u/P_a_s_g_i_t_24

One of these lovely, lovely EBMM Axis Super Sport 'bucker tails. Definitely my kind of color. This nice 'bucker 'tail features the typical EBMM maple neck, Schaller locking tuners and that beefy, solid Music Man hardtail bridge.

 

Specs:

• pair of direct-mount DiMarzio Custom reverse zebra 'buckers,5-way switch for coil-split
• Music Man vintage chrome plated, hardened steel hardtail bridge with block saddles
• basswood body with comfort contours
• contoured neck heel
• birdseye maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• asymmetrical EBMM neck contour
• gunstock oil and hand-rubbed special wax blend neck finish
• Indian rosewood fretboard
• 10" radius fretboard
• 22 frets, high profile, medium width
• spoke wheel truss adjustment
• compensated graphite-composite nut (1.625"/41.3mm)
• Music Man signature '4+2' matching color headstock
• Schaller M6 locking tuners
• Music Man-branded original hardshell case included
• serial number: G17556
• in production: 1998 – present
• price used:
  • $1200–$1800 USD
  • £920–£1400 GBP
  • €1050–€1600 EUR
  • (depending on finish & condition)
• made in USA — built in San Luis Obispo, California, in 2001

 

Available Finishes:

• 'Pearl Blue' (shown here)
• 'Autumn Red'
• 'Black'
• 'Black Sparkle'
• 'Blue Dawn'
• 'Burnt Apple'
• 'Candy Red'
• 'Fire Engine Red'
• 'Glacier Blue Sparkle'
• 'Gold Sparkle'
• 'Gremlin Green Sparkle'
• 'Metalflake Brown'
• 'Metalflake Green'
• 'Midnight Blue Sparkle'
• 'Natural'
• 'Pearl Lavender'
• 'Pearl Platinum'
• 'Pearl Purple'
• 'Red Sparkle'
• 'Silver Sparkle'
• 'Stratus Blue Sparkle'
• 'Sunburst'
• 'Translucent Blue'
• 'Translucent Gold'
• 'Translucent Orange'
• 'Translucent Purple'
• 'Translucent Red'
• 'Translucent Teal'
• 'White'
• 'White Sparkle'
• there's likely more

 

Quote from the classified ad: (translated from German) >"After Eddie van Halen ended his collaboration with Music Man in 1995, the ‘Axis’ essentially replaced the EVH signature model. The guitar presented here is equipped with two DiMarzio Custom humbuckers in a zebracoil design, which not only perfectly complement the metallic blue finish but also deliver a range of high-quality sounds suitable for a variety of applications. [...] > >In addition to the normal volume control, the 'Super Sport' model also features a dedicated tone control. The condition of this Axis, manufactured in 2001, is truly excellent; however, there are some signs of use, particularly on the back of the case in the form of fine scratches."

 

Quote from Ernie Ball Music Man: >"Not long after the introduction of the original Axis model in 1996, we continued to expand on the potential of the guitar’s design. Over the next three years the AXIS Sport and AXIS Super Sport models were unveiled. Though the AXIS Sport is no longer offered, the Super Sport variant has continued on as a fan favorite. Featuring the same basswood body and maple top and DiMarzio humbuckers, the Axis Super Sport incorporates different options to bring out extra versatility."

A sweet Japanese budget-model 'bucker 'tail from the early 80's in various pictures.

This particular Kawai guitar, an Aquarius AQ-420, was in production for about four years (from 1980 to approximately 1984) and was offered in a couple of solid-color gloss finishes, all featuring a maple fretboard.

As it was custom at the time, higher-end models sported more elaborate pickups, natural wood finishes and a (questionable) trem system, while the lower budget model came with a more streamlined look and a sturdy hardtail design.

