Charvel LTD SC 1 Henrik Danhage Relic

Overview: Charvel LTD SC 1 Henrik Danhage Relic Key Features

The Charvel LTD SC 1 Henrik Danhage Relic is a limited signature Super Strat style electric guitar from Charvel's Pro-Mod series. As seen in the hands of Evergrey's Henrik Danhage, the model stands out for its aged finish and purposeful minimalism. It features a solid ash body in aged white, a maple neck and fingerboard (both artificially aged), and classic Super Strat appointments. Included is a multi-fit padded gig bag, but not a hard case. Pricing sits around $1444, placing it among mid-to-high tier signature instruments.

Main Specifications

• Body: Solid ash
• Neck: Bolt-on, aged maple
• Fingerboard: Aged maple, black dot inlays
• Frets: 22 jumbo
• Scale: 25.5" (648mm), compound radius 12"-16"
• Pickups: Bridge, Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucking, Neck, DiMarzio Area 67 humbucking in single coil format
• Controls: Single volume with push/push function
• Bridge: Top-mount Floyd Rose 1000 double-locking
• Finish/Hardware: Aged white, relic'd chrome hardware, reverse headstock
• Factory setup: Nickel-plated steel strings.009,.042

Impressions from the Field: Playability, Setup, and Quality Control

The most consistent theme among user reports is the instrument's potential overshadowed by frequent setup and quality control issues. Many owners describe receiving guitars with excessively high nut slots and bridge saddles, making the first fret nearly unplayable out of the box. Several reported fretwork problems such as sharp fret ends or flat-topped frets that required crowning and leveling by a professional tech. In more than one case, additional repair costs were incurred right after purchase, which is a recurring point of frustration for a guitar at this price point.

Some users received instruments in a dirty state, with residue on the fingerboard and hardware. Several found the instrument's action completely unsatisfactory until a proper adjustment. Others discovered cold solder joints or grounding issues in the electronics, though these problems were less common.

For buyers willing and able to do their own setup, or those prepared to pay for a comprehensive adjustment, the issues were less concerning. Some buyers even arranged a paid setup through the retailer before shipping and reported excellent playability and satisfaction upon delivery. However, for less experienced players or those expecting a "ready to play" guitar out of the box, the lack of quality assurance is a major drawback.

Build and Feel

The artificial aging is indeed a focal point, the relic'd finish and hardware offer a realistic "broken-in" look and touch that appeals to players who prefer guitars that feel familiar from the start. The maple neck's profile combines substantial shoulders with a fast, smooth feel, aided by the compound 12", 16" radius that makes bends and chords equally comfortable. The black dot inlays are clear and visible; the reversed headstock rounds out the purposeful styling.

Once properly set up, playability receives high marks. The jumbo frets and compound radius allow for fast, expressive playing without choking out bends high on the fretboard. The guitar balances well and is light but not insubstantial.

Sound and Practical Features

Tonally, the instrument meets expectations for a modern Super Strat. The Seymour Duncan JB at the bridge delivers the expected tight, punchy aggression with ample midrange and clarity under gain. The DiMarzio Area 67 neck position pickup, although technically a humbucking single coil in terms of format, provides vintage-flavored, clear single-coil tones without excessive noise. Many players praised the pickup combination for its versatility, heavy riffing, lead work, and clean passages are all supported without fuss.

The single volume control with push/push switching is minimalist but functional, facilitating quick voice changes between the pickups. Most found the control placement logical, though a few modified it for personal preference. The three-ply pickguard is sturdy and properly fitted, and hardware keeps tuning stable once set up correctly. The Floyd Rose bridge performs as expected, holding tuning under aggressive whammy bar use, as long as it's properly adjusted and the string lock is secure.

Stage Appeal and Durability

The relic'd aesthetic keeps the guitar looking gig-ready rather than pristine, freeing players from anxiety about the finish during performances. Many reviewers specifically note the instrument's live utility: the sound remains consistent across different amplifiers, and the neck remains comfortable throughout long sets. The only practical disappointment is the lack of a true hard case, given the price class and the intent for regular stage use.

Conclusion: Who is the Charvel LTD SC 1 Henrik Danhage Relic For?

This is a striking, high-potential Super Strat that rewards guitarists who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their instruments. If Henrik Danhage's tone and styling appeal to you, or if you demand a fast-playing, no-nonsense tool for heavier genres, it is a serious contender. However, players expecting a flawless showroom experience or those unwilling to handle or pay for post-purchase setup may find its factory quality inconsistent for the price.

In short: the Charvel LTD SC 1 Henrik Danhage Relic can be outstanding, but a proper professional setup is nearly mandatory to unlock its best traits.

• Distinctive, comfortable neck profile and relic feel
• Versatile, powerful pickup set; minimal noise
• Resilient, reliable Floyd Rose bridge once adjusted
• Authentic Henrik Danhage styling and stage presence

• Factory QC and setup are inconsistent
• Sharp frets, dirty finish, and high action common out of the box
• Extra costs or time likely for fretwork and setup
• No true hard case included