Pricing and availability
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your musical potential with the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR, a guitar crafted for the modern-day shredder who demands both sophistication and power. This single-cutaway electric guitar is a member of Charvel's groundbreaking Desolation Series, offering a blend of magnificent desolation and unparalleled tonal versatility. Featuring a neck-through-body construction, this instrument ensures remarkable sustain and rich tonal depth, courtesy of its solid mahogany body and neck.
The DS-1 FR is engineered for swift, smooth playability with its compound radius rosewood fretboard, ranging from 12" at the nut to 16" at the 12th fret. This design allows for easy chord work in the lower registers and lightning-fast solos up the neck. Whether you're laying down heavy riffs or intricate leads, the Seymour Duncan AHB-1 active humbucking pickups deliver a versatile palette of sounds, perfect for genres like metal, punk, and beyond.
Enhance your expressive capabilities with the recessed Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 tremolo, providing excellent tuning stability even during the most aggressive dive bombs. Aesthetically, the DS-1 FR doesn't disappoint, featuring abalone inlays and binding that add a touch of elegance to its fierce persona. Join the ranks of discerning players who value both style and substance with the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR.
Key Features:
- Single-cutaway solid mahogany body and neck
- Neck-through-body design for enhanced sustain
- Seymour Duncan AHB-1 active humbucking pickups
- Compound radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard
- 24 jumbo frets with abalone inlays
- Recessed Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 tremolo system
- Abalone body and headstock binding
- Black nickel hardware and three-on-a-side Charvel tuners
Product specs
| Brand | Charvel |
| Model | Desolation DS-1 FR |
| Year | 2011 - 2014 |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Locking Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black |
| 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 is the neck profile like on the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR?
-
The Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR features a through-body fast neck with an oiled finish, designed for smooth playability and quick access across the fretboard, ideal for fast playing styles.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups in the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR?
-
The guitar is equipped with Seymour Duncan AHB-1B bridge and AHB-1N neck pickups, which deliver high-output tones suitable for aggressive playing styles, such as metal and hard rock.
-
Is the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR suitable for advanced guitar players?
-
Yes, with its neck-through construction, locking tremolo bridge, and high-output pickups, the DS-1 FR is well-suited for advanced players seeking a guitar for technical and high-speed playing.
-
What type of bridge does the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR have?
-
The DS-1 FR features a recessed Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 double-locking tremolo bridge, which allows for precise tuning stability and expressive vibrato effects.
-
How does the neck-through construction of the Charvel Desolation DS-1 FR benefit players?
-
The neck-through construction provides enhanced sustain and stability, allowing for seamless access to higher frets, which is beneficial for lead playing and soloing.
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 FR.
Build quality
-
Check for potential cracks or scratches near the high E tuning peg on the back of the headstock, as noted by multiple owners.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Desolation DS-1 is often compared favorably to more expensive Epiphone models, with some owners finding it rivals $1,300 guitars despite its original lower price.
Source
User experience
-
Some users mention the neck feel differs from other guitars, with a standard 25.5” scale but a smaller body compared to a Les Paul.
Source -
Owners with small hands appreciate the thin neck, enabling techniques like thumb fretting, which are challenging on chunkier necks.
Source -
The guitar's neck has been praised for its ergonomic fit, making it easier to control string play and enhancing overall playability.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The Charvel Desolation DS-1 was originally sold at low prices but has become more sought after, with current used prices reaching up to $500.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners report that quality control on Chinese-made models was inconsistent, making pre-purchase inspection crucial.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Desolation DS-1 FR typically came with EMG 81/85 pickups, while some models feature Seymour Duncan Blackouts.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
More Charvel Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-