Charvel Dk24 VS Ibanez AZ Premium

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[@GeronimoBiggles]

Stainless steel frets and locking tuners for all guitars!

[@davidhurley5032]

💯

[@SelFreeLions]

Noooo🥺 it’s not vintage 🥺🥺🥺

[@brucelittle3958]

From a sound perspective, the Charvel sounds brighter when played like a Strat and fuller, rounded and more bottom end than the Ibanez with distortion. I just love the sound overall of the Charvel.

[@TheBlackzat]

I have one of these Charvel’s and I’m soooo impressed with the value. I pick this guitar plenty of times. It holds its own next to any 4K guitar. Super happy with It. Thanks Phil!

[@liys540]

I think because it is the size of the neck

[@jimhathaway4075]

I never knew that about the string trees and why players use wraps (even though I’ve asked). You’re the first person to actually explain/ demonstrate it. Kudos!

[@marktheshark99]

Me too, over 30 years of playing and still learning.

[@stratty316]

Don’t forget the importance of the truss-rod wheel for adjusting the neck on the Charvel. From a simple maintenance perspective it’s a huge advantage for the Charvel.

[@einarabelc5]

And double action trust rod.

[@lordofthekino3310]

The DK24 actually has a series/parallel switch (so all positions are hum free) while the AZ has a "dyna-max switch" which is effectively a coil-tap switch.

[@tch8787]

I am noticing hum from my prestige az not overly annoying but this is a helpful point I really want that ash body Tele but it has those damn Fishmans and i just prefer passive

[@Emma-en5nb]

I think yours is the most honest, accurate assessment of the Charvel on KZbin. So many demos are just shredding but here I feel like I can actually hear what the guitar sounds like. Thanks Phil :)

[@brianbaird5742]

Hey Phil! I just dinged a fretboard. I remembered the clothes iron trick you showed us, good as new! Thanks man and Happy Father's Day tomorrow!

[@stu2596]

Great review! Nice to see both reviewed and played straight into an amp and not through a ton of effects! You get so much better of an idea of what they can do tone wise.

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

I love how detailed and honest your videos 👍🏻❤️

[@gigmandrew8975]

Thanks for this video and all of the videos that you produce Phil!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Your welcome and thank you for the kind words. Have a great weekend

[@passionplayer7]

I love my Charvel DK24, the rolled edges on the fretboard made it so comfortable. I have upgraded the trees to tusq, added a treble bleed(sd pickups get so dark when you use any of the volume knob) and changed the bridge pickup to be more even with the neck. Yes, SS frets are the only thing missing imo and I would not have minded paying an extra $100-200 extra. After those minor personal adjustments and it is the most out of the way guitar to let you do what you need to do with the instrument. Great review comparison Phil, I did make my purchase after playing an AZ and just wasn't inspired, so I went for the Charvel and could not be happier. Cheers!

[@joshuaandtheruins8580]

I got a Charvel DK24 Pro-Mod HH 2PT this year, and I flipping love it. The neck is amazing, the 2x5 different pickup options are great. The detented tone pot took some getting used to, but rolling off just a touch of the highs gives it a great, even rhythmic chug in the mix similar to my Les Paul.

[@frishdaw]

It's worth noting the Charvel also has a spot for an alan key behind the tremolo socket to adjust the tension on the arm!

[@Aalii6]

Thank you for making this comparison! I really like the stainless steel frets on the AZ as well as its clean sounds (heard in other videos).

[@rogerblack3519]

I have the AZ BUT to suit me I have shaved 3mm off the back and shaved the shoulder off the top. I love the clean tones and choices I have. I have only tried one Charbel and didn't really like the tones. But that is an individual choice. But remember I missed the neck. Easy enough to do if you are careful. I am not a shredder at all. Blues, jazz Latin funk. And the AZ is a great funky guitar ( for me) Also the fade just pops on stage. Remember it is a show

[@manfredl733]

Absolutely a definitive guide for choosing between DK24 and AZ. I just have bought my first Charvel Pro-Mod DK24.

