If you have one of these bad boys, you understand... if you do NOT own one... I hope this helps you understand! Follow me on Instagram and tiktok for more! @JimmyRFranklin
why it has a heel is because it's a reminiscent of the "80's shredder" vibe. I think Charvel created this to rival with the Ibanez RG550 reissues: very 80's, vibrant colours, and the HEELS that go with it. I perfectly understand you as I do have an Ibanez RG550 and when I bought it, didn't think the heel would be in the way. I just decided to keep it since it's made in Japan, and apart from the heel, it's an absolute, solid guitar (I also own a Schecter, and a Solar btw---and none of these guitars have obstructing heels. Why I'm watching your video is perhaps I might just get a 4th guitar).
I love my Charvel So-Cal... it makes me feel like I'm hot-rodding an Italian Sports Car but without the 20-year loan. Six-pack of tones, Floyd for days, Stainless steel frets, Slick looks, Enough of a hot pickup for modern metal. I used to think that it SHOULD have 24 frets, but because of that blasted HEEL, I would actually hurt my thumb joint more if it did have 24 frets (I have a Schecter that does have a heel and 24 frets and I my thumb joint hurts when I reach). However, if you keep it in a drop tuning (which I do), you no longer miss the 23rd and 24th fret.
The neck joint really isn’t that bad. Idk why people hate it so much. It was really easy for me to get used to. Sure it doesn’t look as nice as a sculpted joint. But the So-cal is a classic design. If you don’t want the blocky neck joint get the San Dimas or Djnky.
Nostalgia for that feature? Come on. So Cal and San Dimas are identical bodies. The only difference is So Cal has a pickguard, and has ceramic mags in the JB set, which makes them 'Distortion' pickups. So both the guitar lines and pickup sets have such a small difference. For the two guitar lines it's kind of dumb for them to even act like they warrant different names. They should just be called San Dimas. Charvel is my favorite brand but the way it's managed it's such a boring lazy company because it's owned by FMIC.
Wait what! Why am I just finding this guy now? I'm allways looking at guitar video's. Talk about being late to the party. Good content, better playing and a great attitude. Hell yeah I'm subscribing! Rock on good people 🤘🏻
I agree. That neck being too thin can just feel uncomfortable and the heel not being beveled away is just kind of a design that should just die off in all elec guitars that are intended to be played way up near the 22nd to 24th frets. nice review!!
I bought the 2008 American So Cal except green for $500 used in 2011. Mint condition. Has a EVO and Tone Zone OEM. Put a brass trem block in. It's a beast. They are going for $1500-$2000 now.
This is an excellent guitar for the price. Can you tell me how did you create the sound at the beginning of the video? Specifically what amp/cab?sounds amazing!
Agree Jimmy, stainless steel frets is the way to go! Heel joints don’t bother me but I stay below the speed limit with my playing lol 😂 Rock on 🤘 Jimmy Killer playing as usual!
HAHAHA below the speed limit!! thats funny! I totally get that. and its not something I think about since I like getting up there!.. I always gotta be comfortable! thank you sir!!
I prefer so frets too, but many don't. It's definitely a different feel ( and probably a slight tone difference, but I haven't noticed). Locking tuners are another option that should be more common IMO.
Great video . I love the charvel . I want a hard tail next . I have one of fhe original USA San Dimas models . It’s been a work horse for for over a decade
Dude, spot on quick review! Great point about the heel too. I really like the SD distortion humbuckers and split coil option. I wish the center switch position activated both humbuckers but it does not. Bummer! thanks for the vid!
I totally agree about your issue with the bulky heel. Why do so many designs still use that ancient 1950s relic? There are so many alternatives that are a lot better ergonomically with no negatives in terms of sound or sustain. Charvel have done it right on their most recent singlecut-model (tele) so hopefully that neck-pocket/heel-design is coming to their strat-models too some time in the future.
The serial number plate is so nice I wouldn't want an asymmetrical type heel where that wouldn't be used anymore. I was thinking they could just taper down the heel in symmetrical way, retaining the plate and the rectangular shape. The way Fender does it is to just round off the one corner, which doesn't allow drop-in Stew Mac shims, but symmetrically tapering the whole heel would have the same efficacy as that shredder's heel. When I only played teles I never noticed the square heel. I now notice the So-Cal heel now because I got very used to DKs. But the So-Cal sounds better than the DK, which is why I switched over. After a while I'll train myself to avoid the heel, as in the past, and forget it's there.
I just got a great deal on a hardtail So-Cal and had no idea about the no load tone knob. I have several Strats and much prefer the single volume/single tone/push pull setup of the Charvel over the volume/tone/tone of the Fenders but I can't stand the Duncan Distortions and plan on swapping them out asap. I already have a Duncan SH-5 Custom that'll work the bridge and I'm thinking I'll get a Duncan '59 for the neck. Mexican Charvels don't come with stainless steel frets so I'm not sure where the comments here are coming from.
I have a 7 string hard tail Charvel, love it. I've been trying a 6 string Charvel that I really like, in particular the neck, pups & the colour neon pink ash body, but I'm playing mostly Metalcore, some prog metal, chugging and riffing a lot, I'm mostly into rhythm stuff. Worried that the Floyd rose isn't suitable for someone who's mostly chugging & resting my hand on the bridge sometimes. What u guys think? Their hard tail model colours just bore me, I really want one from their neon ash series. Advice, I have zero experience with FR setups and their stability.
Their U.S. made guitars have that strat style heel. The Japanese and Mexican models have the carved heel. I'm sure you could get that carved heel with a custom shop model. But I agree, definitely should be an option.
I don't use Floyds but if I did it would be a 1000, but I'd set it flush EVH style. I was never into pulling up octaves, I'd rather bend. And pulling up will break strings. I haven't broken a string since I stopped using Floyds in 1988. I love the metallic orange of that So Cal. Sounds great too. Charvel was the first company to really get flat fretboards right for bolt-ons.
