Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura live onstage
Artists “So yes, it’s official: I’ve made the move”: Jared James Nichols switches to Marshall amps
Jared James Nichols plays his Gibson Futura on a stage lit up in red-pink.
Artists “I felt like I was levitating off the ground. I felt like I was in Cream in 1968”: Jared James Nichols on why he switched to Marshall amps
Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal Kelly
Electric Guitars “Everything a headbanger could want from a metal guitar – just as long as you don’t need a neck pickup”: Jackson Pro Plus Pure Metal KE1A Kelly review
A Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T headless electric guitar with a Fender Tone Master amp modeler
Electric Guitars “If this is the future of guitar, then sign me up”: Strandberg Boden Original N2.6T review
Three new additions to the $99 JHS Pedals range: Glitch Delay, Bit Crusher and Ring Modulator – all compact stompboxes with white enclosures and three knobs
Guitars Meet the $99 stompbox that’ll crush your bits – JHS expands its affordable 3 Series with three exotic effects for your pedalboard
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple: the high-performance electrics are refreshed with baked maple necks, TOM bridges and Floyd Rose vibratos
Guitars Eddie Van Halen-approved baked maple necks? Check. Flagship pickups? Check. EVH Gear unveils stunning refresh of the Wolfgang Special
Sterling By Music Man Joe Dart Collection, ft. the Joe Dart I [left] and the Joe Dart Vision – the bass with no controls
Artists No knobs? No problem – Sterling By Music Man takes bass guitar design minimalism to its logical conclusion with the super-cool Joe Dart Vision
New for 2026: Gretsch Electromatic Baritones, ft the CVT on the left, the Jet on the right
Guitars Gretsch reinvents a cult classic loved by Jack Antonoff as it unveils two Electromatic baritones
The Gibson 1950s and '60s ES-335 pictured on the factory floor in Nashville.
Guitars Gibson’s unveils ‘50s and ‘60s ES-335s, promising “decade-correct feel, look and tone”
Harley Benton refreshes its Pro Series with 41 new Fusion-IV S-styles, mid-priced but offering specs such as quilted maple veneers, sculpted heels, EMGs and locking tuners
Guitars A sub-$600 shred machine with active EMGs and roasted flame maple neck? Harley Benton expands its Pro Series with 41 hot-rodded but affordable S-styles
Fender Godzilla Distortion
Guitars You’ve seen Fender’s Godzilla Strat, now here the comes the pedal – and it’s a monster op-amp distortion with city-levelling tone (and a seriously cool graphic finish)
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
Seymour Duncan Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Duncan Custom
Guitars Seymour Duncan releases hand-wound replica of an OG humbucker from the dawn of the high-gain era
Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Guitar Pedals Best multi-effects pedals 2026: Our pick of the best all-in-one guitar FX modellers
A Harley Benton Fusion IV HH electric guitar lies on a white floor with a rug and guitar cable nearby
Electric Guitars “It certainly appears a lot more expensive than it actually is”: Harley Benton Fusion IV HH FR review
More
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Kate Bush Army Dreamers
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Theory of Feels
  1. Guitars

NAMM 2016: Charvel unveils new Pro Mod and Custom Select Series guitars

News
By The MusicRadar Team published 29 January 2016

Slick new shredders for '16

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2016: Charvel has announced a range of new Pro Mod series guitars as well as unveiling three new Custom Select instruments, with high-end finishes.

The switching is the major feature on the Pro Mods, with a push/pull volume pot mod offering the ability to coil-split the bridge humbucker on each model. The Pro Mod San Dimas is available with or without a Floyd Rose vibrato.

Elsewhere the Custom Selects immediately catch the eye with their gorgeous finishes, particular on the DK HH FR Black Red Crackle.

We took a quick look at some of these in our NAMM 2016 Charvel Stand gallery, but here we have more information on each of the firm's new models.

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR

PRESS RELEASE: The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 2H FR is a slick performer with features and sound every guitarist will appreciate.

Born from a love of high-speed playing and smooth style, this fun-in-the-sun guitar is packed with the classic playability and innovative design elements that have made Charvel a legendary name in high performance axes.

