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Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
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Playability
73
Sound
79
Build
87
Value
65
Score
80
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Playability
70
Sound
81
Build
64
Value
72
Score
72
FIND IT ON:
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Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM vs Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M

Reasons to Get
Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM over Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M

Country of Manufacturing
United States vs Mexico
Built with higher quality standards
Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Pickups
HSS vs HSH
High output with beautiful cleans and tone versatility
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Locking Tuners
Yes vs None
Easier to change strings
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Tremolo vs Floyd Rose
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance

Reasons to Get
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M over USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM

Release Year
2021 vs 2019
From a more recent year
Pickups
HSH vs HSS
High output, round sound with a single-coil for cleans
Bridge
Floyd Rose vs Tremolo
Allows intense vibratos and techniques like Dive Bombs
Value Score
72 vs 65
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM vs Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M

Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B vs Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP vs Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6
Different Neck Pickup
Neck Wood
Flame Maple vs Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Flame Maple vs Maple
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Ivory Tusq vs Locking
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM vs Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M

Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6
Same Middle Pickup
Body Wood
Alder
Same Body Wood
Headstock
6
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.77'' (19.6mm)
Same neck comfortability
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm)
Same neck comfortability
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
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Compound Radius
12" to 16"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
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

  • High-Quality Nut
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM Prices

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM is probably the better product overall with its final score of 80 compared to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M's 72 score, although not by a lot.

The Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM wins when it comes to playability, build quality. On the other hand, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M has the upper hand when it comes to sound, 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM is the better choice.

The Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
  • 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM Overview

  • From Charvel's 2019 USA Select series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Caramelized Flame Maple neck
  • Caramelized Flame Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP (Single Coil/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Bell knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo Bridge with Brass Block and Titanium Saddles bridge
  • Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Sperzel Die-Cast Locking tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M Overview

  • From Charvel's 2021 Pro-Mod series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed) bridge
  • Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Charvel-Branded Die-Cast tuners
  • Weight between 8.15lbs (3.7kgs) and 8.7lbs (3.9kgs)
  • 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

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 Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM

Flame Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Flame Maple

This wood has beautiful patterns only found in specific types of maple.

Woods Used in the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M

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.

Winner: Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM.

Pickup Configuration

The Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM has an HSS configuration while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M has HSH pickups.

HSS provides a great balance if you like to play with a lot of distortion, but also love to use clean tones. You'll get a lot of output at the bridge position, but you'll be able to play bright clean tones at the other positions.

On the other hand, HSH is a versatile pickup configuration that will give you the high output, full tone, and quiet sound of humbucker pickups, but with the possibility of using a single coil for cleaner tones. The disadvantage is that the middle single-coil pickup will have a noticeable lower volume, so you might want to adjust the height of the pickups. Another problem is that if you set the middle pickup too high, it might interfere with your picking hand.

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 Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M's online:

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M.

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.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM's switch options
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M'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: Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
Pickups 85
Sustain 80
Versatility 75
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 79
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 70
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 81

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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM compares to the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM is built in United States while the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M is made in Mexico.

The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

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.

Winner: Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM

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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT 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 Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M 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.

In this comparison, the Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM 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: Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM.

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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM's brige is a 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.

On the other hand, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M'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: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M.

Tuners

The Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT 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 Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M has a locking nut, so it should have even better tune stability and doesn't need locking tuners.

Winner: Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Ivory Tusq Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Retainer Bar
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
Quality of materials 81
Features 80
Quality Control 100
Build Quality 87
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Quality of materials 41
Features 75
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 64

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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM and Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M'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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM Neck Profile
Both guitars have the same 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM and the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM Fretboard Compound Radius
Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM and Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M 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 USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 70

Specs Side-by-Side

Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM vs Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
General Charvel USA Select DK24 HSS 2PT CM Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Brand: Charvel Charvel
Year: 2019 2021
Configuration: HSS HSH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: United States Mexico
Series: USA Select Pro-Mod
Colors: Black, Gray Green
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Alder
Bridge: Gotoh Custom 510 Tremolo Bridge with Brass Block and Titanium Saddles Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Bolt-On
Tuners: Sperzel Die-Cast Locking Charvel-Branded Die-Cast
Fretboard: Caramelized Flame Maple Maple
Neck Material: Caramelized Flame Maple Maple
Decoration: 4mm Pearloid Dot Black Dot
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Charvel Speed Charvel Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm) 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm)
Frets: 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel 22 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: Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B (Humbucker / Passive) Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP (Single Coil / Passive) Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6 (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Bell Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1