I have one of these as my main guitar and it's like someone designed the perfect guitar for me. Even the low friction volume pot I find really useful. I also like the pickup combination, the full shred in the bridge sounds great for the aggressive stuff, and the alnico pro in the neck can give great Jazz tones. As someone who plays a bit of everything, this is really useful.
Difficult to see it as the ultimate super strat under 1k given the number under 1k that are as well specced and also have stainless steel frets. Compared to Cort this is expensive. Compared to Ibanez Premium it's under specced. It seems to me for any of these guitars there's no ultimate one - it's all about what compromise(s) you want to make when buying a guitar.
I got one about 1 and a half years ago, and it is the guitar that just really playd itself. I did my first gig with this thing and it just gives me so much confidence.
I'm buying it for the parallel mode but might just fall in love with the humbucker series mode. As I've only played p90 and single coil this is a very interesting guitar
I've had my dk24 pro mod for a year. It needed a setup when I got it but it was a floor model. I really love the neck, I think it's one of the most comfortable I've played on with the rolled edges and thinner profile (but not overly thin like my schecter c1 SLS elite). If it had SS frets I'd be happier. I really agree that the series/parallel switch offers many extra usuable tones.
I purchased a promod style 2, T type with fishman fluence pickups, and I love it. When I first got it, I thought the neck was the best I’d ever felt, but I still go back to my tele mostly. I had a bad pickup in mine straight from the factory, but the warranty covered that. No complaints now, and I still grab it more than the les Paul.
Love this guitar. I have the burgundy mist. The neck, to me, is extremely comfortable. Although it is thin, it's rock solid. It's always in tune. I also love the parallel sounds. I can play this in a worship band, or in a hard rock band. In the worship set-up, clicking over to the parallel settings cleans and clarifies it, and the Gotoh trem is extremely expressive. So many great features for a great price. The only thing I'm missing is stainless frets, but even that is not a big deal. There's enough on the frets for years and years, with maybe a level and polish from time to time. This is just a great guitar.
Thanks for the heads up regarding the neck profile. I grew up loving thin shreddy necks, but as I got older my hands started preferring thicker profiles. I recently sold my beloved Ibanez RG550 simply because I couldn't get on with the neck anymore. All the best!
I'm going through the same exact thing with the same exact guitar. The sad thing is I only probably bought it two months ago thinking I was going to love it and it's just almost too thin
I have had this very same guitar for a few years now. I have struggled with the tone of the bridge pickup thinking it was my bad playing style or my ears. Listening to the bridge pickup tone in your video I now realise that it is the pickup that I just don't really like. The neck pickup I absolutely love and use it all the time. Great review.
@@archibalddickworth6588 I've had it longer than that but yea, I still use it. I have a few guitars but when I want to play some fun 80's stuff I'd always grab the Yellow Demon!
I’ve had one for three years and it’s a fantastic guitar and excellent value. The only problem I’ve had was with the tuning. It seemed to be a common problem but I read on line to try it with out using the string trees. I’ve tried it and no more problems 🙂
I agree on that guitar being the ultimate super strat gigging guitar. I slept on a good deal for it, but I did get to try it. All the splitting options are great, all of them hum-canceling. I usually go for a 3 pickup guitars for the versatility, but I think they really nailed it with the wiring. I could get almost every sound I use regularly, the only exception being the neck single coil. and many more out of it. That said, with these many options, I'd be fine in any live scenario. I prefer slimmer neck, with flatter fretboards, so it was perfect for me. I have big palms but short fingers :/ I was surprised by how much I liked the pickups. Great distorted, overdriven, AND clean sounds. Next one comes around I'm definitely snatching it. Also honorable mention for the burgundy color version ;)
I've had this guitar for a couple of months now and I'm pretty much happy with it, but I'd be lying if I said i haven't had any issues with it - the main one being tuning stability, although I will try lubing the nut with Big Bends Nut Sauce and removing the string tree for G and D strings (might even replace it with a roller string tree type, the one they used isn't a roller one). I tried cutting the nut, but it didn't help much, as I can still hear pings coming from the headstock when bending or using the trem arm. The neck took some getting used to, but it feels and plays like butter. The guitar is very lightweight and incredibly comfy, aside from the incredible looks. Last but not least, the sounds I'm getting out of it are beautiful and very useful, I almost only use the single-coily ones if I'm not shredding. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound possibilities, and I also have to say that the sustain I'm getting is sick! I'm not sure but I thing you forgot to mention the no-load tone pot, which can additionally help when dialing in a desired tone - the difference with the pot taken out of the circuit and being on 10, but in the circuit, is notable, it can help you cut through in the mix with that additional top-end, for example. All in all, a great guitar!
I feel like you're following me around the shops, John! ;-) I have the same Nick Johnston Schecter AND the Charvel DK24. Love them both but I definitely like the neck on the Schecter just a bit more. I think the Charvel has a bit more versatile pickup complement for me. Thanks for the excellent demo!
Tried this in London yesterday and spent about half an hour with it. Seriously keen on it now. The sustain and resonance blew me away. Full of harmonics and decent tones out of it. The parallel switch didn’t work on me, but I can see it being useful for some musicians. I can only see myself using either humbucker and maybe position 4 for clean stuff. Both pickups are double screwed so I suspect they have a darker tone than their single screw counterparts. The full shred is quite interesting but I am not so sure about the Alnico II. The neck is way too slim, but I think it is still very comfortable and has a thinner oval profile.
I’ve just come from your video on the JP150 straight to this one - I already have a JP150 and this video has cemented my decision to buy the DK24 tomorrow. Great video, and astounding playing. I’m not a multi-fx user (despite trying my best using a Headrush MX5) but tones like yours make me wish I’d committed to some sort of multi-fx unit.