@@jimmyfranklin That's how Eddie set them up. He believed it not only added to ultimate tuning stability but also to much better resonance, tone, etc. And he was right. What happened when Vai came along is a lot of players began routing for their Floyd's. I had this done to a Kramer baretta back in '87. This was already a floating Floyd. Now that I was pulling back a fifth, I was breaking strings like matchsticks. Mick Mars also uses flush Floyds. A flush Floyd is the most stable trem you can use if you want to stay in tune. As soon as you have a floating bridge, locking or not, you're going to have issues. For floating I think cam systems like the Kahler are best, although they are also a pain to set up right and you'd really need one of their top-of-the-line models and use the right strings. It's another level of hassle. I use non-locking trems set flush and I grease the heck out of the nut with nut sauce or Chapstick. I don't use the trem that much but don't want to go wildly out of tune when I do. The Duncan Mayhem set you have is awesome. I've used the Distortion before. Total monster pup, but it does best with high gain settings. It has more low-end clarity than the JB when you pile on the gain. I mostly use DiMarzios these days, though, because that's where my ears are taking me. I want to try Bareknuckle like the Rebel Yell or Holy Diver after trying some on a friend's guitar. Also curious about Mojo Tone Tomahawks. Too much good stuff out there to try. Rock on!
you forgot to mention the fret sprout... Maybe you got lucky with that one but ive got 4 from a 2009 usa san dimas to now a 2018 and a 2022 DR24 FR and the sprout is a thing. Ill always love them, had a 1985 original i bought new but it had a Kahler on it and single PU, i traded that one for a USA RR1 jackson. The heal on my USA is stupid but im not good enough to have it be an issue. Theres just something about the necks, theyre so easy to play and feel great. I recently got a ESP E-II and the neck is bigger but Im warming up to it. And i dont know if its ESP's quality or the Original Floyd Rose's but nothing has the tone and stability of either ESP i own. Id be curious if I put an original Floyd on an LTD or one of my charvels and see if its that much better.
The all access neck joint is a must on every bolt on guitar. Also, stop using push-pull knobs and instead use push-push knobs; it's so much easier to engage a coil-split during a song by just pushing the knob. Tone knobs are only useful for the bridge pickups (especially in stratocaster single coils) just incase their sound is incredibly trebly. Lastly, 24 frets are a bit too much unless you are a guitar player who is utilizing those 2 extra frets a lot.
I love mine ♥ and I'm not sure what's not to like? Except there is nothing second rate. AAA the neck is so perfect, the paint. Seymour Duncan's are amazing. You can't go wrong.
DUDE.. so true... i almost feel like its a conspiracy because they want you to buy higher priced guitars... i know that ive wanted cheaper models and opted for the more expensive because it looked SO much better.
charvel's actual shred machine is the DK-24 , has the tapered neck joint and jack in the back , maple neck and 24 frets the so-cal you have is an excellent guitar and actually more versatile with that same Charvel sound
The big thing with these guitars is the quarter sawn neck. It is cut cross grain which makes the neck much more stable than a Fender Strat and other cheaper necks that are cut with the grain. You can look and see the diff easily.
@@jimmyfranklin I use a solar s1.6pb with evertune as my beater and a majesty for everything else. I also love my 80’s rg550 🙃. I am hoping to get the AZ2402 soon. I’ve been researching these wilkinson locking saddles to increase tuning stability. Have you felt the need to increase tuning stability on your AZ?
Jimmy you should have bought a Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder. It is virtually identical (seriously) and has a lovely shaped ergonomic heel. Its wonderful. It even comes in Lambo Orange , just like the one in your video here.
I am thinking about adding one of these. I always wanted a charvel but have always found myself in other brands. I have all hard tail guitars but am looking at adding one dice bombing shred machine. It’s this orange so cal. My only question is how is the tuning stability on this model ? Great video!
Have u ever tried the San dimas? I have a San dimas? I think you would like the charvel dk24 which is the more modern charvel it has the input jack on the back and it has the shaved neck heal ur talking about. The so cal and San dimas are paying tribute to the old school charvels that's why they have the neck plate Like that. The so cal is alot like the San dimas but the San dimas don't have a Pickguard and has different pickups it has the jb.
Bruh, I knew it was gonna be the heel joint - its exactly the same for me! I bought the DK24 for this reason alone. Honestly tho, I am obsessively in love with the San Dimas...So Cal is cool too, but it's San Dimas that I dream of!😂 Slime green (ultimately), hot pink or white...yellow and orange (fluoro) come last. I really like metallic Fender finishes, so you kicked a goal with that burnt orange. I gotta have a maple neck tho, on a Charvel. I'm thinking of getting a San Dimas and carving the heel joint myself... with either a Fender curved neck plate, or countersink each hole and use a washer on each. Its a bit risky, and will devalue it...but if it works I'd never sell it. It would be my ultimate Strat! P.S. I am in love with the curvy body shape of a Strat and Jazzmaster. Everyone when they do a "version" of either harden up the edges, making them more angular. And that is so backwards to me! Leo innovated those curves for ergonomics against the human body. He started with a Tele...and studied how players would hold them..and came up with the Strat. The belly cut...the forearm cut..and the endless curves oalong all the edges. And I find it so beautiful too, like the liquid metal Terminator in T2! If you could add the heel joint of the DK24 to a San Dimas or So Cal...you would have the ultimate, perfect Strat. Please do it, Charvel!!!😭🙏
I hope they listen to this 🤣🤣🤣 you are right though. they are meant for ergonomics and then for some reason people want to go back to the classic set up for some sort of nostalgia! good luck finding your perfect charvel!!
