BRAND NEW EVH 5150 Guitar vs Charvel San Dimas Comparison - Which Is Best For You?

THIS IS NOT A SOUND TEST, NOR IS IT A SPONSORED VIDEO - I have put this up to explain to you guys the main differences between these two fantastic hard rock guitars that are on the market at the moment from Charvel Guitars and EVH Gear. So many of you asked questions about how they compare although they are designed to do the exact same thing despite their differences. In short, I prefer the San Dimas overall but the EVH 5150 has a nicer neck although both work for me.
EVH 5150 Guitar
Engineered for speed, comfort and full-throttle attitude, the reimagined 5150® Series Standard is an iconic blast from the past that blends both throwback and modernized features.
Like its predecessor, the 5150 Standard features a modified Strat®-style basswood body with a deeper upper body curve. The graphite-reinforced bolt-on quartersawn maple neck features a comfortable modified “C” profile, hand-rubbed urethane back finish, heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel and matching “hockey stick” headstock with EVH® logo decal. Built for smooth and speedy playability, the 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard has 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays.
While the famed striped original had a single humbucking bridge pickup only, the all-new 5150 is outfitted with an HH pickup configuration controlled by a quick access three-way toggle on the lower bout. The custom designed EVH® Wolfgang® Alnico 2 Humbucker bridge pickup delivers the perfect amount of punch and articulation with sweet sustain and thick chunky rhythms in a perfectly balanced EQ curve. The EVH Wolfgang humbucker neck pickup serves up no-nonsense, balls to the wall overdrive and endless sustain without skimping on articulate cleans when the volume is rolled down. A high-friction tone knob provides unmatched tonal performance, while the custom designed EVH-branded low-friction volume knob creates even-volume tapering for the smoothest volume swells.
Decked out with a “dive-bomb” certified EVH-branded top-mount Floyd Rose® bridge, each locking nut tailpiece features fine tuners and a patented EVH D-Tuna® for switching back and forth from drop-D to standard tuning in an instant.
A high-octane, high-performance axe, the 5150 Standard boasts battle-ready style in either a Matte Army Drab, Rocket Red or Satin Primer Gray finish with all-chrome hardware, including the EVH-branded Gotoh® tuning machines.
Charvel San Dimas
Its body is crafted from alder and is coupled with a bolt-on maple neck with a pair of graphite reinforcement rods to resist bending and warping under environmental stresses. The speed neck profile is designed for lightning fast playing and completely unhindered position shifts while the comfortably rolled fingerboard edges provide the broken-in feel of an instrument with plenty of playing miles on it, and plenty more to go. Its 12"-16" maple fingerboard hosts 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays, and has a heel-mount truss rod adjustments for quick and convenient neck relief tweaks.
High-output Seymour Duncan® JB and Seymour Duncan '59™ humbucking pickups are directly mounted to the body, cranking out high octane rock ‘n’ roll tone with plenty of sweet overtones. The volume control conceals a push/pull coil split to have even more tonal variations on tap while the no-load tone control operates like a standard tone control from positions one through nine, removing itself from the circuit at position ten for transparent sound, letting the full natural voice of the guitar shine through. Dive to rumbling depths or add a well-placed rising harmonic without sacrificing your tuning with the Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system.
Designed with style in mind, the San Dimas Style 1 HH FR M is available in a diverse mix of finishes. A Charvel neck plate, sealed die-cast tuners and standard strap buttons complete the package.

[@guitagious9464]

Only had my EVH 5150 in Slime Green for 2 weeks and am really enjoying it. Haven't played any of my other guitars since receiving this one. It's a lot of fun to play 80's rock on! This video helped me to decide on getting it. Thanks Cam!

[@unclejemima2017]

Rick astley knows what hes doin

[@brandonmcvey9511]

He will never give you up, and never gonna let you down

[@gideonrobertsofficial]

Those were some killer 80s riffs in this video. I’ve been looking at these two guitars for a bit now, this video helped a lot!!

[@chrisvuk3053]

Top comparison, keep it up!

[@motorcityaxeman7059]

Awesome comparison Cam ... thank you !

[@JohnnyBeane]

Awesome man! I dig the EVH myself.

[@Arty_C]

You get my sub just for playing Jason’s Taking Me Back😊 Great review!

[@VintageDefectors69]

5:54 When you started playing Gods of War I had to do a quadruple take to make sure I wasn't hearing things.

