Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E - Overview and Best Prices

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Review
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  • 4 Prices - New from $712.49 >
  • From Charvel's 2023 Pro-Mod series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 12" to 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Alder body
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony 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 Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil/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
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Specs
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Specifications
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E
General
Brand: Charvel
Year: 2023
Configuration: HSS
Strings: 6
Made in: Mexico
Series: Pro-Mod
Colors: Gold, Green, Red
Left-Handed Version: No
Body
Type: Solid Body
Body Material: Alder
Bridge: Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed)
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On
Tuners: Charvel-Branded Die-Cast
Fretboard: Ebony
Neck Material: Maple
Decoration: White Dot
Scale Size: 25.5"
Shape: Charvel Speed
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.77'' (19.6mm) - 12th Fret: 0.83'' (21.1mm)
Frets: 22 Jumbo
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16"
Nut: Locking
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickups: Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 (Single Coil / Passive)
Switch: 5
Knobs: Dome
Volume Controls: 1
Tone Controls: 1
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Black
Show Diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's switch options

Our Scores and Tone Evaluation

Playability 70
Sound 81
Build quality 62
Value for money 76
Overall Score 71
Tone Evaluation
  • Heavy Metal
  • Hard Rock
  • Jazz
  • Blues
  • Funk
  • Country
Strengths & Weaknesses
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E
  • Expensive Wood
  • Locking Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Tremolo
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Retainer Bar
  • No Strap Lock

Price Overview

Its average competitor's price is $1050, which means that the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E is around 24% cheaper than the competition. This takes into account all instruments of the same category in our database with 6 strings and Double Locking bridge that are made in Mexico.

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User Reviews & Feedback

Not all instruments are created equally. That's why it's important to have different opinions. Here's what our users who have played this instrument say. If you've played it before, help others by voting below!

Weight

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Tuning stability

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Neck speed (thickness)

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Neck access to high frets

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Neck profile shape

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Fret edges

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Pickups noise

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Pickups power

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Hand Size Comfortability

After taking into account the neck profile, scale size, fretboard radius, and nut width, we can conclude that the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's construction favors people with relatively small hands.

Nevertheless, this comes down in the end to personal preference. Make sure you test this guitar—or another one with similar characteristics—before buying.

Big Hands
Small Hands

Beginner Friendliness

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E meets 4 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness, which means that it's not bad for beginners, but it could be better. 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 to get used to.

New Player Friendliness

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners
  • Easy-to-use bridge

Videos

WE NOW CARRY CHARVEL! Charvel's ProMod SoCal style 1 HSH FR E (whew!)
Experience the New Charvel® Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 Models
Charvel USA Select So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR Demo
Marco Sfogli Presents His Signature Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR QM
Charvel 2021 SoCal HsH -Full demo - description and playing. #charvelsocal #charvelguitars

Playability

Scale Length

Scale length is the distance the strings will span between the bridge and the nut. It can tell you a lot about the overall playability and tone of the instrument. A longer scale length means longer distance between frets, brighter tone and more string tension—which means lower action, but more difficult bending of the strings.

Here's the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's 25.5" scale length compared to other common sizes:

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Scale Length Comparison
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's scale length (at the top) compared to other popular sizes

This is the same scale length used in Stratocaster guitars, and it's one of the main reasons they have such a bright sound. It's considered a long scale when compared to most non-baritone guitars.

Since the distance between bridge and nut is relatively long, you'll need to give the strings more tension to get them in tune. This higher tension will allow for a couple of things. First, you can get a lower action (get the strings closer to the fretboard) because the strings won't 'wiggle' too much when pluck and won't cause fret buzz. This can allow you to use lower tunings without increasing your string gauge, and it will make it easier to press down the strings fast.

However, the frets will also have a wider separation between each other, which can make it harder to play, especially if you got small hands. The higher tension will also make the strings feel stiffer, so bending will require more strength.