Being a teen in the 80'S i absolutely agree about a or the neck... all the guitars ive ever played had thin fast necks n let me tell you a few yrs ago i grabbed a fender squier tele and the neck was massive! Huge..... n it felt like nothing ive ever have b4 n i totally LOVED IT N IT HELP MY FRETTING N MY PLAYING. Im not yelling in caps just so stunned how much of a difference it made. I should have n wish i bought that guitar even thou it was a cheap squire.... now.. i got an American fender telecaster professional ll at 1500 bucks with case... not bad i know but that 300 dollar squire man im telling you a pick-up wasp out n it really is just as good if not better bc of the neck lol than my 1500 dollar American fender!! So now... ive been grabbing every squire tele off the wall i see now when i go to any music shop just to find that neck!! N if i do im absolutely 100% buying it. Them squiers aint nothin to sneeze at! A few mods n youve got yrself a top notch axe! Its nice getting older and WISER.... sometimes the name on the neck dont matter.. you can always change/hide that n save yourself a small fortune. I will b buying a white with blk pick guard charvel pro mod so cal, i know everyones got that 1 but i absolutely dig it.. that n an evh 5150iii 2 × 12 combo! Ive got my tele n a 65reissue fender twin reverb so im good on that end i need that rockin rig thou n im getting it. Your a beast of a player n what a great video ya did.. thank for all the ins n outs on the axe,👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🤘
Ive played strats most of my time playing, never noticed the heel thing until you pointed it out, now its all i see on my strats. But compared to my gibsons and my prs its a world of difference. great video.
A year later and nobody has pointed out that the heel and jack are part of the San Dimas model....meant to be a loose recreation of the guitars built in the san dimas shop in the early days.
I like this Charvel, but what I REALLY want is the San Dimas HSS.... Just because of the Flat Strat pickups, buuuut I'll probably end up getting the Tom Morello, Soul Power Strat. I like the 9.5 to 14 inch neck.
Yeah the Fender style neck heel is really uncomfortable, compared to an "All Access Joint". The newer Charvel models, like the DK 24 Series & the Guthrie Govan and Angel Vivaldi sign. model do have an ergonomical, Ibanez style "All Access Joint". The So Cal & San Dimas have the old Fender style neck joint, because the original versions were essentially Fender Strats, that Charvel "hotrodded" and I believe they want to keep that oldschool design. These guitars were basically Fender Strat bodies, with thiner necks & high-gain humbuckers and a Floyd.
I also agree 100% about the heel! I have a couple of the Satchel models with the same problem. Also with Ibanez going back "to the 80's" with a bulkie heel instead of the AANJ. That's like Chevy making the NEW Camaro with no power steering or AC.............They (the guitar company's) would have a lot more sale's if they made their guitars "like they use to" but with the upgrades that they have made since then.......
I've never heard these referred to as "an Affordable Guitar." Of course, do think they're affordable, they offer tremendous bang for the buck, I just don't consider them to qualify as what we call "Affordable Guitars." Most of the savings here is due to cheaper labor, not cheaper components. - these exact same materials processed by US-based FMIC employees would produce the same guitar, but it would cost like $1500-1800. I consider there to be a soft ceiling on *consumer* guitar prices (not counting the crazy outliers; we're talking normal consumer guitars) of about $2,500 bucks. Beyond that, IMO you're mostly gonna find the same guitars but with extra stuff added that raises the price. The Charvel at $1,00 is right in the middle of the market. That's kinda relative to a working family buying a $50-60k car. Not what I'd classify as "affordable" or "budget".
How do you find the floyd for staying in tune after whammy abuse?! dk24 I own is brilliant and doesn’t have that heel issue! I can understand your pain!
Thanks for proving this guitar is a shred machine, operated by a shredder. Digging most of features and also that color! The neck joint/heel does seem to be an odd construction having that type of neck. I would have to play it to see if it would be a deal breaker. Overall a nice guitar though. I see you wasted no time placing in that thumbnail song...back in action! Too funny.
@@jimmyfranklin i think its because the socal is supposed to be reminiscent of a hot rodded strat, like the "chop shop days", as opposed to the san dimas or DK which are more liberal with styling/deviation from the strat body with a fast neck and humbuckers thing theyre known for. I like it more than a carved heel aesthetically
Thank you for this video man. I’m a lefty. I prefer V/ML/Explorer shapes. I always play standing up. I used a strat for about 15 years before I learned I am a V guy. That being said, it is really hard to find a *good* left handed guitar with a Floyd in those shapes. Do I want to pay Dean $4500 for a USA custom ML? Maybe. Do I want an import lefty Dean From Hell with a paint job that will immediately associate me with Darryl Abbot? No. I tried the EVH Wolfgang. 3 iterations. None made me content. I tried the EVH Stripes. That one came close but again - I do not want to perform original music on stage with a guitar that associates me with someone else. So…the Charvel. A return to a strat just so I can have a Floyd. A very expensive educational journey. 😂🤬 Your video and what I have learned from all the other guitars has helped me to make a decision to go with this. Thank you. Also? Fuck you Gibson.
I knew you were gonna say the input jack placement was something you hated about the So Cal's cause that's the only thing I hate about mine. Moving the input jack to the back of the guitar facing down was an AMAZING IDEA and I agree they should do that on all of their guitars now.
right?! at one point charvel was at the peak of innovation! i get having "throwback" pieces, but if they were perfect they would have never changed them! lol
So now they sell a dk24 with the shredders heel and it has a five-way pickup selector instead of a pull knob to split pickups. They sell this in HH and HSS
I had an original single bucker/volume EVH style Charvel in candy apple red in the 80s. It came with an original, hand wound Lidia Daniel JB which sounded far superior to any JB with the mere exception of the Antiquity JB which is very close.
I'm big into the 80s super strats so I don't mind the old school neck plate and jack placement... shut its better than the fender strats input jack spot.
Everybody's always drooling about the truss-rod adjustment at the bottom of the fretboard but I once heard a luthier say that technically this is the way inferior solution. And I don't really see why it's so much better to have it there, just ever so slightly more convenient, that's all.