I have one...and I will sit and just look at it.. Beautiful ax...The Neck is phenomenal and it did take time to get used to the neck..Thank for this review
Kind of surprised you didn't like the neck. I have the HSS version and I'm having a hard time playing any other guitar now, because I love the neck shape so much. I was supposed to buy an Ibanez AZ, but I just hated the neck and thought it was way to thick. I also have an Ibanez RG, and The RG is much thinner.. To me, the Charvel just feels like a really comfortable, slimmer strat.
Great to listen to a guitar review by someone who can actually play!!! Most reviewers playing is almost unlistenable. Thanks for review. I'll be returning...
I have the same guitar and loving it! I also want to express my gratitude for having such a beautiful intro and outro that took my pentatonics to the next level! Still working on speed but I got right into the groove with this one! 😁 I'd also pay 10.00 to download the full intro recording aswell! 😁
I’ve got the HSS version, but I can’t make it sound like that! I’ve heard tell of QC issues with them, but mine was flawless from the factory. Excellent fit and finish as well as setup. Love your content and playing, John.
Have two of them: an HSS [ swapped the Full Shred for the SH5 Custom ] in shale grey and the SSS dk22 fret version in gold. Both are flawless and incredible. I was surprised that the 2 frets difference made a great difference in the way both guitars play and sound.
I own that guitar and love it. The neck profile is very much a personal thing and I happen to like this one very much. I was never a fan of the Ibanez neck joint, pickups, or the neck profile. For me, this one is way better for the kind of player who wants to rock, shred, but also be able to access those strat sounds in a convincing way.
I have one of these and love it. The toggle switch isn't a could split it's a parallel / series switch. but the parallel mode does sound a little single coilish.
Didn't know the importance of a neck until I tried a different guitar that I wasn't used to. I got used to the AZ neck and when I tried a Fender player series it felt too small somehow. Also, the stainless steel frets an satin neck makes it play smoother.
I picked guitar back up about 9 months ago and this was my first purchase. I bought it lightly used at a local pawn shop. Although I prefer a thicker neck so far, this is still my favorite for sound and just overall playability. I love it
What neck do you prefer and how has it been to adjust? I play both a D-shape Ultra Tele...and have a full C shaped SG & Nashville Tele. The Charvel seemed to have slightly flatter back and higher 'shoulders' to it like some Epiphones.
Beautiful, smooth playing bro. Dig your vibe. BTW, I made the mistake of playing this at guitar center the other day. It’s ridiculous. And I mean that in the most reverential way. Oh, yes - she will be mine.
I have the same model but in the burgundy pink color. I thought I wouldn't like the neck but i can't stop playing it. Ended up getting the t-style with the fishman fluence pickups. These just feel right for me. I'm currently saving for the hss hartail. Great video.
While I never know what Charvel model I'm actually playing...I seem to always love the sound, the trems, and even how I how play. Tho, I never feel comfortable on the neck despite playing a Tele Ultra with a D-shape. It's also possible I play well because I AM less comfortable and have to stay loose.
I‘ve tried one but it didn‘t really impress me as much as the specs did. Would definitely go for the Ibanez AZ in that price range, but nice presentation as always!
I think it'd come down to the difference in neck shape - the AZ is kind of thick for some folks (ideal for me though) - whereas I think this Charvel would probably be too thin for folks too?
@@johnnathancordy It‘s definitely a question of personal preference but additional to the neck shape I also think that they sound quite different. I was looking for a combination of clear and percussive cleans (in the Polyphia realm) and a nice and tight bridge sound for modern riffing with distortion. I compared them (HSS variants) and the Ibanez felt like it had more character to it (at least I liked it more) and sounded more balanced/coherent especially in the low frequencies. I don‘t remember the AZ being nearly as expensive as they are now though. Have they seen such a big price hike in the past years, is there other differences I don‘t know about or did I just happen to find a discounted one back then? I think it was 1200-1300€ and now they are like 1800-2000€ here in Germany.
Dang I’d love one of these. My best guitar is a super strat (HSS) Kissel bolt that I picked up and put together because I just never had the funds to buy anything more expensive. I saved a lot on the labor doing the oil finishing myself and general assembly of it myself. I worked at the shop during that time so I had my buddy give it a really great setup and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between mine and one that was sold from the line.
Hi John ! Amazing tone and playing !! as always !What a surprise ...I have the DK24 , the HSS version, and I must say that it has the best fingerboard i've ever played !! It's true that I don't like thick necks at all,so this one is perfect for me.I have also an American PRS Classic 24-10th anniversary, which also has a very good neck,a little thicker than this one. But once you get used to play on this one is very difficul to feel as comfortable with others. The thing I couldn't get used to is the tendency it has to sound very bright,so I changed the mics for the Lace Sensor set,and even so, although it got better,I decided to sell it because of that. I think the one you're playing,has much more body,maybe because it has 2 humbuckers. Great video !!
you know the funny thing.. after years of owning this "rock" guitar... ive got a really nice classic tone i had no idea this guitar could do! .. Inspired John,, thanks
I have a Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 (Tele style, with natural finish mahogany body), that is an absolutely killer guitar in every way. The feel, the playability, the tones, the pickups, fit and finish, everything is exceptional. Not sure how the neck profile compares to this one, but I would put it on the thin side, which I generally prefer.
