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Average Price: $650

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Budget

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High-end

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Description

Dive into the legacy of the '90s with the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR, a modern nod to the iconic Charvel Surfcaster. This electric guitar boasts a neck-through design and a solid mahogany build, ensuring both durability and a warm, resonant tone. Perfect for players looking to blend classic aesthetics with contemporary performance, the Skatecaster SK1-FR features a 24-fret fingerboard adorned with abalone inlays for a touch of elegance. Its powerful tone is propelled by two EMG active humbuckers, ensuring clarity and punch whether you're shredding solos or laying down rhythm. The inclusion of a Floyd Rose tremolo bridge adds to its versatility, allowing for expressive vibrato and pitch manipulation. A true musician's instrument, the Skatecaster SK1-FR is designed to inspire creativity and elevate performances.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through mahogany construction for sustained resonance
  • 24-fret fingerboard with elegant abalone inlays
  • Two EMG active humbuckers (EM85 at the neck, EM81 at the bridge) for versatile tonal options
  • Floyd Rose tremolo bridge for expressive pitch manipulation

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation Skatecaster SK-1 FR
Finish Flat Black, Transparent Black
Year 2011 - 2014
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double 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 Skatecaster
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 is the neck profile of the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR?

The Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR features a through-body fast neck with an oiled finish, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience, ideal for fast playing styles.

What kind of pickups are in the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR?

This guitar is equipped with an EMG 81 bridge pickup and an EMG 85 neck pickup, offering a powerful and versatile tone suitable for genres like metal and hard rock.

Is the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR is designed with advanced players in mind, featuring high-quality components like a Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo and EMG pickups for superior performance.

How does the Floyd Rose tremolo system on the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR affect tuning stability?

The recessed Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 double-locking tremolo system provides excellent tuning stability, allowing for aggressive dive-bombs and pitch modulation without losing tune.

What is the body material of the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR?

The body of the Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR is made from mahogany, contributing to its rich, warm tone and sustain.

charvelusa

charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Dirty Tones Demo

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Dirty Tones Demo by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Dirty Tones Demo

charvelusa

charvelusa

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Clean Tones Demo by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Clean Tones Demo

charvelusa

charvelusa

Video thumbnail for Manchester Music Mill - Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-1 by Manchester Music Mill

Manchester Music Mill - Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-1

Manchester Music Mill

Manchester Music Mill

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Demo with Dave Nassie from Bleeding Through by GoDpsMusic Live

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster Demo with Dave Nassie from Bleeding Through

GoDpsMusic Live

GoDpsMusic Live

Reviews

PROS

  • Impressive fit and finish reminiscent of high-end models

  • Affordable price for a well-crafted metal guitar

  • Unique glossy flame maple top design

  • Mahogany neck offers a comfortable playing feel

  • Disappearing neck-to-body joint enhances playability

  • High-quality craftsmanship from China

CONS

  • Floyd Rose tremolo is not an original model

  • Requires setup adjustments out of the box

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK1-FR.

Value and pricing

  • The guitar was purchased for $185, reduced from $199 using a coupon, highlighting its value given the included EMG pickups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is equipped with EMG 85 in the neck and EMG 81 in the bridge, offering a powerful and active humbucker setup.

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User experience

  • Owners report good upper fret access due to the heel and cut design, making it easier to play higher notes.

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  • Owners praise the unfinished mahogany D-shape neck for its exceptional feel, often regretting selling previous models with similar necks.

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Build quality

  • Some users note a noticeable bump where the neck's natural finish meets the glossy body, though opinions vary on its impact.

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  • It’s noted that the Skatecaster lacks arm and belly contours, making it less ergonomic but potentially more affordable.

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Comparisons

  • The skatecaster is seen as a flashier, more affordable alternative to Mark Morton's Dominion model.

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  • Described as a smaller alternative to traditional Jazzmaster bodies, reducing bulk and potentially increasing comfort.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Irongear pickups (Blues Engine and Dirty Torque) are popular upgrades, paired with a split push/push volume pot for versatile tonal options.

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Use cases and applications

  • Used effectively for "doomy" music styles, yet capable of producing clean tones reminiscent of a Stratocaster.

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Critic Reviews

Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-1 FR review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Charvel Desolation Skatecaster SK-1 FR boasts a great feel and big tones, making it appealing for those seeking a heavy rock and metal sound. Its through-neck design offers long sustain, while the EMG pickups deliver a Kirk Hammett-style scorching lead tone. However, the guitar's aesthetics are marred by overly fancy binding and a clumsy masking boundary at the neck join, which is disappointing given its price. Charvel's departure from its classic S-type models to this new design may not resonate with everyone, but it still delivers impressive performance where it counts. Try it for its sound, but be wary of its design quirks.

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
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1 star
psychefoxey

Great, sadly discontinued

Overall insane guitar, great finition, fine hardware, just the floyd isn't an original, but wathever it goes so hard when plugged.

Genre Usage

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

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