Another bump.
I may be a Carvin/Kiesel owner. However, over the past few years, I have not used them much. The Charvel pro-mods have been my itch since I got my first one. I went after the 24 fret versions: DK24 FR and several pickup options.
Note: if the guitar has a Floyd Rose bridge, play close attention to the location of the volume control. Most of the Charvel guitars have it repositioned for ease of play especially if you like to palm mute. For instance, a Fender Strat that falls into this category will have the volume control right up against the bridge pickup. The circled area on the picture is why I do not like Fender Stratocasters right out of the box. I would have to order a custom made pickguard from Warmoth to correct the volume pot location (Delonge option) This is an image of the Fender Ultra Luxe Stratocaster. I can still play the instrument if I am not going to bother to palm mute the strings but that technique is so engrained in my playing style that I find the location of the volume control to be in the way of my hand when palm muting let alone doing that with the trem in use. The pinky ends up getting stuck between the pickup and the volume control, it is more uncomfortable if it rests on the other side of the volume control. It just lends itself to awkward positioning. I just thought I would point this out.
Comparing that to the So-Cal models, the volume control is in a different location. It almost looks like it is positioned where the neck tone control was. Note that the area around the lower portion of the bridge pickup and bottom area of the FR, nothing in the way to create a pinch point. Palm mute as much as you want and it will always be comfortable.
If you are more interested in the Strat body, there are several versions of Charvel models to choose from. The So-Cal is the closest to a Stratocaster body and design as it has a pickguard that the pickups are mounted too. Most of these are 22 fret models. There are a few signature models in this series or body shape. Some of the signature models will have the volume control in the traditional Strat location. The one with the FR and standard volume control location would be the Marco Sfogli signature HSS model. I did consider this one until I saw the volume control location. This may not be a concern for you but it is for me.
The other Strat body is the San Dimas. What makes it different, no pickguard. The volume control location is in the general area as the So-Cal models. There are a few signature versions of the pro-mod that have it in different locations, but I did not see any that use the traditional Fender location.
The common element between the So-Cal and San Dimas is the neck bolt plate and squared off neck joint. The exception is the Marco Sfogli HSS signature So-Cal. It has a neck heel similar to the DK model. That is why I was interested in it but noticed the volume control position.
I have 4 of the DK24 pro-mods. Made in Mexico like the other pro-mods.
The MIM pro-mods have awesome necks. Excellent fretwork, no sharps. Fretboard is rolled off on the edges. Fret wire is nickel. Neck is reinforced with graphite (carbon fiber) rods for better stability. Compound radius: 12-16. As for the neck shape, it is a comfortable thin D profile. The neck does have a finish on it but it is a satin urethane that almost feels like the bare wood. Very slick and no stick.
This time around, as I was looking to add another axe to my collection, why not pay some tribute to EVH? That is another Fender made instrument. Most are now made in Mexico. There are a few USA and MIJ versions at a premium price. I did consider getting a Wolfgang Special of sorts but took a closer look at the neck specifications. It is on the narrow side for me. Many people find it very comfortable but I prefer a wider nut width. The neck width of the Charvel at the nut is 1.6875 inches (DK24, San Dimas, So-Cal). The EVH striped series is the same.
Here is what I am waiting on for arrival. Not a full floating FR setup. I am looking forward to the D-tuna feature. The EVH MIM are made in the same factory as the Charvel pro-mods. The neck profile is different. EVH modified C.
Schecter Sun Valley
Not a bad axe. Has all of the appointments as other Shredders. I swapped the pickups with a set of Bare knuckles. Neck profile is on the thicker side. Nut width is also narrow. 1.625" I find it more difficult with my larger fingers to chord but I can manage. Not as comfortable as the Charvels I currently have. Since I opted for the Exotic version (black limba body) it is heavy. Guitar also has the compound radius 12-16. For me it is not all that much of a shredder as the Wenge neck seems to slow you down (may just be the neck profile). Not a good picture of the guitar.
There is also Fender or Squire. Two MIM: Dave Murray and Player Strat (HSS) In both cases, I did have to address the fret wire surfaces. They were a bit rough but not so bad I could not play the instrument. The Dave Murray FR is dive bomb only. Simiar to the EVH I am waiting for. I did replace the pickups with Zexcoils.
Here is what the Dave Murray model looks like stock.
The last on my list of superstrats, the Squire Contemporary Active Stratocaster. This one falls in under $400. You may think it is junk. Sure, poplar body. Reverse headstock and such. I changed the pickups with EMG 57/66.
I think this guitar has been discontinued. It is actually a decent guitar for what it is.
