THIS Guitar is Why We Will NEVER Get a Modern Fender...

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Fender is notoriously stingy about bringing the best features down through their lineup. Is it because they own companies like Charvel or is it just Fender being Fender? Anyway, enjoy the demo! VIDEO SECTIONS: 1. So what's the deal with this Charvel? - 1:39 2. What does it sound like? - 5:27 3. One Minute Solo! - 10:20 4. Is it built as well as a Stratocaster? - 11:28 5. What is it like to play? - 16:17 5. Final Thoughts - 18:15 Enjoy!

[@jemahl123]

To be fair to Fender, I have a modern tele, belly cut, carved maple cap with spalted top, seymour duncan HH pups with coil split, set neck + 14 inche fretboard radius and jumbo frets, so... Admittedly a Korean issue not USA, but it still has fender on teh headstock and is an awesome guitar.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

True! I've played on a few over the years. Pretty cool guitars 👍

[@changestrangers]

Fender Japan is where the value for money is, these days.

[@willcresson8776]

@Oliver Vixienne Dominic I LOVE my squiers. I'd never buy a fender if they released a squier in v neck

[@lakshyavij5225]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar hi man I am from india and was hoping you could review a sub axis3 sterling guitar

[@SirSneakerPimp]

In two years Fender will add these features as the Futurama Paranormal Ultra Deluxe.

[@theoguitars5559]

The Futurama should be called "Bender"

[@bucklberryreturns]

...and should be introduced by saying "bad news everybody".

[@JC-11111]

Nope.

[@nacienlos70]

Plus a price tag of 2000$

[@fendercuber]

You predicted the future. Fender just released Ultra Luxe

[@edwardblair595]

I no longer want the Fender Telecaster. I want that Charvel!

[@cory-o-cookies95]

Same, played both and went with the charvel for 600 less than an American Pro Tele.

[@bonedale]

that is a killer tele option. I think Fender is obviously aware of their place and value and if they depart too far they will hurt the real value in their name. Might as well use other brands to capture that market.

[@leomonster1973]

If Fender is the standard of "Fender" classic styling tone, innovative features, without straying to far from the original vibe. And Charvell is the quality hotrod. They'll have hit their point

[@joeblankenship377]

I've been wanting a tele, and also a guitar with humbuckers. This is both. The versatility of this guitar is so impressive, I can't imagine it not being my next purchase. Having Fender on the headstock can't compete with all the sweet features.

[@danielmckinney7668]

​@@joeblankenship377this one says Carvel on the headstock which is cooler than it saying fender anyway so I'll probably be getting one I had a shiplett signature tele deluxe that was pretty dope before and I am a fan of fender but these things sound sick

[@ZaneDalton]

Yes! Finally, a Charvel on the channel!

[@marcoheerema5726]

Hehehe... Charvel is one of the best, I think its a bbit of a shame that firms like Fender buy companys like Charvel. I own a 1995 Charvel San Sandimas custom build and a modern Charvel San Dimas (2019 - Fender build in Mexico) Both sound great, but the custom shop USA Charvel wins in playability, sound etc Except the shape of the San Dimas, looking like a Fender Strat with humbuckers its a great guitar to play with. I love them

[@nihalnayak5483]

I think the brand segmentation makes sense. Keep Fender as the more traditional brand, and Charvel as the modern one.

[@rudybigboote3883]

Man that Charvel absolutely rocks! And twangs And crunches And sings...

[@ws90ninety]

It doesn't sing.

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I own a Charvel-era Charvel, a Jackson-era Charvel and a Fender-era Charvel. Funny how the last two feel very much like their parent company's product instead of the original. I actually bought this exact model last year simply because I wanted an all-white guitar with a maple fingerboard and, boy, am I happy. This guitar is so loaded with great features that, at this price point, it should be a Schecter. Great post, Darrell! Cheers.

[@stufromoz8164]

It sounds like this company is a bit of a tart.......been around the the block , so to say.

[@skarfie123]

Do you prefer any one over the others?

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

@@skarfie123 They're all very different. The early ones you'd have to buy used (of course) but are well made. The new ones are on par with any of Fender's Mexican-made guitars. As far as pickup tones, the Jackson-era guitars were very Metal-biased while the new ones are a little more versatile (depending on the pickup choice). My earliest Charvel is actually quite similar to a hot-rodded Fender of the day.

[@skarfie123]

@@kingbrutusxxvi thanks. Interesting. I was curious whether quality was affected by acquisition

[@StevieWhelan]

No such thing as a Charvel era Charvel. Charvel did not start making guitars till 1979 Wayne Charvel sold the company to Grover Jackson in 1978 before then they were just a repair shop and after market parts maker.

