Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M – Cherry Kiss Burst – Open Box

Quick Product Summary

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M in Cherry Kiss Burst combines classic Southern California hot-rodded styling with a genuinely versatile HSH pickup layout, fast compound-radius maple neck and a recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo.

Its alder body provides a familiar foundation for rock and high-performance playing, while the graphite-reinforced maple Speed Neck features rolled fingerboard edges and a hand-rubbed satin urethane finish designed for quick, comfortable movement.

The electronics are a particular strength. A Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 bridge humbucker provides the attack and output needed for hard rock and metal, while the Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 middle single coil introduces genuine single-coil character. At the neck, a Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N humbucker gives lead players a fuller, powerful alternative.

Charvel's five-way switching also combines individual humbucker coils with the middle and neck pickups, making this far more flexible than a straightforward high-output HSH guitar.

Finished in distinctive Cherry Kiss Burst with a parchment pickguard and chrome hardware, this particular example is offered in Open Box condition.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Charvel
Model	Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Model Number	2966034515
Series	Pro-Mod
Finish	Cherry Kiss Burst
Condition	Open Box
Body	Alder
Neck	Graphite-reinforced maple
Fingerboard	Maple
Radius	12"-16" compound
Frets	22 Jumbo
Pickups	Seymour Duncan HSH
Bridge	Floyd Rose 1000 Series
Main Appeal	High-gain performance with unusually versatile HSH switching
Best For	Rock, hard rock, metal, fusion and versatile live playing

Open Box Condition Report

Condition: Open Box

This Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal is being offered as Open Box rather than factory-sealed new stock.

No specific cosmetic marks, faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing, so none have been assumed.

The guitar is checked by Fair Deal Music before leaving us so that its electronics, controls, Floyd Rose system and general playing condition can be assessed before dispatch.

For extra reassurance, ask our team about a video demonstration of the exact Open Box guitar before ordering.

What's Included?

• Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M in Cherry Kiss Burst

• Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo arm

✘ No Case Or Gig Bag Included

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

No individual cosmetic marks or wear have been supplied for this Open Box example.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for the listing.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this guitar is checked for general playing condition and correct operation.

Our assessment includes:

• Neck relief and action

• Fret condition

• Pickup output and balance

• Five-way pickup switching

• Volume control

• No-load tone control

• Output connection

• Floyd Rose locking nut

• Tremolo operation

• Bridge balance and intonation

• Tuning machine operation

• General tuning stability

• Overall structural condition

• Visual condition

As with any wooden instrument, setup can shift slightly during transport because of changes in temperature and humidity.

Service / Setup Work

The guitar is checked and set up to a suitable playing condition before leaving Fair Deal Music.

Neck relief, action, intonation, electronics, tuning operation and Floyd Rose function are assessed before dispatch.

If you plan to change significantly from the factory string gauge or use a substantially different tuning, the Floyd Rose spring balance, intonation and overall setup can require adjustment.

Why Choose The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH?

Genuine HSH Versatility

The HSH layout gives this So-Cal more tonal flexibility than many conventional high-performance guitars.

You have powerful humbuckers at the bridge and neck for driven sounds, plus a genuine middle single coil for cleaner rhythm playing and more traditional single-coil attack.

Seymour Duncan Distortion Bridge Pickup

The Distortion TB-6 is built for powerful rhythm and lead work, with strong output and a focused attack that works particularly well when an amplifier is heavily driven.

It is a strong choice for hard rock and metal players who need palm-muted riffs and fast passages to stay controlled.

Dedicated Middle Single Coil

The Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 gives the guitar a real single-coil voice rather than relying entirely on split humbuckers.

That makes the So-Cal particularly useful for players covering multiple styles during one gig or recording session.

Seymour Duncan Distortion Neck Humbucker

The SH-6N delivers the output needed to keep neck-position leads strong and sustaining.

It provides a fuller alternative to the middle single coil for solos, heavier melodic work and saturated lead tones.

Fast Maple Speed Neck

Charvel's maple Speed Neck combines graphite reinforcement with rolled fingerboard edges and a hand-rubbed satin urethane finish.

It feels purpose-built for players who move quickly around the fingerboard rather than simply recreating a traditional vintage neck.

Recessed Floyd Rose 1000 Series

The Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo provides a wide range of pitch movement while helping the guitar maintain tuning stability through demanding tremolo use when correctly adjusted.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

So-Cal HSH vs So-Cal HH

The HH version is simpler and ideal if full humbucker sounds dominate your playing.

The HSH model is more versatile, especially for players who genuinely use cleaner single-coil textures alongside high-gain rhythm and lead sounds.

So-Cal HSH vs HSS Charvel

An HSS configuration gives you stronger traditional single-coil character from the neck and middle positions.

The HSH So-Cal is better suited to players who want a powerful humbucker in both the bridge and neck positions while retaining a dedicated middle single coil.

