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Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
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Playability
75
Sound
80
Build
67
Value
79
Score
74
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Playability
73
Sound
83
Build
70
Value
75
Score
75
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Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM vs Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6

Reasons to Get
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM over Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6

Release Year
2021 vs 2020
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Charvel Speed vs Speed
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.77'' (19.6mm) vs 0.775'' (19.7mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.835'' (21.2mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Bridge
Fixed vs Floyd Rose
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Value Score
79 vs 75
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 over Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM

Neck Profile
Speed vs Charvel Speed
Thin and flat neck for playing fast
Switch Positions
5 vs 3
More tone options
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.775'' (19.7mm) vs 0.77'' (19.6mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.835'' (21.2mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Strap Lock
Yes vs None
Protects your guitar from dropping by locking the strap
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Fixed
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs

Other Key Differences
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM vs Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6

Body Wood
Alder vs Ash
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Maple vs Ebony
Different Fretboard Wood
Headstock
6 vs 3-3
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Ivory Tusq vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM vs Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6

Bridge Pickup
Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC
Same Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC
Same Neck Pickup
Neck Wood
Maple
Same Neck Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
24
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Pickups Power
Active
More output
Compound Radius
12" to 16"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
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

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • High-Quality Nut
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 is probably the better product overall with its final score of 75 compared to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM's 74 score, although not by a lot.

The Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 wins when it comes to sound, build quality. On the other hand, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM has the upper hand when it comes to playability, value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM is the better choice.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 meets only 4. 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.

New Player Friendliness

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

New Player Friendliness

Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM Overview

  • From Charvel's 2021 Pro-Mod series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Caramelized Maple neck
  • Caramelized Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Charvel HT6 String-Through-Body Hardtail with Brass Saddles bridge
  • Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Charvel-Branded Die-Cast Locking tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 Overview

  • From Jackson's 2020 Pro series
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Ash body
  • 3-Piece Maple/Wenge/Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) bridge
  • Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 24 Jumbo frets
  • Gotoh tuners
  • Compare Specs >

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 Both

Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple

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.

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

Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

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.

Woods Used in the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6

Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony
Ash wood pattern used for guitar building
Ash

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

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.

Winner: Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. 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.

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.

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

We found the same or similar pickups to the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6's online:

Both use Active pickups. These pickups use an additional 9v battery to be able to increase their output for high gain tones. This is why they're popular among heavy metal guitarists. Their disadvantage is that you need batteries for the pickups, so you'll need to spend money on batteries and time swapping them. Also, the clean tones aren't as clean as other pickups because they'll have really hot output.

Winner: Tie.

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

The Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 gives you 5 switch options while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM gives you 3. This means that the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 gives you more options to find the right pickup combination for the type of sound you want to achieve

Both offer you the same type of pickup mod: 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.

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM's switch options
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6's switch options

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

Winner: Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM
Pickups 85
Sustain 90
Versatility 64
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 80
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
Pickups 85
Sustain 85
Versatility 77
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 83

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 HT CM compares to the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6.

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 HT CM is built in Mexico while the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 is made in South Korea.

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.

South Korea was for many years the number one choice for mass-producing semi-premium guitars. They can build excellent guitars for a cheap price. Now, it's less common to find Korean guitars because Indonesia has proved capable of building guitars just as well, but likely for cheaper.

Winner: Tie

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 HT CM 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 Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 comes with a Locking nut. Instead of a regular nut, this guitar has a locking system that will lock down the strings at the nut, preventing it from getting out of tune. It removes one of the disadvantages of tremolo bridges, tune stability.

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.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

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.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM's brige is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6's is a Floyd Rose. This is a double-locking bridge system that allows you to perform techniques like dive bombs and pinch harmonics. The locking nut allows your guitar to stay in tune even after the most intense tremolo usage. The disadvantage is that it takes more work to change the strings and set up everything correctly.

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: Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6.

Tuners

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM has the best tuners of the two because they are 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.

Nevertheless, the Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 has a locking nut, so it should have even better tune stability and doesn't need locking tuners.

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

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 HT CM
  • Locking Tuners
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Strap Lock
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in South Korea
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Retainer Bar

Final Build Quality Scores

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM
Quality of materials 51
Features 80
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 67
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
Quality of materials 51
Features 85
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 70

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 HT CM Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42.9mm (1.688'').

This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

Scale Length

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM and Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6'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 HT CM Neck Profile
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM's neck profile
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 Neck Profile
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6'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.

In this case, both have different neck shapes:

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM has a C type of 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.

The Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6, on the other hand, has a D neck. This is a thin and flat neck that is made for playing fast. If you prefer a neck that doesn't get in your way when soloing, this is the shape you should use. Guitarists that prefer to have a bit more grip won't like this type of neck.

Fretboard Radius

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM Fretboard Compound Radius
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM's Compound Fretboard 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.

Both have a compound radius. This means both offer you the best craftsmanship when it comes to fretboard design. You'll have an arc to help you play chords close to the nut, while also having a flat design at the higher frets for faster soloing and easier bends.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM and Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6 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 HT CM
Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 75
Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM vs Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
General Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM Jackson Pro Series Dinky DK Modern Ash FR6
Brand: Charvel Jackson
Year: 2021 2020
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Mexico South Korea
Series: Pro-Mod Pro
Colors: White, Blue, Black Satin White
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Ash
Bridge: Charvel HT6 String-Through-Body Hardtail with Brass Saddles Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Charvel-Branded Die-Cast Locking Gotoh
Fretboard: Caramelized Maple Ebony
Neck Material: Caramelized Maple 3-Piece Maple/Wenge/Maple
Decoration: 4mm Pearloid Dot Offset Pearloid Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Charvel Speed Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) 1st Fret: 0.775'' (19.7mm) - 12th Fret: 0.835'' (21.2mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver 24 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16" 12" to 16"
Nut: Ivory Tusq Locking
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active) Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active) Fishman Fluence Open Core PRF-COC (Humbucker / Active)
Switch: 3 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Multi-Voicing Multi-Voicing
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1