[@benmurrell7634]

I have not awaited a Phillip McKnight video more eagerly than this one!

[@willking6858]

Oddly enough, these two were at the top of my list for a post lockdown, local store supporting treat. Going to try them first obviously, but I'm pretty set on getting the... Thanks Phil, very helpful.

[@eddiejr540]

Hahahahaha...nice!!!!

[@alexjackson8841]

Which one did you end up with?

[@itswill]

@@alexjackson8841 Funny story - went to Project Music to check a Charvel and tried a Fender Ultra strat while tinkering about, ended up going home with that... Ultra was just awesome. However, a week later Andertons had a DK24 in olive on offer, so I bought that too. Nice work all round. Wife not so happy.

[@alexjackson8841]

@@itswill Haha the more the better! I’ve never played an ultra strat, is it like fenders attempt at making a really playable super strat type guitar. like a suhr kinda thing?

[@carlosegtrs5308]

Had them both at the store where I worked. Love the sounds of the Ibanez but the neck on the charvel was the best.

[@ericlewis9638]

That’s my FAVORITE “Know Your Gear” shirt!

[@Iheartdgd]

Honestly it’s a great comparison, I’m not much of an ibanez fan but those AZs are incredible and super comfortable guitars. I’m still going with the Charvel though 👍🏻

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Great video as always! To my ears, I prefer the Charvel, but the Ibanez still sounds pretty good also. Thanks, Phil!

[@blkjakk]

I’ve never found an Ibanez that I loved but I absolutely love the 2016-now Charvels

[@indian3750]

Same here

[@tallkeesh]

Great comparison and thanks for mentioning the ringing due to the lack of string trees.. .didn't know that!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

In the case of my AZ, the string tree ate a little bit of tuning stability, so I removed it all together and I suggest all AZ owners follow suit. I combat the noise with a Gruvgear Fretwrap, I have it on all of my guitars except for the Floyd ones

[@erichughes16]

I appreciate the fact that you discussed the little stuff. The playability and of each. I have both Ibanez and Jackson/charvel and think the “fenders” feel better and more comfortable to play. I see tone not necessary as each guitar, pickups, amps and room playing in will affect the tone. I want to know how it feels. Guts can be replaced to fit ones needs.

[@Malediction99]

Finally an in depth comparison between these two. I have an HSH DK24 for my main guitar and it's great, but it's good to see what I may have been missing out on. By the sound of it, for my style of playing the Charvel was the way to go.

[@madmike4622]

I’ve just bought a Charvel pro mod dk, love it already

[@stratmanuk]

Phew! I bought this Charvel yesterday (it arrives tomorrow), I also considered this Ibanez as well but after now having heard the two side by side (with my fingers crossed) it definately sounds to my ears that I made the correct decision :-)

[@travisstone6099]

Been waiting a while for this one Phil! 🤘🏻👍🏻🍻

[@cybersixx]

Im glad to hear the raw tone of the evh

[@emil5633]

Finallyyyyy this comparison has been long overdue

[@RCross7]

I think the Charvel sounded better as well. Great comparison. Phil, having that neck comparison was the best thing and probably key in swaying people toward one or the other. Neck feel is the most important. And each guitarist has their preference. I like the thinner necks. It was eye opening to see their differences. I would definitely pick the Charvel.

