Pricing and availability

Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Charvel Desolation DS-1, a guitar that's as fierce in looks as it is in sound. Designed for the serious musician who craves both style and substance, this solid body electric guitar is a showcase of innovative craftsmanship. With its single-cutaway mahogany body and a carved top, the DS-1 offers a resonant, full-bodied tone that’s perfect for any genre. The neck-through-body design ensures seamless playability and sustain, while the bound mahogany neck with a scalloped heel provides comfort and ease for those long jam sessions.

The compound radius rosewood fingerboard is adorned with 24 jumbo frets and striking abalone inlays, making it as visually compelling as it is functional. Equipped with dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout™ active humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers a powerful, clear sound that cuts through any mix with precision. The Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo allows for expressive dive bombs and pitch shifts without sacrificing tuning stability.

Finished with black nickel hardware and three-on-a-side Charvel tuners, the DS-1 is a perfect blend of form and function. Whether you're shredding on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar promises to elevate your sound and aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • Single-cutaway mahogany body with carved top
  • Neck-through-body design for enhanced sustain
  • Bound mahogany neck with scalloped heel
  • Compound radius (12”-16”) rosewood fingerboard
  • 24 jumbo frets with abalone inlays
  • Dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout™ active humbucking pickups
  • Three-way toggle switching
  • Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo
  • Black nickel hardware
  • Three-on-a-side Charvel tuners

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation DS-1 ST
Finish Flat Black, Snow White, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, Transparent Red
Year 2011 - 2014
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel DS
Model Sub-Family Charvel DS-1
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-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 DS-1 Flat Black feature?

The Charvel Desolation DS-1 is equipped with Seymour Duncan AHB-1B bridge and AHB-1N neck pickups, providing a high-output, aggressive tone suitable for heavy music styles.

Is the Charvel Desolation DS-1 suitable for advanced guitar players?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation DS-1 is ideal for advanced players due to its neck-through construction, 24 frets, and high-quality pickups, offering excellent playability and tonal versatility.

How does the neck-through construction of the Charvel Desolation DS-1 affect playability?

The neck-through construction of the Charvel Desolation DS-1 enhances sustain and provides easy access to higher frets, making it comfortable for fast and intricate playing.

Does the Charvel Desolation DS-1 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation DS-1 features a recessed Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 double-locking tremolo, allowing for precise pitch bending and stable tuning.

What is the fretboard radius of the Charvel Desolation DS-1, and how does it affect playing?

The Charvel Desolation DS-1 has a compound fretboard radius of 12" to 16", which provides a comfortable feel for both chord playing and soloing, enhancing overall playability.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Desolation DS-1.

Features and functionality

  • The Charvel Desolation DS-1 is equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, preferred by some users over Jackson pickups for better tone and performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The DS-1 is noted for its oil-finished neck and neck-through construction, contributing to a comfortable playing experience.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the DS-1's lighter weight compared to typical Les Paul guitars, making it easier on the shoulders during extended play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite being Chinese-made, users compare the DS-1 favorably to higher-end models for its craftsmanship and playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some suggest adding gold covers to the pickups on the green model to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
james_ellis_debower

Tone is perfect, action is deadly

At any volume this guitar screams and has a deadly look to match, mine has a Floyd Rose and that version isn't listed here.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Jones uses Charvel Desolation DS-1

Derek Jones

Guitarist

Falling In Reverse

...
Verified via Photo

This picture show Derek holding a Charvel Desolation DS-1

See how Francisco “Rico” Concepcion uses Charvel Desolation DS-1

Francisco “Rico” Concepcion

Guitarist

TOLOVA

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco “Rico” Concepcion is seen with a Charvel Desolation DS-1 Flat Black guitar in a photo shared by tolovamusic on Instagram, celebrating his birthday.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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