Consensus on the 2016 Pro Mods vs 2013 models?

[rjph91]

Hi all, first post.

I'm considering picking up one of the new 2016 Pro Mods, specifically a So Cal (I just prefer the aesthetics of a pickguard). However, I can't seem to find a great deal of info or reviews on them at all yet, bar a few short threads on this forum. To make the decision slightly harder, there's still a few lingering 2013 So Cals to be found in the guitar stores surrounding me (I'm in the UK) for a cheaper price (between £400-£550, as opposed to £680 for a 2016 model). I was also initially looking at the maple-necked Jackson Adrian Smith SDX, but have been turned off by the frequent reviews I've read talking about poor production quality.

I was just wondering what the consensus is when comparing these two models, and what the thoughts are of anyone who owns Pro Mods from both years of production? In particular I've heard complaints about the new necks on the 2016 models, which aren't quartersawn maple, and also heard mixed reviews of the new tonal options and 'six pack of sound'. Any advice?

Many thanks.

[mantis]

Yeah I have plenty of advise on these 2 models.
I own both a 2013 and 2016 model year San Dimas. Yeah I know it's not the So Cal but I have played many So cals from 2013-2016 model years.
There is nothing wrong at all with the 2013 So Cal except one thing, you have to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod. Thats the only thing and if you have someone else do your set ups then this isn't even an issue.
Neck wise I prefer the 2016, this is a personal thing so you would have to play them side by side as I have many times to decide which neck you like better. Honestly they are amazingly close to each other except the frets. I like the fret feel on the 2016 over the 2013. Feel of the rest of the neck is very close.
6 pack of sound? Well I'm no fan so again take what I say here as opinion as the Single coil sound on this guitar or guitars makes no sense to me. Lets face it we are rock heavy metal players and is the reason why we like the Charvels. I don't see country players playing these models. The Middle position when switching between Humbuckers sucks, I hate it with a passion so much I'm gonna re wire mine to remove the 6 pack of sound and go back to the way the 2013 model is wired and just have hum buckers with the middle position being both hum buckers. That to me sounds WAY BETTER then the split could thing.
Tone control is something I don't use but now that my 2016 model has one, I'm way in. I can blend in a bit of warmth if I need it or I can leave it at 10 and remove it from the circuit. This is genius if you ask me. Thats an upgrade over the 2013 which when you have it, you may end up using it.

So to sum it up, if you like single coils buy the 2016, if you could care less go 2013, if you setup your own guitar, get the 2016 if not go 2013, if you like the idea of a tone knob get the 2016 if not then just save your money and get the 2013.

On my model the Hard Tail san Dimas, they removed the stupid Classic stack pickup and put a 59 in the neck position.Then they upgraded the bridge to a more comfortable hard tail which I think is light years better then the one on my 2013. With the addition of the maple fret board and truss rod adjustment, thats all the things I wished they did to the Hard Tail model so I ran out and got one after playing all models for over an hour.
I almost purchased the So cal in white as well along side a San Dimas Floyd model with a Tobacco burst.

[rjph91]

Many thanks! I've gone for the 2016 model as they didn't have a 2013 So Cal in white and I like the idea of a tone control.

[mantis]

Many thanks! I've gone for the 2016 model as they didn't have a 2013 So Cal in white and I like the idea of a tone control.

Congratulations , I think they have made the right improvements and they play so damn good. The new Neck is fantastic as the more I play both of mine side by side the more I favor the 2016 over the 2013.
What color and model did you get?

[Axewielder]

Does anybody have a diagram of the sixpack circuit? I've got to believe this can be dewonkified by cutting or adding a wire or two.

[Predator1]

The necks should be made like the Demartini Pro Mod necks. Quartersawn with the truss wheel.

[shreddermon]

+1.

[mantis]

[QUOTE=Predator1;1643656]The necks should be made like the Demartini Pro Mod necks. Quartersawn with the truss wheel.[/QUOTE
Go play one or 5 like I have and purchased one then I want to hear your comments about the new necks. I think people are getting al hung up on spec's and not feel.
I could care less how they made it, it has to feel and play right. I think Charvel Knocked it out of the park with the new neck, it's my favorite neck of all time. It' plays and feels amazing

[shreddermon]

It may play and feel great. But the question is, will it twist or warp? Will it stand the test of time, stability-wise? We probably won't know that for a couple of years, at least.

Bottom line: quartersawn necks are more stable. IMHO, any guitar at the ProMods' price point should have a quartersawn neck. Especially for an oiled maple neck.

[mantis]

It may play and feel great. But the question is, will it twist or warp? Will it stand the test of time, stability-wise? We probably won't know that for a couple of years, at least.

Bottom line: quartersawn necks are more stable. IMHO, any guitar at the ProMods' price point should have a quartersawn neck. Especially for an oiled maple neck.

I hear yeah and I'm wondering why Charvel Choose not to use one. They packed it with a lot of new and improved features but in your opinion lessened the neck quality by spec.
These guitars are not expensive by no means or at least to me. It's the cheapest I will go for a guitar purchase. I'm use to paying over a thousand for a good quality guitar.
I'm hoping it holds up over the years as I don't plan on buying new necks every few years or have to have them repaired. I plan on buying at least 2 more as I'm taken by these new models more so then years past.
I was playing my 2016 San Dimas today which is a White Hard Tail and after awhile and it's my favorite guitar now. I have owned very high end Gibson Les Pauls Custom Deluxe, American Fender Strat's 1970 and a 1988, a Jackson SL3 which is a killer guitar, 2 other Charvels in a 1985 Model 3a and a 2013 San Dimas HS HT, a beautiful 1964 Gibson melody Maker in killer Tobacco Burst and others over the years and this neck just feels incredible. I would hate to think I'm gonna have issues with it down the road.
Is it true in history this design neck has issues with other brands using this style? I never followed construction of guitars that close to know what would be better. Can you explain or anyone jump in and explain the differences in neck construction? I know it has something to do with where the block of wood gets cut from the trunk in the gain pattern but explain it of post a link thats good to watch / read.

[Predator1]

It is simple math. They get more necks out of the same piece of lumber by using flatsawn.

[mantis]

It is simple math. They get more necks out of the same piece of lumber by using flatsawn.

I gotta do some research on Flat Sawn and Quarter Sawn.

[shreddermon]

Here's what Fender itself says about quartersawn necks being superior.

http://www2.fender.com/experience/tech-talk/quartersawn-necks/

[mantis]

Fender's Custom Shop uses Both styles of Necks. They have found some interesting things on why they use Quarter or Flat Sawn necks. It has nothing to do with which one is better, it's about how it sounds.
I find this fascinating as people get caught up in spec's yet don't fully understand what those spec's really mean or why a manufacture selects this over that.
I know for a fact that money is always the first factor in all things but sometimes there are other reasons we as consumers may not know. Like me , I had no idea about these quarter Sawn and Flat Sawn necks until you guys pointed it out. I became concerned until I watched the Fender videos about their custom shop and why they select one design over another. What I found interesting is that quarter sawn necks don't get used on certain bodies due to frequencies. I think we all should educate ourselves before passing judgment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAxvKw-wg-Y

[mantis]

Here's what Fender itself says about quartersawn necks being superior.

http://www2.fender.com/experience/te...tersawn-necks/

Awesome thank you for posting that. I got my full learn on in full effect.