[@brionbell]

At 20:18 - "Hard to get the plastic out..." Hi, Darrell! (I've been playing for about oh... 47 years.... My mentor starting at age nine was Harold Bradley of Nashville, TN) - LOVE your videos!!!! I've actually been getting some of the reviewed instruments from them! Meanwhile, at 20:18, you talk about the tight fit of the cover. That's a good thing, but don't you hate when you have to pry it out while trying not to mar the edge? ME TOO! So, I use a suction cup like the ones for windshield phone or dashcam mounts. They all have a lever that really tightens it to the surface. Put a little moisture on it, stick it tight; then throw the lever... Works every time! Thanks again for your videos, Brother!

[@snowsheldon77]

I won a golf tournament a few years ago and my team all got Charvel guitars, and it turned out to be my favorite guitar! Love charvel! I will also add the customer service is awesome! Mine was loaded with all the features fully loaded but missing a whammy bar... so I called them up and they sent one right out!! Great company!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

That is a sweet prize! Congratulations!

[@snowsheldon77]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar I would post a picture if I could... it was a good one.. I was the only one of the four of us that actually played guitar so I picked the one with the locking nut and Floyd rose tremolo which happed to be the most valuable... but the other guys didn’t know any better so I didn’t feel bad! 😂

[@cory-o-cookies95]

Damn, I only win golf balls , coolers and fishing poles at golf tournaments. Someone is doing it right!!

[@forthedeaf]

Thank you so much for reviewing this guitar that deserves a ton more attention. I’ve had my black version w Gotoh trem for about 6 months and I am absolutely in love with it. I’m mainly Gibson fan, but this is like a Tele made for typically non fender players. The body cuts set it apart from the traditional tele body and it is a shredding machine with deep fret access. I appreciate learning more about it from an outside point of view. I don’t think there’s anything I’d change about it. Great compliment to my SG and Firebird. And yes, seemingly endless tones!

[@rayschoch5882]

Well done demo, Darrell. Plenty of cool features on this one, and I love the sculpting/contours on the back.

[@MisterRorschach90]

Omg how could I forget about this brand?! I haven’t seen them in so long I forgot how much I liked this brand. Such value.

[@studavison]

Thanks for posting this. I was not aware of this model. Based on your review I went and tried one (the trem version) at my local store. I was blown away. I own a few Telecasters and this surpassed them all for quality and playability. I walked out of the shop with it and I can't put the thing down. Absolutely in love with it. Thanks!

[@sonidojamon]

Wow, I really love the idea of the input jack. Genious! Now I need one in full black!

[@jpb1231000]

Played with a guy who had a Charvel... he was kinda a visitor older player to our '"regular jam"group... he was late 40's and we were mid 20's and had many common interests I was the bass player with a Cheap 70's knock off bass that sounded GREAT with an Ampeg solid state head rigged in to a fender cabinet ... his tones were immaculate!!! We vowed to play regular but he just vanished into the Athens GA fog!!!

[@duckyjp17]

Kind of love this thing. Ash body. Ashtray bridge. Plenty of twang. So many tones. Buckers with split. Comfort cuts. It checks all the boxes.

[@nickdryad]

Thank god for Mexico! That jack plug location. Very cool.

[@camilo1455]

@Brett S I forget if the cable end interferes with the whammy bar or the other day at around; either way, I don't like it. And I feel my Jackson plays a lot nicer than my cousin's Strat, plus I don't turn myself down at the most inopportune times. I like everything about this Charvel except maybe the pickups.

[@HearthVader]

I've got the Gotoh 510 version of this guitar and it's easily the most versatile guitar I own. Killer tele!

[@bigbokiptd]

You can hear an excitement in your voice when doing build quality check. Great stuff Darrell!

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

When I went to my local shop to pick out a Blackstar amp they gave me this guitar to demo the amp with. I totally agree, most comfortable and amazing guitar I've ever played!! I wanted it so bad!! But at a grand I couldn't afford it and the amp. Maybe someday. But it is a truly amazing guitar!!

[@gavinw5469]

Uhoh blackstar. Jk

[@mke7605]

Nothing wrong with a blackstar amp.

[@jeffreyeagen4896]

@strangeuniverse1 i only have two over a grand, and that's with payment plans.

[@fredstevens799]

@@mke7605 a LOT right about them, actually...

[@gavinw5469]

I said I was kidding. All amps are overpriced when it it comes to tube amps, compared to bugera. Check bugera out. 120 watt tube head for 600.

[@Jydmd]

I tried a Charvel at a Long&McQuade in Quebec city, the neck was just wonderful.

[@Chicorock10]

Faudrais ben que j'en essaye une aussi, tant qu'à habiter proche!

[@knotletis]

I played a Joe Duplantier sig in a guitar shop (the white from the old run), never was into Gojira but the axe was so good I bought it anyways; then got into Gojira because of the guitar

[@jeeplivion]

That's pretty cool, gojira is awesome

[@daflepail]

hows playability on the joe dup sig?

[@mitchconnerandsometimesjlotoo]

The new album sounds fat. His new pickups sound good.