[@brotherbear8946]

I was just going to comment about that but you beat me to it! Awesome riff and song!

[@peytonbrezski]

RIP Steve Clark he had so many cool riffs and licks

[@The_Macaroon]

Good video and interesting take Cam. Charvel for me every day of the week

[@genemalburg785]

Awesome again cam sir. Love the evh headstock and able to have both humbuckers like you said. But you make anything you play awesome!!!

[@bestboy897]

Great playing

[@tompantaleo9441]

I'd go EVH first. I love my Wolfgang standard. A very well made guitar, it plays and sounds amazing. Love the Wolfgang humbuckers. Also the dive only trem seems to have better tuning stability. My Wolfgang standard just doesn't go out of tune at all.

[@leftyzappa]

FOR GOD'S SAKE...THANK YOU for being thorough with everything. Especially the neck profiles dude!

[@littlehookerjam407]

Excellent presentation. I do own two Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas and several Kramers with same head stock on the new EVH. I enjoy playing with all of them but I do like this new EVH 5150. Now I need to buy one. Thanks for sharing

[@yonikup2865]

Never played either but if in term of ease of play and quality they are roughly the same i would go charvel, because it had the 6 pack of sound which i think is highly valuable. Great video as always Cam =) 🤘🏼

[@jasong546]

Cameron I still like the San Dimas, even though as a really little kid Eddies guitars like the 5150 were the first that I noticed or thought were what I would want. But I hear a little fuller sound with the Charvel. Although you know a person can certainly start utilizing the pedal and amp controls to change that. Thanks for comparing the features for us!

[@QwikVidz]

Good review. Thanks.

[@vrgaming7377]

I just bought the 5150 in pink with the kill switch,, I absolutely love it,, I suppose one of the reasons why is because two of my favourite guitars are a strat and a Gibson Explorer and his is like the two of the had an offspring :) love the Wolfgang pickups,, they actually sound really good for the killers and u2 believe it or not ( songs that us explorer ) as u can probably tell I’m not a shredder but I am going to try learning how to shred but these type of guitar I think have way more uses then shredding :)

[@jessetate9701]

For me the evh cause I love the head stock cause it reminds me of the 80s

[@alhemmings8554]

True, but wish the headstock wasnt painted.

[@2216sammy]

I adore those banana headstock style also . Prefer a guitar like 10- 1 over a straight non banana type.

[@prk7856]

Since you prefer the dive only bridge have you ever considered installing a trem stopper on your floating bridge. I installed them on all my floating trems and it made a world of difference especially during string changes

[@BOOMER-DAD]

Very cool thank you, just so happens right now I'm making that discion

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Thanks alot, Brother Cameron..I guess I read your mind, with my question to you yesterday, asking you if you would do a comparison video of the two. 😂😂....Thanks again, Bro. I love all of your videos since they are so imformative. I'd go with the Charvel San Dimas too. I really like the purple one that you have, with the Ebony Fretboard. Purple is my favorite color too. One day I will buy one like that. I'll be paying off my new Friedman Rig for a few more years. lol.....Have a good one bro.

[@punkyguitars7775]

Absolutely grooving to the Def Leppard gods of War at 5:54!!! Used to love that song and those risks you were playing. I played that hysteria album for years in my bar bands!!!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

I, of course, cannot afford of this haha, but I would definitely say the Charvel for me here! Of course you always make everything you play sound amazing! Cheers!

[@spicybison]

So basically you can thank fender for making wonderful rock machines

[@scottb1518]

Watched the vid a few times now and gonna have to go for the EVH. Richer bottom end, dive only bridge and double humbucker mode. Dont mind it having a basswood body, a few scratches/dents will just add character ;). Thanks Cam!

[@cooldudemark]

I always say a guitar that doesn't have a few scratches/dents is a guitar that has not been fully enjoyed.

[@bostonarchie6639]

you prolly dont care at all but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot the login password. I would appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@jakealexis9032]

@Boston Archie instablaster ;)

[@bostonarchie6639]

@Jake Alexis Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and Im in the hacking process now. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@johnclark6916]

Very cool! I like both but would have to go with the 5150 just cause it’s associated with KING EDWARD

[@fredericadda]

Interesting comparison! Personally I would prefer the San Dimas for its versatility. (In your video there is a big difference of level between the spoken and played parts)

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

EVH ...but is my hard decision!! Great video again. Hv you all a nice weekend.

