Charvel So Cal vrs Charvel San Dimas ht Which is best for you?

#charvel #socal #sandimas
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[@tonymilam206]

I have that exact So-Cal in a left-handed model. I really enjoy playing it. I'm a disabled,older man who is battling pancreatic cancer. Rocking out is the best therapy ever! Thanks for the comparison.

[@luishernandez-xd4tx]

Gbu brother hope all goes well keep rockin!🤘🏻

[@tonymilam206]

​@@luishernandez-xd4txthank you so much for the kind words.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

They both sound close to the same with the So Cal being a bit more aggressive and harsh and the San Dimas was smoother sounding. I like the So Cal just because it's front loaded and the electronics can be changed very easily.

[@NinecoreNeil]

DesertScorpionKSA So Cal definitely darker and more aggressive i find yes bud

[@eljefe8564]

Both sound so good. So cal low end definition is outstanding

[@NinecoreNeil]

El Jefe85 it’s a very good guitar for recording that one ,the distortion and the one piece neck work great together

[@markslima1557]

My SoCal is a 2012 model that is actually Japanese made, and it has the DiMarzio Tone Zone pickups. Sounds and plays amazing. _Just_ picked up a brand new 2019 San Dimas HH with Floyd Rose.. it is also amazing, but sounds/feels a bit different, in a good way. Also pickup technology is way more advanced, it is amazingly versatile instrument in sound.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Mark Slima yes the Japanese ones do have a slightly different feel the floyds are flush to the body also sometimes this can give more midrange tone too ,both are great guitars

[@shannnism]

I think the San Dimas is a better bet for Hard Rock or metal. Just my opinion

[@markmatthews1818]

San D sounds killer (my pro dominion in drop C is very similar with those sweet mids). SoCal is thick and a bit muddy at the same amp settings. Both great guitars though

[@TheBbtlegit]

The clean tone sound much better on the So cal.

[@TheDdkk1]

solid demo. You shred these charvels so hard. Sorry if a silly Question but I’ve seen you demo San Dimas models with a maple fretboard and with Rosewood? do you find one particularly smoother and easier to glide across as you play and/or just have a general preference on one? Would love to hear your opinion. Thanks

[@NinecoreNeil]

I actually prefer maple boards on them I just think they look better I miss not having a maple board these days

[@PainterDans]

Both sound great, the so cal sounds beefier but I prefer the hard tail. To me it just sounds more defined.

[@NinecoreNeil]

PainterDan yeah both great guitars the san Dimas goes with the EVH el34s the best for some reason

[@sk8125]

Damn you! I might have to buy a San Dimas now!! Thing looks and sounds killer!

[@NinecoreNeil]

sk8125 yes I totally love it so playable

[@jimjim7008]

The difference in the pickups so I prefer the JB has better note separation than the Duncan distortion which sounds compressed.

[@comment.highlighted]

I’m liking the So Cal.

[@TachoSJ]

I have a SoCal and absolutely love it. Gotta get myself a San Dimas as well now..

[@NinecoreNeil]

I prefer the look of san dimas myself but I do like the distortions

[@yesthatjake5601]

You got me looking for a San Dimas HH HT and I have yet to see one for sale. I am seeing the Pro Mod DK HH HT which I assume is an update but they are usually priced above a new So Cal.

[@NinecoreNeil]

I prefer the DK myself tbh

[@yesthatjake5601]

@@NinecoreNeil Good to know since that is likely where I'll end up!

[@markvernon1218]

Just bought the so-cal last week basically the winner for me was the distortion pickups as I hate JB's with a passion I find them thin and brittle. I also like the scratchplate idea which means you can mess around with the electrics move knobs and switches to your liking. Thanks for the video really enjoyed it, I've just subscribed. Just a quick note also, the previous week I bought a Kramer Pacer vintage which has similar spec but with JB's I had to send it back as the neck was so thin at the end your fingers would push both E strings off whilst playing in a normal way, and the neck in general just felt really cheap.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Sounds like the Kramer neck wasn’t set in the pocket straight Thanks

[@markvernon1218]

@@NinecoreNeil no I think it was in the pocket straight as it was slipping off top and bottom e and the nut appeared central . I had to physically play differently and more gentle to be sure not to push the strings off the fingerboard that was no good. The So cal is much better and more versatile. Thanks again, I'll keep my eye out for your KZbin posts 🤘.

