what features are most important to you. They kinda look similar but they both offer different specs.
The stand out feature on the Fusion (for me) is the Stainless Steel frets - but the stock Roswell pickups are lacking - "apparently" the newer Tesla's are better 🤷♂️
The Charvel's stand out features are too many to mention, but maybe not as valuable as the SS frets? 🤷♂️ Like I say, you just really have to weigh it up for you. Good luck mate! 😀👍
@@stevecassidyguitar thanks for replying man! love your content ! keep up the good work for us viewers out there !
@@panosv7258 Thank you mate!🙏
BTW.. I "think" I remember reading somewhere, the Gotoh is an easy-ish swap on the Fusion form the Wilkinson 50iiK 👍
Can't guarantee it tho
The Harley Benton firemist is probably the closest to the spec although I think the radius is just 12" across the board. The pickups are obviously not as good a spec, but switching those out and maybe upgrading the trem isn't going to set you back too much. If the Charvel had stainless frets, I would have one myself but the Harley Bentons are doing it a whole load cheaper and with the SS frets.
Can't argue with any of that mate spot on 👍
Although, I'd say it's maybe closer to the HB HSS Fusions. They're a bit more "Super Stratty", have the contouring, neck heel carve and roasted maple boards.
I can still see a SC 25th in my future one day though - brilliant specs! 🤓👍
@@stevecassidyguitar well, funny you should mention that. We may be seeing one of those fusions popping up in the near future. Keep it on the down low though 😉😉
@@BudgetPedalChap Yeaaahs!! Nice one mate! Looking forward to that😃👍
I can't believe I survived that sale 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar I just cannae resist a bargain mate 😂😂😂
😆👌
I think the dinkys have always had that jack socket placement 🤔 im sure they were there before Guthrie moved from Suhr
Oooohhh... interesting! Ok.. we're gonna need to get to the bottom of this one 😀👍
Has anyone got Columbo's number? 🕵️♀️
Seriously though - I'll see what I can find out. but i'm putting a 3min research cap on it 😁
Ok 3mins up. Guthrie Model released Jan 2014. Pro Mod series released 2016. You might need to double check that for longer than 3mins tho 😂👍
I bought the walnut.
oooft! The Walnut is super classy! 😎👌
Nice one mate 😀👍
Kill’ demo and dig the vibe chap’ 😎
Thank you mate! 😃👍 Much appreciated 🙏
very funny and informative review!
Thank you mate! Glad you liked it 😃👍
Fender Aerodyne Special Stratocaster may be similar?
Man! That's a great shout! Lots of similarities. I really like the California blue finish and love the sound of the pickups from the demos I've heard 😎👍
I think it would look a lot better with a roasted maple neck though and wish it had a 9.5" radius. The stain they use on the maple makes it look really yellow.
But definitely closer in neck profile spec to what I like - cheers mate 😃👌
I think the Harley Benton Fusions has more traditional specs, but I think I'd still buy a Charvel
Agreed! 😀👍 But it's a tricky one! They're both great in their own ways imo.
@@stevecassidyguitar that's totally right, the Harley Benton is more a general guitar for beginners or players that want to step up from their first guitars and Charvel is a more target focused guitar, both are killers and I want to test a Charvel against my main guitar, a Parker Nitelfy, best guitar ever made hahahahaha
@@frankifran5335 you're a lucky man to have a Parker 😎👌
Getting increasingly rare 👍👍
@@stevecassidyguitar got lucky, my guitar teacher has a big collection and is starting to sell some, I'm saving for his black '98 Parker Fly (Deluxe I think, I get lost with the models a lot hahahahaha)
@@frankifran5335 oooft!! Nice one mate - hope you get a good price 🙏
Check out the Ibanez AZ2204NW. HSS, oval c neck (no wizard) with ~9"-12" compound radius, 22 jumbo stainless steel frets, Gotoh T1702B tremolo, switching system for 9 different pickup configurations/sounds. Prestige line, made in Japan. Very pricey...but could be the one for you! Enjoyed the video. Subbed!
Awww mate!! 😃 Thank you so much for this! 👍
I'll definitely go investigate this Ibanez further - this sounds super close on paper 😎👌
And thank you for the sub 🙏
Ah it's sooo close! Unfortunately I'm not a big fan of rosewood boards. Goldilocks syndrome strikes again! 🙈
Still.... Thanks again for the suggestion 👌
They make an ibanez az with a roasted maple neck aswell.. its got stainless steel frets aswell.. more rounded neck profile, same bridge. But it's like 1800usd I played one the other day and it sounds like what you described... I personally liked the rick graham signature more though... also I think the ibanez was hss not sss.