Awesome review man! That heel is kind of a dealbreaker for me. I think I'd go for either a dk24 or san dimas style 2.. (weird that the tele style has the heel cut and this one doesn't.. this will probably be the first thing fixed in the future)
I think the heel thing on a couple models is because they are supposed to be like the historic Charvels from the 80s. The heels were all square back then.
I've got a DK24 2PT with that sculpted heel joint, and a USA Pro Mod So-Cal. I kinda dig the heel on the So-Cal but its just something I've always had to deal with b/c I'm old. LOL. I'm guessing you don't like Les Pauls as much either. I am guilty of that! WAY too much heel.
The heel doesn't bother me in the slightest. With your big hands it probably shouldn't be an issue for you either, you played great and it sounded awesome to me!
I just bought dj24 and love jack out of the way and the scooped heel. BUT I can't see the fret markers and it causing me to totally lose my mental place as I play. Any suggestions?
what is the official color of that Charvel So Cal 1 and why after scrolling ten pages on Reverb cant i find a single one available in that color? cause damn it i want it but ONLY in that color and for under 1k even if it does only have 22 frets 🙂
Great guitars for sure! I prefer the necks on the earlier Mexican or MIJ models… not so flat and D shaped, more slim rounded C. Still a little thin, but better.
Why buy it if it has the heel? Could have bought a different Charvel model. Honestly I can't say it would bother me as I don't shred or play that often down the bottom of the neck that often but I agree they are a phenomenal guitars for the price. Also I agree with the output jack. Can't understand why they built it that way.
Would you go for a dk24 with the Floyd?? I personally don’t love Floyd’s on my daily guitar BUT they have a dk24 with a trem that’s not a Floyd. Both are amazing and I’d probably go with the dk if I had to chose now.
Curious, how much do you make off ads with less than 3k subs I have around 1300 subs and 100+ videos RUclips says my estimated revenue would be less than 4$ a month if I monetized all my video's Not hating but curious if there is a way to make an extra buck
im not living off of this, its still just a fun hobby but i do make some side money every month doing this... there are a bunch of factors that play into ad revenue. if you are on instagram message me there, id love to talk more and help you out!
It's completely stupid for Charvel to offer any traditional heel. .... accept maybe on the Jake model because he apparently likes them. These should really live on vintage style instruments and nothing else approaching the modern space. So stupid IMO
Really don’t like the speed neck!! It’s the one thing I don’t like but it’s the only complaint. Oh I also don’t like the recessed Floyd - keep it on top!!!
Yea but $1000 is that on that cusp of affordable instruments. And really that’s the point of this. Stupid little details really matter when you are in this price range. You could say “it’s only 1000!” Or “1000 is too much for that”
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If you have one of these bad boys, you understand... if you do NOT own one... I hope this helps you understand! Follow me on Instagram and tiktok for more! @JimmyRFranklin
I have a 2008 Pagan Gold so cal-paid 600.00 mint (in 2008) its a fantastic guitar period! You rip on that thing BTW!
I have a purple one and you are spot on..
why it has a heel is because it's a reminiscent of the "80's shredder" vibe.
I think Charvel created this to rival with the Ibanez RG550 reissues: very 80's, vibrant colours, and the HEELS that go with it. I perfectly understand you as I do have an Ibanez RG550 and when I bought it, didn't think the heel would be in the way. I just decided to keep it since it's made in Japan, and apart from the heel, it's an absolute, solid guitar (I also own a Schecter, and a Solar btw---and none of these guitars have obstructing heels. Why I'm watching your video is perhaps I might just get a 4th guitar).
I bought this guitar after this video, and I do agree that the heel is a bit awful but its also the best guitar I've ever played
Probably the easiest playing guitar out there,I got a evh Red stripe, same neck pretty much!
I love my Charvel So-Cal... it makes me feel like I'm hot-rodding an Italian Sports Car but without the 20-year loan.
Six-pack of tones, Floyd for days, Stainless steel frets, Slick looks, Enough of a hot pickup for modern metal.
I used to think that it SHOULD have 24 frets, but because of that blasted HEEL, I would actually hurt my thumb joint more if it did have 24 frets (I have a Schecter that does have a heel and 24 frets and I my thumb joint hurts when I reach). However, if you keep it in a drop tuning (which I do), you no longer miss the 23rd and 24th fret.
Mexican Socals don't have stainless steel frets.
The neck joint really isn’t that bad. Idk why people hate it so much. It was really easy for me to get used to. Sure it doesn’t look as nice as a sculpted joint. But the So-cal is a classic design. If you don’t want the blocky neck joint get the San Dimas or Djnky.
Nostalgia for that feature? Come on. So Cal and San Dimas are identical bodies. The only difference is So Cal has a pickguard, and has ceramic mags in the JB set, which makes them 'Distortion' pickups. So both the guitar lines and pickup sets have such a small difference. For the two guitar lines it's kind of dumb for them to even act like they warrant different names. They should just be called San Dimas. Charvel is my favorite brand but the way it's managed it's such a boring lazy company because it's owned by FMIC.
you're lead playing is incredible man. Just subscribed and watch some more of your videos. Thank you for covering this guitar
DUDE! of course... and thank you so much for the compliment... im working on it! 🤣you have one of these yet???
You're an outstanding player!
Wait what! Why am I just finding this guy now? I'm allways looking at guitar video's. Talk about being late to the party. Good content, better playing and a great attitude.
Hell yeah I'm subscribing!
Rock on good people 🤘🏻
I agree. That neck being too thin can just feel uncomfortable and the heel not being beveled away is just kind of a design that should just die off in all elec guitars that are intended to be played way up near the 22nd to 24th frets. nice review!!
Charvel fan here! Just bought a San Dimas HSS HT in Platinum Pearl. The necks are great.
I have the DK24 and I love the neck. It's my favorite thing about it. Perfect balance. It's outstanding.