Hi! I’m not sure you’ll reply, but your presets are only for helix or other I don’t use. Is it possible to know what amp/cab models you used for tones here? Guitar sounded really good through the whole video
I got a pro mod style 2 (Tele style) a few months back and absolutely fell in love with it. Completely changed what I look for in a guitar spec wise. I think I’d describe the neck as between a C and D shape which is why you might not be getting on with it. I have a schecter which is about just as thin, but a perfect C.... I can’t say which I like more. But that roasted maple on the Charvel is just so smooth
im thinking about buying this guitar but heard about some tuning stability issues when using tremolo. what are your thoughts about it? im planning to use the tremolo often. should I but it?
I think with trems like these it often comes down to each specific guitar and set up - some have tuning stability issues, some don't - no way to predict which it will go to be honest!
I've got that exact one plus the HSS pink one. I prefer my US hss Strat for versatility and comfort, but I think I have the most fun playing the hss pro-mod. It's definitely used more in a rock context or anything with more gain. The neck is certainly slimmer than a strat, but I definitely dont think its paper thin like a Wizard neck. My biggest complaint is they advertise stability with the caramelized neck, but both of mine fret sprout in dryer climage/dryer times of the year. That's what everybody claims baking a neck should do - minimalize the moisture content to reduce shrinking/expanding/moving, but these are my only guitars with sprout come winter. Still keeping them though... well at least the pink one for sure
Looking at some of the wizard neck specs, over the years they have varied a lot. But I think the Charvel is something like just under 19mm right? As for the fret sprout..Yeh that's presumably one of the things that you'd hope it would be solving? I wonder if baking maple necks is a cover for using less mature wood so that you don't have to pay for more expensive drier wood?
Would love to try one of these. I tend to like some of the flatter radius necks. I have very average sized, fairly weak hands for my size (1.9 Meters or 6 feet, 3 inches) and sometimes struggle with thicker necks.
I've got short fingers and the Gibson Slim Taper necks are most comfortable for me. Traditional older Fender necks are difficult for me due to the small radius that Fender loves large diameter of the necks. A local store carries Charvel and I never gave them a second look. These Dinkys cause they had a traditional tailpiece, so I gave one of them a try. I found this neck easier to play than many of the newer round Gibson necks. Ended up getting Dinky 24 fret SSH and the Dinky 22 fret when it came out. Now that I have lived with both guitars awhile, I am completely satisfied with the necks and fingerboards. My single bitch is with Fender style heads, the tuners are closer together, however, the locking tuners make the job easier.
Thanks for your videos! I have this exact guitar and love it. Also find the switching between single coil and HB mode quite useful. The neck is thin as you say. I like it but would also like just a bit more again like the AZ as you say (also have one of those). But I'm 6'4" with pretty long fingers.
How drastic or not is the volume difference when switching pickup positions? It did not seemed drastic at all but I know youtube compression messes with that.
Charvel’s are awesome. I was thinking of getting the tele but didn’t because I like stainless steel frets. Check out the Harley Benton Fusion Tele. Specs are awesome for the price. Cheers mate!
The Stainless Steel frets are must. ESP Ltd 1000 series is the most affordable, Don't know if theirs is super duper Strat style. But the Charvel is nice, needs stainless steel and a Floyd Rose tho.
Sounds great - I played a Charvel in a store last year and didn't really get on with it, but did seem nicely spec'd (I just prefer the Ibanez neck profiles for 'super strats' as you've noted - The Wizard style neck just feels more like I want it!). IIRC Fender owns/produces Charvel, so wonder if these are maybe made in the same facilities as Player Series guitars?!
I think it sounds great but I feel same way about the flat necks makes it feel awkward for me as well but I’ve played C shape necks most life I’m curious is the back of neck have a good unvarnished feel I can’t stand a neck that has such a thick gloss or finish on back hate the way it catches my fretting hand
I have the HSS shell pink DK24. I got it hoping for an HSS version of my Guthrie sig. For the price, I was surprised at how good it plays and feels, though I’m not a massive fan of the SD Full Shred pickups. The Guthrie obviously is on a completely different level and the neck profile isn’t the same, but at under half the price (more like a third, really), they’re not bad at all.
@@radio5051 It isn’t necessarily thicker, but doesn’t feel as wide, which makes it feel thicker somehow. The Guthrie neck is the most comfortable neck I’ve ever played, with the AZ Prestiges coming a close second
@@sambroxguitar that’s an interesting comment, because several people have told me the Guthrie mode has a thicker neck. Last night I was watching an Andertons interview from 2014 with the Charvel rep at NAMM. He said Guthrie played a regular Charvel neck and liked it, and that is what is on his model. I suspect the new DK necks have been tweaked since this standard neck shaped that was used for the GG model. Thanks for your opinion.