[@guyincognito320]

The JB has an alnico 5 and the Distortion has a ceramic magnet. Apart from that they're the same pickup. So you can buy either guitar for the look and just swap the magnets. I like the tighter yet also stronger lows on the TB6.

[@pieterjansenvanrensburg7322]

I ordered a metallic purple san dimas with floyd rose and ebony fretboard a week ago.. Damnit I can’t wait

[@NinecoreNeil]

Good choice mate

[@pieterjansenvanrensburg5010]

They sent me a so cal.. I ordered a san dimas.. Had to wait three weeks.. Don’t feel like sending it back and wait again so long.. Guess I will stick to the So cal and just replace the pickups at later stage

[@NinecoreNeil]

@@pieterjansenvanrensburg5010 they sent the wrong guitar what the hell ,ask for discount my man

[@idontgivea1769]

I got a good deal on the San Dimas. Amazing guitar with weird cosmetic choices. Maple fretboard looks great on the black body, but ebony fretboard would’ve been a better choice for the white body. And what’s with the white Duncans?! But it grows on you, it looks different, and that’s a good thing

[@NinecoreNeil]

Yes I wasn’t keen on white pickups until I actually got the San dimas then I really liked it great guitars

[@edupsanches]

San Dimas for me. But both have amazing tone. I'm really curious to hear the So Cal with a JB just to see the difference between pickguard mount and the direct mount.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Yes I know what you mean the jb is very well suited to this amp

[@carlosmatos9848]

The San Dimas sounds a little tighter and brighter and better for riffing and palm muted stuff. I've got a So Cal but I think I might just get a San Dimas body off ebay and convert it :)

[@NinecoreNeil]

Carlos Matos I keep changing between them both one guitar is in c and one in d nowadays

[@carlosmatos9848]

Nice. Is that a newer So Cal? The one I have is from when they were still made in Japan and doesn't have the notch at the bottom of the neck or the full body routing for the trem either.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Carlos Matos yes it’s the Mexican I prefer the truss rod adjuster on these but don’t really need a floyd to go backwards

[@NinecoreNeil]

Carlos Matos yes it’s the Mexican I prefer the truss rod adjuster on these but don’t really need a floyd to go backwards

[@metalmauce]

Great tone! What is your signalchain? Is it just the Evh or do you use additional boosts such as a 808?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Metalmauce I do sometimes use an 808 but I think judging by my gain settings I went straight in to the amp ,it’s hard to tell with the el34s because it has so much gain and compression naturally.......it probably is the best head I’ve ever used

[@trailblazing2576]

Question..Is the So Cal good for Surf Rock when magnets split to single? Never tried one,but l like the color.

[@NinecoreNeil]

yes absolutely

[@charthers8903]

Are the bodies actually the same? The SoCal looks bigger to me..

[@NinecoreNeil]

Yeah I’d say the edges were slightly squarer on the so cal but that may not be intentional,the so cal is also whiter 👍again probably not intentional the guitars are around a year apart production wise

[@danemyburgh]

Just ordered a San Dimas in black with ebony fingerboard. Can't wait!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Let me know what you think when it arrives please 👍

[@squeelerjakeaxcradle7095]

Both models sound great to be in all honesty. Least your being normal on you tube lol, you cannot beat drop D tuning especially for dissonant and these mean tunes in metal. I personally prefer your san Dimas, what pup is in that model? Would you say that the neck feels similar to the RG550 Ibanez wizard neck? Keep rocking the metal my friend

[@NinecoreNeil]

The neck is much fatter than a wizard the pickup is jb sd

[@memeacademy2295]

Hardtail is brighter .. more presence... I prefer this

[@rec99cts27]

They both sound really good to me! But I have a little preference for the So Cal Great video!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Eric Comtois thanks I like both hard choice ,they should do a tb6 ht version 🤗

[@luthfilhudo]

hello bro, I want to ask, what size is the San Dimas charvel guitar string?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Dunia Gitar Channel 42-9 bud

[@luthfilhudo]

size 0.9?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Dunia Gitar Channel it’s a standard gauge 9-42

[@GerryBlue]

Is the San Dimas body smaller than the Strat?

