The Charvel Pro-Mod Relic San Dimas Style 1 stands out as a top-tier guitar for modern shredders with a taste for vintage aesthetics. Emulating the iconic SuperStrat design popularized by Grover Jackson, this guitar features Seymour Duncan pickups and a meticulously aged nitrocellulose finish, giving it a well-worn look and feel.
Design and Build
The guitar's factory-weathered finish offers a pre-aged, road-worn appearance, appealing to those who enjoy a vintage aesthetic. Available in black, white, and orange, the finish adds character without compromising on quality. The maple neck, reinforced with graphite rods, boasts a smooth, hand-rubbed urethane gel finish, promoting lightning-fast playability. Rolled fingerboard edges enhance comfort, making prolonged play sessions enjoyable.
Playability
Designed for speed, the San Dimas Style 1 excels in playability. Its 12-16” compound radius fingerboard and 22 jumbo frets facilitate effortless position shifts and fluid soloing. The bolt-on neck construction and lightweight body contribute to its overall playability, making it an excellent choice for fast leads and complex sweeps.
Electronics and Hardware
Equipped with a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 bridge humbucker and a ’59 SH-1N neck humbucker, the San Dimas Style 1 delivers a versatile tonal range, from searing leads to warm, rich rhythms. The single volume control and three-way selector switch keep the electronics simple and effective. A double-locking Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo ensures tuning stability and allows for extensive whammy bar use without compromising pitch.
While the pau ferro fingerboard might not appeal to everyone, the Charvel Pro-Mod Relic San Dimas Style 1 compensates with exceptional build quality, playability, and tone. It's a compelling option for players seeking a high-performance guitar with a distinctively vintage vibe.