I bought the 2008 American So Cal except green for $500 used in 2011. Mint condition. Has a EVO and Tone Zone OEM. Put a brass trem block in. It's a beast. They are going for $1500-$2000 now.
This is an excellent guitar for the price. Can you tell me how did you create the sound at the beginning of the video? Specifically what amp/cab?sounds amazing!
Nice playing and love the tapping! I have a Charvel Marco Sfogli model and absolutely love it. Great guitars for the money. 👍🏼👍🏼
Agree Jimmy, stainless steel frets is the way to go!
Heel joints don’t bother me but I stay below the speed limit with my playing lol 😂
Rock on 🤘 Jimmy
Killer playing as usual!
HAHAHA below the speed limit!! thats funny! I totally get that. and its not something I think about since I like getting up there!.. I always gotta be comfortable! thank you sir!!
I prefer so frets too, but many don't. It's definitely a different feel ( and probably a slight tone difference, but I haven't noticed). Locking tuners are another option that should be more common IMO.
Great video . I love the charvel . I want a hard tail next . I have one of fhe original USA San Dimas models . It’s been a work horse for for over a decade
Dude, spot on quick review! Great point about the heel too. I really like the SD distortion humbuckers and split coil option. I wish the center switch position activated both humbuckers but it does not. Bummer! thanks for the vid!
I totally agree about your issue with the bulky heel. Why do so many designs still use that ancient 1950s relic? There are so many alternatives that are a lot better ergonomically with no negatives in terms of sound or sustain. Charvel have done it right on their most recent singlecut-model (tele) so hopefully that neck-pocket/heel-design is coming to their strat-models too some time in the future.
It already is on some of them! i think the san dimas and the DK both have the cut heel. i know the guthrie govan does! thats why im confused
The serial number plate is so nice I wouldn't want an asymmetrical type heel where that wouldn't be used anymore. I was thinking they could just taper down the heel in symmetrical way, retaining the plate and the rectangular shape. The way Fender does it is to just round off the one corner, which doesn't allow drop-in Stew Mac shims, but symmetrically tapering the whole heel would have the same efficacy as that shredder's heel. When I only played teles I never noticed the square heel. I now notice the So-Cal heel now because I got very used to DKs. But the So-Cal sounds better than the DK, which is why I switched over. After a while I'll train myself to avoid the heel, as in the past, and forget it's there.
I just got a great deal on a hardtail So-Cal and had no idea about the no load tone knob. I have several Strats and much prefer the single volume/single tone/push pull setup of the Charvel over the volume/tone/tone of the Fenders but I can't stand the Duncan Distortions and plan on swapping them out asap. I already have a Duncan SH-5 Custom that'll work the bridge and I'm thinking I'll get a Duncan '59 for the neck.
Mexican Charvels don't come with stainless steel frets so I'm not sure where the comments here are coming from.
Great playing, great energy and helpful info- thank you for this awesome video!
I have a 7 string hard tail Charvel, love it. I've been trying a 6 string Charvel that I really like, in particular the neck, pups & the colour neon pink ash body, but I'm playing mostly Metalcore, some prog metal, chugging and riffing a lot, I'm mostly into rhythm stuff. Worried that the Floyd rose isn't suitable for someone who's mostly chugging & resting my hand on the bridge sometimes. What u guys think? Their hard tail model colours just bore me, I really want one from their neon ash series. Advice, I have zero experience with FR setups and their stability.
I have been playing #charvel since 1987. I love these guitars. I have a Lee Garver made Charvel and love it.
I actually haven't had a Charvel brand instrument but I have a Wayne made by Wayne and Michael Charvel and it's great.
Their U.S. made guitars have that strat style heel. The Japanese and Mexican models have the carved heel. I'm sure you could get that carved heel with a custom shop model. But I agree, definitely should be an option.
Thanks for the video, and I am glad you said that! I need thick necks too, I got the same thumb issue!😝
I don't use Floyds but if I did it would be a 1000, but I'd set it flush EVH style. I was never into pulling up octaves, I'd rather bend. And pulling up will break strings. I haven't broken a string since I stopped using Floyds in 1988. I love the metallic orange of that So Cal. Sounds great too. Charvel was the first company to really get flat fretboards right for bolt-ons.
Bro! I’ve been so into the idea of flush Floyd’s recently. The new evh 5150s have them and they are incredible!!
@@jimmyfranklin That's how Eddie set them up. He believed it not only added to ultimate tuning stability but also to much better resonance, tone, etc. And he was right. What happened when Vai came along is a lot of players began routing for their Floyd's. I had this done to a Kramer baretta back in '87. This was already a floating Floyd. Now that I was pulling back a fifth, I was breaking strings like matchsticks. Mick Mars also uses flush Floyds. A flush Floyd is the most stable trem you can use if you want to stay in tune. As soon as you have a floating bridge, locking or not, you're going to have issues. For floating I think cam systems like the Kahler are best, although they are also a pain to set up right and you'd really need one of their top-of-the-line models and use the right strings. It's another level of hassle. I use non-locking trems set flush and I grease the heck out of the nut with nut sauce or Chapstick. I don't use the trem that much but don't want to go wildly out of tune when I do. The Duncan Mayhem set you have is awesome. I've used the Distortion before. Total monster pup, but it does best with high gain settings. It has more low-end clarity than the JB when you pile on the gain. I mostly use DiMarzios these days, though, because that's where my ears are taking me. I want to try Bareknuckle like the Rebel Yell or Holy Diver after trying some on a friend's guitar. Also curious about Mojo Tone Tomahawks. Too much good stuff out there to try. Rock on!
you forgot to mention the fret sprout... Maybe you got lucky with that one but ive got 4 from a 2009 usa san dimas to now a 2018 and a 2022 DR24 FR and the sprout is a thing. Ill always love them, had a 1985 original i bought new but it had a Kahler on it and single PU, i traded that one for a USA RR1 jackson. The heal on my USA is stupid but im not good enough to have it be an issue. Theres just something about the necks, theyre so easy to play and feel great. I recently got a ESP E-II and the neck is bigger but Im warming up to it. And i dont know if its ESP's quality or the Original Floyd Rose's but nothing has the tone and stability of either ESP i own. Id be curious if I put an original Floyd on an LTD or one of my charvels and see if its that much better.