[@NinecoreNeil]

No both the same mate

[@GerryBlue]

@@NinecoreNeil Thank you!

[@yvidiot]

I've tried one of each. I prefer the look of the so cal but the San dimas was built and sounded better.

[@NinecoreNeil]

yvidiot I really love the look of san dimas there’s not much between them both great guitars

[@haroldconner6265]

Going with the SD, Looks better for me. Tone-wise pretty close. The tone will be configured through amp/pedals. And of course, I can always switch out the picks-ups if desired.

[@NinecoreNeil]

They are all great guitars it’s a good factory

[@KOZMIKZIKIR]

thank you for the inspiring video. whose tune is that you play starting at 3:26? Reminds me an old metal band.

[@NinecoreNeil]

HI THERE THANKYOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS…ALL THE RIFFS I USE ARE EITHER MY OWN OR ONES I JUST MAKE UP AS IM GOING ALONG WHILST THE CAMERA ROLLS,IF I EVER USE ANYONES RIFF ILL MAKE SURE I TELL YOU SO I DONT GET MY VIDEOS TAKEN DOWN ,CHEERS

[@casssieboy]

Do you think the San Dimas would work for a SRV/Hendrix kinda sound with the coils split?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Absolutely yes it will have a touch more beef with the distortion being high output but that’s not a bad thing

[@mikcrone]

San Dimas for me.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Mik Crone Ive got used to the scratch plate now but quite like both ,I play the SD more though

[@rdrake316]

Wild Stallions!!@!!

[@charthers8903]

I couldn’t find the neon color San Dimas anywhere.. White is the only other option..

[@NinecoreNeil]

Yeah the Neon range was 2-3 years ago,there is an EVH 5150 standard in neon pink?

[@Foxholegarage]

Just picked up a socal love it !!!

[@NinecoreNeil]

So pleased for you 🤘🏼

[@TrippyTheShroom]

Hey Neil, have you tried any of the USA models? I found a red usa so cal for a good deal and thinking about pulling the trigger

[@NinecoreNeil]

PULL IT ALWAYS HAHA…IVE NEVER TRIED ONE SO FILL ME IN BUD

[@MultiScoffer]

Thanks for telling me to check out the sound demo of both guitars. They both sound great but I have to go with the So-Cal. More aggressive but the San Dimas sounds great too but a little more tame LOL! Thanks again I'm going to subscribe to your videos. Please tell me how you get your guitar to sound like that amp settings Etc. Thanks

[@NinecoreNeil]

MultiScoffer I usually use what I call my 666 settings bass 6 mid 6 treb 6 Gain around 3.5 to 4.5 depends on mood or boost Presence 5.5 or 4.5 depends on cab 👌🤘🏼

[@MultiScoffer]

Ninecore Neil Thanks for getting back with me! As of right now I only have a fender Blues Juniorll Deluxe. Please give me a suggestion on what guitar had to get. I was looking at the Peavey 6505 mini head and the Eddie Van Halen 50 watt amp head. But to get that tone in sound what amp head do you suggest for me? I want to learn more metal and hard rock leads and chords because I love that thick heavy aggressive power chord sound! Drives me freaking crazy! 😲

[@gazzaduce3424]

What’s the difference between a Duncan SH-6 and a Duncan TB-6?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Gazza Duce the sh-6 is not trem spaced the Tb6 is 👌 so the tb6 is suitable for floyds

[@gazzaduce3424]

Ninecore Neil Thanks pal :-).you seem to know your stuff pal.Im after a new bridge pick up and I’ve tried a Duncan SH-6 a SH-10 and didn’t like either.Whats the best passive pick up you have played in a bridge.Im after Beefy but some low end as well.Thanks in advance :-)

[@NinecoreNeil]

