I was in the market to buy Charvel San Dimas guitar as I am a hige 80s metal head. I had the money to buy the US-made guitar. I tried both the mexican and USA made charvels for hours in the guitar shop and honestly the Mexican-made charvel played flawlessly and I couldn't justify why I should pay $2000 more for the american-made. I got out of the store with Charvel San Dimas Charcoal Grey ASH E FR.. this was back in 2017 and to this day it's my everyday playing guitar. Sounds and feels absolutely fantastic. Great video thanks you for sharing
Agree ! I have both , 2009 USA SoCal, 2022 made in Mexico San Dimas and also the 2022 Korean made chameleon San Dimas. All them play is great as the USA model hands-down. I’ve been playing for 40 years and into Charvels for the last 15 years. I 12:10 would never spend the extra money for USA model. Just not worth it to me.
A guitar being Japanese or USA made doesn't matter now as much as it used to. A good setup on (most) Mexican made charvels will have it feeling the EXACT same as any Japanese or USA. Because don't forget, they're the exact same guitar. Look at the spec sheets, the USA dk24 HH has the same pickups, same neck, same materials, almost all the same hardware apart from stainless steel frets and slightly better tuning pegs as the pro mod HH. in my opinion nothing about the Japanese or USA models makes them worth 3x the price of the Mexican guitars
Exactly, it really doesn't matter as much as it used to. I own multiple 80s MIJs as well as 3 MIM Charvels and they stack up just as well. A good guitar is a good guitar, and Charvel kills it with these MIMs.
Had a Pro Mod SoCal and currently have the USA Select. The promod was probably the best value you can get but the usa model is noticeably better quality. Overall QC was better, more attention paid to the neck and frets, German Floyd rose instead of the 1000 series (nothing wrong with the 1000 series but it isn’t quite on par), nicer finish on the USA model as well. That being said, it’s hard to justify it being 3x the cost but I’m sure the higher manufacturing cost in the USA has something to do with it.
@@jasonsheppard7428 You're right they do feel better. I was wrong when I said a good setup will have it feeling the EXACT same, the frets and overall QC improvements do make a difference. But as an unrealistic bang for your buck kinda comparison I'd say that difference in feel is probably worth paying no more than an extra $500 dollars, not $2.5k although I know that's completely unrealistic with USA manufacturing cost being through the roof.
@@alexjackson8841 I will say.. the reason why I bought the USA Select is because I was so impressed with the ProMod. I figured even if it was 5% better it was worth the extra money. I sold some gear and made the purchase. I’m very happy with it but I really do miss the ProMod. Like I said, I don’t think there’s a better guitar out there for the money
Great vid dude thanks . I have a DK22 SSS and now a Seymour Duncan pup convert. All 3 are excellent, but value for money I believe it is hard to go past the MIM
Bought my first Charvel in November of 1981...I still have it. Since then I have acquired about a dozen usa Charvels, an 87 model 1, and a new Mexican signature Charvel. No complaints on any. Great demo.
I’m a huge Charvel fan and have many. I had the exact Japanese model with the Wenge neck you show. I sold it very quickly as I hated the feel of the neck. I know this is only me as many people love it. I also felt it was a heavy guitar.mall of the features of the dk24 were perfect for me, but that neck was a huge ‘nope’. Now I want a Rick Graham dk24 instead. 😊
Don't forget the great guitar virtuoso Gary Moore who played Charvel throughout the 80s. Sure, Gary Moore is more known for playing The Greeny and his 61 Fiesta Red Stratocaster. But in the 80s he also played a EMG loaded Charvel. He had a red one and a white one that he rocked the shit out off throughout the hair metal/glam metal era. Love Charvel guitars ❤️🔥
Great video! Thanks. I have the USA select and totally agree with you! It’s hard to explain spec wise but for some reason it has more soul than the Mexican model which I also own and are great but just a bit more sterile if one can say so …
Been playing charvel since the 80's. Some of the best were Japanese number models, otherwise a few special edition Mexican models were awesome about 10-15 years ago along with usa production models from the same Era. However, the absolute best charvels are from custom shop - no doubt. Especially from the early 80's. Nice video. Thanks
@Mark Rothschild the quality stopped about 1995 so anything after that the quality is not there they're owned by Fender now unfortunately so it's really just a cookie-cutter program now
The only ding for me is the fret sprout issues, ive got a 2009 USA San Dimas and 2 DK 24HHFR and all 3 have considerable sprout (fixable but shouldnt be this bad). I bought a 1985 brand new in 85, it had a Kahler which is a nice trem however remember they had to use a locking system behind the nut so you still had to deal with it binding and of coarse wear on the nut. Due to the Kahler i much prefer any of the newer 3 i have and I will always have a love for CHARVEL, specially the pointy headstock ones. Whats nice is you can find the MIM versions for $650-$750 in mint condition as if march 2023. The USA San Dimas is a great guitar, the Floyd is top mounted and im so gald i grabbed one in the early 2010's as they were again, like $600 mint ($899 new) now theyre $1600-$2000 used.