ive owned mine for about 2 years, it was perfectly set up when i got it. Ive set it up in D standard with 9s, and its super fun to play. Also if you turn the tone to 10 it clicks, and complety takes out the tone pots, so yuo get that full opn bridge humbucker.. Van halen tone, Very cool guitars
I would be interested to hear thoughts on fretwork. Ive just ordered one after playing 2 in a store but the two i played i found both, one more than the other to have slightly sharp fret edges. Maybe due to the fingerboard being rolled and the frets not rolled as much as the board. Im hoping ill get a good example or i may send it back, but i suppose i could file the fret edges slightly. Compared to my sire s7 i thought the frets were a bit sharp. Any other experiences of this? Is this common or normal, or were they just bad examples I played? Ill update here when mine comes from guitar guitar
One Error is that you said you weren't sure if you coild adapt or whatnot or something along those lines (dubbie lit 😂 over hea) but you appear to be well adjusted to that Charvel (beautiful playing)😁 I also have that same beautiful guitar! 😁
I really wish there was a HH shell pink version of these, love the flexibility of having a coil split HH setup but the pink on with dual humbuckers is ugly
I just bought one just like this. May i have your permission to decal it with "John Nathan Cordy Signature Series"? (can't afford any authentic artist signature guitars) 2:56 you make this guitar sound expensive & worth buying
I've had the HSS DK24 for about 18 months and I find the neck super comfortable, if not ever slightly too thin... especially from the 12th fret up. The pickups maybe aren't super inspiring but I'm a bit scared to change them out for something else! If anyone has any recommendations I'm all ears
I have a Bare Knuckle Silo in the bridge of another guitar, and I did some extensive A-B testing, and the SD Full Shred for rock and high gain sounds *very* close, pretty much identical. The big difference is that if you have a high gain tone and play a major or minor chord, as the chord sustains the BK keeps the flavour of the chord much longer. You can still tell it's a major or minor chord a few seconds later, while the root and fifth overtones tend to take over with the Full Shred and you lose that character. Other than that, they're pretty close, so considering the price difference, the Full Shred is great value. Maybe tinker with your amp a little?
@@Malediction99 I swapped the Full Shred for the SH5 Custom. A JB would work nicely in this guitar also. For lower output, and staying SD, I'd be interested in seeing how the Screaming Demon and 59 / Custom Hybrid work in this guitar.
Hello , I m between this one and a Gibson LP standard which is more expensive ....what would you do based on your playing ? Thanks ( I ll do my own thing obviously , but an opinion would help🤘🤘)
The neck and feel is totally subjective. What suits one person won't suit someone else. Plus every guitar is different to another. I played one yesterday and it was perfect for me, I hopefully will be getting that same guitar soon.
@@johnnathancordy with Tagima it's difficult to get one from their website. Most searches direct you to some Brazilian export site and you need a sort of Brazilian Social Security/Tax Number to buy one.
Well, in USA Tagima was like unheard off.. at least for me until I think it was Philip mcnight or some other TH-camr mentioned a few years ago. Now, I'm am seeing them all over reverb and online stores with really good prices. The EArt guitars too..the have an Amazon store and offer roast neck and rounded edges stainless steel frets that are supposed to be as good as top of the line for like $250 USD... I just feel like other TH-camrs that have reviewed them are paid off.. and wanted to see an unbiased opinion.. by the way thanks to your vids I'm definitely getting a hx stomp xl.
I have three Charvels, a DK24 HSH, Pro Mod Style 1 FR and a Pro Mod Style 2. The Style 1 definitely has a thicker neck but the DK24 and Style 2 feel like the same neck carve. My favourite is without doubt the Style 2, probably because the Fishman pickups offer the greatest tonal variety and it's the least 'shred' looking.
I have one of these as my main guitar and it's like someone designed the perfect guitar for me. Even the low friction volume pot I find really useful. I also like the pickup combination, the full shred in the bridge sounds great for the aggressive stuff, and the alnico pro in the neck can give great Jazz tones. As someone who plays a bit of everything, this is really useful.
I have one too, same feeling.
Difficult to see it as the ultimate super strat under 1k given the number under 1k that are as well specced and also have stainless steel frets. Compared to Cort this is expensive. Compared to Ibanez Premium it's under specced. It seems to me for any of these guitars there's no ultimate one - it's all about what compromise(s) you want to make when buying a guitar.
I got one about 1 and a half years ago, and it is the guitar that just really playd itself. I did my first gig with this thing and it just gives me so much confidence.
Literally my favourite player on TH-cam, you're playing honestly inspires me to pick up a guitar man, exceptional skills!
He’s really f'n good...both technically and musically.
I bought this guitar. Purchase was for humbucker, stayed for the pararell mode. Incredibly awesome piece of gear, highly recommend it!
I'm buying it for the parallel mode but might just fall in love with the humbucker series mode. As I've only played p90 and single coil this is a very interesting guitar
I returned a Fender ultra and got this instead.. That thing was a fake Fender to me. This is an awesome guitar!
Awesome to see you check these out. I've had a dk24 for about two years. I really love it
I've had my dk24 pro mod for a year. It needed a setup when I got it but it was a floor model. I really love the neck, I think it's one of the most comfortable I've played on with the rolled edges and thinner profile (but not overly thin like my schecter c1 SLS elite). If it had SS frets I'd be happier. I really agree that the series/parallel switch offers many extra usuable tones.
LOVE my DK24. Bought the exact same charvel two summers ago, it has inspired me endlessly
Also that little legato bit 10:17 - 10:22 is so nice on the ears. I like that a lot
Damn. Every video I have watched on this guitar makes me more in love. I’m getting this Friday.
OOH hope you enoy!
So did you get it? And....
Just picked up this same exact guitar, absolutely brilliant!! 👍
One of the best 6 strings for the money on the market. Charvel has been killing it the last few years
I purchased a promod style 2, T type with fishman fluence pickups, and I love it. When I first got it, I thought the neck was the best I’d ever felt, but I still go back to my tele mostly. I had a bad pickup in mine straight from the factory, but the warranty covered that. No complaints now, and I still grab it more than the les Paul.
Love this guitar. I have the burgundy mist. The neck, to me, is extremely comfortable. Although it is thin, it's rock solid. It's always in tune. I also love the parallel sounds. I can play this in a worship band, or in a hard rock band. In the worship set-up, clicking over to the parallel settings cleans and clarifies it, and the Gotoh trem is extremely expressive. So many great features for a great price. The only thing I'm missing is stainless frets, but even that is not a big deal. There's enough on the frets for years and years, with maybe a level and polish from time to time. This is just a great guitar.