Gazza Duce no problem you have to kind of play them to know unfortunately because it can be a feel thing.....I like the sh6,JB ect you might like the nailbomb by Bareknuckle or invader by SD it’s a tough question as I believe pickups are quite a personal preference also try the DiMarzio H2n ...do you prefer Alnico or Ceramic magnets ?Theres so many options out there it’s overwhelming but like I say it’s got a lot to do with feel and also the guitar they are in

[@gazzaduce3424]

Ninecore Neil thanks for the input mate and I’ll think I’ll take a gamble on the JB :-)

[@NinecoreNeil]

Gazza Duce also depends on the amp the jb is not a dark pickup but still industry standard in my book

[@heavymetal11]

Awesome video👍, i like demo with dry sound, its more like impartial testing. But i can't tell the differences in distortion mode, but clean sound is distinctive between both. But the so-cal looks bigger on the body, no?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Hi the Body is the same size ,the So cal is higher output also and a bit darker due to the pickups ,thanks buddy

[@deltawhiskey1398]

So Cal for me....I got the Rocket Red with ebony fret board. I like the San Dimas models but like most non pick guard guitars.....they look good for about a month then the finish is scratched all to hell from picking and finger nails. I know a frequently played guitar isn't going to look new forever.....but I'm not trying to speed up the process...lol Makes pick up swaps a breeze. Another thing I like is that when the pick guard gets ratty looking....just buy a new one, swap your electronics over and it looks good as new. Also changing the color of the pick guard changes the whole look of the guitar. I just wish the So Cal came with the JB and '59 pups. I prefer them over the Distortions.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Delta Whiskey that’s interesting I’ve not noticed any wear where I pick tbh my fingers sometimes mark satin finishes with time

[@MultiScoffer]

By the way, I forgot to tell you that I ordered the Charvel So Cal rocket red with ebony fretboard. I'm going to let sweetwater.com plek it and set it up for me. My wife told me to get it plaque because that is my last guitar! LOL LOL LOL! Love her dearly!😚

[@NinecoreNeil]

MultiScoffer haha awesome

[@iniquity7]

then she doesnt love u very much if she doesnt let u buy more guitars, cause thats ur passion and she should respect! lmao

[@Rooster7six]

Hey Neil... So I'm looking at a Jackson Monarkh pro with SD Blackouts or a white Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas like you have with a JB. I know you've played both have any input for me to help me decide?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Rooster 7six I like both but I prefer my Charvels,I prefer Emg to Blackouts ,a lot can depend on tuning because the Monarkh May need a nut adjustment and new tuners if you are wanting to bang anything bigger than a 52 gauge through .The Monarkh is very nice and comfortable especially stood whereas I found the Charvel nicer sat down.The neck on the Jackson is slightly thinner but both necks are great.Although I’m not usually a blackout fan they do suit the Monarkh really well.My advice would be wait for Namm and watch my Charvel Namm predictions to come in a couple of days 😜

[@Rooster7six]

Thanks man! Only problem is that these are on sale!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Rooster 7six yes because it’s near namm and the new models are due 😜

[@BJJandBS]

Love them both but I have a few 80's shredders and just find myself playing more modern guitars since they are more versatile.

[@NinecoreNeil]

The Happy Hour Hound very easy guitars to get in with they kind of just do what they need to do

[@BJJandBS]

@@NinecoreNeil im curious if you can get a nice clean blues tone our of them or do some jazz

[@NinecoreNeil]

The Happy Hour Hound yes they are awesome mate

[@johnanderson2112]

Sounds like the So Cal has a bit more low end

[@NinecoreNeil]

John Anderson it does mate yes it's a bit heavier in weight as well,definitely a darker tone

[@saltyassassin]

SoCal all the way. Tuning stability, more aggressive pickups... and mine has adjustable no-load treble knob and coil split. But most important is tuning stability. Can’t go back to hard tail

[@NinecoreNeil]

Robert Esparza I quite like ht although tbh I’m happy with either

[@tonalblasphemy6879]

So cal cheaper at the moment. But those Duncan distros or muddy as fuck. Maybe amp tweaking could fix it. Might buy the So Cal and drop so Fluence in it next year.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Tonal Blasphemy they don’t seem that muddy to me tbh fluence modern are awesome