The all access neck joint is a must on every bolt on guitar.
Also, stop using push-pull knobs and instead use push-push knobs; it's so much easier to engage a coil-split during a song by just pushing the knob.
Tone knobs are only useful for the bridge pickups (especially in stratocaster single coils) just incase their sound is incredibly trebly.
Lastly, 24 frets are a bit too much unless you are a guitar player who is utilizing those 2 extra frets a lot.
I love mine ♥ and I'm not sure what's not to like? Except there is nothing second rate. AAA the neck is so perfect, the paint. Seymour Duncan's are amazing. You can't go wrong.
Really feel you on the disconnect between playability and looks. So many amazing bang for your buck guitars that look fugly (eg Ibanez Premium)
DUDE.. so true... i almost feel like its a conspiracy because they want you to buy higher priced guitars... i know that ive wanted cheaper models and opted for the more expensive because it looked SO much better.
charvel's actual shred machine is the DK-24 , has the tapered neck joint and jack in the back , maple neck and 24 frets
the so-cal you have is an excellent guitar and actually more versatile with that same Charvel sound
The big thing with these guitars is the quarter sawn neck. It is cut cross grain which makes the neck much more stable than a Fender Strat and other cheaper necks that are cut with the grain. You can look and see the diff easily.
Stumbled on your channel looking for AZ2402 reviews.Great shredding and fun content!
Welcome to the WCM Fam! Im glad you enjoy it! Whats your main ax???
@@jimmyfranklin I use a solar s1.6pb with evertune as my beater and a majesty for everything else. I also love my 80’s rg550 🙃. I am hoping to get the AZ2402 soon. I’ve been researching these wilkinson locking saddles to increase tuning stability. Have you felt the need to increase tuning stability on your AZ?
Jimmy you should have bought a Schecter Sun Valley Super Shredder. It is virtually identical (seriously) and has a lovely shaped ergonomic heel. Its wonderful.
It even comes in Lambo Orange , just like the one in your video here.
I am thinking about adding one of these. I always wanted a charvel but have always found myself in other brands. I have all hard tail guitars but am looking at adding one dice bombing shred machine. It’s this orange so cal. My only question is how is the tuning stability on this model ? Great video!
Same with my Ibanez RG 550. That is the one thing that pains me about it. I thought maybe they could have smoothed it out a little.
Have u ever tried the San dimas? I have a San dimas? I think you would like the charvel dk24 which is the more modern charvel it has the input jack on the back and it has the shaved neck heal ur talking about. The so cal and San dimas are paying tribute to the old school charvels that's why they have the neck plate Like that. The so cal is alot like the San dimas but the San dimas don't have a Pickguard and has different pickups it has the jb.
Bruh, I knew it was gonna be the heel joint - its exactly the same for me!
I bought the DK24 for this reason alone.
Honestly tho, I am obsessively in love with the San Dimas...So Cal is cool too, but it's San Dimas that I dream of!😂
Slime green (ultimately), hot pink or white...yellow and orange (fluoro) come last.
I really like metallic Fender finishes, so you kicked a goal with that burnt orange.
I gotta have a maple neck tho, on a Charvel.
I'm thinking of getting a San Dimas and carving the heel joint myself... with either a Fender curved neck plate, or countersink each hole and use a washer on each.
Its a bit risky, and will devalue it...but if it works I'd never sell it. It would be my ultimate Strat!
P.S. I am in love with the curvy body shape of a Strat and Jazzmaster. Everyone when they do a "version" of either harden up the edges, making them more angular.
And that is so backwards to me! Leo innovated those curves for ergonomics against the human body. He started with a Tele...and studied how players would hold them..and came up with the Strat.
The belly cut...the forearm cut..and the endless curves oalong all the edges.
And I find it so beautiful too, like the liquid metal Terminator in T2!
If you could add the heel joint of the DK24 to a San Dimas or So Cal...you would have the ultimate, perfect Strat.
Please do it, Charvel!!!😭🙏
I hope they listen to this 🤣🤣🤣 you are right though. they are meant for ergonomics and then for some reason people want to go back to the classic set up for some sort of nostalgia! good luck finding your perfect charvel!!
Being a teen in the 80'S i absolutely agree about a or the neck... all the guitars ive ever played had thin fast necks n let me tell you a few yrs ago i grabbed a fender squier tele and the neck was massive! Huge..... n it felt like nothing ive ever have b4 n i totally LOVED IT N IT HELP MY FRETTING N MY PLAYING. Im not yelling in caps just so stunned how much of a difference it made. I should have n wish i bought that guitar even thou it was a cheap squire.... now.. i got an American fender telecaster professional ll at 1500 bucks with case... not bad i know but that 300 dollar squire man im telling you a pick-up wasp out n it really is just as good if not better bc of the neck lol than my 1500 dollar American fender!! So now... ive been grabbing every squire tele off the wall i see now when i go to any music shop just to find that neck!! N if i do im absolutely 100% buying it. Them squiers aint nothin to sneeze at! A few mods n youve got yrself a top notch axe! Its nice getting older and WISER.... sometimes the name on the neck dont matter.. you can always change/hide that n save yourself a small fortune. I will b buying a white with blk pick guard charvel pro mod so cal, i know everyones got that 1 but i absolutely dig it.. that n an evh 5150iii 2 × 12 combo! Ive got my tele n a 65reissue fender twin reverb so im good on that end i need that rockin rig thou n im getting it. Your a beast of a player n what a great video ya did.. thank for all the ins n outs on the axe,👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🤘
Ive played strats most of my time playing, never noticed the heel thing until you pointed it out, now its all i see on my strats. But compared to my gibsons and my prs its a world of difference. great video.
