Pro-M Jake

Was looking at this new Charvel Jake E Lee model, the Pro-Mod version. Unlike the American take, this one does not sport a matching body-headstock finish which I thought looks more appealing. This is one of those guitars that combined Seymour Duncan (JB, bridge) & DiMarzio (SDS-1, middle / neck) tonalities to give the player the best of both worlds (aggression vs smoothness). The previous Pro-Mod (featuring a pickguard) listed for slightly more than $2K, hope this one doesn't stray too far off this mark. 

Pic: Charvel

Charvel 2023

Charvel has released its 2023 Pro-Mod range of guitars. What's the point of buying a Charvel these days? They are Fenders with 'Charvel' on the headstock. Heck, they are even made by Fender. Charvel is now the conduit of spruced up Fenders without upsetting the purists. 

Being someone who scrutinizes price increase in the mean time, I must say that Fender is leading the way; near irrational prices for not much increase in quality / innovation. Of course, this is spilt unto Charvels & Jacksons. No, we are not blind.

Pic: Charvel

C-colours

Speaking of colours, Charvel has some interesting finishes of its own. The one you see above is called sunburn -  notice how the colour of the pickups matches the colour of the body.

And the DK22 SSS gets a natural walnut treatment. I simply like the colour of wood. There are some who dislike the fact that there's actually no colour on the body & Charvel offers this in other colours - blue, black & gold. 

These two are part of the upcoming Charvel releases in August. Hope these would make it here.

Pics: Charvel

Charvel 2021

This year, Charvel played it safe by giving the player 'what they wanted'. We note the popularity of the 2PT models last year so it's more of those this time round with natural, unfinished looks & gold hardware. Seen above: MJ DK24 HSH 2PT

The Pro-Mods are still here this year with an HSS version this time round. The HH version is still available at Swee Lee listing for slightly more than $1.3K so expect a similar listing for the HSS.

If you don't fancy A Floyd Rose bridge, this HT version is available & that's an ebony fretboard you see there.

Pics: Charvel