San Dimas/So Cal neck thickness/width

[stevoc]

Hey all, I am wondering how the necks of the newer San Dimas/So Cal charvels compare to import DK2M necks. Due to injuries to my hands in the past and the fact that I have small hands, I am finding it a little difficult to play my Limited Run DK2M Burnt Orange Dinky. The neck on the guitar is a little more beefier than my DK1 and Fender Strat, so I am thinking of selling it to maybe get a SD or So Cal (where made does not matter too much, but something made within the last few years) My Strat is a mid 80's Japanese import, and the neck is a little more round on the backside, but the width between E strings is a bit smaller. I am wondering is the Charvel necks are more designed like fenders. Anyone have any experience with a Japanese strat, and SD/So Cal to make a good comparison/recommendation?

Thanks

[shreddermon]

I wouldn't call the stratheads beefy by any means, but definitely not as thin as a DK1. A little thicker and rounder. The imports aren't exactly the same as USAs, but pretty similar. Maybe slightly thinner, IMHO.

If you're shooting for something DK1-like, then sounds like you're going to want a USA pointy head Charvel. The DK1 is pretty damn close to those.

[ginsambo]

I think one of the biggest factors in feel is the width, not the contour. Ie, the overall nut width and heel width. I have an early 80's Jap 60's reissue neck and I love it, kind of the most comfortable D profile known to mankind. I also love my MIM standard and the 50's reissues also, all different back contours but the widths remain the same. Your Charvel will have a very similar neck contour on the back to a MIM standard, albeit a touch thinner C, but the biggest difference to feel is the wider nut (1 11/16") as opposed to (1 10/16") on the Fenders and the wider heel (2 3/4") on the Charvel and (2 3/16") on the Fenders, but bare in mind the fret edges are rolled on the Charvels too, which makes it more comfy. It's good and bad, it makes you play with a better technique and be able to shred faster, whilst still being comfortably, as opposed to something too thin, wide, flat and shreddy that is uncomfortable longer term, but it's not so good for a three finger or sloppier, grabby technique, especially when you have small hands. Some of the USA and Japanese Pro Mods and So Cals did have slightly narrower heels, but you'd really have to try one out to be happy with it, as it was on a one off basis and every one was different. I think the MIM Charvels still have the 2 1/4" heel and the same thin C back contour. Definitely the DK's are a D profile which is more like the 60's Jap Strat neck.

[ginsambo]

You could always order a custom built neck with the same nut and heel width as the Fender and find or order a custom body to match, but with the 12-16 radius of the Charvels? But best try a load of Charvels. Coming from Mexico, I am sure they differ and you'll find something that is perfect. Although I get on with all of them just fine. The whole fretboard width thing is why I would love to try a prepro, just once, just out of interest, before they standardised to the larger heel and nut.

[j2379]

I wasn't that impressed w my SD1. It was a great guitar for the $, but I think the pointy reissues were a lot nicer. Those necks were similar to a DK

[stevoc]

...but I think the pointy reissues were a lot nicer. Those necks were similar to a DK

Pointy re-issue? Was this recent? I haven't heard.

[xenophobe]

The pointy reissues... that was mid 2000's... it's been a while.

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

Pointy re-issue? Was this recent? I haven't heard.

2004-2005:


http://audiozone.dk/guitargallery/?c...005_Charvel%2F

[DonP]

Hey all, I am wondering how the necks of the newer San Dimas/So Cal charvels compare to import DK2M necks.

By newer do you mean USA's, MIJ's or MIM's?

MIJ necks are all over the place, but for some reason, 2006 was a "fat" year. I have a couple of DK2's and a Sam Ash "SL2H" (not) Archtop and the necks on these are on the fat side. I know for a fact they were all built around 2006. My Bengal DK2M is better (2008?). The other "fat" necks I have from Japan are a 550XL and a 5FX from the late 80s. But all my other MIJ's are great - Model 2s, 4s, and 6s, 750XL, AT Pro, even a recent RR24M.

I have a Aqua #4 Wildcard and a built from parts MIJ with a maple neck. Both are simply awesome.

Try to play it first. I don't trust sellers when they say thin, because their thin may be quite different than my thin.

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

I don't trust sellers when they say thin, because their thin may be quite different than my thin.

Same can be said for FAT necks too!!