Charvel Revives an Icon: The Jake E Lee Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas in Blue Burst

The “Bark at the Moon” era has officially returned. Charvel has announced the release of the Jake E Lee Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HSS HT, finished in the legendary Blue Burst that defined 1980s hard rock.

Formerly reserved for high-end US-made custom models, this signature “superstrat” is now available in the Pro-Mod series, offering professional-grade specs at a price point accessible to working musicians.

The Return of the “Ultimate Sin” Aesthetic

For fans of Jake E Lee’s tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, the Blue Burst finish is more than just a paint job—it’s a piece of rock history. This model meticulously recreates the look and feel of the guitar seen in iconic music videos and world tours.

However, this isn’t just a tribute piece. Underneath the gloss finish lies a high-performance machine built for the modern stage.

High-Octane Hardware and Construction

• The Wood: Featuring a classic Alder San Dimas body, the guitar provides a balanced, punchy tone that sits perfectly in a heavy mix.

• The Neck: The bolt-on maple neck is graphite-reinforced to withstand the rigors of touring and fluctuating temperatures. It features a hand-rubbed satin urethane finish for that “broken-in” feel.

• The Fingerboard: A 12″–16″ compound radius rosewood fingerboard ensures that low-position chords are comfortable, while the upper register remains flat enough for lightning-fast leads without “choking out.”

A Tonal Trifecta: Seymour Duncan & DiMarzio

Charvel opted for a unique HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) configuration to match Jake’s specific tonal requirements:

1. Bridge: The Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 provides the high-output “sing” required for solos.

2. Middle/Neck: Dual DiMarzio SDS-1 DP111 single coils. Unlike standard thin-sounding single coils, these are overwound for a thicker, darker, and more “muscular” gain structure.

Hardtail Stability

Departing from the typical Floyd Rose systems of the era, this model features a Charvel HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge. Paired with Charvel locking tuners, it offers rock-solid tuning stability and increased resonance, making it a reliable workhorse for players who don’t need a tremolo arm.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this guitar suitable for genres other than 80s Metal?

Absolutely. While it’s built for hard rock, the DiMarzio SDS-1 pickups provide a unique, bluesy warmth, and the Seymour Duncan JB is one of the most versatile bridge pickups in history, used in everything from jazz-fusion to punk.

Why a hardtail bridge instead of a tremolo?

Jake E Lee is famous for his “hardtail” approach, relying on neck bends and finger vibrato rather than a whammy bar. The HT6 bridge offers superior sustain and makes changing strings or tuning on the fly much faster.

What is a compound radius fingerboard?

It means the fretboard is more curved near the nut (12″) for easy chording and gradually flattens out (to 16″) toward the body. This allows for lower string action and prevents notes from “fretting out” during wide bends.

The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Charvel Jake E Lee Signature Pro-Mod is a rare beast: a signature guitar that feels like a custom shop tool.

Pros:

• Iconic Aesthetics: The Blue Burst finish with black/gold hardware is stunning.

• Exceptional Stability: Hardtail bridge + locking tuners + graphite neck = a guitar that stays in tune.

• Versatile Electronics: The HSS combo offers a massive range of textures.

Cons:

• No Gig Bag: Often sold separately in the Pro-Mod line.

• Fixed Bridge: If you are a “dive-bomb” fanatic, the lack of a tremolo may be a dealbreaker.

Final Thoughts: For the player who wants 80s swagger without the headache of a floating bridge, this is one of the most capable “Superstrats” on the market today. It’s a fitting tribute to one of rock’s most underrated technicians. It is also a lot less than the US version of the model, which retails for over $3k!