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
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What is the neck profile like on the Charvel Desolation Star?
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The Charvel Desolation Star features a thin, fast-playing neck with a smooth rosewood fretboard, making it ideal for shredding and complex solos.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Charvel Desolation Star?
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The Charvel Desolation Star is equipped with dual humbuckers (HH configuration) that deliver powerful, high-gain tones perfect for rock and metal genres.
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Is the Charvel Desolation Star suitable for advanced players?
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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.
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How does the locking tremolo bridge on the Charvel Desolation Star benefit my playing?
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The locking tremolo bridge allows for aggressive whammy bar use while maintaining tuning stability, making it excellent for dive bombs and pitch modulation.
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What are the finish options available for the Charvel Desolation Star?
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The Charvel Desolation Star is available in various finishes, including Black, Snow White, Transparent Black, Transparent Blue Smear, and Transparent Red.
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Does the Charvel Desolation Star have a neck-through construction?
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Yes, the Charvel Desolation Star features neck-through construction, providing enhanced sustain and access to higher frets for intricate lead playing.
Videos
charvelusa
Charvel Desolation Star Demo Dirty Tones
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
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Owners report the neck as being on the thin side and the frets smaller than standard, affecting playability for certain techniques like barre chords.
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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.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some users have swapped out the original EMG pickups due to personal tone preferences, although specific alternative pickup models weren't detailed.
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One owner upgraded to Gary Holt signature EMGs, enhancing the guitar's aggressive tone, suggesting a significant improvement over stock pickups.
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Comparisons
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The Charvel Desolation Star is noted to sit between the Jackson X series and Pro series in terms of quality and price point.
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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
Features and functionality
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The guitar was available with a tune-o-matic bridge instead of a Floyd Rose, potentially affecting resale value.
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User experience
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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.
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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.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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