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Average Price: $478

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$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

What type of pickups does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST use?

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.

Is the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST suitable for metal music?

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.

What is the neck construction of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST?

The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST features a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and stability, making it ideal for lead and rhythm playing.

How many frets does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST have?

The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST is equipped with 24 jumbo frets, allowing for extended range and easier access to higher notes.

Does the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST have a compound radius fretboard?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST features a compound radius fretboard, transitioning from 12" to 16", which provides comfortable chording and smooth soloing.

What material is the body of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST made from?

The body of the Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST is constructed from mahogany, offering a warm tone with plenty of sustain.

The Tone King

The Tone King

Charvel Desolation Demo & Review

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Demo & Review by The Tone King

Charvel Desolation Demo & Review

The Tone King

The Tone King

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation DC 1 st by Joel Flores

Charvel Desolation DC 1 st

Joel Flores

Joel Flores

Reviews

PROS

  • Quality locking tuners simplify restringing and maintain tuning stability

  • EMG pickups offer high-end bite, ideal for lead guitar work

  • Abalone binding and inlays enhance visual appeal

  • Feels like a more expensive guitar in quality and performance

  • Lightweight body enhances playability for extended sessions

  • Oiled neck finish facilitates fast hand movement

  • Versatile tone suitable for rock, metal, and even jazz

  • Good setup out of the box for immediate playability

CONS

  • Neck finish may not appeal to everyone, feeling inconsistent at times

  • Slight cosmetic flaw at the neck joint transition

  • 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

  • Abalone inlays and binding are highlighted as standout aesthetic features, adding a touch of elegance to the guitar's visual appeal.

    Source
  • Some guitars in this series have a small crack near the E tuning peg, suggesting potential structural concerns needing inspection.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • Equipped with EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, providing robust tonal qualities suitable for technical melodic styles.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at $929 in 2013, it’s now considered a bargain at $399, especially given its high-quality specifications.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners cite its suitability for technical melodic genres, referencing artists like Malmsteen and Friedman, indicating its effectiveness for intricate playing styles.

    Source
  • Despite recording limitations, the guitar is praised for its suitability in live performances, showcasing its strong stage presence and appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite its standard 25.5” scale, the body is noticeably smaller than a Les Paul, influencing overall playability and feel.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Desolation DC-1 ST Review: I previously owned a Squier Affinity HSS Strat and this is... | Charvel | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST delivers a superb blend of features, sound, and durability, especially for metal aficionados. With its neck-through mahogany body, EMG 81/85 pickups, and impeccable action, it's a shredder's dream. The guitar's aesthetics, including its trans red finish and rosewood fretboard with abalone inlays, add to its appeal. Despite minor nitpicks like the headstock design and initial pickup alignment, the guitar's overall build quality is impressive, offering great value at a discounted price. Whether for hard rock or thrash metal, the DC-1 ST proves to be a versatile and reliable instrument.

positive

Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Charvel Desolation DC-1 ST impresses with its lightweight build and monster tones, making it a solid contender against Schecter, ESP, and PRS SE. Its through-neck construction delivers a fat tone, ideal for hard rock and modern metal aficionados. However, its design deviates from traditional Charvel aesthetics, which might not appeal to purists. Despite this, its playability and sound quality make it a worthy choice for those seeking a reliable, modern metal guitar. While the market positioning is unclear, its performance speaks volumes, making it a strong option for today's metal players.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
victor_ting

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...

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