Charvel San Dimas vs So Cal?

[ledvedder]

I'm trying to decide which one I want to get. I've tried guitars with SD distortion pickups and I'm not a big fan. But I love the look of the white/black pick guard So Cal. I definitely prefer the JB/59 combo that comes in the San Dimas. I'm looking for experience/thoughts about both models?

 

[fek]

Had both. Loved both. I did yank the Tone Zone from a candy green So Cal in favor of a JB. Tone Zone was way too bassy for me.

Get the one that you like the look of and swap the bridge pickup if the SD Distortion is not doing it for you. Could probably trade the Dist for a JB straight up fairly easily.

 

[sytharnia1560]

in this case as said above shop with your eyes and then change out the pickups...unless you can get a San Dimas for less than a so cal then get that and just put a pickguard on it

 

[Racerxrated]

After all the USA Charvels I've had over the past 10 yrs, I'd say go with the SoCal....they tend to sound better(more resonant) than the SDs I've owned. Not that the SDs sound bad or thin, they sound good...but the SoCals can sound on par with Custom shop stuff. At least when it comes to the 08-09 USA run.
I also pull the Tone Zones immediately...not a fan. Not bad but kinda flat sounding in these guitars IMO.

 

[Thunkful]

There's no difference between them except the pickups so it comes down to aesthetics.

I've only noticed the difference between a fender strat and a charvel SD if we talk about the resonance due to pickguard and top routing.

 

[scottosan]

There's no difference between them except the pickups so it comes down to aesthetics.

I've only noticed the difference between a fender strat and a charvel SD if we talk about the resonance due to pickguard and top routing.

Direct mount pickups and more wood. There is a difference

 

[napalmdeath]

What attracts you to the Charvels, in particular, and what features are most important?

I'd take a Jackson DK2, SL2, or a Korean Schecter over the Charvels, personally.

 

[ledvedder]

What attracts you to the Charvels, in particular, and what features are most important?

I'd take a Jackson DK2, SL2, or a Korean Schecter over the Charvels, personally.

I like the shape of the Charvel. I don't care for the pointy headstock on the Jackson's.

 

[napalmdeath]

What attracts you to the Charvels, in particular, and what features are most important?

I'd take a Jackson DK2, SL2, or a Korean Schecter over the Charvels, personally.

I like the shape of the Charvel. I don't care for the pointy headstock on the Jackson's.

Schecter..

 

[ledvedder]

What attracts you to the Charvels, in particular, and what features are most important?

I'd take a Jackson DK2, SL2, or a Korean Schecter over the Charvels, personally.

I like the shape of the Charvel. I don't care for the pointy headstock on the Jackson's.

Schecter..

What model is that?

 

[Thunkful]

What model is that?

Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder. they cost around 700$ new and if you ask me, are not worth the bunch.

The mics really don't do justice and the build quality when i tested one wasn't the best possible. Also these guitars have a mahogany body which is not the best possible body wood for a super strat.

 

[napalmdeath]

What model is that?

Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder. they cost around 700$ new and if you ask me, are not worth the bunch.

The mics really don't do justice and the build quality when i tested one wasn't the best possible. Also these guitars have a mahogany body which is not the best possible body wood for a super strat.

Hogwash. They're top-notch quality. $799.

 

[Thunkful]

What model is that?

Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder. they cost around 700$ new and if you ask me, are not worth the bunch.

The mics really don't do justice and the build quality when i tested one wasn't the best possible. Also these guitars have a mahogany body which is not the best possible body wood for a super strat.

Hogwash. They're top-notch quality. $799.

Well the ones that i've tried were enough to put me away. Maybe OP needs to go and find out himself then what he likes.

 

[skullfxr]

Try to snag a USA Charvel from 2008-9. I really do like mine.

I have never played a MIM Carvel that did it for me.

 

[ledvedder]

Has anyone played this? https://www.zzounds.com/item--JAC2913051

Just wondering if it's any good.

 

[Thunkful]

Has anyone played this? https://www.zzounds.com/item--JAC2913051

Just wondering if it's any good.

Would probably be pretty good. Just keep in mind that the floyd on that is flush mounted so no pull ups.

 

[ledvedder]

Has anyone played this? https://www.zzounds.com/item--JAC2913051

Just wondering if it's any good.

Would probably be pretty good. Just keep in mind that the floyd on that is flush mounted so no pull ups.

Yep, I'm aware. I wonder how the Jackson branded pickups are? Since I already have some really nice guitars, I'm not looking to spend a ton on another one. I'd like to keep it at $800 max.

 

[Thunkful]

Ah, forgot to mention that one option would be partscaster route. You could order charvel style neck and body from Musikraft, Kne or Warmoth and have someone finish the body & neck + set it up for you. If you're lucky you might be able to do it for under 1000$

I'm currently going to install a gotoh floyd with a new neck on my MIM Fender strat and i can't wait for the results!

 

[skullfxr]

If you want a Jackson, look used MIJ, Its much better. I own just shy of a dozen MIJ Jacksons, they are better than current production.

 

[ledvedder]

Has anyone played one of these, https://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i ... 1-529-LIST? Is it worth $1400, or are you just paying for the name? How are those Fishman pickups?