More with the same scale length:

Neck Profile

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Neck Profile
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's neck profile

The neck profile tells you the thickness (neck depth) and shape in cross section. Every difference will completely change the feeling and comfortability of the neck. This is a highly subjective thing, but most players indeed prefer certain types of necks (like Cs and Ds) because they feel nice in most hands.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's neck thickness is approximately 0.77'' (19.6mm) at the first fret, and 0.83'' (21.1mm) at the twelfth.

These measurements were taken either from the official Charvel website, or, in case this information wasn't provided, by researching multiple online marketplaces and forums where owners of this model have posted their measurements.

It has a C type neck. C-shaped necks like this have been the most popular for the last years. The reason is that they feel good in most hands. It's generally a thin neck that doesn't get in your way when playing fast, but that also has enough mass to give your hands a comfortable grip for chords if they aren't too big.

Thin necks like this make it easier to move your hand across the neck and it helps when playing fast solos, especially if you like to leave your thumb free while playing high on the fretboard. However, thinner necks are also weaker and will need adjustment more often than a thicker neck.

More for different hand sizes

Fretboard Radius

When it comes to fingerboard radius, personal preference will dictate which one is better for you. However, most people seem to agree that a more curved (lower) radius will make it easier to play chords while a less curved (higher) radius is better for soloing and bending.

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Fretboard Compound Radius
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's Compound Fretboard Radius

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E has a compound fingerboard radius of 12" to 16".

A compound radius is the best you can get because you'll get the best of both worlds. It starts curved at the nut, but it flattens as you get closer to the body. This means that you'll get great comfortability for chords on the first few frets, but also a flatter fretboard for playing solos without problems on the higher frets.

More with the same fretboard radius:

Playability compared to main competitors

25.5'' Scale Length
C Neck Profile
1.688'' Nut Width
Compound Fretboard Radius
25.5'' Scale Length
C Neck Profile
1.688'' Nut Width
Compound Fretboard Radius
25.5'' Scale Length
C Neck Profile
1.688'' Nut Width
Compound Fretboard Radius
25.5'' Scale Length
C Neck Profile
1.688'' Nut Width
Compound Fretboard Radius
25.5'' Scale Length
C Neck Profile
1.688'' Nut Width
Compound Fretboard Radius

Nut Width

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Nut Width
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Nut Width

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E has 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.

Frets

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E has 22 frets. Even though 24 frets has become really popular, there's still a good reason to get fewer frets; the pickup at the neck position will be further away from the bridge. This makes the neck pickup achieve a warmer tone. You might want this if you're playing Jazz or similar genres.

However, if you don't care about the warmer neck pickup, more frets will always be better. It's always nice to have the option to play higher notes if you want to.

It comes with nickel silver frets, so they won't last as long as stainless steel frets. If you use your instrument a lot, you might need to replace the frets after a few years. But this is unlikely as most people change instruments before this happens.

More with the same amount of frets:

Fret Size

Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E Fret Size Comparison
Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's fret size (in orange) compared to other popular sizes

Finally, let's talk about fret size. Some people prefer tall frets because it's easier to press the strings and perform bends since there's less friction against the fretboard. On the other hand, some people like shorter frets because they like to touch the fretboard when playing, or because they got heavy hands and tend to press too much on the string and alter the of the note pitch accidently.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's frets are Jumbo size. This is a tall fret size that is becoming increasingly popular because it makes it easier to press down the strings cleanly. With this fret size, you won't feel the fretboard when playing, so if you press down too hard, you will get the notes out of pitch. However, this is something you can overcome by getting used to the taller size.

More with the same type of frets:

Playability Score

Bending & Vibrato Ease 70
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 70

Tone

Wood will have little influence in the final tone of an electric guitar or bass. Instead, the hardware, especially the pickups, will be the most important thing to look at. Bur first, let's see the quality of the wood.

Wood

Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder Body
Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Maple Neck
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony Fretboard

Alder Body: This is a lightweight type of wood that was popularized by Fender. According to them, it's a wood that offers a balanced tone but that favors the upper midrange slightly.

