Pre-Swee Lee sale (Dec 2005) guitar talk...

[subversion]

Fender
50s Stratocaster® Model: 013-1002
American Deluxe Stratocaster® HSS Model: 010-1502
Powerhouse Stratocaster® Model: 013-9500
Roland-Ready Stratocaster® Model: 013-4660
Satin Stratocaster® Model: 013-4400
Standard Fat Stratocaster® HSS Model: 013-4700
Jimmie Vaughan Tex-Mex™ Strat Model: 013-9202
Robert Cray Standard Stratocaster®Model: 013-9100

i've tried all the above Fenders, here're some considerations:

50s Strat- part of the Mex Classic series, the most worthy of which is the 70s model: articulate single coils + superb ash body (recommended)

Am Deluxe Strat HSS- prestigious feel but tone comparable to non-Deluxe models, do give the American Series HSS a try also. the Deluxe features an S-1 switching system which summarily gives the electronics a boost to provide more tonal options- invest in this circuitry only if you have use for one.

Powerhouse Strat- powerhouse by name but nothing extra in terms of playability. tone-wise, it has an extra switch to add 2 more switching options to the guitar. seasoned Fender players dislike the flatter (12") radius. good for modern tones due to slightly hot default pickups.

Roland Ready Strat: if you don't do MIDI, not a necessary feature to consider- adds nothing to inherent tone.

Std Strat (Satin): one of my fav mex models, very easy to play, sounds above-average but some might not like the vintage-sized frets. (recommended)

Jimmy Vaughan Strat: potent blues tones from this one, be warnd of the V-profile neck- some like it (especially if you hook your thumb over the fretboard edge), others find it annoying ('digs' into your thumb).

Robert Cray: a good overall strat but with no vibrato bridge option, however, the default Custom Shop pickups might be too irresistable for some. (recommended)

 

[Lifehouse]

im thinking of getting the Epi les paul custom, but whats the difference between the wat Maple Flame top and the verneer one? how does it contribute to the tone? Are the difference in sound big?

Yes. There are two type of tops. Maple cap and maple veneer. Veneer is for show only. Looks good only. Maple cap does make a big difference in the tonal aspect. Gibson LP will always use cap.

 

[subversion]

Dear guys... if you find a IBANEZ AR2000 prestige in the swee lee sale.. do get it...

i just picked one up and i spent 5 hrs trying it in the local guitar store here in L.A ...
the sustain is AWESOME... the quality actually beats PRS in a few ways...
its a set neck with the heel shaved down ... it feels like a neck thru. mine is in a vintage violin finish. with an AAA flame top , gold hardware and 2 very sweet humbuckers...

its seriously a very good guitar... i totally didnt expect to buy another guitar... but this is too good to be passed up.

the AR2000, is one overlooked player. people tend to dismiss this guitar because its asking price is near Gibson's & it looks retro, out of context in today's modern setting. but we read time & again how people judge guitars by the looks, totally ignoring playability & tone. the AR2000 gets my vote because of its:

*superb construction
*upper frets access
*warm clean & driven tones
*above-average playability

it's discontinued in 2004, if you are keen on one, grab it.

 

[subversion]

Yes. There are two type of tops. Maple cap and maple veneer. Veneer is for show only. Looks good only. Maple cap does make a big difference in the tonal aspect. Gibson LP will always use cap.

there is another- foto top.

the manufacturer captures an image of a stunning top eg: book-matched flame maple, then transfer it on to the body top (or rear) so it looks like a cap. the following Jap tele is an example:

 

[subversion]

Re: Hmm

I kinda fixed my eyes on the SA120 (Charcoal Brown)

-Mahogany body
-Large frets
-SAT30 tremolo bridge

Wonder if anybody has tried it?

i was fortunate enough to have one temporarily with me (re-strung it for a friend). do note that the frets are medium in size, not large. on that note, it's a rather easy guitar to play & resonant. the SAT30 bridge isn't one to do frenzied gymnastics with, with proper nut lubrication, the guitar stays in tune. also, the SAT components are rounded so palm placement comfort is assured. the 5-way switching is also a plus so that you get some single coil tones in there.

this guitar was reviewed in the previous database. rating: 8/10

 

[subversion]

The TZ and SD are very different sounding pups. The TZ is bassier and heavier sounding, plus it has a modern slant, hence terrific for chugga. The SD is more... vintage, less bassy... think KISS tone.

the Dimarzio distortion can be voiced to sound vintage but it is capable of producing some smooth/ thumping tones as well. Frank Gambale used to have it in his Ibanez guitar, before he switched to Duncan's JB model. this distortion equipped guitar can be heard exclusively in Thunder from Down Under.