[@michael1]

Yep, although it's a bit of a chalk and cheese comparison imo. Ibanez are kind of famous for building several series of guitars with notably thin necks and famous for high gain lead shreddy sounds - the AZ series being a specific departure from this. You can get the same pickups, stainless steel frets, roasted maple neck yadda yadda yadda in the RG series and the neck will be 3-4mm thinner and typically 9s fitted as default rather than 10s. Some of the S series are similar too. I guess the thing Phil has perhaps latched onto is the switch and different sounds you get, which the 2 guitar series have adopted - but again that is available on a number of Ibanez series including the ones with the thinner necks. It's not a bad comparison - I'm sure a number of people have seen the AZ series and the DK and figured which they'd prefer - but specifically the set of guitar players who like thin necks and perhaps want a guitar with less of a reputation for shredding but more of a suhr type feel are making a mistake looking at the AZ series because Tom Quayle / Martin Miller et al screwed the pooch by picking a fat neck. Thankfully though, as I suggest, a lot of the design changes have made it to the other series Ibanez make.

[@clamus68]

I bought my Charvel based on your review you did last year. It's a purchase I've never regretted. I absolutely love mine. It's a T Type with a Floyd and JB/59 and it's wonderful.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Great to hear!

[@james.kaloki]

What charvel is this that came with a jb

[@clamus68]

@@james.kaloki It was a Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH FR Electric Guitar, with Maple Fingerboard (Okoume body wood) made in Mexico. JB bridge and 59 neck. Floyd Rose tremolo and all black hardware. Body color is Natural.

[@samhainlimon]

@@clamus68 I have one too and it's the best guitar I've ever had. A work of art

[@saryabouismail5721]

Fantastic review! Thank u Phil. Surprisingly (after reading comments) I think the Ibanez has better note definition and clarity (not talking about brightness but separation). I am not able to try either but am considering purchasing an HSS Charvel and swap the pickups. Again, this review was extremely helpful!

[@saryabouismail5721]

And MAYBE swap the Gotoh with a Wilkinson (still made by Gotoh but different design)

[@kiezersosay49]

I have both of them and i love em both! They are obviously similar, but there different enough to where it doesn't seem redundant to have both. Its like 2 different flavors of the same thing. The ibanez neck is on the thicker side, but it doesn't hinder or limit my playing in any kind of way. It thicker in a good way.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

Hyperions are bad ass pickups. Even on an 8+ string djent stick they seem to have fantastic clarity.

[@tricomaguitarist]

Love my charvel, I actually had it refretted with SS frets and it’s just amazing now.

[@davidlane147]

Did you refret because they wore out or you just wanted to?

[@justindawson55]

Great review, just wish you wore a white t-shirt so I could see that beautiful charvel.

[@idontgrillonwed]

I always appreciate your perspectives on these as a tech. I wish the Charvel had a thicker neck. After playing several, if it had a thicker neck I would pay for the stainless frets in few years.

[@_caustics_]

I love my Charvel so much I want to buy it twice. I love Fender and Ibanez, but the neck is amazing on the Charvel.

[@MichaelMitchell9969]

Love the Full Shreds.

[@Mightydougthompson]

Sweet guitars! I just bought an ESP LTD Viper 400B baritone. It’s pretty awesome. My first guitar with EMGs.

[@HeadHunterJujujaja]

I am a Charvel DK24 2PT fan. I own two DK24 2PT CMs. It’s funny but I am using them to play Jazz. You can argue that the neck pickup is perfect. The bridge pickup is hot but it blends well for a nice modern vibe of jazz tone. Your observations are dead on. Both of mine needed some fret work. They required some fret sprout filing and rounding. Other than that no complaints. The highlight for me was the neck. Yes it is super fast but for me it was how smooth and super soft feel it has. This is a very sturdy guitar with great futures. I happily bought cases for both without regret.

[@zaz4667]

Charvel, Radius:12"-16" compound 24 jumbo frets. Ibanez 24 Jumbo frets. Ibanez web site has the AZ242F-02 Neck radius at 12". Guitar center has the AZ242F at Radius: 15.75 in.. Musicians Friend has the AZ242F at 15.75 in. I am into the radius of necks and here is the info on that. Awesome review Phil! Thanks!

[@Barbarapape]

I am an Ibanez buyer, but after watching your video i would try the Charvel, to my ears it had a more Strat like tone to the pickups, the ibanez sounded flat. Thanks for the comparison Phil.

