Pricing and availability

Average Price: $655

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rock legend with the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST, a guitar crafted for those who live and breathe metal. This high-octane axe boasts a neck-through-body design, delivering unmatched sustain that holds every note with clarity and power. The mahogany body, paired with a maple neck, resonates with rich tones and punchy dynamics, making it a formidable choice for both rhythm and lead players.

The Soloist DX-1ST is equipped with a set of searing EMG 81 and EMG 85 active humbuckers, renowned for their ability to cut through even the densest mixes with deep, thunderous lows and razor-sharp highs. Whether you're holding down the groove or shredding a face-melting solo, these pickups provide the articulate response and versatility required for any sonic adventure.

With its compound-radius rosewood fretboard, the Soloist DX-1ST allows for effortless chord work near the nut and fluid, high-speed solos further up the neck. The classic double-cutaway design ensures you have complete access to all 24 jumbo frets, encouraging exploration of every melodic possibility. Topped with Charvel's distinctive shark tooth inlays, this guitar not only sounds powerful but looks the part too.

Key Features:

  • Neck-through-body design for increased sustain
  • Mahogany body with a maple neck
  • EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 85 (neck) active humbuckers
  • Compound-radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets
  • Classic double-cutaway design with deep access
  • Charvel "shark tooth" inlays and black nickel hardware
  • Locking tuners and adjustable string-through-body bridge

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation Soloist DX-1 ST
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 String-Through
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-1ST have?

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST features dual EMG humbucking pickups, known for delivering high-output and clarity, making it suitable for heavy rock and metal genres.

How does the neck-through construction of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST affect its playability?

The neck-through construction of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST enhances sustain and resonance, providing smoother access to higher frets and overall improved tone.

Is the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST suitable for fast playing styles?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST is ideal for fast playing styles due to its compound radius fingerboard and 24 jumbo frets, facilitating quick and comfortable fretboard navigation.

What is the scale length of the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST?

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST has a 25.5" scale length, which is standard for many electric guitars and provides a balanced tension and feel for various playing styles.

Does the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST come with a case?

No, the Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST does not come with a case; it is sold separately.

Guitariste.com

Guitariste.com

[Musik Messe 2012] Charvel Desolation DX-1 ST

Video thumbnail for [Musik Messe 2012] Charvel Desolation DX-1 ST by Guitariste.com

[Musik Messe 2012] Charvel Desolation DX-1 ST

Guitariste.com

Guitariste.com

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The DX-1ST model is noted for its EMG 81/85 pickup set, a top-tier feature in this range.

    Source
  • The guitar is predominantly suited for metal, offering limited versatility for other genres.

    Source
  • Owners describe the Charvel active pickups as closely resembling EMG 81s in sound quality after swapping.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Charvel DK24 is highlighted as superior in playability and build quality compared to the Desolation series.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced around £500, the DX-1ST is now rare due to limited production in the mid-2010s.

    Source
  • At $200, the DX-1ST is considered a bargain given that the EMG pickups alone are typically valued at that price.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have expressed regret after selling their DX-1ST, indicating strong sentimental value.

    Source
  • Some users describe the guitar as feeling "dull and empty," suggesting it may lack resonance or character compared to other models.

    Source

Build quality

  • An early Japanese run of the Desolation series exists, considered even rarer and potentially more desirable than the later Indonesian models.

    Source
  • The guitar is noted to be made in China, with build quality deemed acceptable for its price range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Charvel Desolation DX-1 ST Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST is a shredder's delight, combining sleek aesthetics with impressive playability. Its EMG pickups deliver searing highs and tight lows, making it a powerhouse for metal enthusiasts. The guitar boasts a silky neck and excellent build quality, making intricate fretwork a breeze. However, its lack of a tone control limits tonal versatility, particularly when trying to tame treble-heavy settings. While clean tones can feel a bit lifeless, the overdriven sound is phenomenal for the price. For those seeking an affordable, high-quality metal machine, this Charvel is hard to beat.

positive

Charvel Desolation DST-1 FR & DX-1 ST Soloist

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST impresses with its high-quality construction and playability, featuring a stunning flame maple top and versatile EMG active pickups perfect for modern rock and metal styles. The compound radius neck and jumbo frets enhance fast, smooth playing, while the fixed bridge offers excellent sustain. However, the ridge at the neck's paint finish feels less refined than expected for its price. Despite this, its overall performance and features make it a must-consider option in the crowded metal guitar market, earning a solid four-star rating.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Martin uses Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST

Mike Martin

Guitarist

All That Remains

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Martin is seen with Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST.

See how M. Alexander (Astral Paralysis) uses Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST

M. Alexander (Astral Paralysis)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, you can see that M. Alexander has the Charvel DX-1 ST soloist guitar in his home studio. https://www.instagram.com/p/CBJfh7_DD2D/

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Charvel Desolation Soloist DX-1ST, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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m_alexander

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