@@Hubblereach0 Cheers for the recommendation mate! 😃👍 Technically this Charvel is HSS too (and that's my preference anyway 😃👍).
I probably should have also stipulated a price point too - $1800 is a bit steep for me.
But.... This guitar you've mentioned does sound great! Any idea what the model is? 😬 I could keep an eye out for a used one 😃👍
Thanks again mate 🙏
@@stevecassidyguitar I believe it's the az242.. it looks like used they're going for around 1000$ usd. Or az2204
Funny looking Jet mate 🤣
Yeah it's totally a Jet Ripp off 😆
Sneaky sneaky Charvel 😜
@@stevecassidyguitarnever underestimate the sneakiness 😉I had 2 Charvels in the past. 2 Japs from about 10 years ago. A So Cal & Pro Mod. Well spec’d machines. The pickups were too hot for me also. Game changer. The Pro Mod had Di Marzio’s I think and the So Cal had Seymour’s. Just didn’t do it for me
I play on my left leg or jazz style. Would the jack placement get in the way of my right leg? thanks
Hhhmmmm... Good question 🤔
I don't play that way - but I've just tested it for you with a both a straight and right angled cable.
The right angle does get a bit in the way, rubbing against the right leg.
The straight cable is better, but it's still touching the right leg a bit - It didn't bother me, but I was only playing for a couple of mins.
Best thing to do is try to find somewhere you can try one out or has a good returns policy. Thomann are pretty great for things like that - 14 day free returns, no hassle etc 👍
Hi try the chapman ml3 bud ! 👍
I'll keep an eye out for a used one - Cheers 🍻😀
Great guitars - I have the Pharaohs Gold which is lovely ... but mine came with a very poor trem and massive tuning instability, so I"ll have to pay extra now to get it sorted. Tonally awesome, but the trem/nut relationship is awful from the factory and not acceptable for a pricey instrument .. shame
Awww mate that IS a shame ☹️👎
Sorry to hear this.
What's up with the trem specifically?
Is it still the stock strings on? You have just got unlucky with a poorly cut nut. Hopefully that's all it is and is an easy fix for a tech.
Also (sorry to assume... you probably already know this but...) after using the trem if it goes out of tune sharp or flat, do you know the wee reset trick? Just give it a quick pull (or push) in the opposite direction to reset it - for me this puts it back in tune instantly 😃👍
Hope you can get it sorted - very impressive guitars to me 🤞
what is the speed neck like? I remember playin the Japanese version a long time ago and it was a very thin D shape
Yeah mate thin D sounds about right. 👍 It's not as quite as thin/flat as an Ibanez wizard, but quite thinner than a Fender modern C. It's actually very close to the Fender flat Oval if that helps? 😬🤷♂️
Neck profiles are a bit tricky to describe in words 🙈
Great review
How does the neck profile and thickness compare to the Fazley /jet strats ?
Thanks mate! Good question 👍
The neck shape is thinner, it's not as thin as an Ibanez wizard, but it's thin, a bit like the Fender flat oval. The compound radius is a premium feature but at 12" - 16" is a bit too flat (for me). The rounded edges feel really great though 👍
But... As I'm a Fender guy, I still much prefer the Jet/Fazley necks which are identical to the Fender C/modern C and I also prefer the 9.5" radius on the Jet/ Fazley's.
I've just chucked about £300(ish) of mods at the Jet JS400 😁
Should get it back next week then will make a vid 👍👍👍
@@stevecassidyguitar good to know jet is identical to fender modern C. I played a jet in a local music store. Felt great. But couldn’t justify another guitar the moment. Got to get rid of some stuff first 😢
Mods sound great and reminds me of Lee from studio rats channel. I love his perspective on gear, good value and gig worthy
@@hollywoodactress oh yeah! The stuff is definitely gig worthy, I've been gigging the Jets and Fazley's for a few months now - almost completely un-modded(except for the Tuners).
Henning Pauly has just uploaded a review of the Jet JS400. Great vid 👍 (but he got the string gauge wrong - they come with 10's 😁)
I prefer 9's on a strat, made a massive improvement to the feel for me.
But yeah... No rush to get one mate - I'm sure Jet are gonna be around for a very long time 😃👍
No body use grinding nickel frets no more. And neck to flat. And pickups to bright. But great vid
Cheers mate! 😃👍
Yeah - the neck is too flat for me too unfortunately. I should just sell this one, but I can't seem to let it go 🙈
I remember these costing €700-800ish several years ago which was okayish. Over €1000?? these days. The Jackson brand is offering similar stuff for alot less. These guitars play themselves though. Shame prices are up.