well ,that Mexican looks and sound great 🤔🤔 , the Japanesse look exotic and desirable ... but that Usa red one is my favourite, its sound is pure 80s, a wild crystal 🤗🤗 its sound remind me my Jackson 92 reversed Japan , really enjoyed your video , have fun and keep rocking 😃👍👍
I’ve been interested in the Walnut top MJ, sounded the most full to my ears, would love to hear more! I’m not necessarily bummed about no stainless frets but wish they used the cut away input jack as the other DK’s. Cheers!
I love the Japanese dk24 but im a floyd guy and if it had an original floyd it would be spot on. That being said i own a master built san dimas koa made by red dave himself and i have never played a finer insturment in my life and ive been playing since 1983.
Great job mate! I’m looking for a new guitar and I’m in doubt about Charvel Pro Mod DK24 and Sterling JP60. Can you bring me some light about what of the two choose? Thanks a lot
Hard rock and fusion are bread and butter for the charvel, the jp60 is fatter and more metal oriented. The quality for price is higher on the charvel, for my taste
@@TheGuitalian Ty! I’m more hard rock metal player so I think about purchase Charvel. And what about Chavel and PRS? Have you try both to give me your opinion?
PRS is great too, but totally different sound and approach, to me it's a bit mellower with a bit harsh high end, but really comfortable instruments. It's a matter of taste
I just picked up my second MiM Charvel (Pro-Mod DK24P HSS FR). It plays great and I love the neck. However, taking off the trem cavity cover is where you can see the craftsmanship difference. There are a lot of rough edges and the routing is a little strange. You can't get to the screw that tightens the arm socket on the Floyd. I'm wondering if there was some kind of error when it was on the routing machine.
I have the same bad routing on my mim Henrik Danhage signature. $1600 guitar with off centered tremolo routing. I found this out when I added a German Floyd Rose on the guitar and it rubbed the inside cavity. I had to put the 1000 series Allen cap on the German Floyd. I am still going to take a drummer to it. I have many usa Charvels from 1981 and then a few fron 2006-2007. They are all top notch.
I don't agree with you! I have played Charvel since 83. And had an 86 Jackson (Charvel w/ new logo) "bolt on" #1010 =9th one built. I have owned Mexican, Japanese and Custom Shop Charvels over the years. The Japanese are super high quality and very close tolerances and super high quality. The USA custom shops are sweet. I had an 2006 San Dimas in Black Cherry pointed headstock and the headstock delaminated and had to be sent back to be refinished. The USA are very nice but take at least 18-24 months to built it= quality not as good as you would expect from a "team built", the Mexican Charvels are the best value for your hard earned money $$$ and the quality has improved 10 fold "Neck pocket gaps are super tight now"!!! and fit/finish/neck dress are excellent! The USA & Japanese have German made Floyds and opposed to the Mexican versions have Korean made Floyds. The Mexican models offer the most bang for your buck "Seymour Duncan JB's & 59's " for $1000 +/-. & neck dress/frets has improved as well. I currently own 2 Charvels both Made in Mexico. . .the Hendrik Danhage Sig series and a Pro Mod DK 24 in desert sand and couldn't be happier with the sound/playability & price.
ive bought cars that were cheaper than the american version, i couldnt never allow myself to waste that kind of money when I can get those tones out of pedals and a much cheaper guitar...just my opinion
@@TheGuitalian I like the tones you were getting. I have a jcm2000 as well and I’m trying to get a tone that I feel satisfied with. Were you using any od/boost pedals?
Try a Jackson PC 1. Those things are really amazing I have three of them I have a chlorine blue one a chameleon green and a blue Frost they're just really kool.
