United States · Est. 1978
Charvel
Born in the heart of the 1980s shred movement, Charvel remains the definitive brand for technically demanding rock and metal players.
About the brand
Charvel was founded in 1974 by Wayne Charvel in Azusa, California, originally as a repair and parts shop. When Grover Jackson took over in 1978, the brand became the epicentre of the custom superstrat revolution — lean, fast guitars built specifically for speed and aggression.
Eddie Van Halen's iconic 'Frankenstrat' was built from Charvel parts, and the brand's influence on 1980s guitar culture cannot be overstated. Artists like Warren DeMartini, Jake E. Lee, and Guthrie Govan have all carried the Charvel flag across different eras of hard rock.
Now owned by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Charvel continues to produce the San Dimas and So-Cal series — high-spec instruments with compound-radius fretboards, speed necks, and Floyd Rose tremolo systems that honour the original superstrat vision.
Key facts
- Founded in 1974 in Azusa, California — birthplace of the superstrat
- Eddie Van Halen's early custom guitars were built from Charvel components
- San Dimas and So-Cal series remain the gold standard for shred guitars
- Now part of the Fender family since 2002
Iconic models
Charvel Model 1
Charvel's first production guitar, which laid the foundations for the California superstrat and became the weapon of choice for shred guitarists.
Charvel San Dimas
Charvel's most iconic model, associated with Eddie Van Halen and the California hard rock sound of the 80s, with an alder body and maple neck.
Charvel So-Cal
Charvel's modern reinterpretation of the classic superstrat, which revived interest in the brand with updated specs and high performance.
Charvel Pro-Mod DK24
A contemporary take on the classic Charvel Dinky, with a set neck and specs aimed at high-speed rock and metal playing.