[@newtondelmar4416]

I always wondered why Leo never "contoured" the Tele...the Strat was/is just sooooooo much more comfortable to play IMO. This Charvel seems indeed to be a modern evolution of Leo's original vision... I'd like to see a few more color choices...but overall...it seems like I might own one of these in the near future :)

[@Sattvaarising]

The natural ash is beautiful and the black is awesome too. They’re even better in the flesh.

[@Jdb63]

Tele duluxes have the contour!

[@dangarder5142]

I own 2 offsets telecasters they are the most comfortable guitars I own. Comfort cut.

[@mal2ksc]

The ASAT has all the cutaways, doesn't it?

[@TheKyleMark]

I might just be crazy (or very fat) but I’ve always absolutely hated strat-style body contouring. It’s part of what led me to the Tele in the first place. I like my guitars nice and blocky with 90 degree angles, haha.

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: great feature list. A charvel for people that do not have use for a floyd rose bridge. I like the product.

[@guyfromnj]

Charvel/Fender should send you a check. You just sold a bunch of these. I want one after watching this. Need some fishmans in my life.

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

who actually has any in stock?

[@lueysixty-six7300]

R u dense?? The "cheque" is in his hands. (Sorry, I didn't really mean you're dense, or anything, it just made point well. I didn't realize how much these utubers are really doing the guitar companies' bidding, either, for at least a year of watching all their videos...and suddenly finding my guitar and gear net worth skyrocketing..but my bank balance deep diving! And you can't blame them! If Fender said, 'If you do a review of this T shape Charvel, you can keep it' - I'd be like one of those excited brides who cut off the guy's proposal speech with, "Yes, yess, Yess YESSS!!!')

[@Blehkid]

I already have one so I’m glad this video praised it.

[@craiger2399]

@@lueysixty-six7300 He says he bought it. Somewhere around 12:30. I agree with your sentiment though.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

@@craiger2399 Yes, but the utubers know full well they can outlay the cash up front..make their money back just from the utube money alone...but at the same time demonstrate a sales bump to Fender/Charvel, that will make the company conducive for favourable collabs and business partnerships going forward into the future. Utubers like Darrell Braun, Tyler Larson, Robert Baker, Rick Beato are entrepreneurs..and straight up businessmen. In fact, I'd go as far as to say they are businessmen first, and guitar players second! Big statement, I know! But, I think it's necessarily so. For them to reach the success that they have, they have been forward thinking for years to get where they are. They didn't just do a little dance, upload it to KZbin and suddenly they can be crashing Lambos on Sunset strip on Saturday nights (like a certain Bieber-turdling).

[@dlong7146]

I bought that exact Charvel a few weeks ago and it is amazing. The neck is just perfect.

[@MonkeyCage1990]

Am I the only one who LOVES the input jack on the back at that cutoff angle? I find it more convenient!

[@jamesdiehl8690]

I saw a recent tour of the Fender factory and they also build Gretsch and another brand there. Mostly custom models.

[@stephencampbell33]

yep. Jackson also.

[@wizzfizz6800]

Charvel too

[@eskilseter]

They build Charvel, Gretsch, Jackson and EVH at the same factory

[@jamesdiehl8690]

@@eskilseter yep! I couldn't remember them all! I was so surprised by it!

[@edryba4867]

My Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman is a MONSTER (and it should be, being priced in the $6,000 range!). In 1965, before the Gretsch Company was sold to CBS, the exact same guitar was $500!! And if you take a good look at one, you’ll notice all the GOLD hardware on it. Weil, don’t be fooled. What looks like gold on the Grover Imperial tuning machines, the pickup covers, the bridge, the custom Gretsch GB-7 Bigsby... THEY ARE ALL GOLD! FOR REAL! And since real gold doesn’t tarnish, every piece of gold on that guitar looks KILLER! And it will for at least 100 years! Now, instead of Brooklyn, NY, THEY MAKE ‘em in Japan, and they’re largely machine assembled. What does that mean to you, the player? It means the consistency in QUALITY from one Country Gent to the next is actually better now than it was in, say 1960 thru 1965 when the Baldwin Organ Co. bought Gretsch. At that point in time, the quality of ALL Gretsch models went right down the dumper. Now, they’re better than when they were first hand-made in Brooklyn. Fred Gretsch III now owns the company, and he made a deal with Fender (world’s largest guitar manufacturer, AND the world’s largest guitar marketer). That’s why it is that Gretsch is back to being one of the finest guitars in the world. I just wish I could afford a White Falcon! But I can’t complain about the Gent, or any of my other Fender-made guitars.

[@raugusto0]

I have this guitar and can confirm it is awesome. Super comfortable to play with the satin neck and fretboard (as opposed to the overly glossy necks of other guitars in this price range).

[@voicevy3210]

what is the model number exactly 😭

[@raugusto0]

@@voicevy3210 Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 (mine is 2P tremolo, there's also a hard tail version)

[@zylavormusic2616]

Wow, that is another beautiful addition to the telecaster collection!