 

Specs:

• pair of cream-colored Kawai OP-II DiMarzio-style 'buckers (bridge: 13.1kΩ, neck: 12.9kΩ), push-pull for coil-split
• Kawai 6-saddle vintage-style hardtail bridge with bent steel saddles
• white pickguard, triangular offset style
• 'solid wood' body (the catalog claims ash, but I suspect it's most likely alder on solid colors)
• bolt-on maple neck with 'skunk' stripe
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Large C' neck contour (0.860"/21.8mm – 0.960"/24.3 mm)
• amber tint gloss neck finish
• vintage 7.25" fretboard radius
• 22 medium frets
• dual-action truss rod
• white plastic nut (1.625"/41.2mm)
• 6-in-line headstock
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• available finishes:
  • 'White' (WH - shown here)
  • 'Black' (BL)
  • 'Candy Apple Red' (CAR)
  • 'Lake Placid Blue' (LPB)
  • 'Turquoise Blue' (TUB)
• in production: 1980 to 1984
• price used:
  • £200–£400 GBP
  • $280–$550 USD
  • €240–€480 EUR
  • (depending on condition)
• made in Japan — built at the Kabushiki-gaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho factory located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.

 

Quote from an Aquarius classified ad: >"Made in Japan during the early '80s, the Aquarius is a rare gem with undeniable retro appeal. The quirky double-cut body, angled pickguard, and dual humbuckers give it a look all of its own and blends vintage vibe with reliable Japanese build quality. [...] The Kawai Aquarius is a bold throwback with a sound that matches its standout looks. Expect rich, punchy humbucker tones, fast playability, and that unmistakable '80s Japanese flair." [...]

 

Quote from the Kawai Guitars website: >"The Aquarius range had 3 main variants, although the basic body style and construction was the same for each of them. [...] > >Starting with the similarities, the bodies were made of either Ash or Alder, again with Maple bolt-on necks and either a Maple or Rosewood fingerboard. For most models, the pickups were again branded “Kawai”, but “Schaller” branded units were used in some guitars. These Schaller pickups were called “Golden 50 Super”, built around 12 Alnico magnets. [...] > >The models numbering was a little complex... If the model number ended in a “5”, it had a rosewood fingerboard, “1” = maple fingerboard. Also, the “5” models had a tremelo unit, the maple boarded “1” models were used a stoptail unit. [...] The 605 had the Schaller pickups. The 505 was the twin pickup model, with pickup selector and a coil tap switch with master volume and tone controls. [...] > >Further down the range, the 405 (and 401) reverted to the pickguard design (as the 505) but used push/pull switches on the volume and tone controls to split the coils. And finally, the 305 and 301 models used a single humbucker, no pickguard design. Helpfully, the model numbers changed during the period that they were available, although not substantially." [...]

Blackbeard Guitars is a small, one-man custom shop from Italy. As one might expect from the company's pirate theme, Blackbeard Guitars specializes in rustic, old-time builds.

The body you see here is finished in a nice 'Natural Roasted Burst'. The body is made of roasted yellow pine. The neck (according to Mr. Blackbeard) has been dryed for over 40 years.

 

Specs:

• pair of DiMarzio DP223 (bridge) & DP103 (neck) 36th Anniversary PAF-style 'buckers with aged chrome covers
• push-pull tone knob for coil-split
• push-pull volume knob for out-of-phase
• Gotoh string-through-body hardtail bridge with aged bent steel saddles
• 'Natural Roasted Burst' polyurethane finish
• aged hardware all around the guitar
• engraved aluminum pickguard & back cover
• chambered Californian yellow pine body
• roasted yellow pine top with f-hole & 'Blackbird' logo plate inlay underneath
• one-piece maple neck, extra-long drying period
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Fat Profile' neck contour
• gloss polyurethane neck finish
• 9.5" fretboard radius
• 22 medium frets
• bone nut
• classic telecaster headstock
• Gotoh SD91 Kluson-style, 15:1 ratio vintage tuners with aged buttons
• serial number: BB6-2014
• made in Europe — built in Milano, Italy

 

Manufacturer's description: (translated from Italian) >"Light… caresses the neck, bites the bridge. > >Telecaster Thinline electric guitar, roasted finish, semi-hollow. Weight: 3.4 kg. > >One-piece maple neck, 45 years of seasoning. > >Push-pull on the volume with a frequency cut on the neck that creates an out-of-phase configuration when combined with the bridge."

