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Average Price: $478
Standard/Professional
$400
$1001+
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Description
Unleash raw power and refined playability with the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST, a double-cutaway electric guitar crafted for musicians who demand both aggressive tone and sleek design. Built from a solid mahogany body and neck, this guitar offers exceptional sustain and a rich, organic sound that’s both full-bodied and versatile. The neck-through-body construction ensures seamless transfer of vibrations, enhancing the guitar's sustain and tonal depth.
The DC-1 ST features a compound radius Indian rosewood fretboard, allowing for effortless transitions between rhythm and lead parts. Starting with a comfortable 12" radius at the nut and extending to a flatter 16" radius at the higher frets, this design is perfect for both intricate chord work and blazing solos. The scalloped heel makes accessing the upper frets a breeze, adding to the instrument's overall playability.
Equipped with EMG 81 and EMG 85 active humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers a wide range of tones, from crisp cleans to heavy, saturated leads. Whether you’re shredding onstage or crafting intricate studio recordings, the DC-1 ST adapts to your style with precision. Complemented by a three-way toggle switch, Charvel's specially designed bridge, and locking tuners, this guitar is as reliable as it is dynamic.
Join the ranks of hard rockers and metal maestros who trust the Charvel Desolation series for its unmatched performance and stylish appeal.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany body and neck for rich tone and sustain
- Neck-through-body design for enhanced sustain and clarity
- 24 jumbo frets on a compound radius (12"-16") Indian rosewood fretboard
- EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active humbucking pickups
- Three-on-a-side locking Charvel tuners for stability
- Scalloped heel for easy access to higher frets
- Charvel bridge designed for compound-radius fingerboards
- Abalone inlays and binding for an elegant finish
Product specs
| Brand | Charvel |
| Model | Desolation DC-1 ST |
| Finish | Black, Flat Black, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, Transparent Red |
| Year | 2011 - 2014 |
| Made In | Indonesia |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Red |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss, Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 12", 16" |
| Model Family | Charvel DC |
| Model Sub-Family | Charvel DC-1 |
| Neck Construction | Neck-Through |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Charvel Desolation |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Figured Veneer, Opaque |
FAQs
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What type of pickups does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST use?
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The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST features an EMG 81 bridge pickup and an EMG 85 neck pickup, providing powerful, high-output tones suitable for rock and metal genres.
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Is the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST suitable for metal music?
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Yes, the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST is well-suited for metal music, thanks to its EMG active pickups and fast neck-through design, offering aggressive tones and excellent playability.
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What is the neck construction of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST?
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The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST features a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and stability, making it ideal for lead and rhythm playing.
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How many frets does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST have?
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The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST is equipped with 24 jumbo frets, allowing for extended range and easier access to higher notes.
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Does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST have a compound radius fretboard?
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Yes, the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST features a compound radius fretboard, transitioning from 12" to 16", which provides comfortable chording and smooth soloing.
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What material is the body of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST made from?
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The body of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST is constructed from mahogany, offering a warm tone with plenty of sustain.
Videos
The Tone King
Charvel Desolation Demo & Review
Reviews
PROS
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Quality locking tuners simplify restringing and maintain tuning stability
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EMG pickups offer high-end bite, ideal for lead guitar work
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Abalone binding and inlays enhance visual appeal
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Feels like a more expensive guitar in quality and performance
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Lightweight body enhances playability for extended sessions
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Oiled neck finish facilitates fast hand movement
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Versatile tone suitable for rock, metal, and even jazz
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Good setup out of the box for immediate playability
CONS
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Neck finish may not appeal to everyone, feeling inconsistent at times
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Slight cosmetic flaw at the neck joint transition
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EMG pickups may lack the desired thickness for some players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about CHARVEL DESOLATION DC 1 ST.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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The compound radius (12-16 inch) rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets is noted for its playability, although higher frets are less accessible compared to other models.
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Equipped with EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, providing robust tonal qualities suitable for technical melodic styles.
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Setup and maintenance
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A user noted the guitar was set up for standard C tuning with 62-gauge strings, which felt excessively thick, suggesting a setup adjustment might be needed for optimal playability.
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Value and pricing
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Originally priced at $929 in 2013, it’s now considered a bargain at $399, especially given its high-quality specifications.
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Originally overlooked, the Desolation series is now considered collectible, with prices rising beyond their initial market value.
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An owner purchased the guitar for £189, suggesting regional pricing variations and potential for finding bargains in certain markets.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners cite its suitability for technical melodic genres, referencing artists like Malmsteen and Friedman, indicating its effectiveness for intricate playing styles.
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Despite recording limitations, the guitar is praised for its suitability in live performances, showcasing its strong stage presence and appeal.
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User experience
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The neck's thin profile is generally appreciated, though some wish for a slightly chunkier neck or wider nut width for enhanced comfort.
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A user with prior ownership describes the neck feel as a dealbreaker, despite appreciating other aspects of the guitar.
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Owners highlight the Trans Blue Smear finish as visually striking, emphasizing its unique aesthetic appeal among various color options.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
132
Great tone, great feeling on the neck, very very nice looking guitar.
I paid only 300AUD for one of these, in black and it was on discount. Loaded with Charvel active pickups, the tone suits a lot of rock and metals, however, the clean is still usable for Jazz and Blue somehow, don't understand why. LOL...
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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