[@Tryggvasson]

love the neck, except the reversed headstock. like the mid focused tone, and the attack. nice solo!

[@wooliegeek]

I have 4 Charvels now. LOVE THEM! I have the black T-Style version of this. It is currently my favorite guitar and you nailed everything I like about it. A joy to play, and great sounds.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Fantastic! Thanks for the demo, Darrell. Had Covid not killed my career and my life savings, this might have been on my radar.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Nice switching in this model and love that neck and fretboard! There's a a Natural Ash body version of this too. This model is $1200 in Canada, more Vintera priced than Player, but Squier has a few models with roasted maple necks now if this is too pricey.

[@angusorvid8840]

Great question, and one of those things I think of often. But the answer is...yes. I think both Fender and Gibson felt a backlash in the 80s when they tried to hip-up their brands in the era of pointy headstocks and Floyd, and this convinced them to stick to the types of designs they are known for, offering hardware options and upgrades through their custom shops. I don't think, for instance, that Fender's HM Strat was a big hit in '88. I remember when this guitar came out. I loved the proto DiMarzio Super 3 it came loaded with, but the Kahler Spider is just one of the most godawful Floyd knockoffs ever created. Yes, Fender brought back the HM, but they did so with an actual Floyd this time and with one of their stock pups, I think a Shawbucker, in the bridge. The only endorsee I recall using the HM when it was released was the great Greg Howe who also played a heavily modded Fender amp, aimed at much higher gain than anything Fender made at the time. Fender also made an active-pup loaded strat that was played by Ty Tabor of King's X, and a big part of his unique sound at the time. But it was very maligned at the time as inauthentic. Gibson, the "play authentic" company made some read disasters, including a superstrat knockoff of a Soloist that was just awkward and ugly. Each company will only bring back these models if they sense there is enough demand, then charge accordingly, even if the quality is lower. What Fender and Gibson learned from their mistakes in the 80s was to stick to brand integrity. That is, the mere mention of the brand should evoke a very specific kind of instrument. It's all about the mystique. Umbrella brands like Charvel and Kramer will supply the more polarizing superstrats so they can capture a good portion of that market as well. It's a smart business strategy and it seems to be working.

[@marc8vino]

I have a SoCal, San Dimas and a DK24. All three pleked, set up at Sweetwater and ordered with Charvel hard cases. Very nice guitars but all three developed major fret sprout in a 45% humidified music room. 50% caused some of the classicals to swell so 45% was the sweet spot. I used your sand block method and went from fine to ultra fine 6 different levels of grits up to 5000. I had to do that twice 6 months apart and they are now Amazing. It took a bit of time. I also ultra fine sanded the back of the neck and head stock then gun oiled and waxed and polished. It was a lot of work but now they are GREAT! They really needed some work. With that being said so did my Fender Elite Strat. I really did some special things to that and the Strat will stay forever...The three Charvels will probably go on Reverb this summer. Great guitars when they are set up. Compared to my Suhr...the Suhr is way better but it was also 6K so you could have 5 charvels w/cases for that price. The Suhr action was shockingly low. I could not play it the way I wanted until I raised the saddles and neck relief. No one mentions that about Suhrs but only feather pickers would play with the action from the factory. I've lucked out with some great guitars that needed no to very little work for me. The Charvels were all bought in 2019 so maybe it was a moist batch of necks and fretboards. Overall the charvels are great but not better than American Strats and Teles. Mod shop Tele, Parallel universe tele Nash, elite and deluxe special Strat etc. Maybe this info will help someone thinking about Charvels vs American Strats.

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Darrell you sold me it's a Teli-Strat-Les-Paul all in one so it equals SOLD

[@jiznak2000]

I’ve never liked Telecaster style guitars. Twang isn’t something I’ve ever desired. But this thing is incredibly versatile. I’m eyeballing this sucker.

[@doofinator4285]

I wasn’t a tele fan from the aesthetics but the more I look into them they’re some of the best guitars made. They also get pigeon-holed unnecessarily as they’re extremely versatile. Led Zeppelin’s Dazed and confused (almost the whole first album) and the solo to Stairway were played on a tele. I’m considering this one as well. If you do purchase you should follow up. I always find it neat when there are “real” stories and input in the comments.

