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Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
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Playability
73
Sound
80
Build
72
Value
80
Score
75
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Playability
73
Sound
80
Build
82
Value
73
Score
78
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Show Full Spec Comparison
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash vs Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Specs Comparison
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
General
Brand: Charvel Ibanez
Year: 2020 2021
Configuration: HH SH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Mexico Japan
Series: Pro-Mod AZS
Colors: Black, Natural Black
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Ash Alder
Bridge: Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo Gotoh T1802 Tremolo
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Charvel-Branded Die-Cast Locking Gotoh Magnum Lock machine heads w/H.A.P.
Fretboard: Caramelized Maple Roasted Maple
Neck Material: Caramelized Maple Roasted Maple
Decoration: 4mm Pearloid Dot Abalone dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Charvel Speed AZ Oval C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) 1st Fret: 0.81'' (20.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.89'' (22.6mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16" 12"
Nut: Ivory Tusq Bone
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active) Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom (Single Coil / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active) Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Multi-Voicing Parallel Split
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No No
Hardware Color: Black Chrome
Show Diagrams Comparison
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash's switch options
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's switch options

Reasons to Get
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash over Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige

Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 12"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Pickup Mods
Multi-Voicing vs Parallel Split
Changes the voice (tones or gain) of the pickups
Pickups
HH vs SH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.77'' (19.6mm) vs 0.81'' (20.6mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.89'' (22.6mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm) vs 1.654'' (42mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output
Value Score
80 vs 73
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige over Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash

Country of Manufacturing
Japan vs Mexico
Built with higher quality standards
Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Release Year
2021 vs 2020
From a more recent year
Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Pickup Mods
Parallel Split vs Multi-Voicing
Connects pickups in parallel to brighten tone
Pickups
SH vs HH
Very bright bridge tone and a very warm neck pickup
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.81'' (20.6mm) vs 0.77'' (19.6mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.89'' (22.6mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Other Key Differences
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash vs Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige

Bridge Pickup
Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC vs Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Custom
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC vs Seymour Duncan Magic Touch-mini
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Ash vs Alder
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Ivory Tusq vs Bone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash vs Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige

Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Tremolo
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Bolt-On
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Locking Tuners
  • High-Quality Nut
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Price History Comparison

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Prices

SET PRICE ALERT

Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Prices

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Hand Size Comfortability

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash favors large hands more than the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige. But it's still more comfortable for people with small hands, as you can see in the score meter below.

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Beginner Friendliness

Both meet 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple
Ash wood pattern used for guitar building
Ash

Maple is one of the most popular necks for good reasons. It is a strong wood that is relatively cheap to make and looks beautiful. The highest quality maple is the hardest that comes from North America. Find out more about Maple.

Ash is a type of wood that Fender used almost exclusively in the 50s, and it's still used by many brands. It's a dense wood with a light color that works well for a transparent, natural finish because of its beautiful patterns. In terms of sound, it's known for emphasizing the mid and high frequencies, but with strong low end. Find out more about Ash.

Woods Used in the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige

Roasted Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Roasted Maple
Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Winner: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash.

Pickup Configuration

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash has an HH configuration while the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige has SH pickups.

Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

On the other hand, SH is a more versatile version of the classic telecaster (SS) configuration. The bridge pickup usually produces a bright and twangy tone, while the neck Humbucker gives you the warmer tone you'll need for more Jazzy/Bluish solos and chords.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

However, the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's online:

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash's pickups are Active while the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's are Passive.

Passive pickups are what most guitars use. These have a normal output that works well for most genres. However, Active pickups are the preferred choice of heavy metal players because they offer extra output thanks to their 9v battery, which results in a heavier, more distorted sound. Bear in mind that achieving a completely clean tone with them won't be easy. So if you want to also use clean tones, you might want to avoid Active pickups.

Winner: Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Both give you different pickup mod options.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash offers Multi-Voicing.

Multi-Voicing means the pickups come with multiple ''voices'', which means they can change the tone and gain by a simple switch or knob. Piezo, Fishman and similar are considered multi-voicing pickups.

On the other hand, the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige comes with the following: Parallel Split.

The Parallel Split feature allows it to split and connect some of the pickups in parallel. When wired in parallel, the result is a very bright tone. This is the wire technique used in most Stratocaster guitars, and it's what gives them their signature transparent and clear sound. This is because the pickups' inputs and outputs are wired together, which reduces the signal's travel distance to the output jack.

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Tie.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
Pickups 85
Sustain 85
Versatility 74
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 80
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 74
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 80

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash compares to the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash is built in Mexico while the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige is made in Japan.

Mexico has been for a long time where Fender has built their semi-premium series. If you don't want to overpay for a wellp-built instrument, a guitar built in this country by a good brand always offers good value for the money.

Japan has a long history of high-quality guitar building. Little has changed in terms of their manufacturing and quality control over the years. Many guitars made in this country can be compared—and even beat—others made in the US.

Winner: Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash has a Ivory Tusq nut. Ivory used to be considered the best material for guitar nuts due to its beauty, durability, and the rich harmonics and sustain you could get from a guitar with it. However, the way to obtain it is simply unethical. Enter TUSQ ivory nuts, which are made synthetically to imitate ivory. Technically, it's better than ivory because it is consistent piece-to-piece, while natural materials can vary a lot, even if they're made from the same.

On the other hand, the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige comes with a Bone nut. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

In this comparison, the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige is the only one that has stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

Both come with a similar bridge: Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

They both have locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in Japan
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Parallel Split Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
Quality of materials 61
Features 85
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 72
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
Quality of materials 81
Features 75
Quality Control 90
Build Quality 82

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Nut Width
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Nut Width
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Nut Width
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash has the wider nut with 42.9mm (1.688'') vs 42mm (1.654''). This is a 0.9mm (0.034'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash and Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Neck Profile
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash's neck profile
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Neck Profile
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash and the Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash Fretboard Compound Radius
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash's Compound Fretboard Radius
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Fingerboard Radius
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige's Fingerboard radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

In this case, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash is the only one with a compound radius. This is a huge win because it will give you the best of both worlds: a more curved radius in the first few frets for chords, and flatter as you come closer to the body for soloing.

Fret Size

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash and Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige Frets Size
Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

Final Playability Scores

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73
Ibanez AZS2200 Prestige
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 73