[@marcoferrandi6191]

I think that the Ibanez AZ series shines best on HSS configuration

[@kimtorres3745]

Agreed

[@jazznotes3802]

Marco Ferrandi Where it doesn’t shine is in it’s “high pitch squeaky tremolo bar.” (Very poor design in this area from Ibanez)

[@TheJuvenalis]

@@jazznotes3802 fixable by turning a screw.

[@AkiraSpectrum]

Very informative video that helps to answer one of greatest questions of our time, Charvel DK24 or Ibanez AZ Premium.

[@eddiejr540]

Hahahahaha....nicely done!!!!!

[@leonardszubinski4709]

I've just purchased the Charvel Old Yella guitar! My very first Charvel, what a beautiful fantastic guitar it is!

[@eddiejr540]

Ahh dude...CONGRATS...i freaking love that guitar!!!

[@Jydmd]

I was waiting for that video! I really like both, but I was only able to try the Charvel. Really liked the neck, I played a Jackson JS30 for many years and I was right at home! Too bad there's no AZ of any kind available near where I live. I may still go with a Harley Benton Fusion II to save a bit of money. I wish more brands would do guitars like these two, with all the switching options for maximum versatility and good quality parts.

[@dangreenwood]

I’m going through this predicament at the moment. I want a new guitar, I’ve seen these at almost the same price secondhand. I’m going in favour of the Charvel at the moment. This was very useful, thank you.

[@DISTURBEDSAS]

Same lol...

[@michaeleaster1815]

Great video for 2 guitars of high interest (for me).... thanks!

[@superdarkshadow]

Both guitars seem great, but this video made me want an EVH 5150 more than it made me want either guitar. Such a great sound.

[@cbsaulren]

I have the 50w stealth and it's easily the best amp I've ever owned/played. The distortion is just perfect. If you want good clean tones, the el34 is probably superior.

[@wadekresak2149]

There are many great insights here. Somehow, I always think of Bryan May, and come to the conclusion that everyone must do their own skivies. Well done

[@nikospaleologos3907]

I love my Charvel, fantastic neck and tones

[@troytrellman5011]

I've been an Ibanez fanatic for decades and currently have about a dozen of them, but on these models I think I would prefer the Charvel.

[@TheShinyShow]

I like Charvel, but those AZeds are just fantastic guitars.

[@fleshbhones]

As a Canadian, I appreciate the Zed

[@eddiejr540]

Fives Alives ....so would the band be zed zed top OR zz top??...always wondered that!!!

[@fleshbhones]

@@eddiejr540 I can't help but say Zee Zee top, zed zed top just doesn't have the same juice haha

[@guitartherapy7208]

Very good comparison! I wish I saw more like this!

[@petebrown3715]

That Charvel is more up my alley. Don't get me wrong I own an Ibanez and love it however to transition from metal to blues to jazz the Charvel would work better for myself. Thanks you Phil for the video.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I have the AZ Premium and it's also transitions just as well if not better. Sounds amazing for everything :)

[@Speedyman98]

This was a good one👍🏽

[@adamburger858]

Seriously, for anyone with the Charvel - get staggered locking tuners, and loose both trees- mine was unplayable till I figured this out..now it's fire! Was loosing my damn mind with those string trees! Lol

[@drloqutis2492]

Great funk riff at the end!

[@benv6875]

You can get jumbo SS frets on the Charvel if you go to the USA Select version ( at quite a bit more money).

[@shaalis]

2 Winner to me. I think I would probably pick the Charvel. Sound won me over.

[@metalheadblues]

Great comparison , I think the charvel is the overall better buy as well. Gotta strat saving.

[@noodlegts]

I was torn between these two guitars until I went into a shop and actually played both. The necks are very very very different from each other. The Ibanez neck is way chonkier than the Charvel. I personally preferred the Charvel neck for my style of playing. Ibanez definitely had the superior fretwork. Really bad fret sprout on the Charvel when I demoed it, will need fixing for sure. Love the attention to the neck in this video Phil.

