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Average Price: $400

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation, an electric guitar that blends cutting-edge design with classic charisma. Crafted for the discerning player, this guitar showcases a single-cutaway mahogany body with a carved top and a neck-through-body construction, ensuring unparalleled sustain and resonance. The sleek design is complemented by a bound mahogany neck, providing a smooth, comfortable playing experience.

The compound radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard, adorned with 24 jumbo frets and exquisite abalone inlays, promises effortless playability for both intricate solos and powerful chords. Abalone body and headstock binding add a touch of elegance to this powerhouse.

Equipped with dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout™ active humbucking pickups, the DS-1 ST Desolation delivers a devastating tone that cuts through any mix. Whether you're shredding or laying down rhythm, the three-way toggle switch offers versatile tonal options to suit any style. The Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo system ensures rock-solid tuning stability, allowing you to dive and bend with confidence.

Finished with black nickel hardware and three-on-a-side Charvel tuners, this guitar is as reliable as it is striking. Although the DS-1 ST Desolation does not include a case, its durable construction is ready for the rigors of the road.

Key Features:

  • Single-cutaway mahogany body with carved top
  • Neck-through-body construction for enhanced sustain
  • Compound radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets
  • Dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout™ active humbucking pickups
  • Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo system
  • Abalone inlays and body/headstock binding
  • Black nickel hardware and Charvel tuners

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 kind of music genres is the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation best suited for?

The Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation, with its Seymour Duncan AHB-1 pickups and mahogany body, is well-suited for rock and metal genres, offering high output and aggressive tones ideal for heavy music styles.

Does the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation have a comfortable neck for fast playing?

Yes, the Charvel DS-1 ST features a through-body fast neck with an oiled finish, designed for smooth playability and quick hand movement, making it ideal for fast playing styles.

What is the neck profile of the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation?

The Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation features a neck-through construction with a slim profile, providing a comfortable grip for various playing techniques and facilitating easy access to higher frets.

How does the HH pickup configuration of the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation affect its sound?

The HH pickup configuration with Seymour Duncan AHB-1 pickups delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain, making it versatile for heavy rhythm playing and searing lead tones.

Is the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation suitable for beginners?

While the Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation is a high-quality instrument with features appealing to advanced players, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for committed beginners looking to invest in a long-term guitar.

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 ST Desolation.

Build quality

  • Check for cracks or repairs near the E tuning peg on the back of the headstock. It's crucial to examine this area for potential structural issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite its smaller body, the guitar maintains a standard 25.5” scale length, unlike the larger Les Paul models.

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  • Users compare the DS-1's neck favorably against thicker necks, notably easier to handle than budget S-type models.

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Value and pricing

  • The Charvel Desolation series, initially inexpensive, is now sought after and can rival guitars priced at $1,300 today.

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User experience

  • Some owners have experienced mixed quality control, as these guitars were manufactured in China.

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  • Owners highlight the slim neck profile, allowing easier thumb fretting, especially beneficial for players with smaller hands.

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  • The guitar has a visually striking flame maple top that draws mixed reactions over time, with some finding it less appealing with prolonged viewing.

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Features and functionality

  • The Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation typically comes with EMG 81/85 pickups, but some single-cut models feature Seymour Duncan Blackouts.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users replace stock EMGs with Seymour Duncan Blackouts for their fuller low-end response.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar paired exceptionally well with 12-68 Elixir strings for Drop A tuning, suggesting a robust setup for lower tunings.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the guitar visually appealing for customization, as demonstrated by adding stickers for a personal touch.

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Critic Reviews

Charvel Desolation DS-1 ST review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation offers great value with stellar Seymour Duncan pickups and a lightweight design, making it appealing to many players. However, its slim body compromises sustain, and some fretboard finish imperfections might disappoint perfectionists. While it excels in speed and tonal aggression, the overall package struggles to stand out in a competitive mid-range market. It's a solid choice, but not without its flaws.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gabby Alipe uses Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation

Gabby Alipe

Singer, Guitarist

Urbandub

...
Verified via Photo

Gabby Alipe is seen playing a Charvel DS-1 ST Desolation Transparent Black guitar in an Instagram post by udubgab, captioned "Playing with the light..."

Genre Usage

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

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