I would recommend the Mexican Charvel, but only if you mainly gig at home, and you don't intend to become a professional musician. However, if you intend to work professionally as a musician, then Japanese or USA Charvel, all the way.
Idk man, I have a DK24 that is on par with my MiJ Jackson from the early 2000s. I haven't owned a San Dimas MiM but as for the DK24 I've tried many expensive guitars since but can't find anything that plays better than that guitar. The only guitar I've played that comes close is my Jackson from the early 2000s.
@@TheGuitalian if the guitar look cheap: boring not translucent finish, where you can't see the wood; pickup rings - outdated ugly thing; oiled neck - becomes dirty in a week no matter how often you wash your hands, then deffinitely you won't want to play it no matter how good it sounds. P.S. also her singles are too muddy.
Hey guys which one did you like the better? Cheers!
Charvel USA ist the best....but for normal people like me too expensive..and Dimarzio Superdistortion is the best pickup for 80s guitars...
I truly liked tge full sound of tge green Mexican built.
I was in the market to buy Charvel San Dimas guitar as I am a hige 80s metal head. I had the money to buy the US-made guitar. I tried both the mexican and USA made charvels for hours in the guitar shop and honestly the Mexican-made charvel played flawlessly and I couldn't justify why I should pay $2000 more for the american-made. I got out of the store with Charvel San Dimas Charcoal Grey ASH E FR.. this was back in 2017 and to this day it's my everyday playing guitar. Sounds and feels absolutely fantastic. Great video thanks you for sharing
I have two of that model. It's the only time I've ever bought two identical guitars. I liked it so much I wanted a spare... you know just in case. lol
Agree !
I have both , 2009 USA SoCal, 2022 made in Mexico San Dimas and also the 2022 Korean made chameleon San Dimas.
All them play is great as the USA model hands-down.
I’ve been playing for 40 years and into Charvels for the last 15 years. I 12:10 would never spend the extra money for USA model. Just not worth it to me.
A guitar being Japanese or USA made doesn't matter now as much as it used to. A good setup on (most) Mexican made charvels will have it feeling the EXACT same as any Japanese or USA. Because don't forget, they're the exact same guitar. Look at the spec sheets, the USA dk24 HH has the same pickups, same neck, same materials, almost all the same hardware apart from stainless steel frets and slightly better tuning pegs as the pro mod HH. in my opinion nothing about the Japanese or USA models makes them worth 3x the price of the Mexican guitars
Exactly, it really doesn't matter as much as it used to. I own multiple 80s MIJs as well as 3 MIM Charvels and they stack up just as well. A good guitar is a good guitar, and Charvel kills it with these MIMs.
Agreed
Had a Pro Mod SoCal and currently have the USA Select. The promod was probably the best value you can get but the usa model is noticeably better quality. Overall QC was better, more attention paid to the neck and frets, German Floyd rose instead of the 1000 series (nothing wrong with the 1000 series but it isn’t quite on par), nicer finish on the USA model as well.
That being said, it’s hard to justify it being 3x the cost but I’m sure the higher manufacturing cost in the USA has something to do with it.
@@jasonsheppard7428 You're right they do feel better. I was wrong when I said a good setup will have it feeling the EXACT same, the frets and overall QC improvements do make a difference. But as an unrealistic bang for your buck kinda comparison I'd say that difference in feel is probably worth paying no more than an extra $500 dollars, not $2.5k although I know that's completely unrealistic with USA manufacturing cost being through the roof.
@@alexjackson8841 I will say.. the reason why I bought the USA Select is because I was so impressed with the ProMod. I figured even if it was 5% better it was worth the extra money. I sold some gear and made the purchase. I’m very happy with it but I really do miss the ProMod. Like I said, I don’t think there’s a better guitar out there for the money
i have a mex san dimas in gloss black with a ebony fretboard...changed the duncan JB to a TB-6 distortion...love it!!! cheers man!!!
I have a blue Mexican HSS and it is deffinately the best guitar I ever had! Absolutely fantastic!
Great vid dude thanks . I have a DK22 SSS and now a Seymour Duncan pup convert. All 3 are excellent, but value for money I believe it is hard to go past the MIM
Bought my first Charvel in November of 1981...I still have it. Since then I have acquired about a dozen usa Charvels, an 87 model 1, and a new Mexican signature Charvel. No complaints on any. Great demo.