[@tommyabernathy9880]

Totally the same: never been a fan of the Tele body style. This Charvel is a game changer though. I think I’ve found my next guitar 😍

[@J_Beazy223]

Thanks for the review Darrell.... I bought one... sold it Darrell! I got the charvel over getting a schecter. I was really on the fence for months about a schecter and after watching this video i was sold on the charvel. I had never owned one but i had a friend with a jackson era charvel and i was impressed by it being a hybrid guitar. 24 fret, HH, coil splits, active pick ups. I wound up picking the Robins Egg blue which is way better than i thought. It has a pink/purple pearl essence when the light hits it at an angle. Im more country blues rock than the metal i used to be into. The schecter just looked to metal for me but the charvel was perfect. Has all the features but with a classic look. Reverse headstock gives it enough edge for people to look and know there is something more to this tele. Just played my first show the other day and we go from country to rock to funk to blues and charvel does it. My pedal board is a mooer red truck and thats to a orange tiny terror. Its a great combo and simple to travel with. The guitar doesn't have locking tuners. The knobs tighten a screw against the string and bites down on it after you slide it thru the string hole of the tuning key. For quick string changes. Dont have to wind a bunch of wraps around the key to keep the string bound tight. It is supposed to help the tuning stability but i worry if I tightened it to hard would it cut the smaller strings and make them come out? Idk? Just did first string change and so far so good. I still did 2 wraps just in case. Im rambling the guitar is awesome. My number 1 in my collection

[@skakenbake7589]

These are locking tuners, i think youre refering to a locking nut. With locking tuners your not supposed to have any wraps in them. Thats where the tuning stabilization comes from. The wraps on your tuning keys cause extra slack and can cause the strings to move out of tune especially during bends or vibrato. Pull the string through all the way tight, tighten the locker and then tune right up from there.

[@tjborekvideo]

Thanks for featuring this guitar. I've never been a fan of Tele-style guitars, but this one got my attention.

[@bryanbrunner9548]

I love my Charvel Pro Mod DK24. The roasted maple neck is amazing as well.

[@boomerdell]

Bryan, I’m looking at that guitar as a potential addition to my small yet growing arsenal. I don’t have a Strat-style guitar and the DK24 seems like a great one, glad to hear you love it!

[@bryanbrunner9548]

@@boomerdell out of all my guitars the neck is the most comfortable for me.

[@boomerdell]

@@bryanbrunner9548 thanks! That’s great to know. Absolutely on my “must-try” list.

[@JE-western-rider]

@@boomerdell Got Strat style Dky 22 and Dky 24. Both are absolutely top notch guitars. Both have the same compound radius neck and I find them more comfortable than anything Fender has made.

[@boomerdell]

@@JE-western-rider that is super-helpful to know. I’m unabashedly focused on comfort and ergonomics when it comes to gear. I’m happy to pay up or compromise on other features (many of which can be addressed anyway, like upgrading pickups if one desires) if it’s a more comfortable playing experience.

[@briannelms158]

That roasted neck looks amazing!! Awesome features to this guitar!

[@organicmetal6850]

This gives me very fond memories of my Charvel model 3 with a kahler trem back in the mid to late 80's....

[@einarabelc5]

Made in Arizona, the factory of Fender where they moved during the Employee owned run, Custom Charvels may run you for around 5000. I had the Guthrie Govan Charvel for 3000 USD. The original one with the Bird's Eye Mape top and it was the best guitar I ever played, except for the neck joint. A Custom Charvel has about a 3 to 5 year wait period and with a proper seamless neck joint and a similar configuration to Guthrie's the price goes higher.

[@xEvilASh]

I was so close to picking up a Charvel (love the Pro Mod San Dimas) but ended up going with a Jim Root Jazzmaster in white. So far, I am happy with my choice and the JM rips.

[@Sattvaarising]

I have the natural ash version and it’s brilliant. It’s my gig guitar and I haven’t looked back. Whenever I look for a second guitar I use this as the comparison. They’re great!!!!!!!!!

[@JunkfoodZombieGuns]

Same here. The one with the trem. LOVE it. It's my daily driver. Punches WAY above its price.

[@Sattvaarising]

@@JunkfoodZombieGuns absolutely!!!! Value for money. Roasted maple is just so easy to move on :))

[@jozjonlin3170]

Fender released the HM or Heavy Metal series of Strats in the late 80's and early 90's. I picked up a 90 HM when it came out. Mine happens to be an American made Strat with a single Fender Lace pickup and a really hot DiMarzio Super 3 humbucker. This thing is still a beast. I bought the 2020 re-issue of the HM. I love it but but the humbucker is definitely more tame than the DiMarzio Super 3. It's overall sound profile makes it a more versatile rock guitar where the original HM is still just a shredding beast.

[@philomelodia]

These are great guitars. They were all the rage during the 1980s and 1990s as shredder guitars along with Ibanez and Kramer. The way you describe the neck lets me know that they have kept that legacy right on up to today. That thing sounds amazing!

[@hamidguerna6049]

After watching your review, and some others, I have ordered one of these I love everything about this. From the reverse headstock to the compound radius to the pickups to the fretwork.I'd never heard of Charvels before this videoThanks for this review, it's an awesome and gorgeous guitar! I think is a steal for that money!Thank you so much for educating me about these guitar

[@anthonylardo6969]

These are seriously amazing value. Specs are great and Seymour Duncans fitted in the factory. Can't ask for more.

[@anthonylardo6969]

Or fishmans!

[@IV94704]

I have this in black with the tremolo bridge- amazing guitar in every way!