Thanks for the heads up regarding the neck profile. I grew up loving thin shreddy necks, but as I got older my hands started preferring thicker profiles. I recently sold my beloved Ibanez RG550 simply because I couldn't get on with the neck anymore. All the best!
I'm going through the same exact thing with the same exact guitar. The sad thing is I only probably bought it two months ago thinking I was going to love it and it's just almost too thin
I have had this very same guitar for a few years now. I have struggled with the tone of the bridge pickup thinking it was my bad playing style or my ears. Listening to the bridge pickup tone in your video I now realise that it is the pickup that I just don't really like. The neck pickup I absolutely love and use it all the time. Great review.
I love the tones on this guitar. I had the opportunity to play one today and loved it. I think going to pick one up
I just got the Pro Mod Style 2 a few weeks ago and i love it. The Fishman Fluence Open Core Pickups are really great!
I tried these when I wanted a new superstrat and I liked them a lot, but the Ibanez RG550 Genesis was just too much fun to ignore at that price point.
I am deciding between those 2. They seem to be the best super strats in that price range.
@@archibalddickworth6588 Yea I agree. 👍
@@Motownisyourtown Are you still enjoying your RG550 11 months on? I am extremely tempted.
@@archibalddickworth6588 I've had it longer than that but yea, I still use it. I have a few guitars but when I want to play some fun 80's stuff I'd always grab the Yellow Demon!
@@Motownisyourtown Awesome, thank you. Fun 80's is my poison of choice.
I’ve had one for three years and it’s a fantastic guitar and excellent value. The only problem I’ve had was with the tuning. It seemed to be a common problem but I read on line to try it with out using the string trees. I’ve tried it and no more problems 🙂
i found using the D`Addario friction remover sorted it out. I use on the nut and saddles of all my guitars.
Or replace the string trees
Not sure if the tuners are staggered but if they are then there shouldn't be a need for string tees
I agree on that guitar being the ultimate super strat gigging guitar. I slept on a good deal for it, but I did get to try it.
All the splitting options are great, all of them hum-canceling. I usually go for a 3 pickup guitars for the versatility, but I think they really nailed it with the wiring. I could get almost every sound I use regularly, the only exception being the neck single coil. and many more out of it. That said, with these many options, I'd be fine in any live scenario.
I prefer slimmer neck, with flatter fretboards, so it was perfect for me. I have big palms but short fingers :/
I was surprised by how much I liked the pickups. Great distorted, overdriven, AND clean sounds. Next one comes around I'm definitely snatching it.
Also honorable mention for the burgundy color version ;)
I have the same one ...It's definitely a fantastic guitar with Fender Ultra electronics etc😁 It simply needs a good setup with no complaining 😂
I've had this guitar for a couple of months now and I'm pretty much happy with it, but I'd be lying if I said i haven't had any issues with it - the main one being tuning stability, although I will try lubing the nut with Big Bends Nut Sauce and removing the string tree for G and D strings (might even replace it with a roller string tree type, the one they used isn't a roller one). I tried cutting the nut, but it didn't help much, as I can still hear pings coming from the headstock when bending or using the trem arm. The neck took some getting used to, but it feels and plays like butter. The guitar is very lightweight and incredibly comfy, aside from the incredible looks. Last but not least, the sounds I'm getting out of it are beautiful and very useful, I almost only use the single-coily ones if I'm not shredding. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound possibilities, and I also have to say that the sustain I'm getting is sick! I'm not sure but I thing you forgot to mention the no-load tone pot, which can additionally help when dialing in a desired tone - the difference with the pot taken out of the circuit and being on 10, but in the circuit, is notable, it can help you cut through in the mix with that additional top-end, for example. All in all, a great guitar!
UPDATE - lubing the nut completely fixed tuning stability issues! It's my main gig guitar now :)
CHRIST, all of this was so melodic. So stoked to get mine in a week!
Amazing as always man
This is my main high gain guitar, and it is the greatest one of I've ever heard. Just incredible. Nice video!!
What colour?!
@@johnnathancordy Same as yours!!
I feel like you're following me around the shops, John! ;-) I have the same Nick Johnston Schecter AND the Charvel DK24. Love them both but I definitely like the neck on the Schecter just a bit more. I think the Charvel has a bit more versatile pickup complement for me. Thanks for the excellent demo!
Beautiful playing as usual.
Tried this in London yesterday and spent about half an hour with it. Seriously keen on it now. The sustain and resonance blew me away. Full of harmonics and decent tones out of it. The parallel switch didn’t work on me, but I can see it being useful for some musicians. I can only see myself using either humbucker and maybe position 4 for clean stuff. Both pickups are double screwed so I suspect they have a darker tone than their single screw counterparts. The full shred is quite interesting but I am not so sure about the Alnico II. The neck is way too slim, but I think it is still very comfortable and has a thinner oval profile.
I’ve just come from your video on the JP150 straight to this one - I already have a JP150 and this video has cemented my decision to buy the DK24 tomorrow. Great video, and astounding playing. I’m not a multi-fx user (despite trying my best using a Headrush MX5) but tones like yours make me wish I’d committed to some sort of multi-fx unit.
I have one and love the split coil I use it split almost all the time.
I have one...and I will sit and just look at it.. Beautiful ax...The Neck is phenomenal and it did take time to get used to the neck..Thank for this review
Kind of surprised you didn't like the neck. I have the HSS version and I'm having a hard time playing any other guitar now, because I love the neck shape so much. I was supposed to buy an Ibanez AZ, but I just hated the neck and thought it was way to thick. I also have an Ibanez RG, and The RG is much thinner.. To me, the Charvel just feels like a really comfortable, slimmer strat.
