Charvel launches American Neo-Classic San Dimas SD1: US-Built Shred!
American Neo-Classic new San Simas 1 models announced!
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Charvel launches American Neo-Classic San Dimas SD1: US-Built Shred! · Source: Charvel
The new Charvel launches American Neo-Classic San Dimas SD1 is available in either a hardtail model or equipped with a Floyd Rose locking trem system. These new US-built models offer premium shred with plenty of ’80s throwback!
Contents – Charvel American Neo-Classic
American Neo-Classic
Charvel has officially expanded its lineup with the introduction of the American Neo-Classic San Dimas Style 1 series. It looks like guitar players looking for the ultimate modern Superstrat have a major new release to consider now in 2026, as these stripped-back shred machines offer an American build quality and a tried and tested formula for speed!
Be sure to check out Dweezil Zappa giving them a workout in the official launch video below.
’80s Aesthetic
Merging classic eighties shred heritage with premium modern appointments, these new models arrive in two distinct configurations to suit different playing styles: the hardtail SD1 HH HT and the tremolo-equipped SD1 HH FR.
At the core of the American Neo-Classic series is the iconic alder S-style body with a stripped-back, no-pickguard aesthetic. Charvel has outfitted these guitars with a bolt-on, one-piece quartersawn maple neck featuring internal graphite reinforcement for maximum stability against temperature and humidity changes.
I love that they also come with the spokewheel truss rod adjustment at the heel, which makes maintaining them a breeze and glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side dots!
The quartersawn maple fingerboard features a 12-to-16-inch compound radius and 22 jumbo stainless steel frets. These should feel and play beautifully, which is exactly what you would expect for the price.
Finish options include Ferrari Red, Ivory Blitz, Gloss Black, and Robin’s Egg Blue.
Seymour Duncan
They come equipped with the classic pairing of a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucker in the bridge position and a Seymour Duncan ’59 SH-1N in the neck position. Possibly the quintessential pickup pairing for this type of guitar.
The stripped-back controls include an EVH Bourns 500 k low-friction volume potentiometer and a five-position blade switch.
Hardtail or Floyd Rose?
For players who demand ultimate tuning stability, maximum sustain, and an uncompromisingly rigid setup, the San Dimas SD1 HH HT features a high-mass Charvel hardtail bridge. Whereas the San Dimas SD1 HH FR comes equipped with a top-mounted Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo. This allows for divebombs, but if set decked, there will be no pull-up.
Both the hardtail and Floyd Rose iterations of the American Neo-Classic San Dimas feature premium hardware, die-cast Charvel-branded tuning machines, and traditional dome-style control knobs. With either gold or chrome hardware, depending on which finish option you choose.
Each guitar comes with a heavy-duty Charvel hardshell gig bag.
Price & Availability
The Charvel American Neo-Classic San Dimas SD1 models are US-made, and so there is a premium price point when compared to the Mexican-built guitars.
Both versions are available to order now at Thomann, priced at $2390/£2150/€2499 for the hardtail and $2539/£2285/€2599 for the Floyd Rose edition.
More Information
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