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Average Price: $313

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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Description

Ready to unleash your inner rockstar? The Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST is here to fuel your musical journey. This electric guitar exudes a rock 'n' roll spirit with its classic single-cutaway design—an iconic shape that’s both timeless and edgy. Crafted from mahogany, the body delivers a robust tone with impressive sustain, while its weight-relieved construction ensures comfort during extended jam sessions.

Equipped with dual Desolation humbucking pickups, this guitar offers high-output sound perfect for everything from chunky rhythm sections to soaring lead solos. The bridge pickup provides aggressive tones with plenty of bite, while the neck pickup delivers a rich, warm sound, offering you a versatile sonic palette to explore. With a 3-way toggle switch, you can effortlessly blend and customize your tones to match your unique style.

The DS-3 ST doesn’t just sound great; it feels amazing too. The oil-finished mahogany neck provides a smooth, fast-playing experience that feels like the guitar is an extension of yourself. Paired with a rosewood fretboard featuring 24 frets, you have two full octaves at your fingertips, allowing for intricate solos and complex chord progressions with ease.

Whether you're practicing at home or hitting the stage, the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST is a reliable companion that stands out in both performance and aesthetics.

Key Features:

  • Classic single-cutaway design
  • Dual Desolation humbucking pickups
  • Fast-playing mahogany neck with oil finish
  • Rosewood fretboard with 24 frets
  • Toneful mahogany body with weight relief

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation DS-3 ST
Finish Black, Satin Black, Snow White, Transparent Red
Year 2011 - 2014
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Charvel DS
Model Sub-Family Charvel DS-3
Neck Construction Bolt-On
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 kind of music genres is the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST best suited for?

The Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST, with its HH pickup configuration and solid mahogany body, is well-suited for rock and metal genres, offering powerful tones and sustain ideal for heavier styles.

How does the bolt-on neck construction affect the playability of the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST?

The bolt-on neck construction of the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST provides a snappy response and bright tone, enhancing playability for fast, articulate playing styles.

Is the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST suitable for beginner guitarists?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, making it easy to play across various music styles.

What type of bridge does the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST have?

The Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST features a stop-bar bridge, which offers stable tuning and reliable intonation, ideal for players who prefer straightforward setups.

What is the scale length of the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST, and how does it affect playability?

The Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST has a 25.5" scale length, providing a balanced tension that is comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing, often favored by rock and metal guitarists.

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Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video) by MyDukkan

Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST - Elektro Gitar İncelemesi (Hızlı Video)

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Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation DS 3 ST - sportowy Les Paul od Fendera LOL - FILMIKI O GITARACH 728 by ksantyp77

Charvel Desolation DS 3 ST - sportowy Les Paul od Fendera LOL - FILMIKI O GITARACH 728

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST.

Build quality

  • Some owners noted that the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST can have quality control issues due to its Chinese manufacturing, suggesting a careful inspection before purchasing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Historically, these guitars sold for much less than their perceived value, with some now comparing them to guitars in the $1,300 range.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite a standard 25.5” scale length, the body is smaller than a Les Paul, which could affect comfort and playability preferences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is described as a great deal for $100, potentially offering quality comparable to more expensive models like certain Epiphone guitars.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Desolation DS-3 ST Review: Drop a couple of Seymour Duncans or DiMarzios of your choice... | Charvel | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

A budget-friendly choice for those seeking an entry-level guitar, the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST impresses with its solid mahogany build and aesthetic appeal. While it performs decently for rock with its passive humbuckers, it struggles with high-gain settings and modern metal genres. The guitar’s setup is adequate, but minor issues like stripped screw holes and a cumbersome bridge adjustment detract from its playability. Action and fit are acceptable, yet the volume controls are disappointing, acting more like on/off switches. With upgrades to pickups and potentially the bridge, it could serve well for heavier tunes. A viable option for those on a tight budget, but not without its compromises.

Desolation DS-3 ST Review | Charvel | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST impresses with its affordability and surprisingly good quality. It boasts a sound that rivals more expensive guitars, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious players. However, the guitar's action, fit, and finish could use some refinement, leaving room for improvement. Overall, while it may not blow you away, it offers decent value for its price, especially if paired with upgraded pickups like Seymour Duncans or DiMarzios.

Decibel Magazine Reviews New Desolation Series – Charvel Guitars

charvel.com

Decibel Magazine's Matt Olivo finds the Charvel Desolation DS-3 ST to be an accessible option for beginners, praising its playability with features like low-action and a slim neck profile. However, it lacks the speed-focused design that marks the DS-1 ST, suggesting a more modest appeal. While Charvel's quality is noted, the DS-3 ST might not excite experienced players seeking advanced specs.

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sonnysoul

Really Good

It's actually a really good guitar. Easy to play and good for any sort of guitarists.

Genre Usage

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

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    sonnysoul
    sonnysoul

    Gear IQ 1780