[@jdj62464]

Be a tough choice between these two I like the top and the SS frets on the Ibanez over the solid colored Charvel but I'd still go with the pick the Charvel. As far as the cutout on the Ibanez I'm pretty sure it's done to shave off some weight.

[@Zolbat]

Went to my local guitar store to decide whether to get a jazzmaster or ja jaguar. Decided to get the charvel from this video.

[@alementary4065]

The best guitar player I knew personally growing up played a Charvel, but I'd forgotten about them for years, until Guthrie Govan's signature model. That may be my dream guitar. They're really knocking them out of the park lately.

[@maciejl5964]

Great video. I got charvel dk24 eventually

[@insidious.92]

Nice tone dude

[@liys540]

definitely I prefer charvel dk24 pt hh because of its sound and when you switch on the super swtich , it does not hum when it's outer coil ,that's why I love it . Secondly , the neck is so smooth and comfortable

[@Loner0410]

I've played both, and for me, I'd say for high distortion, the Charvel takes it. Although I think the Ibanez shines in clean and crunchy tones. I like the Ibanez neck way more than the charvel, mostly because I have massive hands, and it just fits like a glove for me. I don't seem to have the problem with the neck cavity on the ibanez, but maybe thats because I went to that from a fender strat, and anything is better than that. The charvel is definitely a shred neck, and feels a lot like an evh neck. Thats another thing to keep in mind is that Charvel is closely tied to evh and that jazz, whereas the AZ was quite literally made with the help from those dudes from polyphia. I think they have different purposes despite being so similar, especially in the neck. So if you want the shred metal guitar, charvel is amazing. The ibanez is much better for chord, melodic, and other things, but still can take metal. They are both great in my opinion, but I'm a little bit of a sucker for the Ibanez.

[@MatthewFant]

I think as far as your review, you hit it out of the park. I love prestige Ibanez guitars, however, as a super strat, I think the charvel dk roasted neck guitars are a better buy, and better overall. The one caveat is if you’re a person that prefers thick necks. 🤷‍♂️

[@bennyharderguitar]

I had a difficult time getting used to playing the DK24 I had for awhile after playing my AZ, Kiesel, and ML3BEA. Those necks are great.

[@ynot5150]

What are Keisel necks like?

[@Mrshibbs3291]

I went with the AZ EH10 premium because it has a Tele neck pickup that sounds fantastic.

[@RichardGarcia93]

Ayeeeeeeeeee CHON love

[@cosmitron67]

So I had a Charvel DK24 HSH that I really wanted to love but I had to ship it back cause there were some dramatic issues: the neck was misaligned with the body and there was nothing I or a guitar tech could do about it! I had the chance to try this exact AZ242 the following week, and the neck alone sealed the deal. Still have the AZ242 but also added 2 AZ more and planned to add a 7 string one.

[@JE-western-rider]

My left hand has arthritis below the thumb and shorrter fingers. Usually I stick with Gibsons and their thin taper neck profile. The owner of a local music store suggested I try a Charvel Dinky and I now have both a 22 and 24 fret version of the guitar. To this late time in my life, I gotta admit, the Charvel neck on the Dinkys is probably the most comfortable neck I've ever played.

[@adiseshkr]

I own an AZ premium hss and to be honest , I experienced some quality control issues on it initially . Frets were not level , tone knob failed twice . But after I got these fixed , the guitar was definitely one of the best guitars I’ve ever played .( I also have an American deluxe Strat ) . The Hyperion pickups are absolute beasts . They have their own distinct character. Would I prefer the AZ against the charvel , not really, because from what I see and hear , the charvels have amazing quality control and also have a compound radius fingerboard , which are really really good considering they’re 300 dollars lesser than the AZs. On the surface both are very similar guitars but somehow the charvel definitely feels more solid .