Maple Neck: This is one of the most popular types of wood used in all kinds of guitars. It's heavy, strong and compact, which makes it great for necks. However, it's also used for fretboards, bodies and tops due to its light color, resistance and beautiful patterns. When it comes to tone, it highlights the mid and high frequencies.

Ebony Fretboard: This is one of the most expensive woods there is, which is why it's mostly used for fretboards. It is dense, heavy, highly resistant and comes in a really dark color that gives any guitar a classy touch. Tone wise, it helps the high side of the spectrum and provides good sustain.

More made with the same wood:

Pickups

This guitar comes with pickups from one of the top brands: Seymour Duncan. So you can expect well built pickups with great sound that shouldn't need an upgrade anytime soon.

These are passive pickups, so you can expect a rounder sound and a moderade level of output.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E's configuration is HSS. If you play a lot with humbuckers in the bridge position, but would also love to have pristine cleans, this is a great configuration to have. The bridge humbucker will give you tons of output for playing distorted rhythm parts, while the single coils will give you a lot of tone options.

More with the same pickups

22 Frets
Floyd Rose Bridge
Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Neck Pickup
24 Frets
Floyd Rose Bridge
Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Neck Pickup
24 Frets
Tremolo Bridge
Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP Neck Pickup
24 Frets
Tremolo Bridge
Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP Neck Pickup
24 Frets
Tremolo Bridge
Seymour Duncan Full Shred SH-10B Bridge Pickup
Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Middle Pickup
Seymour Duncan APH-1N Neck Pickup

Versatility

It gives you a good amount of tone options with its 5-way switch. You can use it to choose at least 5 different pickup combinations.

Unfortunately, it doesn't come with more options for coil split or coil tapping. This makes it less versatile than some competitors.

What music genre is it good for?

As a 6 strings, Solid Body guitar with HSS configuration and Passive pickups, we'd recommend it for genres like Hard Rock or similar. However, you can use almost any guitar for any genre. This is just the typical type of music for this particular one.

Sound Score

Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 70
Tuning Stability 85
Sound 81

Build Quality

Country of Origin

Knowing where the instrument is produced is a good way to know how well it's built. Some manufacturing countries are known for having higher quality standards. For example, most expensive instruments are made in the US or Japan, but there are some exceptionally great countries—like South Korea—that are building a good reputation.

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E is made in Mexico. This is the country that some American brands choose for building really good, but cheaper guitars. You can expect a guitar that offers a good price-quality relationship, although they don't get the same quality control as the ones built in Japan or the United States.

Bridge

Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo (Recessed): With this type of tremolo bridge, you'll be able to perform dive bombs and pinch harmonics without getting out of tune. This type of bridge gives you the best versatility, but it also makes it harder to set up your guitar correctly, especially when changing your strings.

More with the same type of bridge:

Nut Material

Another important thing to analyze is the nut material, as it's one of the most important aspects that can affect the sound and playability of your guitar. A well-cut nut will make sure it stays in tune and will make it more comfortable to play.

In this case, the Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSS FR E has a Locking nut. Instead of the typical nut, this nut locks the strings in place and will make them stay in tune even after heavy tremolo use. This type of nut provides the best tune stability, but they also make the guitar more expensive.

Unfortunately, it doesn't come with a retainer bar for the nut, which would be a helpful addition. Without it, the strings will change pitch once you lock down the nut, so you'll have to make more micro-adjustments at the bridge to tune it correctly.

More with the same nut material:

Neck Joint

The neck joint is the part where the neck of the guitar meets the body. There are three main techniques to attach both parts together: Set-In, Bolt-On and Neck-Through. The latter two provide different advantages, although neck-throughs are the most expensive.

This guitar has a Bolt-On neck joint. Even though this type of neck was looked down upon for a long time, nowadays bolt-on necks are well built and provide just as much sustain as any other join method. First of all, it's cheap to make because it consists of simply 4 bolts that attach the neck to the body. And you can travel with the guitar more easily, swap out the neck if you damage it, or upgrade to a more comfortable neck later on.

More with the same build:

Build Quality Score

Quality of materials 46
Features 70
Quality Control 70
Build Quality 62