Category: Pro-Mod Series
Family: San Dimas
Platform: Style 1 / HH / Floyd Rose
Year: Ongoing production (notably reviewed in 2024)
Color: Polar White (also available in other finishes)

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General Information

The Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod Style 1 HH FR is a modern interpretation of the classic “superstrat” formula, born from the hot-rodded modding culture of 1980s Los Angeles. The San Dimas name pays homage to Charvel’s origins in Southern California and refers to its stripped-down, performance-first design ethos. Built in Fender’s Ensenada facility in Mexico, this model is part of the Pro Mod series—mid-tier guitars designed for high performance, featuring premium hardware and professional-grade features at a reasonable price point.

Charvel guitars are often associated with fast necks, shred-ready setups, and no-nonsense controls, and this one is no exception. Designed with input from top shredders and drawing from Charvel’s legendary modding heritage, the San Dimas HH FR comes loaded with Seymour Duncan JB and ’59 pickups, a double-locking Floyd Rose system, and a thin, fast oil-finished maple neck.

It blends old-school Strat looks with modern metal ergonomics. However, its choice to stay with 22 frets and a traditional bolt-on plate neck joint makes it a less-than-ideal choice for players who demand extreme upper fret access.

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Story

I bought the San Dimas Pro Mod Style 1 HH FR shortly after realizing the EVH Wolfgang wasn’t quite the right fit for me at a local talent show. I wanted a guitar that offered Floyd Rose fun and high-output pickups, but also felt like home—and that’s where the Charvel came in. From the moment I picked it up, the oil-finished neck felt like a dream. I honestly believe it’s the most comfortable guitar neck I’ve ever played, which is saying something after four decades with dozens of guitars.

However, not everything was perfect. The Polar White finish looks sterile to my eye, lacking the punch or wow factor of other more visually exciting guitars. And then there’s the biggest issue: upper fret access. The traditional neck plate combined with a lack of heel contour makes it difficult—almost frustrating—for lead work up high. But if your style doesn’t live above the 15th fret too often, this won’t be a dealbreaker.

Despite these caveats, it remains an incredibly playable, powerful guitar with unbeatable tuning stability and tone, thanks to the Floyd Rose and Seymour Duncan combo.

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Image Gallery

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Sound Samples

(To be added)

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Specs

Body

• Body Type: Solidbody
• Body Shape: Style 1 (Strat-like)
• Wood: Alder
• Finish: Gloss urethane
• Contour: Strat-style belly cut
• Binding: None

Neck

• Neck Construction: Bolt-on
• Wood: Maple
• Finish: Hand-rubbed oil
• Shape: Speed Neck (thin)
• Scale Length: 25.5″
• Radius: Compound 12″–16″
• Frets: 22 Jumbo
• Inlays: Black Dot
• Side Dots: Luminlay
• Truss Rod: Dual-action
• Heel: Standard square plate (non-contoured)

Fingerboard

• Material: Maple
• Radius: 12″–16″ compound
• Frets: 22 Jumbo
• Inlays: Black dot
• Edge: Rolled edges

Nut

• Material: Floyd Rose locking
• Width: 1.6875″ (43 mm)

Bridge

• Type: Floyd Rose® 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo
• Recessed: Yes

Tuning Machines

• Type: Sealed Die-Cast
• Brand: Charvel (non-locking)

Electronics

• Bridge Pickup: Seymour Duncan JB™ TB-4
• Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan ’59™ SH-1N
• Controls: Volume (push/pull coil split), No-load tone
• Switch: 3-way blade

Hardware

• Color: Chrome
• Knobs: Knurled dome-style
• Strap Buttons: Standard

Strings

• Gauge: .009–.042
• Brand: N/A (stock)

Other Features

• Origin: Made in Mexico (Fender Ensenada facility)
• Series: Pro-Mod
• Case/Gig Bag: Not included
• Mods: None