[@pnewhook]

Those contours are perfection! I love how comfortable my Strat is with the body and arm contour, but the rounded bottom edge makes it prone to sliding down my leg when playing seated. The flat bottom of this guitar looks perfect. It's been so strange to me that Fender hasn't made a more comfortable Tele, so this video really hit the nail on the head.

[@magicdaveable]

A really beautiful T-Style Guitar. But I hate reverse headstocks. Too bad they don't have a regular headstock version. If they did, I would buy one.

[@Auspexgetchell]

They sure do! Look at the Joe Duplantier version

[@mattmarcz7574]

The tele reverse headstock is perfect

[@ralphshaw9758]

I bought the blue one. For the price it was a must have for me. One of the biggest bangs I've ever gotten for under $1K. The reverse headstock allows you to get all kinds of cool behind the nut bending on the lower strings. No tuning problems to be found and people that malign the reverse headstock are just whining. The Fishman pickups in combination with the tele bridge have a surplus of output and zing which may turn off some players but that's what the tone and volume knobs are for and man do they work on this guitar. Big range of useable textures. No mud whatsoever when rolling back volume. Get one and get down on it!

[@rockinrob2004]

Dang I missed this video! You're killing me with these finds! Some great stuff! I love the switching options on this, cool stuff as always! Thanks!

[@teknomanning]

Damn,now my 70 yr old butt gotta get the other one in the series,because of you! Gramps getting that stimulus check!😊

[@fredstevens799]

buying guitars with stimulus checks works - very stimulating!!!

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@fredstevens799 say that to my new Ibanez Jem! 😲

[@fredstevens799]

@@Scottocaster6668 my new Gretsch is named "Lady Moderna" ;)

[@Scottocaster6668]

@@fredstevens799 I'd like to get a Gretsch too. A telecaster and a Gretsch, then I'll be good 👍. 🙄Yeah right.

[@fredstevens799]

@@Scottocaster6668 really! just one more... (the Gretsch is awesome BTW...)

[@richardchandler9734]

Charvels are great playing guitars and made in mexico is a plus

[@zerodivider4333]

Just bought the same guitar. Mine has a floating trem though. Its phenomenal.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Congratulations!

[@bldallas]

Huge fan of roasted maple necks. They look so cool and feel so smooth.

[@1truechamp46]

Charvels are always great. This is going on my list as a next guitar. Great review

[@russhicksart]

After a couple of years I still love almost everything about my Charvel DK-24 HSS but I absolutely HATE the input jack location and that's why I won't ever buy another one.

[@Bumpdy]

Got mine yesterday. Already hate the location but that's my only complaint so far

[@jep3305]

Thanks for this report. It confirms what I experienced: Fender Tele MIM, 3 tone Sunburst, Pao Ferro fretboard € 541,--. Fender Tele MIA, € 1.549,-- Bought an MIM Tele and you are spot on: Excellent woodwork, nice, clean lacquer, 1st class fretwork, BEAUTIFUL fretboard, nicely crafted. Obviously, some people just need an MIA. All others, test that MIM. They really know what they're doing in MX.

[@GearGasms]

Charvel is my favorite brand and I own nice PRS, Gibson and Fenders. Crazy good! But most Jacksons I don’t gel with for some reason. Welcome to the family! 🤘🏻🤓🎸

[@bxf99999]

I hate the way you create such nice sounds and make it all look so easy.

[@le_th_]

Ah, the envy of a bitter egoiste~

[@Crescent_Audio]

They just released a bass called the San Dimas, these charvels are beautiful guitars obviously. I’ve been building a few warmoth strats with similar features. Love bolt on fender style guitars and love charvel.

[@mma1st105]

I'm almost ready to build my first warmouth. I'm really digging the roasted maple neck from them too.just waiting on my pick ups.

[@Crescent_Audio]

@@mma1st105 hell yeah they’re incredible, I have some videos of mine if you wanna check them out

[@mma1st105]

Sure send a link.

[@mma1st105]

@@Crescent_Audio oh nevermind I'll just loom at your channel. Sorry. Lol

[@kiezersosay49]

The jim root tele is the anomaly...i just put jimmy page "whole lotta humbucker" SDs on it...i call it my jimmy jim.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Well done D! Great demo and Guitar! Thanks for sharing brother and Be Well All!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks Steven! Hope all is well with you too!

[@michaeldoerksen2841]

Reverse tele headstocks need to be more of a thing

[@michaelvaldez5453]

I actually hate how tele headstocks looked until I saw this.

[@madmod]

Chapman tried to normalize it and people still resist lol

[@jeffbrown3009]

I love the Tele, but those headstocks are a little goofy how they sit on a lot of regular stands. Minor nitpick tho.