A year later and nobody has pointed out that the heel and jack are part of the San Dimas model....meant to be a loose recreation of the guitars built in the san dimas shop in the early days.
I like this Charvel, but what I REALLY want is the San Dimas HSS.... Just because of the Flat Strat pickups, buuuut I'll probably end up getting the Tom Morello, Soul Power Strat. I like the 9.5 to 14 inch neck.
Yeah the Fender style neck heel is really uncomfortable, compared to an "All Access Joint".
The newer Charvel models, like the DK 24 Series & the Guthrie Govan and Angel Vivaldi sign. model do have an ergonomical, Ibanez style "All Access Joint".
The So Cal & San Dimas have the old Fender style neck joint, because the original versions were essentially Fender Strats, that Charvel "hotrodded" and I believe they want to keep that oldschool design.
These guitars were basically Fender Strat bodies, with thiner necks & high-gain humbuckers and a Floyd.
I also agree 100% about the heel! I have a couple of the Satchel models with the same problem. Also with Ibanez going back "to the 80's" with a bulkie heel instead of the AANJ. That's like Chevy making the NEW Camaro with no power steering or AC.............They (the guitar company's) would have a lot more sale's if they made their guitars "like they use to" but with the upgrades that they have made since then.......
Can you please describe the fretboard edges? Are they rounded and comfortable? Or sharp and edgy?
Any idea what the pickup routing is on this? Just the HH cavities or is there room to mod into an HSS or HSH?
I really wish Charvel do a hard tail DK22 with HH or HSH.
Completely agree with you about the heel joint
I've never heard these referred to as "an Affordable Guitar." Of course, do think they're affordable, they offer tremendous bang for the buck, I just don't consider them to qualify as what we call "Affordable Guitars." Most of the savings here is due to cheaper labor, not cheaper components. - these exact same materials processed by US-based FMIC employees would produce the same guitar, but it would cost like $1500-1800.
I consider there to be a soft ceiling on *consumer* guitar prices (not counting the crazy outliers; we're talking normal consumer guitars) of about $2,500 bucks. Beyond that, IMO you're mostly gonna find the same guitars but with extra stuff added that raises the price. The Charvel at $1,00 is right in the middle of the market. That's kinda relative to a working family buying a $50-60k car. Not what I'd classify as "affordable" or "budget".
How do you find the floyd for staying in tune after whammy abuse?!
dk24 I own is brilliant and doesn’t have that heel issue! I can understand your pain!
I never had an issue after whammy abuse! Which color dk24 do you own?!? I love those!
Thanks for proving this guitar is a shred machine, operated by a shredder. Digging most of features and also that color! The neck joint/heel does seem to be an odd construction having that type of neck. I would have to play it to see if it would be a deal breaker. Overall a nice guitar though. I see you wasted no time placing in that thumbnail song...back in action! Too funny.
right?!?! very odd for such a guitar! Gotta bring back the thumbnail song!! lol thank you so much!!
@@jimmyfranklin i think its because the socal is supposed to be reminiscent of a hot rodded strat, like the "chop shop days", as opposed to the san dimas or DK which are more liberal with styling/deviation from the strat body with a fast neck and humbuckers thing theyre known for. I like it more than a carved heel aesthetically
Great content and enthusiasm as always. You should have 30k subscribers by now. Wake up people!
Dude.. we are getting there slowly!! day by day.. and comments like this keep me going! thank you!!
Thank you for this video man. I’m a lefty. I prefer V/ML/Explorer shapes. I always play standing up. I used a strat for about 15 years before I learned I am a V guy. That being said, it is really hard to find a *good* left handed guitar with a Floyd in those shapes. Do I want to pay Dean $4500 for a USA custom ML? Maybe. Do I want an import lefty Dean From Hell with a paint job that will immediately associate me with Darryl Abbot? No.
I tried the EVH Wolfgang. 3 iterations. None made me content. I tried the EVH Stripes. That one came close but again - I do not want to perform original music on stage with a guitar that associates me with someone else.
So…the Charvel. A return to a strat just so I can have a Floyd.
A very expensive educational journey. 😂🤬
Your video and what I have learned from all the other guitars has helped me to make a decision to go with this. Thank you.
Also? Fuck you Gibson.
I knew you were gonna say the input jack placement was something you hated about the So Cal's cause that's the only thing I hate about mine. Moving the input jack to the back of the guitar facing down was an AMAZING IDEA and I agree they should do that on all of their guitars now.
right?! at one point charvel was at the peak of innovation! i get having "throwback" pieces, but if they were perfect they would have never changed them! lol
barely 1 minute in and I'm liking and subscribing 😂🎉
To me the regular strat outputjack it's perfect because you're allowed to take sit
Would you ever consider modifying the heel?
So now they sell a dk24 with the shredders heel and it has a five-way pickup selector instead of a pull knob to split pickups. They sell this in HH and HSS
I'd like charvel to make a neckthrough model idk I think it'd be badass
New sub - great demo. Been eye-balling a SoCal1 for awhile.
DUDE! thank you for the sub! I am gonna keep it coming! did you get one yet??
@@jimmyfranklin not yet - local dealers are all sold out. Even on-line it’s difficult to find one Ione stock Love the BlCk relic
I had an original single bucker/volume EVH style Charvel in candy apple red in the 80s. It came with an original, hand wound Lidia Daniel JB which sounded far superior to any JB with the mere exception of the Antiquity JB which is very close.
I'm big into the 80s super strats so I don't mind the old school neck plate and jack placement... shut its better than the fender strats input jack spot.
Selling me this guitar right here! I have the dk24 and agree I wish the access was better but not a deal breaker!
