Charvel - Electric Guitars and Basses

Charvel, based in Southern California, has been a pioneer in high-performance guitars for over 40 years. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, Charvel guitars have been favored by legendary players like Warren DeMartini, Jake E. Lee, Allan Holdsworth, and Guthrie Govan. Their guitars feature "hot-rodded" upgrades such as compound-radius fingerboards, high-output pickups, Floyd Rose tremolos, and unique finishes.

The company traces its origins to the late 1970s when Grover Jackson took over Charvel's Guitar Repair shop and began building high-performance guitars under the Charvel name. These guitars gained popularity in the 1980s among talented guitarists in Southern California. Charvel’s legacy continues with modern models like the DK24 and San Dimas, upholding its reputation for innovation and excellence in design.

Charvel Identity and Philosophy

Performance-First

Charvel musical instruments are built around delivering high-performance guitars and basses for rock and heavy metal players. Key features are comfortable and fast necks, light body, and both custom-designed pickups and Seymour Duncan or EMG options on specific models, to deliver the iconic, aggressive sound that shredders love. These pickups ensure that players can achieve classic metal tones with clarity and punch.

Charvel Design Aesthetic

Charvel guitars are known for their eye-catching finishes that set them apart. The brand offers graphic-heavy finishes, like neon bursts, retro patterns, and custom artwork, giving each guitar a distinct, memorable look. From matte to metallic finishes, Charvel guitars always make a statement. These unique designs complement the aggressive tone and performance expected from a high-performance guitar.

Sleek, Aggressive Body Shapes

Charvel’s contoured body shapes, inspired by iconic models like the San Dimas and So-Cal, are designed for maximum comfort and playability. These guitars are lightweight yet sturdy, ensuring players can perform with ease during intense shredding sessions. The body design promotes fluid playability, allowing for fast movement across the neck and smooth transitions during solos and rhythm work.

Premium Hardware

Charvel's hardware, including bridges, tuners, and knobs, is designed with both aesthetic appeal and durability in mind. Charvel incorporates black, chrome, or gold accents that enhance the guitar’s overall visual appeal while maintaining the high performance and reliability these guitars are known for.

Who plays a Charvel guitar?

Charvel has an impressive roster of virtuoso guitarists, each bringing their unique influence to the brand. Here’s a brief look at some of the standout players:

Guthrie Govan: Known for his exceptional solo work and collaborations with Hans Zimmer, Guthrie is revered for his versatility and jaw-dropping technique. His Charvel guitar allows him to blend various genres seamlessly, from rock and metal to jazz and fusion.
Jake E. Lee: As a former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist and founder of Badlands and Red Dragon Cartel, Jake's riff-heavy, melodic style is showcased perfectly through his Charvel guitars. His contributions to the '80s rock scene remain iconic.
Satchel: Steel Panther’s lead guitarist, known for his wild playing and humorous stage presence, brings a lot of personality and technical prowess to the Charvel brand.
Jim Root: As a guitarist for Slipknot, Jim’s aggressive and dark metal style is perfectly paired with Charvel's high-performance guitars, allowing for precision and power in his complex riffs.
Warren DeMartini: Best known for his work with Ratt, Warren’s intricate solos and unique phrasing shine on his Charvel guitars, bringing out the classic glam metal tones of the '80s.
Daniele Gottardo and Angel Vivaldi: Both exceptional players in the instrumental and progressive metal scenes, these virtuosos embody Charvel's commitment to crafting guitars that meet the demands of technically advanced musicians.

Why buying Charvel guitars and basses at Musician's Friend?

Musician's Friend offers an extensive selection of Charvel guitars and basses at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect instrument for your style. With free shipping on most orders, purchasing your next Charvel guitar is easy and convenient. Plus, enjoy the best rewards program available, which lets you earn points for future purchases.

Every Charvel instrument, including Open Box options, comes with a 2-year warranty, so you can purchase with confidence knowing your guitar or bass is covered. Whether you're after a Charvel Pro Mod or a San Dimas model, Musician’s Friend is your go-to destination for top-tier instruments and exceptional customer service.