GuitarGearHeads–I used to love Saturday mornings as a kid. I’d usually wake up before my mom, venture out to the living room, and turn on our hopelessly outdated black and white television. Throughout the morning, I’d watch a slew of cartoons like Space Ghost, Superfriends, Hong Kong Phooey, and Captain Caveman! About that time, my mom would kick me out of the house for a couple of hours to cause trouble with my friends.
By the time the afternoon rolled around, it was time for another round of television. At that time there were only three good major channels plus the fuzzy independent one that took just the right mojo on the rabbit ears in order to receive. The choices in the afternoon were limited because you usually had to choose between Wide World of Sports or 1950’s serial re-runs like Abbot and Costello. At some point though you’d get around to those awesome spaghetti westerns! That’s how I first learned of cool things like the “Battle of Little Big Horn” and the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral”.
Besides scenes of “masked men”, “high noon”, and “saloons” – I have memories of hundreds of television Indian warriors chasing down poor helpless riders out on the open plains. Often, these warrior tribes were made up of Cherokee, Sioux, and of course … Comanche! Man, those were the days.
That was probably the longest transition I have ever written for a guitar review, but any guitar that carried the Comanche name had better measure up to the nostalgia of those precious years. We have reviewed a few G&L guitars here at GGH and all have received top marks. Two guitars in the G&L lineup have eluded us until now – the Comanche and the Legacy Deluxe. The short version is that these guitars were worth the wait! Just like those old television shows, nothing exudes American tradition like these guitars – both of which receive our “Rig Ready” award for 2007. Read on for the full review! Read the rest of this entry »
The Comanche ($1,500; $1,750 as reviewed with ebony fingerboard, painted headstock and pearloid pickguard) is a real looker. Its two-tone blueburst finish looks stunning alongside the pearloid pickguard and chrome knobs. Equally dramatic is the trio of offset “Z” pickups.
A revision of the Comanche model G&L offered in the ‘80s, the new version abandons the original’s shred-era lines and forest of toggle switches, but revives the earlier model’s split pickups (an idea borrowed from the old Fender Electric XII). Aside from the split design, the Comanche pickups echo those of G&L’s ASAT – wide-aperture single-coils that are louder and fatter than Strat pickups. The Z pickups’ separated-coil configuration enhances the highs and lows, and because the two coils are wound in opposite directions, each pickup is humbucking. It’s a great recipe. Read the rest of this entry »
The LTD is priced at $1050 and the RR24 is $1225. However the Jackson comes with a G&G hardshell case which would offset about $125 or so of the difference. The LTD does not come with a case. The guitars are very similar, they both use the Jackson Rhoads V shape with just a bit of difference in the LTD for licensing reasons. Both are Alder body, maple neck through, ebony fret board guitars w/ 24 frets and both wear original Floyd Rose trems. The main difference is that the Alexi uses a passive EMG HZ H-4 while the RR24 uses an active EMG 81. I was not sure how I would like the HZ but after playing it while it lacks the sheer power of the 81 it has a very nice organic tone and sounds great distorted and even has a very nice clean tone. I don’t think the 81 would be as versatile which is a problem in a single pickup guitar. Also the Jackson is made in Japan, while the LTD is made in Korea which should be a plus for Jackson.
Jackson RR24 wins!
ESP LTD Alexi-600
Jackson RR24
Buy – Sell – Trade guitars at GEAR SEARCH
What’s in a name? When it comes to Gibson’s Raw Power Series, exactly what it declares: two of the world’s most iconic electric guitar designs, stripped of superfluous frills and ready to roar. Inspired by the popular but short-lived Raw Power Les Paul of 2000-2001, the newly revitalized series of 2009 includes both the Les Paul Studio Raw Power and SG Raw Power, both in the dressed-down styling and meaty performance package that so many players loved in the original release, but with notable added features to update the theme.
Down to Business
The new Raw Power guitars follow the no-nonsense ethos of Gibson’s popular Studio series, and their down-to-business looks are packed with performance features that the hard-gigging modern musician will appreciate. These are grab’n’go workhorse guitars for tone-conscious rock and blues artists, and they wear their attitude on their sleeves. Both the Les Paul Studio Raw Power and SG Raw Power feature unbound solid maple bodies, with a traditional carved top on the former. This sturdy tonewood offers a clear, well-defined sonic response, as well as looking great with minimal cosmetic treatment. Their solid mahogany necks are topped with unbound maple fretboards, which are dressed with simple dot position markers, and graced with a traditional trapezoid marker at the 12th fret.
Simple, Yet Sizzling
None of this simplicity means that the Raw Power guitars suffer cosmetically, however, and just like the original Raw Power Les Paul — and the Les Paul Studio — these instruments are destined to be admired for their visual purity as well as for their power and tone. A Natural Satin finish denotes the cornerstone of the series (with smoky acrylic pickguard to enhance the natural elements in these guitars’ tops), but both models are also available in a range of finish options, including Satin Gold, Satin Yellow, Satin White, Satin Blue/Platinum, Satin Trans Ebony, Satin Aquamarine, and Gloss Platinum. Furthermore, the Les Paul Studio Raw Power is available in either chrome or gold-plated hardware.