 

About Blackbeard Guitars: (translated from Italian) >"Thinking outside the box while maintaining a classic line, experimenting with new solutions and materials while keeping an eye on tradition, and striving to create instruments that are both original and unconventional without distorting the basic concepts: instruments that sound great and that are a pleasure to look at, touch, and play. This is my approach to guitar making. > >Even before being a (one-person) company, Chitarre Barbanera is a person: Paolo Lardera - that's me. Known as a "luthier" to most (though I prefer to call myself an "electric guitar builder"), my experience began in my youth, as a self-taught musician, following an unstoppable desire to modify, develop, and ultimately create stringed instruments, over the past thirty years. [...] > >In Barbanera's workshop, you'll never be dismissed with a "yes, I understand, leave it here and I'll let you know when it's ready." You'll always be treated like a musician, whether your instrument is a low-grade replica or a marvel of craftsmanship. [...] The key is understanding how to create an optimal instrument for each musician, and to do this, you need to know people, not impose patterns and habits on them. > >I'm convinced that a business like that of a luthier is built on a person. Even before products, accounting, or customers. [An] ability to meet the demands of the extremely diverse clientele that populates this small musical corner of our society, [...] including understanding the requests of musicians, regardless of their skill level."

Translation:
"Nothing to see here! Fender is fine! Now you go and buy Fender!"

The full model name of this fine 'bucker 'tail is 'Samick Signature Series Greg Bennett Design Interceptor IC-10'.

It was an effort by Samick to break away from its image as a purely OEM manufacturer. Designed by American luthier Greg Bennett, these guitars, while still affordable, were pricier than the usual Samick offerings at the time. If you manage to find one of these on the secondhand market in good condition, you can make quite a fantastic bargain.

 

Specs:

• pair of Duncan Designed 'buckers with chrome covers, individual volume controls for each pickup
• string-through-body hardtail bridge with block saddles
• contoured three-piece agathis body (some sources claim alder, the catalog claims agathis and mahogany, both at the same time)
• contoured neck heel
• bolt-on maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• satin neck finish
• rosewood fretboard
• 12" fretboard radius
• 24 jumbo frets
• offset dot inlays
• dual-action truss rod
• black graphite nut (1.62"/41.2mm)
• black-colored 3+3 headstock
• Grover A102C 14:1 ratio die-cast tuners
• in production: 2001 – 2011
• available finishes:
  • 'Metallic Red' (shown here)
  • 'Metallic Black'
  • 'Metallic Silver'
  • 'Cobalt Blue' *
  • 'Corvette Yellow' *
  • * some written literature mentions these two finishes. I've never seen them on an actual IC-10 Interceptor in real life. Usually, you'll find the Red, Black and Silver ones.
• price used:
  • $100–$150 USD
  • £75–£115 GBP
  • €90–€135 EUR
  • (depending on condition)
• made in Indonesia

 

Quote from the Samick Wiki: >"Officially introduced in 1995 [...] the Artist Series was the culmination of everything learned from working with engineers at Gibson, Tokai and Matsumoku. [...] In 2001, Samick introduced the Signature Series (Designed by Greg Bennett), which was most likely not intended to replace the Artist Series, but rather to be sold alongside it. This is likely the case because Samick revamped the Artist Series in 2002, with a new logo and new features (also, adding some Indonesian-made models). What most likely happened was Gibson putting pressure on Samick to stop using designs that were derivative of theirs."

 

Manufacturer's description: >"The Interceptor provides that aggressive attitude, while maintaining the visual and physical balance that makes the design work. Check out the deep-set neck pocket. It really makes the guitar feel tight and increases the punch, almost like a set neck guitar. This is really unusual in a bolt-on neck style guitar. The angled back headstock produces greater string bearing pressure at the nut. This improves string attack and sustain. > >The Interceptor [...] comes with a string through the body fixed bride on the IC10, which produces unexpected power and punch. The deep set neck pocket not only makes for better neck to body contact, but also improves the string pitch over the bridge."