[@aapddd]

3:17 ooff that was close Phil ! 😅

[@JimDewdGuitars]

I'd go with the charvel. When it comes to bolt ons the neck heel is a big deal for me.

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

Great comparison, Philip! I watch all of your videos, I love your channel! I love how thorough you are. Are you sure that the Charvel DK 24 PRO MOD has the exact same five way switch as the American Strat? Do all of them have the same switch? So the electronics are high-quality in them? Thanks!

[@samueltractorton2088]

Kickass review!

[@TheE23slack]

Charvel for me... Great video 👍

[@prsmantse1]

I have the black dk24 too. It's pretty awesome. I wanted the az but hated the color options

[@Johnnysmithy24]

That black is melting me. I love the combination of the gloss black with roasted maple neck🔥 I want one!

[@oshri9913]

I love the deeper and richer sound of the chravel.

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Sorry I stand corrected I didn't see that you did play clean later in the video. nice demo Phillipe'

[@ehoc42]

I’ve tried both. The charvel looks a lot better and they both play well. IMO the Ibanez and sounds a lot better with the Hyperion pickups. The biggest difference comes to the neck carve and your preference for necks. The charvel is a lot thinner to a level I don’t prefer

[@rockyfolksy8639]

great video Phillip. is there a possibilty of a video comparison more on the pick ups on those guitars? i really wanna hear how they sound in comparison. Thanks.😊

[@aaronanthony569]

With the thinner block you do get more travel i.e. pitch bend range if your trem is floating

[@christophercole8877]

Use a right angle cable end in that angled and recessed output jack!

[@JohnnyBargeldBoom]

I talked about this with my luthier.. He said it too: The Charvel DK24 are unbelievable in that price range.

[@heavymetal11]

I got a Charvel socal promod 2 years back, the playability is phenomenal, smooth like butter, but got an acquaintance in another band group who own it too and he told me his jackson blew the charvel out of water in shredding.😮 Anyway, i sold the charvel as i found that it is quite difficult to get the pinch harmonics on lower frets. Oh before all the " you can get pinch harmonics on your acoustic guitar " coming at me, i have no problems with 2 of my fenders and a les paul. Sadly pick up change doesn't help.

[@pablo9364]

Easy choice Ibanez AZ all the way. Sounds great 👍

[@robertobaldan4717]

great review man !! Which oone has bigger frets ?

[@mikeivey8471]

I love them both !! They both have their own uses & tones , which is what I like when buying multiple guitars ! If they were all the same you'ld only need 1 , & frankly what guitar player ever wants just 1 ?! Lol

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I want a bunch of the same AZ lol

[@skiba727]

Willie Nelson. Van Halen

[@CroneRaven1810]

Getting both but do prefer the AZ. SS frets are a nice plus on the AZ.

[@supernatural9r406]

Man The Sound of Eddie Van Halen is unreached. No one has a better Sound for Heavy Rock Shred.

[@WalkenDead]

That Ibanez neck join is very similar to a '90's Charvel I have

[@papasmamas1]

Nice review

[@luisvieira9567]

Great review man. Thanks for your great work and effort! I have the same Ibanez that you have but, when I play, I have the feeling that the scale is very hard to play, for exemple: i have difilcultie making bends on the string 1 and on the last frest on the scale, even when I do a setup. I use ernie ball 0.9 and 0.10 but i dont notice any difference. Do you have any os this issue on your Ibanez? Thanks for the reply, maybe you can help me.

[@JesseLeeKing]

I kinda bought my Ibanez spontaneously because the guitar I was going to get was sold out so I got the Ibanez. In retrospect I wish I spent a little more time shopping around just because there are so many guitars I want. Which i could of got the super shredder with stainiac for the Same amount lol I'm just saying that because wanted t buythat guitar a few times. I do love my Ibanez but wizard necks aren't my favorite. Saying that I do like having several different kinds of guitars it helps to keep it fresh and inspired me to play different.