Renowned for its history in crafting high-speed guitars, Charvel continues to innovate with the Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1, featuring a distinctive relic’d aesthetic. Since its inception under Wayne Charvel, the brand has evolved under Fender’s ownership, catering to shredders with top-tier electric guitars across various price ranges.
The introduction of artificially aged finishes marks a departure in Charvel’s lineup, starting with limited editions like the Henrik Danhage signature model and now expanding with the accessible ‘Weathered’ series. This new series includes the Pro-Mod San Dimas, designed to appeal to players seeking a guitar that looks and feels authentically worn-in.
Inspired by Grover Jackson’s popular SuperStrat designs from the late ’70s, the San Dimas boasts a Seymour Duncan pickup setup ideal for metal genres. Its minimalist controls and weathered appearance give it the appearance of a well-loved instrument, resonating with those who appreciate both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Despite debates surrounding the ethics of artificially aging guitars, Charvel’s craftsmanship in the Pro-Mod San Dimas is evident. The alder body’s relic job by Fender’s Ensenada craftsmen is meticulously executed, offering a visually pleasing and unique weathering pattern across different nitrocellulose finishes.
Underneath the surface, the Pro-Mod San Dimas features a bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement and a hand-rubbed urethane gel finish for optimal playability. Its compound radius fingerboard and jumbo frets ensure smooth transitions and comfortable playability, complemented by a Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system.
In terms of sound, the guitar delivers a classic combination of Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 and ’59 SH-1N humbuckers. These pickups provide articulate tones suitable for heavy distortion as well as clean settings, offering a wide dynamic range and expressive qualities favored by shredders.
Priced at $1,599/£1,259, the Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 sits competitively within its market segment, appealing to guitarists seeking a high-performance instrument. While alternatives exist within Jackson’s and Charvel’s ranges at lower price points, the San Dimas stands out for its blend of quality craftsmanship, iconic design, and reliability for intense playing styles.
For players looking to invest in a guitar with both character and capability, the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 represents a compelling choice, bridging tradition with modern performance demands.