Ready to Rock
The advanced electronics on the 2009 Raw Power models speak volumes about their intentions. A pair of 57 Classic humbucking pickups offer a broad appeal for a wide range of playing styles. One of Gibson’s most popular pickups of all time, the 57 Classics employ Alnico II magnets, vintage enamel coated wire, nickel-plated pole pieces, nickel slugs, maple spacers and vintage-style, two-conductor, braided wiring, just like the legendary PAFs that they are based on. In a variation from the majority of original PAFs, however, the ’57 Classics’ coils are wax potted to combat microphony and feedback squeal at high volumes so, while vintage voiced, they are also suited to high-gain playing.
Solid to the Core
The Raw Power Series carries a hardware complement that cuts straight to the core of its intentions. The legendary Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece pairing aid tuning stability and enhance sustain, while green-key Grover Kluson-style tuners add subtle vintage elegance to their superior performance. A Corian nut helps to ensure excellent resonance and sustain, as well as hitch-free performance. Both guitars feature glued-in necks and are built to Gibson’s traditional 24 3/4″ scale length, with a neck width of 1 11/16″ at the nut, although the SG Raw Power carries 24 frets to the Les Paul Studio Raw Power’s 22. All Raw Power Series guitars come equipped with a Gibson gig bag, so they’re ready to hit the road and roll.
A closer look at the Raw Power Les Paul and the Raw Power SG.
AXL Introduces The Badwater 1216 Electric Guitar
April 03, 2009
Capitalizing on the successful and critically acclaimed Badwater series, AXL releases the all-new Badwater 1216 electric guitar for players who want the individuality of a distressed Badwater finish on a single cutaway humbucker guitar.
AXL Badwater guitars offer players unique finishes and aged components in an exceptionally well-designed and playable package. The Badwater 1216 expands the line by adding a dual-humbucker guitar with a set neck.
The Badwater 1216 (AL-820) is built with a set mahogany neck, 2 EMG-designed Alnico humbuckers and a classic-style single cutaway design. The guitar’s rosewood fretboard helps deliver a warm, thick tone. The scale length is a traditional 24 3/4″ for vintage punch. The 1216 will be available in all five popular Badwater finishes, crackle blue, crackle black, crackle brown, antique white and antique brown. Each 1216 guitar body has been distressed individually by the AXL workshop, so no two are alike. The 1216 comes with carefully distressed pickguard, tone and volume knobs, and anodized tuning machines, bridge assembly and strap buttons for a unique look and vintage feel.
The Badwater 1216 single cutaway offers players a guitar that is as individual as their playing style. The Badwater 1216 has a list price of $299.99, and will be available in time for Summer 2009. Read the rest of this entry »
<br/><br/>Calling all Gear Heads who like free stuff!
Gear-Vault.com is putting together a little drawing to get the year started off right. They are rallying a drawing on Gear-Monkey.com to giveaway a FREE DOD 250 Overdrive Pedal. The contest has easy rules and could score you a free pedal while talking the talk. If you have not yet registered to become a member of Gear-Monkey.com it only takes seconds. Come see us and get into the drawing for your chance to win!
They are also giving away Free Guitar Strings 4 other winners! Visit GEAR-MONKEY for more information.
Bloggers, publish a post on your blog about this giveaway and earn a 468×60 or 125×125 banner spot on Gear-Vault.com (your choice but banner space you want) for the month February. FREE DOD OVERDRIVE 250 pedal. Email your banner to gear-vault@live.com
The Rockbox Boiling Point Overdrive Boost Pedal incorporates a 3 position diode selector for a nearly endless variety of harmonic flavor. In the Plexi mode, the pedal has very Marshall-like response. For the Asymmetric Overdrive mode, we gave the guitar pedal a truly organic, tube-like distortion, with greater output. You will notice the overtones and response is like no other pedal. The middle position is a clean boost, with more than enough gain to send your favorite tube amp into overdrive heaven. While we gave the Overdrive Boost a tremendous amount of gain, we paid close attention to how the pedal cleans up. If you are a volume knob player, you will love how this pedal will clean up for a thick, creamy clean rhythm sound. In a recent pedal shootout that included many of the “holy-grail” and vintage pedals like Landgraff, Klon, Fulltone, Lovepedal, Way Huge, Analog Man and Paul Cochrane, the Boiling Point™ was consistently named the “Best of Class” by all the players who participated.
For greatest road reliability, we don’t use socketed connections in any location with the exception of the 4558 chip, which was designed to be socketed. Socketed connections, which you will find in some boutique builders work, can come loose and fail. We solder all connections within the pedal for greatest road reliability. The IC is socketed so that you can experiment with other IC chips. (We prefer the sound of the RC4558P in most builds, but can ship with any other chip you prefer). It may be quicker to use pin sockets like some of the more expensive competition, but we don’t want you to suffer due to unreliable connections.