The Schecter C1 exotic are very interesting Superstrats too. Very special looks, and the neck is awesome (in the NJ Traditional).
I literally just got this guitar on the 17th of May. The Burgundy Mist variant. I love it!
You are a fantastic play, John.
Great to listen to a guitar review by someone who can actually play!!! Most reviewers playing is almost unlistenable. Thanks for review. I'll be returning...
dude! i've totally missed thanks for the heads up john!
I have the same guitar and loving it! I also want to express my gratitude for having such a beautiful intro and outro that took my pentatonics to the next level! Still working on speed but I got right into the groove with this one! 😁
I'd also pay 10.00 to download the full intro recording aswell! 😁
I’ve got the HSS version, but I can’t make it sound like that! I’ve heard tell of QC issues with them, but mine was flawless from the factory. Excellent fit and finish as well as setup. Love your content and playing, John.
Cheers for sharing your experience Ian! What colour is yours?
Have two of them: an HSS [ swapped the Full Shred for the SH5 Custom ] in shale grey and the SSS dk22 fret version in gold. Both are flawless and incredible.
I was surprised that the 2 frets difference made a great difference in the way both guitars play and sound.
Have this model. Great great guitar found I can use this almost as a 1 stop shop to cover many genres
Really liked you in IT Crowd but didn't know you were such a guitar player. Just jocking, awesome playing and useful review, thanks.
I really enjoy the sound. Thanks
I own that guitar and love it. The neck profile is very much a personal thing and I happen to like this one very much. I was never a fan of the Ibanez neck joint, pickups, or the neck profile. For me, this one is way better for the kind of player who wants to rock, shred, but also be able to access those strat sounds in a convincing way.
I have one of these and love it. The toggle switch isn't a could split it's a parallel / series switch. but the parallel mode does sound a little single coilish.
Yeh - in my head it's doing the same sort of thing?
Didn't know the importance of a neck until I tried a different guitar that I wasn't used to. I got used to the AZ neck and when I tried a Fender player series it felt too small somehow. Also, the stainless steel frets an satin neck makes it play smoother.
Love that sound!
I picked guitar back up about 9 months ago and this was my first purchase. I bought it lightly used at a local pawn shop. Although I prefer a thicker neck so far, this is still my favorite for sound and just overall playability. I love it
What neck do you prefer and how has it been to adjust? I play both a D-shape Ultra Tele...and have a full C shaped SG & Nashville Tele.
The Charvel seemed to have slightly flatter back and higher 'shoulders' to it like some Epiphones.
I love the neck shape!
Fine guitar and awesome playing!
Beautiful, smooth playing bro. Dig your vibe. BTW, I made the mistake of playing this at guitar center the other day. It’s ridiculous. And I mean that in the most reverential way.
Oh, yes - she will be mine.
I have the same model but in the burgundy pink color. I thought I wouldn't like the neck but i can't stop playing it. Ended up getting the t-style with the fishman fluence pickups. These just feel right for me. I'm currently saving for the hss hartail. Great video.
Dude, you just made me even more glad I own one.🤠👍👍
This is my new shred axe of 3 months and it’s f’in awesome . 10 possible pickup combos !
i recently got a used hsh dk 24 in orange, very comfortable but for my personal taste, i couldnt agree more on the thin wide neck!
While I never know what Charvel model I'm actually playing...I seem to always love the sound, the trems, and even how I how play. Tho, I never feel comfortable on the neck despite playing a Tele Ultra with a D-shape.
It's also possible I play well because I AM less comfortable and have to stay loose.
I‘ve tried one but it didn‘t really impress me as much as the specs did. Would definitely go for the Ibanez AZ in that price range, but nice presentation as always!
I think it'd come down to the difference in neck shape - the AZ is kind of thick for some folks (ideal for me though) - whereas I think this Charvel would probably be too thin for folks too?
@@johnnathancordy
It‘s definitely a question of personal preference but additional to the neck shape I also think that they sound quite different. I was looking for a combination of clear and percussive cleans (in the Polyphia realm) and a nice and tight bridge sound for modern riffing with distortion. I compared them (HSS variants) and the Ibanez felt like it had more character to it (at least I liked it more) and sounded more balanced/coherent especially in the low frequencies. I don‘t remember the AZ being nearly as expensive as they are now though. Have they seen such a big price hike in the past years, is there other differences I don‘t know about or did I just happen to find a discounted one back then? I think it was 1200-1300€ and now they are like 1800-2000€ here in Germany.
The neck of this guitar is perfect !
I ordered the jake e lee pro mod. Looks like I won't see it until October... The Dk 24s are beautiful 😍
Dang I’d love one of these. My best guitar is a super strat (HSS) Kissel bolt that I picked up and put together because I just never had the funds to buy anything more expensive. I saved a lot on the labor doing the oil finishing myself and general assembly of it myself. I worked at the shop during that time so I had my buddy give it a really great setup and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between mine and one that was sold from the line.
Love the bare look but wish I could find a pick guard for this just in case I want to switch things up 🙃
Such Great Playing Thank You Could Listen All Day !!!!!
Hi John ! Amazing tone and playing !! as always !What a surprise ...I have the DK24 , the HSS version,
and I must say that it has the best fingerboard i've ever played !!
It's true that I don't like thick necks at all,so this one is perfect for me.I have also an American PRS Classic 24-10th anniversary,
which also has a very good neck,a little thicker than this one.
But once you get used to play on this one is very difficul to feel as comfortable with others.