Features include Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups—a TB-6 Distortion™ bridge pickup and SH-6N Distortion neck pickup—with push/pull volume control to split the coils of
the humbucking bridge pickup to add single-coil tone to a guitarist’s sonic toolbox, three-way blade switch to select between different pickup combinations (bridge only, both pickups, and neck only), two-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods and speed neck profile, 12-16” compound radius maple fingerboard, Floyd Rose FRT-O2000 double-locking recessed tremolo and Charvel tuning machines.

Featuring a black pickguard, the So-CAL Style 1 2H FR is available in ‘80s-esque colors including Neon Pink, Rocket Red, Neon Yellow and Slime Green). Other classic shades include Snow White, Metallic Black and Specific Ocean.

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 2H FR

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 2H FR

PRESS RELEASE: An ideal instrument for dazzling high speed playing, the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 2H FR offers scorching tone, astonishing style and grin-inducing playing feel and performance.

Features include dual direct mount Seymour Duncan® JB™ (bridge) and Seymour Duncan ’59 (neck) with push/pull coil split, No-Load tone control, three-way blade switch, two-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods and speed neck profile, 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard, Floyd Rose® FRT-O1000 double- locking recessed tremolo and Charvel tuning machines.

The San Dimas Style 1 2H FR is available in the same finishes as the So-Cal, in addition to trans finishes including Black Burst, Trans Red Burst, Tobacco Burst and Purple Burst.

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT

PRESS RELEASE: Combining versatile tone and eye-catching style with breakneck performance and ultra-slick playability, the tricked-out Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH HT was born to rock under the spotlights with head-banging, first-pumping Sunset Strip style.

Features include direct mount Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups—a JB™ Bridge pickup and ’59 neck pickup—with push/pull coil split, No-Load tone control, two-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement rods and speed neck profile, 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard in maple or rosewood, Charvel locking tuning machines and comfortable hardtail bridge.

The San Dimas hardtail guitars are available in Satin Cobalt Blue, Satin Orange Blaze, Snow White, Metallic Burst and Trans Blue Burst.

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Custom Select San Dimas® DK HT Natural

Custom Select San Dimas® DK HT Natural

Featuring basswood body with flame maple top, quartersawn maple neck, ebony fingerboard and EMG 81/85 pickups.

PRESS RELEASE: Tradition reborn. Custom Select Series instruments are Charvel's top-line best, recalling the time-honored traditions of the ’80s-era Charvel Custom Shop. Nowhere else will you find U.S.-built production-model shred machines of such stellar design, peerless performance and superior craftsmanship, brought to life by the best builders in the business.

They are created and customized to your own specific needs as vehicles of your self-expression, and no two models are ever alike. New options and finishes are always being added, and of all Charvel's most acclaimed instrument families, the Custom Select Series gives you the best of Charvel's best.

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Custom Select SD HSS FR Transparent Purple

Custom Select SD HSS FR Transparent Purple

Featuring alder body with quilt maple top, quartersawn maple neck and direct mount DiMarzio DP100F humbucker (bridge) and DiMarzio DP117 HS3 single-coils (middle and neck) pickup combination.

PRESS RELEASE: Tradition reborn. Custom Select Series instruments are Charvel's top-line best, recalling the time-honored traditions of the ’80s-era Charvel Custom Shop. Nowhere else will you find U.S.-built production-model shred machines of such stellar design, peerless performance and superior craftsmanship, brought to life by the best builders in the business.

They are created and customized to your own specific needs as vehicles of your self-expression, and no two models are ever alike. New options and finishes are always being added, and of all Charvel's most acclaimed instrument families, the Custom Select Series gives you the best of Charvel's best.

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Custom Select DK HH FR Black Red Crackle

Custom Select DK HH FR Black Red Crackle

Featuring basswood body with flame maple top, quartersawn maple neck, ebony fingerboard and EMG 81/85 pickups.

PRESS RELEASE: Tradition reborn. Custom Select Series instruments are Charvel's top-line best, recalling the time-honored traditions of the ’80s-era Charvel Custom Shop. Nowhere else will you find U.S.-built production-model shred machines of such stellar design, peerless performance and superior craftsmanship, brought to life by the best builders in the business.

They are created and customized to your own specific needs as vehicles of your self-expression, and no two models are ever alike. New options and finishes are always being added, and of all Charvel's most acclaimed instrument families, the Custom Select Series gives you the best of Charvel's best.

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
The MusicRadar Team
The MusicRadar Team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the internet's most popular website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers.

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.

TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.