Everybody's always drooling about the truss-rod adjustment at the bottom of the fretboard but I once heard a luthier say that technically this is the way inferior solution.
And I don't really see why it's so much better to have it there, just ever so slightly more convenient, that's all.
Awesome review man! That heel is kind of a dealbreaker for me. I think I'd go for either a dk24 or san dimas style 2.. (weird that the tele style has the heel cut and this one doesn't.. this will probably be the first thing fixed in the future)
I think the heel thing on a couple models is because they are supposed to be like the historic Charvels from the 80s. The heels were all square back then.
@Saul's Cart Webstore Eh, plenty of folks didn't have problem with them. Yngwie seems to play plenty fast.
Love the playing and love this guitar:)
I've got a DK24 2PT with that sculpted heel joint, and a USA Pro Mod So-Cal. I kinda dig the heel on the So-Cal but its just something I've always had to deal with b/c I'm old. LOL. I'm guessing you don't like Les Pauls as much either. I am guilty of that! WAY too much heel.
The heel doesn't bother me in the slightest. With your big hands it probably shouldn't be an issue for you either, you played great and it sounded awesome to me!
I just bought dj24 and love jack out of the way and the scooped heel. BUT I can't see the fret markers and it causing me to totally lose my mental place as I play. Any suggestions?
You’re talking about the dots on the side of the neck?? If you are using the front markers maybe try using the side dots on the side of the fret board
How did u learn these licks
The non-contoured heel is disappointing.
Why I went for a Jackson SL2 instead.
The new 2020 models like the dk24 all have the shredders heel
the sound is much better with more wood between neck and body
@@fusoperso Sound comes from your fingers
Agreed
Did you play it in a store? If the heel is that bothersome you would have noticed in the store.
what is the official color of that Charvel So Cal 1 and why after scrolling ten pages on Reverb cant i find a single one available in that color? cause damn it i want it but ONLY in that color and for under 1k even if it does only have 22 frets 🙂
are you playin 009 gauge here?
Charvel, Jackson, Fender… all I need
Great guitars for sure! I prefer the necks on the earlier Mexican or MIJ models… not so flat and D shaped, more slim rounded C. Still a little thin, but better.
Cool review! No chance those are SS frets. And the classic Charvel jack and heel make the guitar a real Charvel!
i TOTALLY agree and understand that... but the other models are different and i guess that confuses me..
Working-class duh ... you play like a highly sophisticated dude - great video!!
Love the burnt orange colour
Which is it though, mim or usa?
i love my new 2021 charvel made in mexico caramel neck TL and LP Sounds like 13 !!
if you don't like thick heel, order a thin steel one off ebay..
I’m confused by this comment. The heel refers to the wood on the back of the neck joint which is a part of the body. Not the metal plate.
CHARVEL SO CAL vs DK24?? What do you think? Im thorn apart
personally everything i have is 24 frets now so assuming you are between a so cal and DK24 with similar specs, id go with the 24 any day
I had this orange SoCal and traded it for the DK24 HH. I prefer the DK24 by a lot. SoCal is heavier.
Why buy it if it has the heel? Could have bought a different Charvel model. Honestly I can't say it would bother me as I don't shred or play that often down the bottom of the neck that often but I agree they are a phenomenal guitars for the price. Also I agree with the output jack. Can't understand why they built it that way.
I have the same guitar made in USA Pagon Gold. Thats when Charvel was Charvel oops its not what I thought it was.
What song are you playing at 2:34?
that was just a random backing track that i kinda just jammed over!
The Charvel neck joint has changed.
On the San dimas yes. I’m not sure they’ve done it on the so cal. I think the so cal is supposed to stay this way. I may be wrong. This videos older
Nice video thanks
Hey!! It's a NOT goofy lookin' Paul Gilbert!!
this or a dk 24 ?
Would you go for a dk24 with the Floyd?? I personally don’t love Floyd’s on my daily guitar BUT they have a dk24 with a trem that’s not a Floyd. Both are amazing and I’d probably go with the dk if I had to chose now.
At 2:34 you sound like Marty Friedman.
Curious, how much do you make off ads with less than 3k subs
I have around 1300 subs and 100+ videos
RUclips says my estimated revenue would be less than 4$ a month if I monetized all my video's
Not hating but curious if there is a way to make an extra buck
im not living off of this, its still just a fun hobby but i do make some side money every month doing this... there are a bunch of factors that play into ad revenue. if you are on instagram message me there, id love to talk more and help you out!
@@jimmyfranklin awesome thx for the feedback
Nice shredding too!
@@thebasementgourmet3344 THANK YOU!
Re the heel...man up! your hands are much larger than mine and I manage fine although I'm not a 'shredder'. Maybe you bought the wrong guitar!
It's completely stupid for Charvel to offer any traditional heel. .... accept maybe on the Jake model because he apparently likes them. These should really live on vintage style instruments and nothing else approaching the modern space. So stupid IMO
Really don’t like the speed neck!! It’s the one thing I don’t like but it’s the only complaint. Oh I also don’t like the recessed Floyd - keep it on top!!!
$1000 no neck heel carve stopped me from buying this guitar. I'll stick with my Jackson Soloists
He sounds like Reb Beach.
Right now beware there's alot of beautiful guitars out that are total junk. For Christmas 🎄 particularly at guitar center
They need to get rid of that 2x4 neck joint in today's modern age there are to many other options out there
I mean, at roughly $1000, it's not really that cheap
Yea but $1000 is that on that cusp of affordable instruments. And really that’s the point of this. Stupid little details really matter when you are in this price range. You could say “it’s only 1000!” Or “1000 is too much for that”
You're getting ripped off if you pay $1000 for a So Cal. I got mine for $750. They regularly go for $850.
Хороший Обзор...Удачи..и хочу выграть Charvel
Idk I think it looks just okay.
I came for a guitar review , and liked the playing better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much!!