The thing I couldn't get used to is the tendency it has to sound very bright,so I changed the mics for the Lace Sensor set,and even so,
although it got better,I decided to sell it because of that.
I think the one you're playing,has much more body,maybe because it has 2 humbuckers.
Great video !!
you know the funny thing.. after years of owning this "rock" guitar... ive got a really nice classic tone i had no idea this guitar could do! .. Inspired John,, thanks
Im getting the hsh. I want that single coil clean sound from the middle pickup
Great Playing bud!!
I have a Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 (Tele style, with natural finish mahogany body), that is an absolutely killer guitar in every way. The feel, the playability, the tones, the pickups, fit and finish, everything is exceptional. Not sure how the neck profile compares to this one, but I would put it on the thin side, which I generally prefer.
Hi! I’m not sure you’ll reply, but your presets are only for helix or other I don’t use. Is it possible to know what amp/cab models you used for tones here? Guitar sounded really good through the whole video
Very nice. What settings are you using on the amp? Any pedals? That’s an outstanding good sound. Good and tasty.
I got a pro mod style 2 (Tele style) a few months back and absolutely fell in love with it. Completely changed what I look for in a guitar spec wise. I think I’d describe the neck as between a C and D shape which is why you might not be getting on with it. I have a schecter which is about just as thin, but a perfect C.... I can’t say which I like more. But that roasted maple on the Charvel is just so smooth
Yeh it seems to have quite a flattish profile with more shoulders than the NJ?
Just got the DK22 SSS version!
im thinking about buying this guitar but heard about some tuning stability issues when using tremolo. what are your thoughts about it? im planning to use the tremolo often. should I but it?
I think with trems like these it often comes down to each specific guitar and set up - some have tuning stability issues, some don't - no way to predict which it will go to be honest!
@@johnnathancordy thanks man!
I've got that exact one plus the HSS pink one. I prefer my US hss Strat for versatility and comfort, but I think I have the most fun playing the hss pro-mod. It's definitely used more in a rock context or anything with more gain. The neck is certainly slimmer than a strat, but I definitely dont think its paper thin like a Wizard neck. My biggest complaint is they advertise stability with the caramelized neck, but both of mine fret sprout in dryer climage/dryer times of the year. That's what everybody claims baking a neck should do - minimalize the moisture content to reduce shrinking/expanding/moving, but these are my only guitars with sprout come winter. Still keeping them though... well at least the pink one for sure
Looking at some of the wizard neck specs, over the years they have varied a lot. But I think the Charvel is something like just under 19mm right?
As for the fret sprout..Yeh that's presumably one of the things that you'd hope it would be solving? I wonder if baking maple necks is a cover for using less mature wood so that you don't have to pay for more expensive drier wood?
Would love to try one of these. I tend to like some of the flatter radius necks. I have very average sized, fairly weak hands for my size (1.9 Meters or 6 feet, 3 inches) and sometimes struggle with thicker necks.
I've got short fingers and the Gibson Slim Taper necks are most comfortable for me. Traditional older Fender necks are difficult for me due to the small radius that Fender loves large diameter of the necks. A local store carries Charvel and I never gave them a second look. These Dinkys cause they had a traditional tailpiece, so I gave one of them a try. I found this neck easier to play than many of the newer round Gibson necks.
Ended up getting Dinky 24 fret SSH and the Dinky 22 fret when it came out. Now that I have lived with both guitars awhile, I am completely satisfied with the necks and fingerboards. My single bitch is with Fender style heads, the tuners are closer together, however, the locking tuners make the job easier.
Thanks for your videos! I have this exact guitar and love it. Also find the switching between single coil and HB mode quite useful. The neck is thin as you say. I like it but would also like just a bit more again like the AZ as you say (also have one of those). But I'm 6'4" with pretty long fingers.
How drastic or not is the volume difference when switching pickup positions? It did not seemed drastic at all but I know youtube compression messes with that.
Charvel’s are awesome. I was thinking of getting the tele but didn’t because I like stainless steel frets. Check out the Harley Benton Fusion Tele. Specs are awesome for the price. Cheers mate!
The Stainless Steel frets are must.
ESP Ltd 1000 series is the most affordable, Don't know if theirs is super duper Strat style. But the Charvel is nice, needs stainless steel and a Floyd Rose tho.
Just get it refretted with stainless steel.
@@radio5051 for $300.00 ! that puts it out of contention for less than 1k.
@@radio5051 😂
@@zakklee2556 yes it does, unless you buy a used one and fit stainless steel frets.
Lovely playing in this video. Great guitar. The bridge pickup is a bit horrid... The rick Graham signature is my dream
Sounds great - I played a Charvel in a store last year and didn't really get on with it, but did seem nicely spec'd (I just prefer the Ibanez neck profiles for 'super strats' as you've noted - The Wizard style neck just feels more like I want it!). IIRC Fender owns/produces Charvel, so wonder if these are maybe made in the same facilities as Player Series guitars?!
I Love Charvels. I have three So Cals--two MIJ and one MIM.
I think it sounds great but I feel same way about the flat necks makes it feel awkward for me as well but I’ve played C shape necks most life I’m curious is the back of neck have a good unvarnished feel I can’t stand a neck that has such a thick gloss or finish on back hate the way it catches my fretting hand
I have the HSS shell pink DK24. I got it hoping for an HSS version of my Guthrie sig. For the price, I was surprised at how good it plays and feels, though I’m not a massive fan of the SD Full Shred pickups. The Guthrie obviously is on a completely different level and the neck profile isn’t the same, but at under half the price (more like a third, really), they’re not bad at all.