[@SC-wu2dn]

Love your posts Darrell 👌Just really well demonstrated and in such excellent detail 🤜🤜

[@AarPlays]

Getting a fret rocker and actually showing how level the frets are would be a very good addition to the channel. For the profile, they sell tools to actually show the profile. Think of it like those pin board you put your hand against to show your hand on the other side, but it pushes into the neck. Also what type of ash? Swamp ash or northern hard ash?

[@wruckaudio]

If i'm not wrong, he actually have a video tutorial about this, but it's about a easy full setup on your guitar including fret leveling and polish

[@AarPlays]

@@wruckaudio I believe it, and actually do it myself. My thoughts however were more showing just how level the frets are straight out of the factory. My 1,200 schecter had 11 low spots across the board.

[@austin33785]

Lock in tuners and roasted maple neck. Darrell is OBSESSED.

[@thegougler]

I want to see the satchel dk reviewed. Don't forget to bring out the spandex.

[@rodnocker505]

The fender tele fmt hh is a pretty good example of fender stepping away from the traditional tele, although it’s more like fenders version of a Les paul. And they also have a super strat, which I’m sure you are fully aware of both.

[@InspiringTracks]

Awesome video as always!! and kudos for using a backing track from a really small channel

[@greekfreak1980]

Charvel is killing it wit the Pro Mod Series. They brought back the classic 80´s San Dimas & So-Cal models and upgraded them with some modern upgrades (like coil-split mode & EVH pots) and they also released with the DK24 a modern superstrat that rivals Ibanez´ AZ Series.They even released a badass 7-string model with the Angel Vivaldi signature.

[@CroneRaven1810]

Wish the Charvel DKs had optional SS frets though. That would be a more 1:1 comparison to the AZ. If I really had to go with only 1, it would be the AZ because of that advantage. However, thank god I can own multiple guitars haha. I currently own a San dimas and would love a DK24, the pink one with white pickups are on my radar 😏

[@JoeDogInKC]

Get John 5 one of these, it honestly sounds way cleaner than his Tele for the kind of stuff he plays, but also offers the same single coil tones he sometimes uses.

[@kevinblackburn3198]

John 5 could get excellent tone playing a broom stick attached to a pizza box strung with yarn. But I agree, I would love to see John 5's thoughts on this guitar. I know I'm sold.

[@Netmover]

Finally you reviewed the best guitars ever Charvel!!!

[@christopherlewis1948]

Love that roasted maple neck! I played a Charvel Model 2 in the mid 80s that I gave to a friend about 30 years ago. He still has it in his studio for when he needs to play something for someone that is recording.

[@robertclinger7351]

It's sweet! You can be in single coil and push the tone knob in for a humbucking solo!... and visa versa.

[@kitten-whisperer]

I love Charvel its like a different flavor of jackson

[@masonhoward7826]

Shred it dude!! That intro track was sickkkk af. Very ADTR

[@MSNGR415]

Just got my black on black pro mod so cal 2 with hard tail bridge in today. No fret sprouts, sharp fret ends or any fret leveling issues. Feels super nice. Haven’t been able to plug it in yet but feels great. Fell in love with Charvels after my first dinky pro mod I got earlier this year. This tele style one has been on my wish list since then. Another cool plus for Charvels is that if you shop at Guitar cCnter at all, it’s not included on their exclusion list of brands from their mailer coupons (which has about 400 brands excluded)…. Yet that is. I was able to get %15 off of the total after tax with their coupon. Think after tax the total came to $1300+ with a pack of strings. After the coupon I paid a little over $900 after tax. Retail is listed at $1099 plus tax.

[@joedavis8481]

Just received my green pro mod San Dimas yesterday and I am blown away !!!

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Charvel's are so good man, they're a revelation the first time you play one!

[@edwindude9893]

If you don’t mind can you explain the character of charvels ? I’m on the new guitar trail.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@edwindude9893 Whenever you hear someone talk about a Charvel they'll always go on about the necks! They are just special, it's hard to quantify but the necks are just great, plus they only really use Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio pickups so not cheap own brand, recently they have been using Fishman Fluence too, they always have expensive pickups in them! So great neck, great pickups, great feel, that's what everyone wants right?

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@edwindude9893 On that not e though, I've never tried Fishman Fluence pups to for an opinion on them, My first experience of Charvel was a Charvel Super Stock Model 1888 Ltd Ed with DiMarzio Super Distortion pups, I took it as a trade in on another guitar I was selling, it blew me away, I had never paid any attention to them before that, I was a Fender/Gibson type guy but now I pay attention to every Charvel with the same resepect! Try one out if you can!

[@lomoholga]

@@edwindude9893 the guy is correct. Charvels are a revalation. Neck is close to perfect. Thin, but not annoyingly thin. Huge jumbo frets cut well. Low action, 12-16 radius neck. Truss rod easy to get to. A modern scalloped heel joint! That heel joint ALONE makes playing easier

[@Zisch2]

A word of warning: If you like this guitar, check one out in a store and don´t order one. Charvel has massive issues with its quality control. Mine was very frustrating: Sharp fret ends, neck too low in neck pocket, nut slots not deep enough, tuning issues. The overall design and the pickups of this guitar are great though. I am pretty sure Darrells test guitar got a pro setup before shipping ;)

[@MSNGR415]

I ordered mine because the one in the store was pretty beat up and they didn’t have any others in stock. Just came today and no fret issues whatsoever. Could be I got lucky but this guitar feels great.