[@dixee6498]

I like them both and usually I would lean towards the Charvel. You did however mention a characteristic of the 5150's neck that I had to agree with and I'll agree with what others have said about the tone.

[@monsterkxf]

Great review! EVH for me, love the Wolfgangs, headstock, drop d and the overall design. How many guitars you up to now?? 🤘🤘

[@MonsterDog5150]

Great video as usual. For me it’s the EVH!

[@misslillysdaddy]

Hi Cam . I have a Charvel So-cal Pro mod and I’m considering an EVH 2020.Just wondering how the new model compares to the older EVH strat style guitars. Thanks

[@Magik1369]

Great demo. Well done. They both sound great. The Alder San Dimas cuts a little better...it has a bit more high end. The basswood EVH sounds a bit darker and low mid range typical of basswood. I'd take the San Dimas to my cover gig, and the EVH to my rock originals gig.

[@rynoitch6982]

Love that you played Thunder’s ‘Love Walked In’ & Def Leppard’s ‘Gods of War.’

[@powerbylightfutureisnow1579]

Hey Cameron, have you ever play a Parker? I am talking about the really custom ones. Blown away crazy guitar.

[@rccampbell460]

I'm testing that EVH and I prefer it. I think it is a more stable guitar which is most important if your using a Floyd

[@MachineHeadDissent]

Always a killer jam!!!...🤙😎🤘

[@chatter7653]

Bonus points for playing Gods of War....for me the tipping point between the two guitars is the recessed floyd, which I prefer, on the Charvel.

[@scottb1518]

Just splurted fret oil all over my nut! Was stuck on which guitar to buy and this vid is just what I needed!

[@ScreamAndFly]

Awesome playing as always. Are you using your THR10 to record?

[@ch0g0nda1]

Lay it Down? Been watching Leon? :D Rad vids!

[@CameronCooper]

Thank you! Leon?

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

I know i've been watching Leon's video's, i did a video playing that riff, its a killer riff!

[@eljefe8564]

I have a '16 pro mod so cal. These fender owned charvel/jackson/evh guitars are great.

[@davidmerlin3344]

I have the pink Charvel and love it. I would actually like to have a Charvel hard tail next.

[@elefsidi]

While I prefer the snappy yet wild tone of the Charvel, I gotta say that the EVH 5150 Standards, are what the Modern-era Kramers should be. Both tonally and ergonomically.

[@CammedFox]

Charvel for me, as cool as the EVH is. I love my recessed Floyd's because i do a lot of pulling up on the bar for vibrato, etc. I don't like Floyds that only go down

[@racastilho]

A favor the San Dimas over the 5150 in all aspects except for the tone. The 5150 sounds awesome in this video. What are these guitars plugged into (pedals and amp)?

[@NumbskullAudioProduction]

Been a Charvel fanboy for many years now, and I'll always prefer them over most other hot-rod types. Having said that, I tend to prefer the simpler times (pre-2016) when they weren't trying to be so versatile. Single volume, 3-way toggle, two humbuckers, have at it. Simple, utilitarian rock machines. I feel they're trying to compete with Ibanez a little too much now, the newer control layout being very reminiscent of RG's. On the flipside, I do massively prefer the fretwork and functionality of the newer ones. Not having to take the neck off to adjust the truss rod is a HUGE step up, for one.

[@alhemmings8554]

Saying that, a Charvel with Dimarzios and the pointy Jackson headstock with a black cover would tempt me....

[@identificador1952]

What you recomment charvel o evh?

[@johnschmidt7136]

You sound fantastic! I like the 5150

[@screamndemon6094]

I see with the Ratt riff and thunder riff

[@voltnerstudios2115]

Great to hear Ratt!

[@williamdon3442]

I have a charvel 475 deluxe, the neck on it is perfect. I tried the slim wizard neck on a RG Ibanez and loved it. Both guitars are nice. But I’d go with the 5150 if I had to pick

[@caryverhalen]

Huge EVH fan! however, the tonal variety is most important. Otherwise both great guitars for the $..... Ty for review

[@falsenoteofficial4629]

Amazing video. Where are you getting this tone from?? Its phenomenal!!!!!

[@CameronCooper]

Yamaha THR30II at this point. I use a Blackstar AMPED 3 now

[@TheJMan1K]

Ibanez J Custom Vs Charvel USA San Dimas Vs Jackson DK1/SL1 VS ESP EII MII VS Ibanez Prestige RG5000. I’m looking for a new guitar with a Floyd and I’m honestly stuck. Need to figure out what an Ibanez neck feels like. And is Jackson custom shop truly worth the cost or is it overpriced?