 

Quote from the catalog: >"For almost 40 years, Samick has manufactured product for the leading brand names in the guitar business. In the process, we learned a great deal about not only what goes into a great guitar, but how to produce it at an affordable price. We also realized that the ability to produce quality product at an affordable price was only half the equation. There needed to be an all out effort to develop a powerful new identity for the product and our company. > >Designed by master luthier Greg Bennett and precision built by the master craftsmen at Samick, the Interceptor Series is Greg's most aggressive guitar design and built for speed demons and soloists who prefer the added range of a 24-fret neck and a deep cutaway for complete access to the entire neck, especially the upper frets."

 

About Samick: >"Established in 1958, SAMICK has over 50 years of experience manufacturing high quality musical instruments. The craftsmanship developed at SAMICK over the years has made us one of the largest and most knowledgeable producers of musical instriiments today. [...] Many craftsmen, players and designers, all with a great passion for their craft, have brought these instruments to life."

They call this one a 'Jazz-Caster' – a lovely Warmoth offset build with a roasted maple neck and Bare Knuckle pickups.

 

Specs:

• pair of Bare Knuckle Polymath 'buckers with black chrome covers & push-pull for coil-split
• Gotoh GTC202 single-piece tele-style hardtail bridge with block saddles
• 4-screw jack socket
• 'Transparent Brown Stain' finish
• 3-ply black/white/black perloid pickguard
• Warmoth 'Jazzcaster' offset ash body with comfort contours
• bolt-on roasted maple neck with scarf joint, steel inserts, no neck plate
• 25.5" scale length
• Warmoth 'Standard Thin' neck contour (0.800"/20mm – 0.850"/21.5 mm)
• satin neck finish
• roasted maple fretboard, no inlays
• 12" fretboard radius
• 22 stainless steel, Dunlop Accu-Fret 6100 jumbo frets
• dual-action truss rod
• Graph Tech black TUSQ nut
• Warmoth black 'Tiltback' 3+3 headstock
• Planet Waves Auto-Trim locking tuners
• price it sold for:
  • $1230 USD
  • (approx. £920 GBP)
  • (approx. €1060 EUR)
• made in USA

 

Quote from the classified ad: >"A full Warmoth build assembled by a very talented local amateur tech that we've known for a while. Featuring an ash body with HSH routing bolted to a Warmoth roasted maple neck (standard profile) with 6100 stainless steel frets. Loaded with Bareknuckle Polymath humbuckers. [...] Good overall condition, only used lightly since it was assembled. Sounds huge."

A very nice custom-order 'bucker 'tail by Japanese company Saito Guitars, with a bit of an 80's shredder look and feel.

 

Quote from the classified ad: (translated from Japanese) >"The solid "S Series" model, introduced in 2015, is impressive for its lean and simple design that pursues "functional beauty" and "playability. [...] The pickups are SAYTONE pickups, which are hand-wound and manufactured by SAITO Guitars. [...] > >They sound great for high-gain riffs, and the coil-tapped sound isn't thin either, making it very versatile for cutting and other techniques. [...] The neck and body are meticulously finished, making it very easy and stress-free to play. The neck isn't too thin and fits comfortably. The hardtail design makes it easy to switch to down tuning."

 

Specs:

• pair of hand-wound, direct-mount Saito 'Saytone' Bore Up (bridge) & Sledge (neck) 'buckers with brushed chrome covers & push-pull for coil-split
• Gotoh 510FX-6 hardtail bridge
• hand painted 'Royal Blue Granite' (RBG) satin poly top finish, natural clear back
• two-piece alder body (45mm)
• carved maple top
• contoured neck heel
• bolt-on hard rock maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• Saito 'Versatile Grip' moderate C neck contour (21.5mm – 24mm)
• rolled fretboard edges
• satin neck finish
• Indian rosewood fretboard
• 10-12" compound radius
• 22 nickel silver, Jescar FW57110 jumbo frets
• Luminlay 'Super Green' side dots (3mm)
• dual-action truss rod
• Graph Tech black TUSQ nut (41.5 mm)
• Gotoh SG381 MG-T locking tuners
• Saito original hardshell case & Certificate of Authenticity included
• Serial number: 221929
• in production: 2015 – present
• price MSRP when new:
  • ¥325,000–¥440,000 JPY
  • (approx. $2140–$2650 USD)
  • (approx. £1595–£2050 GBP)
  • (approx. €1830–€2370 EUR)
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• price used:
  • ¥198,000–¥226,500 JPY
  • (approx. $1290–$1450 USD)
  • (approx. £970–£1080 GBP)
  • (approx. 1100–€1240 EUR)
  • (depending on finish, features and condition)
• made in Japan — built in 2022

