What’s the opinion on current low-end Charvel?

[Spaceboy]

I’m looking at one of the low-end San Dimas that retail around $850. The specs on paper look good, compound radius, Duncans, locking tuners, graphite reinforced neck, etc. Generally Fender owned companies are great on the low-end in recent years, but I haven’t seen any Charvels on locals walls to check out in person. What’s the general consensus on these guitars? It nails about everything I want in regards to features, specs, finish and body shape. Just not too keen on ‘59 in the neck but no biggie.

 

[ewill52]

I won't speak for everyone but I have an older MIJ that kicks all kinds of ass. I've heard good stuff about the mexicans too. The neck is awesome, great playing guitar. Only upgrades I did to it was a trem stop and brass block from FU Tone, highly recommended.

 

[cardinal]

I have a Made in Mexico Jackson Pro guitar, which I assume is the same factory and type of thing you'd get from the Charvel you're looking at. It's a nice guitar. Fit and finish is good. Fretwork is on par with what I've seen generally from Japanese ESP and Ibanez stuff.

 

[MrDowntown]

I've got a MIM, in blueburst. The neck and fretwork are really, really nice. The neck to me feels wider, but thinner" than (say) the MIM wolfgang (which i also had). Neck is slick, and fast, and plays as well as the MIM wolfie, and almost as good as my Peavey USA Wolfie (but not quite)...there is some obvious resonance missing from the MIM Charvel, as compared to the USA WOlfie. But the price difference is also obvious. The look of the grain in the MIM necks is second, IMO, only to a bird-eye maple.

I didn't' mind the neck pup, but wasn't fond at all of the bridge pup, so i put an EVH Franky in it...MOFO rips now.

Note: Due to unforeseen debt that needs to be dealt with...i'm selling some of my gear, and this is one of them, but it's still a damn fine guitar for the price.

 

[cardinal]

^ that's a quarter-sawn neck. Looks great.

 

[Speeddemon]

I won't speak for everyone but I have an older MIJ that kicks all kinds of ass. I've heard good stuff about the mexicans too. The neck is awesome, great playing guitar. Only upgrades I did to it was a trem stop and brass block from FU Tone, highly recommended.

To paraphrase the 'left Twix'-kid:

I have & did the *exact same thing*.

(well, also replaced both pups, changed the volume pot to a Bourns push/pull and added a toggle switch to make the bridge pup split seperately)

 

[Mudder]

Gotta love how a "low end" MIM guitar is still $850 or so. I'm starting to sound like my dad..."back in my day you could get X guitar for $350, and it shred!"

 

[alan67]

Got a MIM San Dimas earlier this year - I absolutely love it. Great playing/sounding guitar and I can take it to any gig and not really worry about it

 

[Gadzz]

Set up to suite your taste and some 2000 grit 3M auto grade sand paper on the back of the neck... Awesome axe for the price!!! Had to file the fret ends on mine after the first winter but that's a pic of cake

 

[atrox]

I couldnt tell the difference between my MIA San Dimas and a MIM SoCal i had for a bit. Neck were the same. Quartersawn too. Tone was pretty much the same. They felt the same.

 

[Chris O]

I have yet to be disappointed by any of them - MIA, MIJ, or MIM.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

I've played a few and have yet to be impressed. The necks are a little too flat/thin... and the Floyd doesn't feel to my liking. Check the neck pocket fit too.