I hear ya mate - it seems like the prices across the board have skyrocketed recently.
I think for the specs on this Charvel it's "almost" justified tho - with the SD pickup set, Gotoh 510 trem, it's really top notch parts in this. I reckon a Harley Benton Fusion iii HSS is a great priced alternative, although it's still got a few differences. Which Jackson models would you say are similar to this?
I had a Jackson for about a week when I was 16, (it was a black performer series dk or something) there was nothing wrong with it - I just didn't like the pointy headstock 🙈
But yeah I'd maybe have a look at Jacksons again now - cheers mate! 😀👍
Jackson does offer more cost-effective models, and they are really good. I’ve played them, but they genuinely do not hold a candle to these. These genuinely feel like a $2000 guitar.
absolutely they’re in a different league.
I'm picking one up in a week or two (it's in Aberdeen so...er...fuck that).
The one I'm getting is Gold...should sound even better, yeah?
Ya lucky laddie! Gold one looks awesome - never seen one in the flesh.
But yeah gold always sounds better 😎👌
I want one cause it's totally a Stratson or Jackcaster, I like stratson better cause you can say it like. It's a Strat, Son.
had to come back, realized the DK22 is the Stratson, and the DK24 is the Jackcaster.
😂 Nice one mate! 👌
Ha! Nailed it now 😂👍
Theres no perfect guitar, as what one person will want, the will not. I have a Charvel, and its just brilliant. There are some things about id want to change, and i have changed the trem to a Schaller lockmiester, as its just a much better trem, and its not made of dog shite, like the 1000 series trem that was in it. And i may change the bridge pickup for a Dimarzio Tone Zone, as i perfer that pickup to the JB thats in there. But if i was going to get my perfect guitar, id have Crimson make it for me.
Wise words mate 👍
I love the Gotoh trem on this Charvel - never tried the Schaller you mentioned tho. I'm not a big fan of the JB either.
Modding can always get you close to your perfect guitar.
But the annoying thing is... As soon as you get close - Boom! Your tastes change 🙈
It's all about the chase 😁
Fantastic review Steve, i did S U B to you channel. Well done.
Awesome! Thanks bro! I totally love these Charvels - name is a bit too long though 😜
@stevecassidyguitar hahah, every Charvel has a long a$$ name. Agreed!!!
@@SteveRicardo777 Hot on the heels of the Ibanez model names 🙈
@@stevecassidyguitar ohh hell yeah.
3:39 Tom Selleck
Well spotted mate 😁👍
It's a bit of a running joke, that i've been trying to make a "thing" on the channel🤪
I like to pretend there are ridiculous signature models for celebrities (who don't even play the guitar). Then I use the wrong pictures and sometimes even spell there names wrong (for fun 🙈).
In this one I took Tom Selleck's head and put it on Joe Satriani's body and called him Burt Reynold's because they look a bit similar 🤡👍
This one is even more stupid 😜
ua-cam.com/video/ihd-k_8NLX0/v-deo.html
Apologies in advance 🙈
Burt Reynolds Magnun tuners lol 😂😂😂
I'd buy em! 😎👌
You are funny. And fortunately this American can understand you!
Woohoo!!! Thanks for the feedback mate! 😃🙏
I know where a gold one is
Nice! Have ya got one? 😀
Love the guitar, although it is a bit out of my price range, or it is if I want to stay married.
It's not often I'd spend that much. I try to use the excuse of "It's my Job" but it doesn't always fly 🙈
these are mid priced MIM guitars, im sure you could find one used under a grand.
@@elevenAD I was really lucky to score this one for £600 delivered.
For my circumstances - that still counts as a lot of money to spend on (another 🙈) guitar 😜👍
@@stevecassidyguitar At least you like the guitar, i paid full price when they first came out i think it was $1100 and i never really bonded with the guitar. I love the way it plays but i dont love the way it sounds, especially the bridge pup. some players make this pick up sound great but im not one of them.
@@elevenAD I'd have to agree. All 3 of the pickups are a bit too hot for my taste, and the neck profile a bit too shreddy for me. I'm keeping it stock as it may not stay with me forever 😬
Nut it's so close to being one of the best ever imo 😀
Yeah you can find a Charvel with all those features for like 1000$ lmao
😜👍
Cars go fast!!!!
Brooom Broooom!!!! 🚗💨