Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,400

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Charvel Desolation Star is a striking choice for guitarists seeking both visual flair and sonic prowess. With its unique star-shaped body, this solid body electric guitar not only makes a statement on stage but also delivers a powerful sound that matches its bold look. Constructed with a mahogany body and set neck, it offers a robust resonance and sustain that players will appreciate. The active Seymour Duncan Blackout humbuckers provide high-output tones, perfect for driving riffs and searing leads, ensuring your sound cuts through any mix with clarity and aggression.

The Desolation Star features a fast-playing rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets that cater to both intricate solos and heavy chording. The neck's smooth satin finish promotes effortless playability, making it a delight for shredders and rhythm players alike. Complemented by a compound radius, the fretboard facilitates comfortable chording near the nut and smooth bending up the neck.

Equipped with a Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system, this guitar offers excellent tuning stability and allows for radical dive bombs and expressive vibrato effects without missing a beat. The Desolation Star is a testament to Charvel's commitment to quality and innovation, providing musicians with a reliable instrument that meets the demands of modern playing styles.

Key Features:

  • Star-shaped solid mahogany body
  • Set neck construction
  • Active Seymour Duncan Blackout humbuckers
  • 24 jumbo frets on a rosewood fingerboard
  • Compound radius neck for versatile playability
  • Floyd Rose Special double-locking tremolo system

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation Star DST-1 FR
Finish Black, Snow White, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, Transparent Red
Year 2011 - 2014
Made In China
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape X-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel Star
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.687"
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 like on the Charvel Desolation Star?

The Charvel Desolation Star features a thin, fast-playing neck with a smooth rosewood fretboard, making it ideal for shredding and complex solos.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Charvel Desolation Star?

The Charvel Desolation Star is equipped with dual humbuckers (HH configuration) that deliver powerful, high-gain tones perfect for rock and metal genres.

Is the Charvel Desolation Star suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Star is designed with features like a locking tremolo bridge and neck-through construction, making it well-suited for advanced players seeking stability and versatility.

How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Charvel Desolation Star benefit my playing?

The locking tremolo bridge allows for aggressive whammy bar use while maintaining tuning stability, making it excellent for dive bombs and pitch modulation.

What are the finish options available for the Charvel Desolation Star?

The Charvel Desolation Star is available in various finishes, including Black, Snow White, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, and Transparent Red.

Does the Charvel Desolation Star have a neck-through construction?

Yes, the Charvel Desolation Star features neck-through construction, providing enhanced sustain and access to higher frets for intricate lead playing.

charvelusa

charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Star Demo Dirty Tones

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Star Demo Dirty Tones by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Star Demo Dirty Tones

charvelusa

charvelusa

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Star  Clean Tone Demo by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation Star Clean Tone Demo

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charvelusa

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation Star Review by Nathan LaBee

Charvel Desolation Star Review

Nathan LaBee

Nathan LaBee

Video thumbnail for CHARVEL DESOLATION STAR - MADE IN CHINA ( SIX STRING ATTACK GEAR REVIEW) by six string attack

CHARVEL DESOLATION STAR - MADE IN CHINA ( SIX STRING ATTACK GEAR REVIEW)

six string attack

six string attack

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Owners report the neck as being on the thin side and the frets smaller than standard, affecting playability for certain techniques like barre chords.

    Source
  • The paintwork is rough where the unfinished neck meets the finished body, and the inlay work has minor imperfections, noted as more cosmetic than functional.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users have swapped out the original EMG pickups due to personal tone preferences, although specific alternative pickup models weren't detailed.

    Source
  • One owner upgraded to Gary Holt signature EMGs, enhancing the guitar's aggressive tone, suggesting a significant improvement over stock pickups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Charvel Desolation Star is noted to sit between the Jackson X series and Pro series in terms of quality and price point.

    Source
  • Some suggest the Kramer Voyager or Jackson Gus G Star as alternatives, especially if a tremolo system or specific shape isn't a priority.

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  • Owners note that 80s MIJ Charvel models offer superior quality compared to the Charvel Desolation Star.

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Value and pricing

  • A previous owner estimated the guitar's value to be around $500-$600, significantly higher than the $200 trade value mentioned.

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  • A case is included, which can add value, but the guitar is still considered overpriced by many at €850, especially for a Chinese-made model.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar was available with a tune-o-matic bridge instead of a Floyd Rose, potentially affecting resale value.

    Source

User experience

  • It was mentioned that the Desolation series Star was an entry-level model that originally sold for much less, with some having purchased it new for $299 USD.

    Source
  • An owner who has owned about 60 guitars claims this Charvel surpasses others in sound and playability, even choosing it over an LTD EC-1000 when downsizing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar shape is rare in some regions, which can influence purchasing decisions despite the model's entry-level status.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Derek Jones uses Charvel Desolation Star

Derek Jones

Guitarist

Falling In Reverse

...
Verified via Photo

This Picture was taken at the Charvel showroom in Burbank

See how Henrik Danhage uses Charvel Desolation Star

Henrik Danhage

Guitarist

Evergrey

...
Verified via Photo

As seen in Henrik's Instagram photo.

See how Dave Carlo uses Charvel Desolation Star

Dave Carlo

Guitarist, Composer

Razor (Ca)

...
Verified via Photo

Dave Carlo is seen with a Charvel Desolation Star in a user-uploaded photo, highlighting his use of this custom solid body electric guitar.

Genre Usage

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

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