[@HiredGoonage]

I had to up the string guage to 10 and tighten up the springs in the back. Thing was warbling too much whenever I picked a string. Awesome guitars overall.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Hired Goonage I have 46-9 on So Cal now in drop d and 52-10 in drop c on san dimas

[@HiredGoonage]

Ninecore Neil with the 9's you don't have the problem of the Floyd vibrating like hell when you pick a note hard?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Hired Goonage no I suffer more when there’s more load on the trem from bigger strings usually bud

[@todd-1]

Both!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Good choice 🤪

[@leongrinberg8758]

San dimas sounds better since it's with hardtail bridge)

[@thehoppo]

I can really hear the springs on the So Cal not saying it's a bad thing but I'm not sure I like it

[@NinecoreNeil]

just needs noiseless springs cheap fix

[@shannnism]

SoCal sounds better on the clean Channel but for me, I think the San Dimas is probably my best bet. I'm looking to buy a Charvel

[@MDC249]

There are several for sale online

[@iwannarockon2010]

Both BADASS man 🎸🔊 If had to choose/Hardtail Very clean n bright sound Gain do like u say goes ↔

[@NinecoreNeil]

Jerry Vanderecken hard choice

[@hoopmover123]

So Cal for me.....

[@xanderjones6239]

Yo, love the vids man. Where can I find your music at?

[@NinecoreNeil]

in description dude thanks

[@ilarimanninen7021]

I've got a problem. I really like the look of the white so-cal but I prefer the sound of the san dimas!

[@NinecoreNeil]

I got both to make sure 🤣 the thing is that the distortion pickup doesn’t go as well with the amp imo as the jb however usually I prefer the distortion So cal is distortion SAN Dimas is Jb

[@ilarimanninen7021]

@@NinecoreNeil the JB sounds like it has more note definition in the chords, and overall it sounds clearer than the Distortion. Also it has more bite, in my opinion. That's why I'm going to get a San Dimas. Thanks for the video!

[@NinecoreNeil]

@@ilarimanninen7021 no worries the jb is a bit more chimey

[@wootton900]

They are so gained out I wouldn’t worry about tone difference 😂😂 I’d plug an epiphone in And it would sound the same.. I like a bit more chug and low end

[@NinecoreNeil]

There’s quite a big difference the Distortion is much darker

[@wootton900]

I agree I can’t believe how much gain is going on , ive never had an amp that could go to those depths , I hate trems but love the so cal look , I love the Sam DiMas ,, you know what I think they Seymour Duncan custom 5 would be better than the jb , it’s such a great alll rounder

[@kenmasters007]

Pickups, bridge preference subjective... the rest is just aesthetics. I prefer the dimas.. but not white on white. Add some gold hardware or have the pups with the zebra set would look nicer on white.

[@NinecoreNeil]

ken masters I kind of like the white pups I didn’t think I would but I’ve really taken to them now,it makes it look different from my other guitars I guess

[@RedRose4711]

The San Dimas is the one. It's got that thing.

[@suzannekerley4746]

Is the so cal mexican

[@NinecoreNeil]

Both Mexican made Charvel’s

[@suzannekerley4746]

Thank u great playing

[@NinecoreNeil]

@@suzannekerley4746 wow means a lot thanks

[@DIETRYING001]

San Dimas for me!

[@NinecoreNeil]

TheMarshall85 I can't decide but I definitely enjoy playing the sd more,the sc sounds heavier

[@DIETRYING001]

but i think the San Dimas has a much nicer Mid sound, and it looks better

[@viletantrum]

Both...It's a Charvel

[@NinecoreNeil]

🤣👍

[@toadamine]

So-Cal sounds muffled/compressed.. San Dimas sounds more resonant and full...

