Charvel DS1FR

[Inflames626]

Hi guys. Just picked this up used for about $450 with case and shipping. Neck through, all mahogany, Floyd, stock Blackouts. 25.5". It's my first LP style guitar.

Great guitar for the money. My only complaint is the neck is unfinished. It doesn't even have that matte stuff applied. It feels kind of dry and rough to the touch. A lot of clear gloss can be slippery, but I would have at least liked a matte finish to protect it from sweat.

http://az58332.vo.msecnd.net/e88dd2...c/Images/Products215213-1200x1200-1154833.jpg

I'm going to replace the pickups with passives. A Custom 5 will go into the bridge but I haven't decided on the neck. I don't like the 59 because it's not articulate enough. The Jazz is okay but I want something a little warmer. I'm going to try the Demon and a Pearly Gates also, and perhaps some of the A2P line. It needs to be somewhat warm but also articulate with a bright top end.

My experience finds me leaning toward A2 pickups in the neck. I like how they sound on bends.

I appreciate all input.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

Haven't looked into that range of Charvel stuff, though I have been eyeing the Star.

If I'm not mistooken, the neck is oiled, not bare. It's not quite as protective as a full finish, but it's not going to soak up sweat like a kleenex. Unless the previous owner sanded it down below the original oil level.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

I played that same guitar as well as the Stars a while back at a guitar center, I was most impressed with the feel and fit/finish for that money.

I am really looking forward to actually buying one of those stars..... I like them a lot!

You'll probably warm up to the naked neck.

Congrats man! Stellar guitar!

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

My Japanese Jacksons are a matte type finish on unpainted maple bolt on, which I'm most used to. My Hamer Scarab is black with high gloss painted black and a set neck, which is a bit slippery.

This just feels like I'm handling raw wood. I'm almost checking for splinters. It's mildly unpleasant feeling.

It's Chinese made but from what I can tell they're very well done. I'd been hoping to find a neck thru with an OFR and decent pickups for below $1000. I don't think this is an OFR but besides that I couldn't ask for much more at that price.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

I like the Star too! ESP makes some along the Gus G line but I think the Charvels had more features for the money.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

There's a dude that's been trying to sell a brand new single hum FR star on CL here local for cheap. I want it so bad but I owe peeps money.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

It's a shame that the star body is relatively rare.

I wish I had bought that extremely rare Jackson Kelly Star they made for one year or so back in the late 90s.

Looks a bit like an Ironbird.

http://profile.ultimate-guitar.com/profile_mojo_data/5/2/8/3/528360/pics/_c180617_image_0.jpg

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

Yeah man, Kellystars and Death Kellys.

 

[Spudman]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

I have one of the Charvells too. I took a little steel wool to the neck and made it a little smoother. For longevity, and feel to some degree, rub a bit of Tru-Oil on it. Let it sit on the neck for a minute then rub it all off with a dry cloth. It will leave a really nice, durable open finish to the neck.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

those blackouts are killer pickups. I wouldn't be so quick to change them out without playing them first.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

those blackouts are killer pickups. I wouldn't be so quick to change them out without playing them first.

I have them in two other guitars. And a set of EMTY's.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

Try a Jazz with a UOA5. That should warm it up a bit.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

i havent played one but they look decent for the price. But yeah the star for me.

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

I have them in two other guitars. And a set of EMTY's.

Well, that explains that then.

 

[Inflames626]

Re: Charvel DS1FR

Jolly, I have several "themes" in my collection--standard tuned EMG for a classic metal sound, detuned Blackouts for mid scooping, passive Full Shred axes for 80s hair metal type stuff, and so on. This is my Les Paul "theme," so I'm looking for a solid PAF set.