Hi Sam, I’m considering the Guthrie, how does the neck compare? Is it thicker than the DK neck?
@@radio5051 It isn’t necessarily thicker, but doesn’t feel as wide, which makes it feel thicker somehow. The Guthrie neck is the most comfortable neck I’ve ever played, with the AZ Prestiges coming a close second
@@sambroxguitar that’s an interesting comment, because several people have told me the Guthrie mode has a thicker neck. Last night I was watching an Andertons interview from 2014 with the Charvel rep at NAMM. He said Guthrie played a regular Charvel neck and liked it, and that is what is on his model. I suspect the new DK necks have been tweaked since this standard neck shaped that was used for the GG model. Thanks for your opinion.
ive owned mine for about 2 years, it was perfectly set up when i got it. Ive set it up in D standard with 9s, and its super fun to play. Also if you turn the tone to 10 it clicks, and complety takes out the tone pots, so yuo get that full opn bridge humbucker.. Van halen tone, Very cool guitars
9-42? How is it not a floppy mess with low gauges like that tuned to D?
@@jayz6008 9 to 54, a bit of an odd ball set,but it works for me
Ibanez Super Wizard necks (like the RG550 and RG565) has necks measured 17mm-19mm. This one is like, 18-20mm.
I would be interested to hear thoughts on fretwork. Ive just ordered one after playing 2 in a store but the two i played i found both, one more than the other to have slightly sharp fret edges. Maybe due to the fingerboard being rolled and the frets not rolled as much as the board. Im hoping ill get a good example or i may send it back, but i suppose i could file the fret edges slightly. Compared to my sire s7 i thought the frets were a bit sharp. Any other experiences of this? Is this common or normal, or were they just bad examples I played? Ill update here when mine comes from guitar guitar
One Error is that you said you weren't sure if you coild adapt or whatnot or something along those lines (dubbie lit 😂 over hea) but you appear to be well adjusted to that Charvel (beautiful playing)😁 I also have that same beautiful guitar! 😁
I really wish there was a HH shell pink version of these, love the flexibility of having a coil split HH setup but the pink on with dual humbuckers is ugly
I have one. I love it. Beautiful axe.
I love the version hh of dk24, unfortunatelly this version is not available whit floyd rose.
Smooth af
I just bought one just like this. May i have your permission to decal it with
"John Nathan Cordy Signature Series"?
(can't afford any authentic artist signature guitars)
2:56 you make this guitar sound expensive & worth buying
I've had the HSS DK24 for about 18 months and I find the neck super comfortable, if not ever slightly too thin... especially from the 12th fret up. The pickups maybe aren't super inspiring but I'm a bit scared to change them out for something else! If anyone has any recommendations I'm all ears
I have a Bare Knuckle Silo in the bridge of another guitar, and I did some extensive A-B testing, and the SD Full Shred for rock and high gain sounds *very* close, pretty much identical. The big difference is that if you have a high gain tone and play a major or minor chord, as the chord sustains the BK keeps the flavour of the chord much longer. You can still tell it's a major or minor chord a few seconds later, while the root and fifth overtones tend to take over with the Full Shred and you lose that character.
Other than that, they're pretty close, so considering the price difference, the Full Shred is great value. Maybe tinker with your amp a little?
@@Malediction99 I swapped the Full Shred for the SH5 Custom. A JB would work nicely in this guitar also. For lower output, and staying SD, I'd be interested in seeing how the Screaming Demon and 59 / Custom Hybrid work in this guitar.
How can I learn to play lead in that style? Any recommendations?
Hello , I m between this one and a Gibson LP standard which is more expensive ....what would you do based on your playing ? Thanks ( I ll do my own thing obviously , but an opinion would help🤘🤘)
I have an HSH and the only thing bad about them is the body, thin no resonance which affects tone quite as bit, I think
Charvel Pro Mod DK24 VS Yamaha Pacifica 612VIIX?
Lyrical playing mate..nice
What amp and settings are u using in this video??
Have you tried the cort g300 pro? Also seymour duncan pickups, stainless steel frets. Perhaps a better neck for you.
Someone else mentioned those below, will see if anything is available in this country!
The neck and feel is totally subjective. What suits one person won't suit someone else. Plus every guitar is different to another.
I played one yesterday and it was perfect for me, I hopefully will be getting that same guitar soon.
I didn't like the neck either when I tried one... I really wish u demoed a Tagima guitar.. I am wanting to try them but no dealer near me has one.
Or an EArt guitar
Haven't heard of either of those?!
@@johnnathancordy with Tagima it's difficult to get one from their website. Most searches direct you to some Brazilian export site and you need a sort of Brazilian Social Security/Tax Number to buy one.
Well, in USA Tagima was like unheard off.. at least for me until I think it was Philip mcnight or some other TH-camr mentioned a few years ago. Now, I'm am seeing them all over reverb and online stores with really good prices. The EArt guitars too..the have an Amazon store and offer roast neck and rounded edges stainless steel frets that are supposed to be as good as top of the line for like $250 USD... I just feel like other TH-camrs that have reviewed them are paid off.. and wanted to see an unbiased opinion.. by the way thanks to your vids I'm definitely getting a hx stomp xl.
I have three Charvels, a DK24 HSH, Pro Mod Style 1 FR and a Pro Mod Style 2. The Style 1 definitely has a thicker neck but the DK24 and Style 2 feel like the same neck carve. My favourite is without doubt the Style 2, probably because the Fishman pickups offer the greatest tonal variety and it's the least 'shred' looking.
john i love music your playing, whats is this drumkit ? make more videos with nux mg 30 or the hotone ampero 2 stomp
Studio drummer!