[@Eflat916]

Great video . Should have done EVH rocket red to Charvel rocket red..

[@mcfek7575]

I love the lay it down Riff

[@donovangermann022]

Love both guitars. Must get a charvel.

[@akischaly6472]

can u do a sound test of both of em with the evh head? thanks!!! ;)

[@alexb6566]

Just bought the EVH in red on sale at £499. Cant wait to get stuck into it

[@steel3454]

Taking Me Back!!

[@nonamehere9149]

Not a bad review.... One thing regarding the 5150 Toggle switch. It could have been put on above the strings, but that interferes with people who love tapping. This was one reason why the toggle switch is reversed on the wolf gangs. Eddie kept hitting it while tapping. There are a few live videos of Eddie playing these live, and if you watch closely, he flicks the toggle with his pinky. Not a bad spot for his style vs to the switch being mounted by the knobs and having to move you hand away while tapping. Again, it’s a preference. I had the Charger. Sold if for my wolf gang. I will most likely pick up a 5150 for Christmas. Play hard! 🤘🏻

[@benben-sl7hi]

The Charvel sounds much more clearer to me plus the tone is kickass!

[@qwertyytrewq98765]

What is that you play at 5:55? It sounds so familiar….Def Leppard? 👂🤔

[@galaxieman24]

Since the EVH is basswood, does setting the Floyd to dive only cause excessive wear on the body?

[@straight2helll]

From my experience the answer is yes.

[@ParanormalResponse]

Ilove my EVH. Do you find the neck pick up to be real muddy? Mine is horrible.

[@CameronCooper]

I don't mind it. I can make it work for me

[@viletantrum]

Charvel for sound...tone ...balls. Evh when I want a Charvel that looks a Kramer.

[@headstockharem4]

I think the EVH sounded a little better, more bite and individual string articulation when playing full chords, nice to have the D-Tuna also. I usually play a floating Floyd though and the 6 pack is great! TOUGH CHOICE FOR SURE....WAIT....GET BOTH LIKE CAM! 😄

[@Stringtheorist27]

The closest guitar to either of these I presently own is a Charvel USA Warren DeMartini Snake. I love everything about it except one... The pickup selector switch being placed right under the whammy bar drives me mad. I also find that split humbuckers rarely do a satisfactory imitation of a single-coil (usually far too thin and bright). So of these two I would choose the EVH model.

[@loumason6120]

are You interested in selling that guitar? I'm a drummer but play and own a few axes

[@Halenrocks5150]

I liked the tone of the EVH better in your demo. Much thicker & punchier!

[@retropyro]

Throwing in a little "Gods of War" lick ...nice.

[@geekguitars]

If possible, do a comparison between the Musicman Axis, Peavey Wolfgang and EVH Wolfgang!!

[@CameronCooper]

I'd love to do that but I own none of those guitars. All the EVH Wolfgangs I have are Mexican made and for it to be a proper shootout they would all need to be the USA models. :)

[@michaelwilson2497]

I had to sell my San dimas ☹ because of carpal tunnel. Needing a D shape neck to be able to play, maybe I will check out an EVH. Would rather have the JB 1 and the 59 installed though.

[@cragginshred]

What amp/rig are you using here?

[@oyster7746]

I liked them both. Oh well, I guess I'll have to buy one of each lol!

[@TurbulentJuice]

Bought the EVH, going to coil split it soon. Otherwise neck feels really good, frets are great and solid build quality all around.

[@ryaneastwood6561]

How does it sound coil split?

[@christophergregory1205]

San Dimas sounded much clearer. Plus I prefer to have a full floating trem. I prefer the location on the selector switch on the 5150, tho. I switch pickups a lot and mid solo, so I like having the switch away from the knobs so I'm not fumbling around, mess up and lower my volume.

[@normanjohnson712]

I would go with the Charvel for one the sound two because of the neck and three is because I have an original Jackson/Charvel Model M4 I bought new in the mid 80s.

[@drumitar]

i want both now.

[@Hunteronix]

3:28 riff? Or did he just make that up?

[@clement8959]

Pink is such a fun color.

[@shamzamri3442]

Best solution get both hahaha ..by the way when br Cam played Ratt lay it down riff the 5150 really pop out especially upper strings .. for me 5150 for riff and San Di for licks/solo which ever..