* Hand built, numbered and signed by the builder
* 3 selectable positions: Plexi, Asymetric Overdrive and Clean Boost
* True bypass switching
* Bass Contour switch for humbucker & single coil operation
* Better input impedance matching
* Improved tone section for more control
* High Overdrive output while cleaning up nicely for the volume knob player
* High visibility indicator Blue LED
* Best quality 11-detent drive potentiometer
* 1% audiophile metal film resistors in most locations (with vintage carbon composition in signal path)
* Switchcraft jacks
* Panasonic audiophile capacitors
* Socketed chip for tonal experimentation
* 9v to 18v operation
* 2-year warranty against manufacturers defects
* MSRP $349 USD
Dean Zelinsky’s new company, DBZ Guitars, is premiering their debut Web site; a site for die-hard heavy metal fans, The Dark Side of Dean, is also forthcoming.
The Dark Side of Dean
(NAMM 2009) January 8, 2009 — DBZ Guitars, Inc. founders Dean Zelinsky and Jeff Diamant announced today the official launch of their debut Web site, DBZGuitars.com. Zelinsky, who also founded and eventually sold Dean Guitars, is taking a decidedly more sophisticated direction with his 2009 guitar designs, while still evoking those edgy, sexy Zelinsky style cues for which he has been world-renowned for more than 30 years. The site premieres Zelinsky’s roughly 68 new guitar models – electrics and acoustics, imports and USA-made guitars produced in DBZ Guitars’ new Chicago area facility -with street prices ranging from $350 to $6,000. Read the rest of this entry »
An extraordinary opportunity has risen for one lucky person, a chance to own one of the most rarest guitars in the world, Joe Satriani’s JS2PRM Chromeboy is listed at an exclusive music gear auction site, Gear-Vault Classifieds.
Read more about the Ibanez JSPRM Chrome from GEAR-VAULT.
The Ibanez JS2PRM is an extremely unique and extremely rare instrument in the guitar world. The JS2PRM—PRM stands for (Premium Rock Mirror)—which is a high-tech finish that was designed to look as if it was carved from a solid chunk of polished metal.
In 2005, the JS2PRM was Ibanez’s third attempt to recreate the chrome guitar. Ibanez’s first two attempts, the JS2 and the JS10th, both were unsuccessful due to finish problems. The process of bonding a chrome finish onto a wood bodied guitar is an extremely difficult process. The JS10th (2nd attempt) a luthite body was used, which is similar to plastic, and the results were better than the original JS2 Chromeboys, however, they were still beset by water marks and peeling and sounded nowhere near as good as the basswood body.
Hoshino INC, used a process called Vacuum Metalizing to get around these finish problems. Essentially the guitar is coated with a conductive paint which is polished to perfection before having it’s final high-tech atomized coating, made from aluminum which has been vaporized in a vacuum chamber to form a cloud. It is then attracted to the guitar body electrically forming a thin layer of aluminum, which is then again polished to perfection to give the guitar its final finish. Though the JS2PRM is not as bright as the original chromeboy finish, it is more cosmo in color, and just as spectacular.
The end result is not only exceptional, its a rare beauty. Ibanez have stated that they will not make any more guitars with this type of finish, bolstering this guitar as a true classic which is already a collectors item. With rumors of the JS2PRM valuing over $20,000 – $30,000. With only 60 of these guitars ever to have been produced and possibly only 35 in the U.S (according to Jemsite.com), having one in our possession is a true honor. And we can guarantee you that they look even better in the flesh. Every time you open the (matching) chrome flight case and see this shiny masterpiece, it is truly breath taking!
Gear-Vault has one of these in for review. If there is any specific questions that you would like to ask about this guitar, please vist us at Gear-Monkey.com Message forum. As soon as we figure out the best way to take photos and videos of this axe, we’ll post them here. Stay tuned!
Hey gearheads, I wanted to inform you all that if you want to discuss NAMM 2009’s cool new stuff, you can do it at Gear-Monkey Forums. As you probably already know, on January 15th NAMM show begins in Anaheim California. Gear-Vault is trying to keep up with all the hot new stuff as it leaks.
Here are a few new products that have already leaked:
Fender Road Worn Series Guitars and Basses
Fender Artist Series: Murray, Johnson, Blackmore
Michael Kelly Hex Deluxe and Vex Deluxe Electric Guitars
Dean Zelinsky Launches DBZ Guitars Web Site
B.C. Rich Announces New Kerry King Model Guitars and Graphics V2
Diezel Amps Coming to America and Unveil New Models for NAMM 2009
LMG ‘T’ Guitar – Liquid Metal Guitar at NAMM 2009 Show
Carvin unveils Steve Vai Legacy II Series amplifiers
Stay tuned, more to come. If you want to keep up with NAMM 2009 in real time, then be sure to subscribe the [b]eNews & Updates! [/b]
See you at Gear-Monkey
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