[@matthewearl9824]

Darrell I bought 2 guitars so far because of you. I’m gonna buy this one right now. Ok, just bought the black satin hardtail model. It is out of stock on Sweetwater but I bought it from somewhere else. I wish they had the Gotoh 510 version in satin black and not ash. This goes nicely with my Charvel Pro mod San Dimas Metallic Black w/ Floyd Rose.

[@craigwyckoff5682]

Got a 2016 Strat Elite. Beautiful instrument...

[@michaelolz]

I’ve been looking for THE humbucker-equipped Tele. And here it is! Hellooooooo, Father’s Day!

[@nivedan8]

Jim root model....

[@mplspc]

The new Joe duplantier signature 😩

[@zacharymicah]

Now that is a Tele I would gladly play. 24 frets is an instant sell for me, that and the dual humbuckers!.

[@JK-jg8ly]

There are modern Fenders, the Jim Root custom Jazzmasters/strats and teles come with locking tuners, compound radius fretboard, jumbo frets, improved cutaways, EMG retro active pickups, hardtail string thru bridges; theres ultralux strats with floyd rose trems; Yngwie Malmstein strats with scalloped frets; Dave Murray has a signature strat with a floyd, hot rails and a compound radius fretboard.....

[@erickleefeld4883]

Fender is a family of brands that serve different purposes. Fender = The classics, the core brand identity. Charvel/Jackson = Pointy guitars, and “modern” engineering as you put it. EVH = Well, obviously. Gretsch, under license = Set necks, Gibson-esque sort of things. The important aspect here is that Fender doesn’t just acquire brands, but then you barely hear of them again. (Like certain other people I could name.) The brands they acquire will then serve a purpose.

[@Nghilifa]

Exactly, and I pretty much 100% agree with your assessment. Jackson to me is a bit more "metal" and also has some other features such as neck-thru designs etc, whilst Charvel sits somewhere in between Fender & Jackson. Modern features but with a "classic" (ie more "Fender-y) look.

[@peterparker6634]

If only it didn't have the reverse headstock, otherwise I'm sure I'd love it.

[@op9249]

Darrell, great video, thanks for bringing this kind of product, good relationship cost and benefit

[@stevesorrell9835]

Great review! I set up a Pro Mod, for a friend and fell in love with it. They really killed it, with these 👍🏻

[@Barbarapape]

Great spec, and highly desirable, except the reverse headstock, i owned a Jackson with one and found tuning the guitar a nightmare. Am i alone in not liking reverse headstocks?

[@ralphshaw9758]

I wasn't sure about the reverse headstock till i bought this guitar. The string tension is slightly less on the high strings due to the reverse making bending easier while adding some snap to the lower strings due to their added length. I highly recommend this guitar it is indeed a killer axe for the money.

[@magicdaveable]

You are not alone.

[@t3hgir]

I have this Charvel with a trem. The reverse headstock is a little annoying yeah but it's a cool aesthetic I guess. It doesn't matter much to me because the guitar plays and sounds fantastic.

[@3rdtonefromthesun]

@@ralphshaw9758 Great note about the string tension, I have a nice white one coming in a few days!

[@ralphshaw9758]

@@3rdtonefromthesun I have been playing the #%!# out of mine and tweaking some amazing patches for it on my Fractal. Pairing this guitar with the Carol Ann Modern Triptik amp is pretty stunning. Just on the volume knob i can go from a nice full clean tone, to mid gain to full on roar. Could play a whole gig with that one setting. My other axes are getting a bit dusty...Enjoy!

[@nyckoluz]

I thought I've always wanted a new Fender.

[@pf844]

@DrPsychedelic where !

[@lespauldisciple3349]

I ALWAYS want a new Fender. But this has me thinking 'Eight Is Enough', 8 Fenders, so maybe I should try a Charvel.

[@mma1st105]

@DrPsychedelic I did I did see a piddy cat

[@nyckoluz]

I'm thinking of getting a Squire, cheaper but more reliable.

[@mma1st105]

@@nyckoluz Fenders are definitely better guitars, no doubt about it but there isn't much difference between low end fenders and the highest squires. Classic vibes rock! Mexican fenders can be pretty damn good too. Both are easy to upgrade. I learned how to work on guitars by buying a squire and upgrading it. Honestly you need a good amp if you wanna sound good. In my opinion the amp and pick ups are what it's all about. I always spell squire wrong.

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

FINALLY! A demo of this guitar with a great showing of cleans. Thanks man!

[@markpickardlife]

Awesome looking guitar. Charvel seems to be back better than ever.