So-Cal vs Charvel DK24

The DK24 offers 24 frets and more contemporary body sculpting.

The So-Cal retains the classic 22-fret hot-rodded S-style feel, making it attractive to players who prefer a more traditional Charvel platform with modern hardware underneath.

So-Cal Floyd Rose vs Fixed-Bridge Guitar

A fixed bridge makes frequent tuning changes easier.

The Floyd Rose-equipped So-Cal is the better choice for guitarists who actively use deep dives, upward pitch bends and aggressive vibrato techniques.

Who Is It For?

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal HSH is particularly well suited to:

• Rock guitarists

• Hard-rock players

• Modern metal musicians

• Shred and technical lead players

• Fusion guitarists

• Function and covers players

• Studio musicians

• Players needing humbucker and single-coil sounds

• Floyd Rose users

• Guitarists upgrading from an intermediate superstrat

• Musicians looking for a versatile performance guitar without complicated electronics

Playing Styles & Applications

For high-gain rhythm playing, the bridge Distortion humbucker provides the focused output needed for palm-muted riffs, power chords and articulate lead work.

The neck humbucker creates a thicker alternative for sustained solos and smoother melodic passages.

The middle SSL-6 changes the character significantly, introducing a more immediate single-coil attack that works well for cleaner rhythm playing, funkier passages and effects-heavy parts.

This makes the So-Cal particularly useful for live players who might need aggressive distorted sounds and cleaner textures without changing guitars between songs.

How Does The Five-Way Pickup Switching Work?

The five-way selector provides:

• Position 1: Full bridge humbucker

• Position 2: Bridge inner coil and middle pickup

• Position 3: Bridge outer coil and neck pickup

• Position 4: Middle and neck pickup

• Position 5: Full neck humbucker

This switching system is a major part of what makes the HSH So-Cal so versatile.

Positions 1 and 5 give you the powerful full humbucker sounds, while positions 2 and 4 create brighter combinations that work particularly well for lower-gain playing.

Position 3 provides another distinctive paired sound rather than simply following the conventional middle-pickup-only layout found on many HSH guitars.

HSH vs HH: Which Pickup Layout Is Better?

An HH guitar keeps things straightforward. Two humbuckers provide powerful, noise-resistant tones that work particularly well with distortion.

An HSH guitar adds a true single coil between those humbuckers.

That extra pickup becomes valuable if you regularly move between heavy distortion and cleaner rhythm sounds. It can also make a single guitar more useful in the studio, where contrasting pickup textures help layered guitar parts remain distinct.

If you mainly play high-gain music and rarely leave the bridge humbucker, HH may be all you need.

If you want one high-performance guitar capable of covering a wider range of material, the HSH So-Cal is a strong choice.

Looking for advice on choosing between Charvel HH, HSS and HSH configurations? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

Charvel's reputation grew from the Southern California hot-rodded guitar scene of the late 1970s and 1980s, when players began modifying familiar electric guitars with faster necks, hotter pickups and more capable tremolo systems.

The So-Cal Style 1 remains one of the clearest modern expressions of that philosophy.

Its pickguard-equipped double-cutaway body deliberately references the modified S-style instruments that helped define high-performance rock guitar, but underneath the familiar outline are features aimed firmly at modern players.

Graphite neck reinforcement, compound-radius geometry, high-output Seymour Duncan electronics and a double-locking Floyd Rose all take the original hot-rod concept considerably further than a conventional vintage-style instrument.

The HSH version expands that idea again by adding greater tonal range without compromising the direct, performance-focused nature of the So-Cal.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M
Model Number	2966034515
Series	Pro-Mod
Orientation	Right-Handed
Number of Strings	6
Finish	Cherry Kiss Burst
Condition	Open Box
Body Shape	So-Cal Style 1
Body Finish	Gloss
Body Material	Alder
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Bolt-On with Graphite Reinforcement
Neck Finish	Hand-Rubbed Satin Urethane
Neck Profile	Speed Neck
Fingerboard	Maple
Fingerboard Edges	Rolled
Fingerboard Radius	12"-16" Compound
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Jumbo
Nut	Floyd Rose 1000 Series Locking
Nut Width	1.6875" / 42.86 mm
Position Inlays	Black Dot
Side Dots	Black
Truss Rod Adjustment	Heel-Mount Wheel
Headstock	Licensed Fender Stratocaster Shape
Bridge Pickup	Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6
Middle Pickup	Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6
Neck Pickup	Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N
Pickup Configuration	HSH
Pickup Colour	Parchment
Controls	Volume, No-Load Tone
Pickup Selector	5-Position Blade
Bridge	Floyd Rose 1000 Series Double-Locking Tremolo
Bridge Mounting	Recessed
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Tuning Machines	Charvel-Branded Die-Cast
Pickguard	1-Ply Parchment
Control Knobs	Knurled Flat-Top
Switch Tip	Parchment
String Retainer	Floyd Rose Retainer Bar
Factory Strings	Nickel-Plated Steel .009–.042

Specification Note

Individual guitar weight has not been supplied for this Open Box example.

