Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas PJ V review

Loaded with DiMarzio pickups and tone-shaping power, the new five-string from Charvel is a hot-rodded bass ace with a strong '80s vibe

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ V
(Image: © Charvel)

Guitar World Verdict

An excellent homage to a vintage style, with added modern touches.

Pros

  • +

    Very playable.

  • +

    Tone range is impressive.

  • +

    Good value.

Cons

  • -

    20-fret range may hinder soloists.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We reviewed Charvel’s relaunched San Dimas bass guitars a year ago, partly because we’re suckers for ’80s chic around here, and a day-glo finish always gets our collective heads spinning. 

More importantly, they were and remain highly playable, fully-featured active basses that acknowledged their Bill & Ted-era roots, but added modern touches for today’s player. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49