STARS: We talk to artists and musicians about their creative processes, digging deep into the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music-making that no other music website can.

Read more
YouTuber Jamie Slays puts the Charvel Standard Series SD2 through its paces
Guitars Charvel’s hotrodded shred performance just got more affordable with the launch of the $569 Standard SD Series
 
 
Harley Benton refreshes its Pro Series with 41 new Fusion-IV S-styles, mid-priced but offering specs such as quilted maple veneers, sculpted heels, EMGs and locking tuners
Guitars A sub-$600 shred machine with active EMGs and roasted flame maple neck? Harley Benton expands its Pro Series with 41 hot-rodded but affordable S-styles
 
 
Jackson Custom Shop Misha Mansoor Surfcaster
Guitars Misha Mansoor's Jackson Custom Shop USA Signature Baritone Surfcaster 6-string is finally revealed
 
 
EVH Gear Wolfgang Special Baked Maple: the high-performance electrics are refreshed with baked maple necks, TOM bridges and Floyd Rose vibratos
Guitars Eddie Van Halen-approved baked maple necks? Check. Flagship pickups? Check. EVH Gear unveils stunning refresh of the Wolfgang Special
 
 
A PRS McCarty 594 on a hard case
Electric Guitars Best electric guitars 2026: Our pick of guitars to suit all budgets
 
 
The Fender Vintera III series offers period correct specs and promises golden era tones — and here five from the range are lined up in formation.
Guitars “We set out to capture the defining moments that shaped Fender’s legacy”: Fender unveils the Vintera III series
 
 
Latest in Guitars
New for 2026: Gretsch Electromatic Baritones, ft the CVT on the left, the Jet on the right
Guitars Gretsch reinvents a cult classic loved by Jack Antonoff as it unveils two Electromatic baritones
 
 
Seymour Duncan Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Duncan Custom
Guitars Seymour Duncan releases hand-wound replica of an OG humbucker from the dawn of the high-gain era
 
 
Noel Gallagher performs live with Oasis and plays a Gibson Les Paul Standard
Artists Definitely, maybe your chance to nail Noel Gallagher’s tone: his pedalboards have gone up for sale
 
 
The Gibson 1950s and '60s ES-335 pictured on the factory floor in Nashville.
Guitars Gibson’s unveils ‘50s and ‘60s ES-335s, promising “decade-correct feel, look and tone”
 
 
Sadler Vaden takes a slide solo on a Rickenbacker
Artists “It’s a funny thing to imagine but it changes how you play”: Sadler Vaden's approach to slide guitar
 
 
Warm Audio Reamper: the all-in-one routing solution for reamping and adding effects to recorded tracks.
Guitars “Track a performance through your favorite tube amp while simultaneously capturing a dry signal as a safety”: Warm Audio’s Reamper is an analogue “creative routing hub” that could be the recording tool you’ve been waiting for
 
 
Latest in News
New for 2026: Gretsch Electromatic Baritones, ft the CVT on the left, the Jet on the right
Guitars Gretsch reinvents a cult classic loved by Jack Antonoff as it unveils two Electromatic baritones
 
 
Portrait taken on September 13, 1982 shows British singer and drummer Phil Collins. Phil Collins combined his career as a drummer and singer with the band Genesis and a successful solo career.
Artists Phil Collins says that he gave away his Roland CR-78 then had to ask for it back
 
 
AMERICAN IDOL - "916 (Grand Finale)" - The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote. Alicia Keys serves as guest mentor and performer, plus special performances from other music legends and today's top stars. MONDAY, MAY 11 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) RAYE, ALICIA KEYS (Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
Artists Alicia Keys celebrates 25 years of her debut album, which featured a notable cover of a Prince b-side
 
 
Seymour Duncan Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Duncan Custom
Guitars Seymour Duncan releases hand-wound replica of an OG humbucker from the dawn of the high-gain era
 
 
Noel Gallagher performs live with Oasis and plays a Gibson Les Paul Standard
Artists Definitely, maybe your chance to nail Noel Gallagher’s tone: his pedalboards have gone up for sale
 
 
Jay Messina, Jack Douglas and Steven Tyler listen to playback of tracks for Aerosmith's Draw The Line Lp, while recording at The Cenacle in Armonk NY, May 15, 1977
Producers & Engineers "He touched many of your lives. He will be missed": John Lennon and Aerosmith producer Jack Douglas has died
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...