No specific cosmetic marks, faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied, so none have been assumed.

If exact weight or a closer inspection of this individual guitar is important to you, contact our team before ordering.

Compatibility & Recommended Pairings

The Pro-Mod So-Cal works particularly well with:

• High-gain valve amplifiers

• Modern amp modellers

• Overdrive and boost pedals

• Noise gates

• Delay and reverb

• Chorus and modulation effects

• Pedal tuner

• Quality instrument cable

• Secure guitar strap

Compatible protection options include the Charvel Style 1/2 Economy Case and Charvel Multi-Fit Gig Bag.

Power Requirements

The Seymour Duncan pickups are passive, so this Charvel requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect it to a suitable amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M in Cherry Kiss Burst is a particularly strong option for players who like the classic Charvel hot-rod formula but need more tonal flexibility than a conventional twin-humbucker guitar provides.

The bridge and neck Distortion humbuckers give it all the power required for serious rock and metal, while the SSL-6 middle pickup and clever five-way switching make cleaner and lower-gain sounds far more convincing.

The fast maple neck and Floyd Rose keep the playing experience firmly in high-performance territory.

As an Open Box example, this is an attractive option for players considering the full So-Cal specification without requiring factory-sealed stock.

Best suited for: Rock, metal and technically minded players wanting full humbucker power plus useful single-coil versatility.

Customers usually upgrade from: Intermediate superstrats, basic HSH electrics or guitars with less stable tremolo hardware.

Most commonly paired with: High-gain amplification, boost or overdrive, noise gate, delay and reverb.

Our tip: Don't treat the SSL-6 middle pickup as an afterthought. The lighter intermediate combinations are a major part of what separates this HSH model from Charvel's more straightforward HH guitars.

Showroom feedback: The HSH layout makes the So-Cal much more versatile without making the control system complicated. It remains fast and direct, but it can cover considerably more than high-gain rock.

Ask our team about a video demonstration of this exact Open Box guitar if you'd like a closer look before ordering.

Why Buy Open Box From Fair Deal Music?

An Open Box guitar can be an excellent way to access a desirable instrument while considering an alternative to factory-sealed stock.

At Fair Deal Music, Open Box instruments are checked before leaving us so their electronics, hardware and general playing condition can be assessed before dispatch.

You also have access to our experienced team if you need advice about condition, setup, Floyd Rose operation or whether this Charvel suits your playing style.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, our experienced musician-led team can help whether you're choosing your first Charvel, moving into a Floyd Rose-equipped guitar or comparing HSH, HH and HSS pickup configurations.

Buying from Fair Deal Music gives you:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, Open Box and pre-owned musical equipment

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• UK delivery options

• Decades of experience supplying musicians

• Help choosing suitable amplifiers, pedals, strings and accessories

• New and pre-owned instrument expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Open Box mean for this Charvel?

This guitar is being offered as Open Box rather than factory-sealed new stock. No specific cosmetic faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing.

What does HSH mean?

HSH means humbucker-single coil-humbucker. This configuration provides powerful humbuckers at the bridge and neck with a genuine single coil in the middle.

What pickups does the guitar use?

It has a Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 bridge humbucker, Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 middle single coil and Distortion SH-6N neck humbucker.

Is the Floyd Rose double locking?

Yes. The Floyd Rose 1000 Series locks the strings at both the bridge and nut.

Can the tremolo raise notes as well as lower them?

Yes. The recessed floating design permits both downward and upward pitch movement when correctly set up.

Is the fingerboard maple?

Yes. This FR M version has a maple fingerboard.

What does the compound radius do?

The fingerboard transitions from 12 inches near the nut to 16 inches higher up, balancing comfortable rhythm playing with a flatter upper register for bends and technical lead work.

Does the guitar have a tone control?

Yes. It uses a no-load tone control, which provides conventional tone adjustment but reduces circuit loading when set fully open.

Does it have active pickups?

No. All three Seymour Duncan pickups are passive, so no battery is required.

Is it suitable for clean playing?

Yes. The middle SSL-6 and intermediate pickup combinations give it considerably more clean-tone flexibility than many traditional high-output superstrats.

Can I use heavier strings?

Yes, but substantially changing string gauge alters the tension acting against the Floyd Rose springs and can require adjustment to bridge balance, neck relief and intonation.

Is a case or gig bag included?

No case or gig bag is included with this listing.

Is this a good single guitar for a covers band?

It can be an excellent choice for players who need high-gain humbucker tones alongside brighter, cleaner pickup combinations from one instrument.