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

Do you think owning this company is stopping Fender from creating their own high-quality ultra modern mid-range guitars? Let me know!
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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
SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@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".

[@blazer6248]

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.

[@nihalnayak5483]

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

[@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

[@rudybigboote3883]

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

[@ws90ninety]

It doesn't sing.

[@rayschoch5882]

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

[@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!

[@sonidojamon]

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

[@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.

[@bigbokiptd]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@stevesorrell9835]

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

[@SC-wu2dn]

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

[@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.

[@markkroos]

Great video, Darrell - I've been super curious about these for a while. Thank you!

[@masonhoward7826]

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

[@dlong7146]

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

[@barbmelle3136]

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

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

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

[@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.

[@HearthVader]

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

[@kernowrock555]

I'm a bit shocked! Loved all those tones !

[@InspiringTracks]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@tjborekvideo]

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

[@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.

[@briannelms158]

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

[@jayman5384]

That intro solo was awesome! Great tone!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@IV94704]

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

[@organicmetal6850]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

Love that last lick in the into!

[@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

[@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).

[@crazywisdom2]

Love what you do. Grear style in your playing. You''ve got your own identity on the guitar. Love it.

[@mrsasshole]

I had an '84 Charvel many years ago (probably 25 now) as a rhythm guitar for a band I was playing it. Nice sound, very well built and was rolex-level dependable. I wish like hell I knew what happened to that guitar. This was a Charvel from the era before they were mass produced in Japan and it was a great guitar. I've always been a bit skeptical of the brand now as they're owned by Fender. Nice to hear that it's a solid product.

[@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.

[@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.

[@thedudeabides3058]

Nice demo Darrell..you always do an excellent break down....thank you!

[@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.

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@santigutierrez5820]

Bough a SanDimas sd1 a year ago. Absolutely in love with it.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MyMax1200]

You are an amazing guitar player, love watching you do your thing on the strings Darrell😎

[@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!

[@1truechamp46]

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

[@thegougler]

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

[@op9249]

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

[@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.

[@mattmarcz7574]

The tele reverse headstock is perfect

[@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 :))

[@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.

[@scottdunbar4898]

This was an excellent overview. Really appreciate the video. Thanks.

[@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.

[@anthonylardo6969]

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

[@anthonylardo6969]

Or fishmans!

[@michaelogden5093]

Thanks for efforting the neck profile and feel. Can't explain why nobody else seems to think it's worth mentioning.

[@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!

[@richardchandler9734]

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

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

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

[@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.

[@needles23]

Wow. Really impressed with that guitar. I'm hoping to be in the market for a guitar around the £1000 mark, and this is a definite contender. The range of tones from those Fishman pickups is fantastic. Thanks, Darrell. I'd never have considered a Charvel before watching this.

[@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.

[@nurk_barry]

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.

[@nurk_barry]

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

[@mma1st105]

Sure send a link.

[@mma1st105]

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

[@heywally2739]

Thanks for this review, which set me off on purchasing this and returning my Fender Player Strat. Got the blue one. Playability, tone, "extras", have this being a much better value than the mid-range Strat and Tele's I've tried lately. Love the neck and frets (playability). I'm a novice, but still. Think I'm also going to sneak in and pick up the So-Cal Style 1 with the Tremolo as soon as my wife is out of town next month. If I get the Slime Green though, it might be noticeable.

[@megatodd707]

Cool review. Thanks. Looks and sounds awesome.

[@icenic_wolf]

Hey Darrell, do you know if Fender necks (really I'm thinking about a custom Warmoth wenge neck with the Wolfgang profile) will fit in the neck pocket of that Charvel?

[@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 😍

[@davechapman7735]

That is a brilliant review. also your demo licks are superb thanks so much for sharing, and best wishes .NZ

[@illi41]

Wonderful, clear, inspiring watch, thank you!

[@kitten-whisperer]

I love Charvel its like a different flavor of jackson

[@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

[@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.

[@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! 🤘🏻🤓🎸

[@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...)

[@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

[@JohnSmith-te5oo]

I'm a guitar collector/investor. I have Charvel's *(and Fenders) from numerous decades, countries of origin (Japan, MIA, MIM, etc.) and I am thoroughly impressed.

[@TheDp1965]

Great review. Looks and sounds like a true winner. Cheers.

[@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!!!

[@MonkeyCage1990]

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

[@evrgreen_69]

Not in the market for a new guitar but If I was..Awesome playing Darryl ! Could tell you were digging that tele!

[@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~

[@ferox965]

Always wanted to try the Jake E Lee signature.

[@elsantoproductora]

Beautiful guitar, thanks for the demo!