Absolutely love Charvels. The whole Eddie Van Halen/Fender/Charvel world is very near and dear to my heart and Dagan nails it every single time. One of my favourite players going and a fellow northern lad. Thanks Dagan!
He’ll yeah man. I got my first one. Dk24 510gotoh roasted maple board bout 6 months ago. Played it for 5 mins and am now obsessed. Wanted another right away. Then I discovered 80s crackle finish ones and damn they need to release that again Pure 🔥
I got mine about a month ago and it's the best sounding guitar I've ever had. Plugged into my EVH iconic 80W, it's a dream. It's heavy, articulate and chewy sounding. It's comfortable to play, has a fantastic neck and the Pau Ferro is a really nice fretboard wood. Is it my first choice for a board? No but it's hard and smooth. For those guys who are turned off by the Floyd, just learn how to set one up or install a trem stopper. Hint, buy a string stretcha and your Floyd will settle in much better when string changes come along. Rock on!
I love how you always play Any Van Halen song on any guitar. Now that’s how we know you’re a TRUE Van Halen fan. I love Van Halen as much as you do and Eddie Van Halen WAS THE GREATEST GUITARIST OF ALL TIME!!! Rock In Peace Eddie
That is awesome. I never gave Charvel a chance as I predominantly play Schecter but I bought the Joe Duplantier San Dimas Pro Mod from you guys back in March after seeing your demo of it and I've gotta say, it is an awesome guitar. I couldn’t be happier with it. It was my first Tele too (I know, I know. People don't consider it a Telecaster because its a metal monster with some serious chugg lol). Swapped out the Duncan Designed pups for a Dimarzio D-Sonic in the bridge and a Dimarzio Humbucker from Hell in the neck. Badass man. It's my official C Standard guitar now. Great demo by the way!! I'm not really into the whole relic finish thing, but it badass none the less. You're the man Dagan!!!!
Pau Ferro? I guess its fine as long as it doesnt look orange like on the Fenders. Otherwise, I like it. It automatically makes me think of Iron Maiden.
Is it better quality than the Frankenstein relic b/w/r series ? I got a black Frankenstein and had to return it cause it was set up like crap and i was not able to use the whammy bar without having to retune the hole thing
Amazing review! I love your playing Dagan! I have a big question for you... Since you have played and reviewed both of them: which is the best one between: This San Dinas and the Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder Exotic? Thank you so much in advance!
Love Charvels. For me it's Charvel, Kramer, Ibanez and Jackson ahead of Gibson or Fender every day of the week. Have to say I hate the relic'd look though. Like em shiney and new looking! 🤘😎🤘
The neck is probably the only "ageing" thing here. Easy enough to roll the fingerboard. The back of the neck can be sanded with steel wool to remove the shininess so you don't stick to the neck on gigs etc. Not much else to say apart from a good setup transforms a guitar. :)
I must admit to hating relics be honest. I mean, would you spend thousands of pounds on a car that's all scratched and covered in rust? No I didn't think so.
Dagan, How many other pieces of kit do you like to have "aged"? How about your car? - Many's the time I've gone into a car dealership and said "I love that car but could you scrape it up a bit before I buy it - and I'm ok with you charging me more". How about your PC/MAC - so many times I've gone into PC World (Currys) and said "I love that laptop but could you tow it behind a car in the car park before I buy it - and I can pay you extra for it". If guitarists think that some scratches and dings on a new guitar make it sound like a vintage instrument then they are f**king dumb. For them to think that some damage equates to thinking it comes from a bygone age AND has some mojo is ludicrous. Also, really annoyed that Vintage Guitars in Bath is by appt only now. BTW, I do love your playing and you front PMT superbly. I love PMT - just a little p**sed that the Bristol branch has relocated to near Temple Mead station which is a pain to park (maybe the 20 mins station parking might work?) . Anyway, /rant mode off. :) :)
They’re not really good comparisons in context though. When people buy a brand new car or PC they expect brand new performance. They want a modern item that looks and behaves as perfect as possible. Music and instruments aren’t the same. Musicians, for the most part, take direct inspiration from bands that are from 40, 50, 60 years ago. They model their sound directly off of those individuals, and when (speaking from personal experience), you are looking for a particular sound, you look for an instrument that is both a direct extension of you and the time period you are trying to recreate. In a literal sense it may seem odd to make a guitar look heavily used, but from the perspective of someone playing, it can completely change how it “feels” and how it inspires them. And unfortunately, when the vast majority of legitimate vintage instruments cost more than a car, or even a house, then factory relic-ing is the only viable way for most musicians to tap into that “feel” they’re looking for.
