CHARVEL AND GUITARIST GUTHRIE GOVAN COLLABORATE ON MADE IN JAPAN SIGNATURE MODEL
Charvel Honors the British Guitar Virtuoso with a Confidence-Inspiring High-Performance Machine
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ., (Feb. 2, 2022) – Charvel® today announced the launch of the highly-anticipated Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas® SD24 CM, the next iteration in a long-standing lineage of models with the modern virtuoso. Charvel and Govan spent two years meticulously developing his original USA signature lineup, and that same attention to detail surfaced once again with this new made in Japan collaboration.
“I have been playing guitar since I was three year old, so having my own signature mode feels like an honor which comes with a certain responsibility,” Govan said. “If you are going to have your name on the back of an instrument’s headstock, that’s you personally vouching for the quality and usability of that instrument, which is not something to be taken lightly. With my signature Charvel guitar, I feel completely confident to play it anywhere in the world and at any type of gig.”
Known for his dizzying technical proficiency, unconventional style and extraordinary improvisational skills across multiple genres, Govan has built an impressive body of work with the Aristocrats, Asia, GPS, the Young Punx and the Fellowship. The Guitarist magazine Guitarist of the Year 1993 winner and global online sensation was also hand-picked by Grammy-winning film composer Hans Zimmer as the lead guitarist for his 2016 live touring orchestra, and has collaborated with the famed composer on ensuing film scores. He is widely heralded for his mastery of complex fusion, a pursuit that he’s been developing ever since first picking up the guitar as a child. When it came to developing his signature instrument, it was critically important to build a tool that would allow for the continuation of his versatile and expansive creative expression. “You end up on this quest to find an instrument that feels as natural as possible,” Govan said. “When you’re playing, I think it’s a good goal not to have to be too aware of the instrument and for it to feel more of an extension of yourself – then you can concentrate purely on what type of noises you are trying to make and share with the world. This guitar is a result of that process for me personally.”
“As one of the most versatile, influential and highly sought-after guitarists in the world, there is really no limit to what Guthrie Govan can accomplish which is why we’re honored to have him on Charvel’s signature artist roster,” said Jon Romanowski, VP, Category Management Charvel. “Given the tremendous success of his USA signature model, it was the right time to offer a guitar for those looking to emulate his sound. Partnering with Japan allowed us to deliver high quality workmanship and top level features at a comfortable price.”
Musicians worldwide have long relied on Charvel for exceptional guitar design and this collaboration with the renowned musician is no exception. Cloaked in a classic Three-Tone Sunburst finish, the instrument is loaded with top-end specs handpicked by Govan. The 25.5”-scale signature model features a basswood body with an ash top and specially contoured heel (sans neck plate) for easy access to the upper reaches of the fingerboard. The graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck has a “caramelized” heat and drying treatment that makes it sound and feel much older, along with a satin finish on the back of the neck for smooth playability. Most unusual for a San Dimas model, the 12”-16” compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard features 24 jumbo stainless-steel frets, as well as crème dot inlays, Luminlay side dots and a conveniently located heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.
As an homage to the late ’80s when Charvel guitars were manufactured exclusively in Japan, Govan’s all-new signature model is also loaded with an assortment of top-end features that deliver the superior sound, craftsmanship and feel prized by today’s high-performance players. Other premium features include three specially wound Charvel custom pickups arranged in a versatile HSH configuration with five-way switching for the expansive tonal openness and dynamic sensitivity that Govan demands, along with a two-way mini toggle switch to engage single-coil simulation in bridge and neck humbucker positions. This instrument also comes loaded with two Luminlay numbered dome control knobs for volume and tone, recessed Charvel locking tremolo bridge with pop-in tremolo arm and brass block, Gotoh die-cast locking tuners and Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut.
Learn more about Govan’s collaboration with Charvel as he discusses and demonstrates his all-new Signature MJ San Dimas model. Additional info on the Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas® SD24 CM and product descriptions available here. Product photos and images of Guthrie Govan with his Signature MJ San Dimas® SD24 CM can be found here.
For technical specs, additional information on new Charvel products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.charvel.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @CharvelGuitars on Twitter and @CharvelUSA on Instagram.
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Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas® SD24 CM, Three-Tone Sunburst – $2,799.99USD, £2,449.00, €2,849.00, $5,299 AUD, ¥379,500 JPY
As a preeminent modern virtuoso, U.K. guitar master Guthrie Govan dazzles all who hear his playing and experience his artistry. Harkening back to the late ’80s when Charvel guitars were manufactured exclusively in Japan, all-new Guthrie Govan Signature MJ San Dimas® SD24 CM blends Charvel’s unparalleled legacy of designing high-performance instruments with an assortment of Govan’s preferred top-end features. The Three-Tone Sunburst finish showcases the gorgeous grain of the ash top over the basswood body, while the contoured heel allows for easy access to the upper reaches of the caramelized fingerboard. The instrument also features a bolt-on caramelized maple neck, 12″-16″ compound radius fingerboard, 24 jumbo stainless-steel frets and Luminlay side dots. Three specially wound Charvel custom pickups arranged in a versatile HSH configuration with five-way switching deliver the expansive tonal openness and dynamic sensitivity that Govan demands, along with a two-way mini toggle switch to engage single-coil simulation in bridge and neck humbucker positions. This instrument also comes loaded with two Luminlay numbered dome control knobs for volume and tone, recessed Charvel locking tremolo bridge with pop-in tremolo arm and brass block, Gotoh die-cast locking tuners, Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut, chrome hardware, brown pickup bobbins and a licensed Fender® Stratocaster® headstock.
ABOUT CHARVEL®:
For over 40 years, Charvel has crafted high-performance tone machines for musicians across the globe who prize superior sound and exceptional design. Having forged its own distinctive identity, Charvel earned its sterling reputation for producing high-end hot-rodded features, making the traditional-style electric guitars a standout across the metal and fusion worlds. Over the years, Charvel has fostered a rich working relationship with some of the industry’s foremost musicians, bringing these remarkably high-power instruments into the hands of players worldwide. Today, Charvel is an owned brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and together, their devotion to pitch, performance and innovation has met the needs of technically advanced guitarists everywhere. For more information, visit www.charvel.com.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)–whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby® and PreSonus® –follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.