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Solar T1.6Vinter
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
VS
Playability
73
Sound
81
Build
70
Value
75
Score
75
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Playability
72
Sound
67
Build
60
Value
71
Score
66
FIND IT ON:
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Solar T1.6Vinter vs Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH

Reasons to Get
Solar T1.6Vinter over Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH

Fret Material
Stainless Steel vs Nickel Silver
Best fret material that will last forever
Release Year
2022 vs 2017
From a more recent year
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Pickups Brand
Fishman vs None
Pickups from a renown brand
Nut Material
Graphite vs Plastic
Self-Lubricating nut for good tuning stability
Pickup Mods
Multi-Voicing vs None
Changes the voice (tones or gain) of the pickups
Tone Knobs
1 vs 0
More tone control
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.787'' (20mm) vs 0.77'' (19.6mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.866'' (22mm) vs 0.83'' (21.1mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm) vs 1.688'' (42.9mm)
Less likely to mute strings by accident and more space for fingerstyle
Luminescent Sidedots
Yes vs None
Assists you when playing in dark environments
Bridge
Evertune vs Fixed
Fixed bridge that will keep the guitar in tune forever
Pickups Power
Active vs Passive
More output
Value Score
75 vs 71
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH over Solar T1.6Vinter

Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Compound Radius
12" to 16" vs 13.78"
Balanced playability for chords and single-notes
Neck Joint
Bolt-On vs Set
Allows you to detach and swap the neck
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.77'' (19.6mm) vs 0.787'' (20mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.83'' (21.1mm) vs 0.866'' (22mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm) vs 1.693'' (43mm)
Favors small hands, easier bar chords and other shapes
Bridge
Fixed vs Evertune
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Pickups Power
Passive vs Active
Cleaner sound and no battery needed

Other Key Differences
Solar T1.6Vinter vs Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH

Bridge Pickup
Fishman Fluence Modern vs Duncan Designed HB-103B
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Fishman Fluence Modern vs Duncan Designed HB-103N
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Alder vs Mahogany
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Maple vs Mahogany
Different Neck Wood
Headstock
R6 vs 6
Different Headstock
Nut Material
Graphite vs Plastic
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Solar T1.6Vinter vs Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH

Fretboard Wood
Ebony
Same Fretboard Wood
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Type of Frets
XL Jumbo vs Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Weight Relief
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Prices

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Solar T1.6Vinter is probably the better product overall with its final score of 75 compared to the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH's 66 score, although not by a lot.

The Solar T1.6Vinter wins when it comes to sound, playability, build quality, value for the money. This means that it wins over the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH in every aspect.

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 Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH is the better choice.

The Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH meets 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, while the Solar T1.6Vinter 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

Solar T1.6Vinter
  • Comfortable shape
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Easy-to-use bridge

New Player Friendliness

Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale

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.

Solar T1.6Vinter Overview

  • From Solar's 2022 Type T series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker/Active)
  • Neck pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker/Active)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Evertune F-Type bridge
  • Solar C Shape Set neck
  • 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Solar 18:1 Locking Type tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Overview

  • From Charvel's 2017 Artist Signature series
  • Joe Duplantier Signature
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Duncan Designed HB-103B (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Duncan Designed HB-103N (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 0 tone Dome knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Charvel Fully Adjustable Radius Compensated Bridge with Anchored Tailpiece bridge
  • Charvel Speed Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Charvel-Branded Die-Cast Locking 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

Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

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.

Woods Used in the Solar T1.6Vinter

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

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.

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 Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Winner: Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH.

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

The Solar T1.6Vinter has pickups from a more specialized brand than the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH. Its pickups should simply give you a better, fuller sound, although it all depends on what type of music you're going to play. We recommend these pickups for Heavy Metal and similar genres.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Solar T1.6Vinter's and use them on any guitar:

The Solar T1.6Vinter's pickups are Active while the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH'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: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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.

Only the Solar T1.6Vinter comes with some kind of pickup modification: 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.

Solar T1.6Vinter pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Solar T1.6Vinter's switch options
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH'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: Solar T1.6Vinter.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Pickups 85
Sustain 80
Versatility 59
Tuning Stability 100
Sound 81
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
Pickups 60
Sustain 80
Versatility 52
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 67

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 Solar T1.6Vinter compares to the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in Indonesia.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

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 Solar T1.6Vinter has a Graphite nut. It's a self-lubricating material that will allow the strings to slide over the nut without a lot of friction. It's a good type of nut if you want to have better tuning stability than with plastic, although it's not as resistant as Bone or Tusq.

On the other hand, the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH comes with a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

Winner: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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 Solar T1.6Vinter 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: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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 Solar T1.6Vinter's brige is a Evertune. It will keep your guitar in tune and intonated until the next string swap. If you really like extremely subtle vibratos, this might not be the bridge for you because you won't be able to perform them as well. However, the fact that you won't need to tune your guitar is a huge advantage that many people will gladly pay the extra price for.

On the other hand, the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH's 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.

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: Solar T1.6Vinter.

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.

The Solar T1.6Vinter has a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

On the other hand, the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH comes with 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: Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH.

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

Strengths & Weaknesses
Solar T1.6Vinter
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Multi-Voicing Pickups
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Quality of materials 66
Features 70
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 70
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
Quality of materials 41
Features 70
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 60

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

Solar T1.6Vinter Nut Width
Solar T1.6Vinter Nut Width
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Nut Width
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, the Solar T1.6Vinter has the wider nut with 43mm (1.693'') vs 42.9mm (1.688''). This is a 0.1mm (0.0050000000000001'') difference

This means that it will be more difficult to do bar chords on the Solar T1.6Vinter, especially closer to the nut. However, it's also easier to play without muting strings accidently. This favors people with big hands.

Scale Length

Solar T1.6Vinter and Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH'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

Solar T1.6Vinter Neck Profile
Solar T1.6Vinter's neck profile
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Neck Profile
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH'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 Solar T1.6Vinter and the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH 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

Solar T1.6Vinter Fingerboard Radius
Solar T1.6Vinter's Fingerboard radius
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Fretboard Compound Radius
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH'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.

In this case, the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH 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.

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 .

Solar T1.6Vinter:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Solar T1.6Vinter Frets Size
Solar T1.6Vinter's Frets Size
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH Frets Size
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH's Frets Size

The Solar T1.6Vinter has XL Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH's Jumbo frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Solar T1.6Vinter
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 50
Solo Playability 90
Playability 73
Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 72

Specs Side-by-Side

Solar T1.6Vinter vs Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
General Solar T1.6Vinter Charvel Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 2 HH
Brand: Solar Charvel
Year: 2022 2017
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia Indonesia
Series: Type T Artist Signature
Colors: White Matte White Satin
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Mahogany
Bridge: Evertune F-Type Charvel Fully Adjustable Radius Compensated Bridge with Anchored Tailpiece
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Bolt-On
Tuners: Solar 18:1 Locking Type Charvel-Branded Die-Cast Locking
Fretboard: Ebony Ebony
Neck Material: Maple Mahogany
Decoration: Solar Logo on 12th Fret
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: Solar C Shape Charvel Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm)
Frets: 24 XL Jumbo Stainless Steel 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 13.78" 12" to 16"
Nut: Graphite Plastic
Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) Duncan Designed HB-103B (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Fishman Fluence Modern (Humbucker / Active) Duncan Designed HB-103N (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: Multi-Voicing None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 0