Solid Gold

world filled with a variety of hot rod guitars, metal shred machines and superstrats where the choices for acceleration and breakneck speed are boundless. But let’s say that — to accomplish such fleet-fingered odysseys — certain key features are necessary. Slim, fast-feeling necks with jumbo-style frets and overwound high-output pickups are essential, and a slick tremolo system will take your playing to dizzying heights of virtuosity. But do you gravitate toward a pointy guitar or groove on a more traditional body shape? My tastes tend to fall more for the latter, so when I was greeted by the sleek Charvel Pro-Mod DK22 SSS 2PT CM, a “modern classic” guitar on steroids, it immediately felt natural in my hands. Charvel