Thanks!
I’m a huge Charvel fan and have many. I had the exact Japanese model with the Wenge neck you show. I sold it very quickly as I hated the feel of the neck. I know this is only me as many people love it. I also felt it was a heavy guitar.mall of the features of the dk24 were perfect for me, but that neck was a huge ‘nope’. Now I want a Rick Graham dk24 instead. 😊
I found a USA Select San Dimas Style 1 HSS FR AND an HT once in a shop in Thailand for 1.4k US once... And passed. I regret that moment to this day.
Awesome review, man! Really loved the sounds of the American and Japanese ones.
Thanks man!
Don't forget the great guitar virtuoso Gary Moore who played Charvel throughout the 80s. Sure, Gary Moore is more known for playing The Greeny and his 61 Fiesta Red Stratocaster. But in the 80s he also played a EMG loaded Charvel. He had a red one and a white one that he rocked the shit out off throughout the hair metal/glam metal era. Love Charvel guitars ❤️🔥
Great video! Thanks. I have the USA select and totally agree with you! It’s hard to explain spec wise but for some reason it has more soul than the Mexican model which I also own and are great but just a bit more sterile if one can say so …
Been playing charvel since the 80's.
Some of the best were Japanese number models, otherwise a few special edition Mexican models were awesome about 10-15 years ago along with usa production models from the same Era. However, the absolute best charvels are from custom shop - no doubt. Especially from the early 80's. Nice video. Thanks
I have a 1987 charvel charvet crackle orange and it still rocks
It's very difficult to beat Japanese craftsmanship.
That stopped about 1995 with Jackson Charvel
@Mark Rothschild the quality stopped about 1995 so anything after that the quality is not there they're owned by Fender now unfortunately so it's really just a cookie-cutter program now
Great video, thanks
I have the lime green one now I want the other two!
Can't Blame you for that! :D
i`ve bought this mexican san dimas from reverb in blue miami color))) can`t wait till it arrives
It made me laugh out loud when your head popped up and started singing awesome video to very informative
Thanks!
The only ding for me is the fret sprout issues, ive got a 2009 USA San Dimas and 2 DK 24HHFR and all 3 have considerable sprout (fixable but shouldnt be this bad). I bought a 1985 brand new in 85, it had a Kahler which is a nice trem however remember they had to use a locking system behind the nut so you still had to deal with it binding and of coarse wear on the nut. Due to the Kahler i much prefer any of the newer 3 i have and I will always have a love for CHARVEL, specially the pointy headstock ones. Whats nice is you can find the MIM versions for $650-$750 in mint condition as if march 2023. The USA San Dimas is a great guitar, the Floyd is top mounted and im so gald i grabbed one in the early 2010's as they were again, like $600 mint ($899 new) now theyre $1600-$2000 used.
Brother, had the same prob with dk24, I’m 72 and going wtf is this? I worked on and my buddy did👍🏿😊
well ,that Mexican looks and sound great 🤔🤔 , the Japanesse look exotic and desirable ... but that Usa red one is my favourite, its sound is pure 80s, a wild crystal 🤗🤗 its sound remind me my Jackson 92 reversed Japan , really enjoyed your video , have fun and keep rocking 😃👍👍
Thanks!
Loved the Holdsworth there...
Good review man thanks for sharing!! My budget says get the Mexican but my heart says get the USA... 🤔 hmm maybe I will get the 🇯🇵 mij model
I’ve been interested in the Walnut top MJ, sounded the most full to my ears, would love to hear more! I’m not necessarily bummed about no stainless frets but wish they used the cut away input jack as the other DK’s. Cheers!
Excellent video, all great.
Japan all day and twice on Sunday
I love the Japanese dk24 but im a floyd guy and if it had an original floyd it would be spot on. That being said i own a master built san dimas koa made by red dave himself and i have never played a finer insturment in my life and ive been playing since 1983.
Love my MIM charvel, but I dream with a japanese san dimas one volume and selector
Hy does the custom USA have a standard truss rod and not the spoke wheel?
Go go the italians 👍👍👍👍👍👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥
Flat neck are hard to bend. U have to bend against all the tension but a more round neck u are bending up and over.