[@NinecoreNeil]

toadamine now I’ve had lots of time with both guitars I honestly can say that Seymour Duncan jb pickups sound particularly great with EVH amps ,the Distortion pickups are great but seem better on recordings especially with plugins and boosted Peavey 6505 heads

[@lenduckworth99]

My rig is a bit dark and brighter guitars sound best so looks like I'm San Dimas. Wouldn't mind a pickguard though.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Both sound pretty good I think depends what mood I’m in

[@MikeHansen1970]

I thought both sounded good. Personally I prefer the hardtail, but mostly because I don't use a vibrato bar really myself. However, from what I recall in the String Gauges video you made, there may be advantages to the locking nut for larger strings? Depends how the new band will tune etc I guess. Assume you had the guitars essentially set up the same (strings, etc. and set up the way you like)

[@NinecoreNeil]

Mike Hansen yeah floyd nut suit bigger gauges....they come set up pretty well from Fender I did some minor tweaks to the So Cal

[@MikeHansen1970]

I think it would be impossible to pick between the two, they are both really nice. In the 80s I wanted one, so badly, and they were $$$ back then. Now, while certainly not cheap, they are at least within reach. Might also be because now that I am an old guy with a job I can buy them ;-) Anyhow, as usual, good stuff sir!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Mike Hansen cheers,yes one of the most versatile guitars in this price point I think Thanks for comments bud

[@9unslin9er]

They both sound good. San Dimas sounds more articulate. Too much fuzz on the Duncan Distortions. But as far as looks go, I really don't dig the maple/all white. There's no contrast. So Cal looks more badass (Like Eddie's original Frankenstein or Jake E. Lee's model). They should have done the San Dimas blacked out with a DiMarzio PAF Pro/Super Distortion, instead of white pickups.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Cletus Kasady I really like the sd look think it looks a bit different

[@PittPenguin]

Seems like nothing between them, going by the vid. Maybe a bit more different actually in person. Great vid btw

[@NinecoreNeil]

thanks

[@milan1322]

Sounds like you are in drop d... the so cal wouldn't sound as "muddy" if that's the case... Just my observations and opinion...

[@NinecoreNeil]

Milan yeah drop d

[@ghostwitcher9834]

Alternatively, a Kramer Pacer Classic is VERY similar, and will cost you a fraction of the price.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Ghost Witcher the frets were sharp on my Kramer so it put me off them bud

[@ghostwitcher9834]

Yeah I thought that too! I got a guy down in England to fix it up. You have really inspired me to start saving up for a Charvel though!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Ghost Witcher the charvels arequite flawless or at least my two are

[@wilmarjunior8945]

So cal for me

[@kg4st]

Sam Dimas ...has that bite

[@NinecoreNeil]

kg4st yeah there’s something about the jb Charvel combination that just sounds great

[@reviewforthetube6485]

You really need to do it with both of them having new strings you can tell the so cal has more distortion but the san dimas sounds better clean they both sound good but I think the san dimas with newer strings would sound even brighter I ciuld actually hear that the so cal had new strings at least kost people that play guitar should of been able to hear it

[@NinecoreNeil]

Michael Ward they weren’t that old but the so cal were really new if you know what I mean

[@ilarimanninen7021]

JB has more bite and definition.

[@anonymousguitarist9096]

San dimas is the grandpa

[@jonathanfredriksson3502]

San Dimas For me, the So Cal is a darker sound. And the San dimas is sharper, it has more bright and attack!

[@NinecoreNeil]

Jonathan Fredriksson with this amp the jb is perfect 👌

[@jonathanfredriksson3502]

Ninecore Neil i know i have an ESP horizon with seymour duncan JB & 59’ and s EVH 100w 😂👏🏻

[@philsmith3019]

Id take the san dimas over the so cal. Too bad they dont make the hh ht in black w ebony fb.

[@NinecoreNeil]

Yeah that would be cool

[@burakkangunes755]

Dimas better...

[@luishernandez-xd4tx]

So cal just cause Jake E Lee

[@sontinos528]

i can hear no difference...

[@NinecoreNeil]

really duncan distortion is way darker

[@mcsuckalives2302]

So all it comes down to is, do you want a pick guard or not huh?

[@NinecoreNeil]

Different pickups 👍

[@FatMancubus]

Very similar to Jackson's SDX Adrian Smith Signature. Amazing guitars.

[@NinecoreNeil]

BrunoTv yes anyone who can’t afford a charvel should definitely consider upgrading the Adrian smith ,I like trems that only dive so the smith is awesome for me