Charvel has just added the new Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV and Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V to its lineup. Each one has some very sweet features, perfect for the modern bass player, and it comes in some very bright colour options, perfect for making a statement!
Charvel 4 and 5 strings
The classic sleek alder body shape is certainly familiar. It comes straight from the original Charvel San Dimas basses of the late ’70s, with those deeper cutaway for effortless upper-register access.
The original ’70s models were all custom shop built, made one at a time, and some of these player tweaks have now carried on to these modern-day versions.
Caramelised Maple Necks
The super-thin bolt-on maple Charvel speed neck is crafted in the original style; just now, you have a caramelised treatment and graphite reinforcement, both of which should keep it rigid and accurate. Plus you have a handy heel-mount truss rod wheel for easy neck relief adjustment.
The modern 12″-16″ compound radius caramelised maple fingerboard should make playing a breeze, plus you have rolled fretboard edges for added comfort. The necks have 20 jumbo frets and stage-friendly glow-in-the-dark Luminlay side dots. All models come with that familiar licensed Fender Precision Bass headstock shape.
DiMarzio Powered
These new Pro-Mod models all feature a set of DiMarzio pickups and have active electronics throughout.
The Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV has a Model J at the bridge for a well-rounded punch and a Model P in the middle for a warm and fat tone with a mid-range growl when pushed.
The Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V features an Area J DP551 pickup in the bridge and an Area J DP550 pickup in the middle, which combine for a well-balanced tone with warmth, sustain, and clarity.
The electronics include a master volume, pickup blend and, of course, that three-band active EQ.
Hardware
The hardware consists of a rock-solid Charvel HiMass bridge, a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut and open-gear tuners, which combine to give you great tuning stability with improved note punch and plenty of sustain.
The 4-string, 34″ scale Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV is available in Lime Green Metallic and Mystic Blue finishes with chrome hardware and cream pickup covers.
The 5-string Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V, with its 35″-scale, is offered in Lambo Green Metallic and Candy Apple Red finishes with gold hardware and cream pickup covers.
If you like bright colours, then these models could be for you. I think they are some great-looking modern basses, and the pricing is about right for all those features. The official demo video below shows you all the new Charvel Pro-Mod bass models in action.
RRP – Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV USD 899 and Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass JJ V USD 999
