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Average Price: $450

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR, a guitar designed to dominate the stage and studio alike. Perfect for metal enthusiasts, this axe combines a neck-through design with the precision of active EMG pickups, ensuring your sound is both articulate and powerful. The mahogany body and neck, coupled with a flame maple top, provide a rich resonance and sustain that cuts through any mix, while the sleek, scalloped heel and upper horn offer incredible playability.

The compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, featuring 24 jumbo frets and iconic shark tooth inlays, is crafted for high-speed shredding and intricate solos. Whether you're laying down chunky riffs or searing leads, the EMG 81 and EMG 85 humbuckers deliver thunderous lows and crystalline highs with ease. The genuine Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo system promises rock-solid tuning stability and expressive dive-bombs, making it a formidable tool for any guitarist looking to push boundaries.

Constructed with premium hardware, including sealed die-cast tuners and black nickel appointments, the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR is as durable as it is stylish. It's not just a guitar; it's a statement.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with flame maple top for robust tone and sustain
  • Neck-through design for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Compound-radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets
  • EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers
  • Genuine Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo for precise tuning stability
  • Scalloped heel and upper horn for improved access to higher frets
  • Black nickel hardware and shark tooth inlays for a distinctive aesthetic

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR
Finish Black, Satin Black, Snow White, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, Transparent Cherry Sunburst, Transparent Red
Year 2011 - 2014
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel Soloist
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
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 Soloist DX-1 FR have?

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR is equipped with dual EMG humbucking pickups, which are known for delivering powerful, high-output tones suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR suitable for playing metal music?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR is well-suited for metal music, featuring high-output EMG pickups and a Floyd Rose Double Locking Tremolo for aggressive playing styles and dive-bomb effects.

What is the neck construction of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR?

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR features a neck-through construction, which enhances sustain and stability, making it ideal for fast and precise playing.

Does the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR comes with a Floyd Rose Double Locking Tremolo system, allowing for stable tuning and expressive pitch modulation.

What is the fretboard radius of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR?

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR features a comfortable compound radius fingerboard, which transitions from 12" at the nut to 16" at the heel, facilitating easy chording and smooth bending.

What materials are used for the body and neck of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR?

The body of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR is made from mahogany with a flame maple top, while the neck is constructed from maple, contributing to its rich tone and sustain.

charvelusa

charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR Demo

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR Demo by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR Demo

charvelusa

charvelusa

Video thumbnail for 2012 Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR demo played through Neural DSP Archetype Petrucci. by ShadowLord

2012 Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1 FR demo played through Neural DSP Archetype Petrucci.

ShadowLord

ShadowLord

Reviews

PROS

  • High-quality craftsmanship for a non-American manufactured guitar

  • Aesthetic extras like abalone inlays and matching paint scheme headstock

  • Unfinished maple neck and rosewood fretboard for a smooth feel

  • Thin, well-rounded neck enhances fast playing

  • Active EMG 81/85 pickups deliver powerful metal tones

  • Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 ensures the guitar stays in tune

CONS

  • Tone may be polarizing if not a fan of EMG pickups

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The DX-1 Soloist is equipped with EMG 81/85 pickups, offering a high-output tone suitable for metal and hard rock genres.

    Source
  • The real Floyd Rose bridge combined with EMG 85/81 pickups is highlighted as a key selling point, both for tonal versatility and hardware value.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the DX-1 to the DK24, noting the latter as superior due to features like an unfinished roasted maple neck.

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  • The Desolation DX-1 is often compared to Schecter and LTD Deluxe models for its "bling" features and build quality.

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Build quality

  • It was noted that the DX-1 was bound with abalone, a detail that adds a distinct aesthetic touch but may not appeal to all.

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  • The DX-1 features neck-through construction, praised for its stability and sustain, which is unusual at its price point.

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Value and pricing

  • Initially priced around £500, these models are now rare and potentially more valuable to collectors.

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  • Despite being originally priced between $500-$600, these guitars now sell for significantly more due to their rarity and demand.

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User experience

  • Some owners regret selling their DX-1s, indicating a lasting impression despite its mid-range pricing at release.

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  • Owners appreciate the craftsmanship, noting that the quality of labor and materials used in Chinese production is high, defying common stereotypes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EMG pickup configuration makes it well-suited for genres requiring aggressive, clear tones.

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Other

  • The DX-1 was available only for about two years, and an even rarer early run was made in Japan before production moved to Indonesia.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
griff1208

Great Shred guitar

Extremely well made for a non-American manufactured guitar. Lots of aesthetic extras and upgrades including: abalone inlays & striping, matching paint scheme headstock, low profile, unfinished maple neck and rosewood fretboard, active EMG 81/85 HB, and a FR licensed trem. Overall this is a true example of a Charvel/Jackson soloist style guitar that was well worth the money.

Roles:
Genres:
ost_jojo

Awesome guitar

Bought this guitar used five years ago and it's still one of my most played guitars. The neck is thin and well-rounded, which makes fast playing a true pleasure. Tone wise, it sounds like any other EMG-equipped guitar - so if you like that sounds then this guitar won't disappoint.

giorgio_hernandez

Great guitar

Really good metal tone with the EMG active pick ups. Nice neck and a Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 that's always in tune.

Genre Usage

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