Pricing and availability

Average Price: $400

Budget/Beginner

$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Charvel DS-1, a solid body electric guitar that combines precision engineering with rock-solid performance. This guitar is designed for musicians who demand both versatility and reliability, making it ideal for a wide range of playing styles, from blues to metal. The Charvel DS-1 features a sleek, contoured body crafted for comfort, allowing you to play for hours without fatigue. Its dual high-output humbucking pickups deliver a powerful, balanced tone that's perfect for cutting through any mix. The neck is smooth and fast, designed for swift transitions and effortless playability.

The Charvel DS-1 is equipped with a set-in mahogany neck for enhanced sustain and a rosewood fingerboard that adds warmth to your sound. The hardware is built to last, featuring a fixed bridge that ensures stable tuning and precise intonation. Whether you're jamming in the garage or performing on stage, the Charvel DS-1 is ready to rock. Its durable finish withstands the rigors of regular use, while the classic design appeals to both traditionalists and modern players alike.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with contoured design
  • Dual high-output humbucking pickups
  • Set-in mahogany neck for enhanced sustain
  • Rosewood fingerboard for warm tonal quality
  • Fixed bridge for stable tuning and precise intonation
  • Durable finish and classic design suitable for various playing styles

Product specs

Brand Charvel
Model Desolation DS-1 ST
Finish Flat 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 Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Red, White
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Style Gloss, Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Model Family Charvel DS
Model Sub-Family Charvel DS-1
Neck Construction Neck-Through
Neck Material Mahogany
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 is the neck profile like on the Charvel DS-1 Purple?

The Charvel DS-1 Purple features a neck-through construction with a slim, fast-playing profile, making it ideal for shredding and comfortable for extended play sessions.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Charvel DS-1 Purple?

The Charvel DS-1 Purple is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering powerful, high-output tones suitable for rock and metal genres, with a strong emphasis on clarity and sustain.

Is the Charvel DS-1 Purple suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Charvel DS-1 Purple offers advanced features that appeal to experienced players, its comfortable neck and versatile tone make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a quality instrument.

How does the Charvel DS-1 Purple handle different playing styles?

The Charvel DS-1 Purple is versatile, handling both rhythm and lead playing with ease due to its balanced tone and responsive pickups, making it suitable for a range of rock and metal styles.

What is the scale length of the Charvel DS-1 Purple, and how does it affect playability?

The Charvel DS-1 Purple has a 25.5" scale length, which provides a tight string tension ideal for clear note articulation and comfortable playability, especially for fast-paced solos and complex chord progressions.

charvelusa

charvelusa

Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST Demo

Video thumbnail for Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST Demo by charvelusa

Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST Demo

charvelusa

charvelusa

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The DS-1 features Seymour Duncan Blackouts and a neck-through design, contributing to its distinct tonal quality and sustain.

    Source

Build quality

  • The headstock shares the same veneer as the body, highlighting a cohesive aesthetic design.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the unvarnished neck for its comfortable playability, a standout feature that enhances the playing experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Although discontinued, these guitars hold sentimental and financial value, with some being sold for several thousand dollars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DS-1 is distinguished from the DS-2 by its pickup configuration and neck design, with the DS-2 featuring Charvel branded pickups and a set neck.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Desolation DS-1 ST Review: About 3 years of playing of and on, maybe 14-15 months... | Charvel | Electric Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST impresses with its superb build quality and sound, earning high marks across features, sound, and playability. Its mahogany body and active pickups deliver well-defined tones, making it a versatile choice for genres from metal to blues. Despite minor issues with upper fret access, the guitar's reliability and finish are commendable. A great choice for those seeking a high-performing instrument without the hefty price tag.

positive

Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST is a mixed bag in the competitive mid-price guitar market. It impresses with its active Seymour Duncan Blackouts, delivering a powerful, dark tone ideal for metal, and a through-neck offering fast playability. However, the slim body compromises sustain, and there are minor scuffs on the fretboard binding. While the guitar's lightweight design may appeal to some, it can cause balance issues. Overall, the DS-1 ST offers strong features for its price but doesn't quite excel in every area, making it a solid, yet not standout choice.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Jones uses Charvel DS-1

Derek Jones

Guitarist

Falling In Reverse

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Verified via Photo

In this photo taken on July 19, 2014, at the Warped Tour in Tinley Park, Illinois, Derek Jones of Falling in Reverse is seen playing a Charvel DS-1 Purple 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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