[@mbreinin]

5150 has a warmer and more full tone. It is too bad it does not have any coil splitting, but that is easy enough to remedy. I do not really like the color options for the 5150, which are only red and two flat colors, and that is the major drawback in my opinion. Otherwise, I really like them. I like both options, honestly.

[@uffedahlstedt4206]

You sure can play! (but how do you transfer low end from a wooden pice in a magnetic signal? with a string vibrating in 440 for ex. ;))

[@chrischaf]

Easy! Just change out the pickups with some 80's or older ones that aren't wax potted ;) Of course, be aware, that many people will likely come to believe that your guitar *must be HAUNTED* due to all the straaaaange sounds that your instrument will begin to exhibit, and if you then dare to turn your post gain past 6 on an all tube amp made before 1998 without somehow deadening your guitar enough to eliminate all traces of sympathetic vibration, prophets will likely begin to foretell a *GREAT CATACLYSM* and the end of the civilized world of calculator-metal as we know it -because Jimi Hendrix will have suddenly stopped turning over in his grave. At which point they will brand you a heretic, charge you as purveyor of witchcraft, and proceed to convict you of high treason and crimes against the humanity of digitally synthesized audio reproduction. Luckily the sentence will be burning your guitar at the stake, which will still make Jimi smile, making it wll worth it -even if it does mean you will be out the expense of the guitar and pickup. So, yeah, go for it. ;P

[@derekng9766]

How does the 5150 neck compare to say the striped series?

[@CameronCooper]

Watch my most recent video

[@MichaelBruceTLTAGuitar]

How does the neck on the EVH compare to a Wolfgang neck ?

[@CameronCooper]

I mention that in the recent review I did of the 5150 series. I highly recommend giving that a watch.

[@priyonjoni]

A coil split mod with a push pull or 6 position switch with the EVH will be a simple mod that gives you more sounds.

[@ryaneastwood6561]

You can’t coil split those EVH pickups I’m pretty sure

[@dreamforfreedom]

What song is that @7:22?

[@quit293]

Evh beacuse of pickups and d -tuna but san dimas is awesome.

[@marvinsanchez230]

I prefer the Charvel, I think the headstock is sexier on the San Dimas and the extra sounds readily available with the full floating Floyd just suits me better.

[@62SG]

I like the features of the EVH and the aesthetic of the Charvel.

[@kitoyobeni1]

I agree in terms of the Floyd/De-Tuna, and I've never liked that Kramer shape (especially the headstock). I preferred the tone of the SDs.

[@paulwilliams9535]

Evh sounds thicker and heavier than the SAN Dimas

[@george25199]

I have both prefer the EVH by a long shot .

[@johnclark6916]

Plus like the hockey stick headstock

[@augmentedcheesus227]

How do you always have perfect action? Any tips?

[@CameronCooper]

I don't to be honest, I just leave the guitars as they are

[@GearGasms]

San Dimas for me - it doesn’t have the D tuna but other than that much more versatile. I love my two Evh striped though!

[@arnoldevertsen]

You can just add the D tuner. I did and also added a tone control. San Dimas is then a very versatile guitar

[@identificador1952]

I want lh left guitar what you recomment charver o Evh.?

[@CameronCooper]

Both are equally good, made by the same people in the same factories.

[@crunch_amp9282]

What amp plug-ins are you using through your computer or are you using tube amp to microphone

[@CameronCooper]

Haha neither. Yamaha THR Amps

[@crunch_amp9282]

@@CameronCooper which kind of THR are you using it as a head into a cabinet and then Mic into your computer just really curious might buy the setup

[@CameronCooper]

@@crunch_amp9282 Neither, the THR is plugged into my computer via USB

[@garythomas4431]

Great review. I own both. Not these models, but I have two EVH guitars and quite a few Charvels. The Wolfgang pickups are very van Halen...naturally, which isn't bad, just limited. I've found Charvels to be more player friendly, ready to go without modification ( EVH Floyd Rose trems are poor quality and have tuning problems with the d tuna), and better necks for vibrato and really digging in. Both are nice guitars.

[@identificador1952]

What you recomment charvel o edvh,, you can explain the floyd bridge have same sistem D tune o only EVH had?

[@gman4092]

What makes it a SD guitar or a Pro mod guitar. What am I missing.

[@CameronCooper]

The name of the series is Pro Mod. The San Dimas and So Cal are guitars within that series.