Great job mate! I’m looking for a new guitar and I’m in doubt about Charvel Pro Mod DK24 and Sterling JP60. Can you bring me some light about what of the two choose? Thanks a lot
Hard rock and fusion are bread and butter for the charvel, the jp60 is fatter and more metal oriented. The quality for price is higher on the charvel, for my taste
@@TheGuitalian Ty! I’m more hard rock metal player so I think about purchase Charvel. And what about Chavel and PRS? Have you try both to give me your opinion?
PRS is great too, but totally different sound and approach, to me it's a bit mellower with a bit harsh high end, but really comfortable instruments. It's a matter of taste
@@TheGuitalian Thank you so much for the reply. I will try both in the store to see what sensations they leave to me
Modern fender that rules them all! Realy like the mexican and US one!!
I just picked up my second MiM Charvel (Pro-Mod DK24P HSS FR). It plays great and I love the neck. However, taking off the trem cavity cover is where you can see the craftsmanship difference. There are a lot of rough edges and the routing is a little strange. You can't get to the screw that tightens the arm socket on the Floyd. I'm wondering if there was some kind of error when it was on the routing machine.
I have the same bad routing on my mim Henrik Danhage signature. $1600 guitar with off centered tremolo routing.
I found this out when I added a German Floyd Rose on the guitar and it rubbed the inside cavity. I had to put the 1000 series Allen cap on the German Floyd. I am still going to take a drummer to it.
I have many usa Charvels from 1981 and then a few fron 2006-2007. They are all top notch.
@Mark Rothschild typo 😞. I used a dremel.
I would prefer mexico and japan series because of more chocies
I don't agree with you! I have played Charvel since 83. And had an 86 Jackson (Charvel w/ new logo) "bolt on" #1010 =9th one built. I have owned Mexican, Japanese and Custom Shop Charvels over the years. The Japanese are super high quality and very close tolerances and super high quality. The USA custom shops are sweet. I had an 2006 San Dimas in Black Cherry pointed headstock and the headstock delaminated and had to be sent back to be refinished. The USA are very nice but take at least 18-24 months to built it= quality not as good as you would expect from a "team built", the Mexican Charvels are the best value for your hard earned money $$$ and the quality has improved 10 fold "Neck pocket gaps are super tight now"!!! and fit/finish/neck dress are excellent!
The USA & Japanese have German made Floyds and opposed to the Mexican versions have Korean made Floyds. The Mexican models offer the most bang for your buck "Seymour Duncan JB's & 59's " for $1000 +/-. & neck dress/frets has improved as well. I currently own 2 Charvels both Made in Mexico. . .the Hendrik Danhage Sig series and a Pro Mod DK 24 in desert sand and couldn't be happier with the sound/playability & price.
ive bought cars that were cheaper than the american version, i couldnt never allow myself to waste that kind of money when I can get those tones out of pedals and a much cheaper guitar...just my opinion
Tones from pedals? A good tone always starts with a nice ol tube head. Please tell me you aren’t a Boss Metal Zone player?
Sorry, but are you using your jcm2000 in this clip?
yes, why?
@@TheGuitalian I like the tones you were getting. I have a jcm2000 as well and I’m trying to get a tone that I feel satisfied with. Were you using any od/boost pedals?
Is the the Captain's lick at 4:43? lol
Ahah it probably is
USA all the way.
Try a Jackson PC 1. Those things are really amazing I have three of them I have a chlorine blue one a chameleon green and a blue Frost they're just really kool.
@@richardflora7940 why 3 of same guitar..wouldn't u want to have another 3k guitar instead..
@@ougigaming8710 There all different in sound.
I would recommend the Mexican Charvel, but only if you mainly gig at home, and you don't intend to become a professional musician. However, if you intend to work professionally as a musician, then Japanese or USA Charvel, all the way.
Idk man, I have a DK24 that is on par with my MiJ Jackson from the early 2000s. I haven't owned a San Dimas MiM but as for the DK24 I've tried many expensive guitars since but can't find anything that plays better than that guitar. The only guitar I've played that comes close is my Jackson from the early 2000s.
In 2024 made in America means built by Mexicans
this red axe is a piece of crap, especially for the price
I profoundly disagree
@@TheGuitalian if the guitar look cheap: boring not translucent finish, where you can't see the wood; pickup rings - outdated ugly thing; oiled neck - becomes dirty in a week no matter how often you wash your hands, then deffinitely you won't want to play it no matter how good it sounds. P.S. also her singles are too muddy.