 

[subversion]

Heheh,... ok ok guys... lets stick strictly to the topic. This will be a VERY big topic and Sub will have to spend lot of time on it, best keep it neat. Aye?

thank you sir fir keeping things orderly. this thread is rather ambitious but i believe it's productive if it's kept on track.

 

[backstab21]

hey mr sub, just checking, do you have p-90 super distiortion in stock? and do you have the reviews? thanks alot!

 

[xklusivly4u]

if you are after JEM tones/ vibrato bridge tuning stability from this one, do reconsider. however, if this guitar feels good after you've auditioned it (& only after you've auditioned it), there's no harm getting one @ 50% off the list price...

What do you think of 2005 model JEM 555?
Do you also think no harm getting one @ 50 % off?
I was thinking to get a JEM 7VWH at sales but it is out of stock now.

 

[neuro182]

Hmm

Just to sidetrack abit : Actually I'm quite amused on how most of the peeps here, think that all the stuffs they want to buy are gonna go on a 50% sale?

 

[subversion]

Anyone can comment between the 2 Fender Teles - American & highway1?

the Highway1 offering was discussed at length in 2004, unfortunately, i can't seem to find that thread...

anyway, from the above, i gather that you are refering to the American Series vs Highway1, correct me if i'm wrong...

American Series
*the standard for US models
*modern appointments
*superseded the 'American Standard' offerings in 2001

Highway1
*debuted in 2002
*most affordable American model
*offers a non-lacquered/ satin finished body & non-american electronics/ hardware

the reception of the Highway1 models here isn't as encouraging as it is in the states/ UK. many people here has a dissent for the 'cheap' satin finished body which dents easily. the electronics in this offering is also isn't as sophisticated as the AS version. when you are dealing with the H1 series, do keep in mind that the appointments mentioned above were incorporated intentionally, it's part of the H1 philosophy- Everything you need, nothing you don't. it's a no frills fender, nothing stellar in terms of finish & electronics as mentioned.

the Tele version in particular, has a cult following in the States because it sounds similar to the 60s model which is renowned for its 'open' tone.

both guitars are worth checking out, do bear in mind that they are genuine tone contenders but each propels a different incarnation philosophy. get the one which pleases you more.

 

[subversion]

hey mr sub, just checking, do you have p-90 super distiortion in stock? and do you have the reviews? thanks alot!

hi there, my friend 8)

which specific model pickup is this? in any case, i'm not one to account for stock availability simply because i'm not a Swee Lee employee...

 

[Vaiyen]

Yo Sub, although I'm not getting anything this time around, I have to say this:
You the man! Hats off to you bro! *bows*

 

[subversion]

What do you think of 2005 model JEM 555?
Do you also think no harm getting one @ 50 % off?
I was thinking to get a JEM 7VWH at sales but it is out of stock now.

the 555 my friend, is steps closer to the 7V than the very compromised Jr. if you are hard-pressed for a JEM right now & must grab one this coming sale, the 555 will be $$$ better spent than getting the Jr. the 555 is much better made & feature Dimarzio (Evos) default pickups, which is an integral component to a Vai-esque tone. the guitar also features a more credible vibrato bridge- Edge Pro II. however, do audition the 555 in person, the last one i tried had some sharp fret edges which is unbecoming of the JEM standard but nothing new to the Korean QC standards, which are inconsistent to say the least.

i deem the 555 a liitle too much to pay for a basswood body + Dimarzio pickups. if you are willing to re-consider, you can still win by getting a Prestige Ibanez RG + having Evos installed. however, this wouldn't be a 'JEM' would it?

 

[backstab21]

haha, thanks anws, will make my way down before the sale and check it out.

 

[subversion]

Yo Sub, although I'm not getting anything this time around, I have to say this:
You the man! Hats off to you bro! *bows*

thank you sir! :smt023

i personally believe that we should be winners in times like this (a sale), we should be empowered with knowledge when parting with $$$. above all, i'm doing my bid for the guitar community here + thanking James for this absolutely amazing watering hole that he had set up.

 

[Vaiyen]

you go, bro...

 

[subversion]

hi subversion..is ibanez SZ320 gonna be on sale? what colours will be available coz the previous sale got limited colours onli..

thanks

that's right my friend, what you can acquire is limited to the display models available on the sale day itself. do not be too disappointed if the finish you want isn't available then, the Ibanez SZ320 in any hue, is a good guitar to own- highly recommended.

the SZ520 will also be a bargain on the sale day, the price diff between itself & the SZ320 is not even $60...

 

[xklusivly4u]

Thanks for the answer Sub. You are the man!

Yeah…. Essentially JEM is a Prestige RG with Dimazio and extra routing. I don’t want to side track, we will discuss about it some other time.

Thanks

 

[Hideto]

any body can review on the Ibanez RGT42DX ?? thanks in advance...