Charvel is building production-line guitars in California again. The brand launched two American Neo-Classic San Dimas models made at its Corona, Calif., factory, Guitar World reported June 11, 2026.
The guitars
- The SD1 HH FR has a Floyd Rose tremolo and costs $2,799. The SD1 HH HT has a hardtail bridge and costs $2,749.
- Both have alder bodies, one-piece quartersawn maple necks based on 1980 specs, and Seymour Duncan JB/59 pickups.
- Guitar World noted that Mexico- and Korea-made models have dominated Charvel’s lineup in recent years, with only premium Custom Shop USA Select models built in California.
“Building it in Corona feels like coming full circle.”
Jon Romanowski, Charvel VP of Product
Why it matters for Made in USA
Musical instruments are one of the few categories where buyers routinely pay more for USA production. A brand moving a regular production line, not just a custom shop, back to a USA factory shows that demand.
FAQ
Where are the new Charvel guitars made?
At the company’s factory in Corona, California.
How much do they cost?
$2,749 for the hardtail model and $2,799 for the Floyd Rose model.
Where were most recent Charvels made?
Most were made in Mexico and Korea; only Custom Shop USA Select models came from California.
Source & credit
Originally reported by Guitar World (Phil Weller), June 11, 2026: “A direct line back to where it all started”: Charvel returns to California with new USA-made Neo-Classic Superstrats