 

About Saito Guitars: >"Saito Guitars is located in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture. Saito Guitars started out as a guitar repair shop in Tokyo in 1991. The design philosophy is all about functional beauty: stripping away everything that doesn't contribute to function and playability, in order to serve modern players pursuing an increasingly diverse mix of genres and applications. Masaaki calls it 'Beautility'."

One of Fender's 'Limited Edition' FMT Telecasters. Pretty long lasting limited edition if you ask me...running for 20+ years and counting. Essentially, this is a Les Paul for 'bucker 'tail players.

 

Specs:

• pair of Seymour Duncan SH-PG1b Pearly Gates (bridge) & SH-1n '59 (neck) 'buckers with push-pull for coil-split
• 6-saddle string-through-body hardtail bridge with block saddles
• black nickel hardware
• set-neck construction
• carved mahogany body with comfort contours
• flame maple top with binding
• mahogany neck
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Modern C' neck contour
• gloss polyurethane neck finish
• fretboard:
  • rosewood with binding (2004 – 2016)
  • Indian laurel with binding (2019 – present)
• 15.75" fretboard radius
• 22 jumbo frets
• dual-action truss rod
• graphite nut (1.62"/41.3mm)
• matching color 6-in-line headstock
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• serial number: ICF24000095
• in production: 2004 – present
• model number: 026-2101-(xxx)
• available finishes:
  • 'Amber' (520 – shown here)
  • 'Atlantic Blue Metallic' (569)
  • 'Aztec Gold' (578)
  • 'Black Cherry Burst' (561)
  • 'Crimson Red Transparent' (538)
  • 'Ebony Transparent' (539)
  • 'Natural Spalted Maple'(521)
  • 'Transparent Blue' (562)
• price MSRP when new:
  • $899.99 USD
  • (approx. £670 GBP)
  • (approx. €775 EUR)
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• price used:
  • $450–$650 USD
  • £350–£500 GBP
  • €400–€600 EUR
  • (depending on condition)
• made in Korea (2004 – 2016), made in Indonesia (2019 – present) — built at the Cort factory

 

Manufacturer's description: >"An exquisite high-end Telecaster experience awaits the player who gets his hands on a Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH. [...] In a most unusual design element for a Telecaster—or any other Fender guitar, for that matter—the Custom Telecaster FMT HH features a glued-on set neck fashioned from resonant and darkly beautiful mahogany. > >A push/pull coil tap switch is built into the master tone control knob. A decidedly non-traditional Telecaster of peerlessly crafted style and powerful sonic substance."

Amidst the whole Fender body shape discussions, here's a distinct, Canadian-made body shape interpretation of... err... a rectangular strat? A mutated Explorer? Bo Diddley? Has anyone seen Reverend Billy F. Gibbons around here, lately...?

Either way, a very characterful, very refreshing short-scale 'bucker 'tail!

 

Specs:

• pair of Porter USA 'Anthem' PAF-style 'buckers with gold covers
• toploader hardtail bridge with block saddles
• nitrocellulose faded sunburst top finish, transparent brown back
• gold hardware
• three-piece Honduran mahogany body
• 'Old Growth' flame maple top with pearloid binding
• contoured neck heel
• bolt-on Honduran mahogany neck with brass inserts
• 24" short-scale scale length
• 'Standard 50s' neck contour
• satin neck finish
• Madagascar rosewood fretboard
• 19 nickel silver frets
• Graph Tech ivory TUSQ nut (1.68"/43mm)
• Martin-esque style 3+3 headstock
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• price used:
  • sold for $600 USD
  • (approx. £450 GBP)
  • (approx. €520 EUR)
  • (depending on condition)
• made in Canada — built in 2005

 

Quote from the classified ad: >"Heres an incredible guitar built by DJW guitars in Calgary. DJW primarily builds high end acoustic guitars but has built a few electric over the years. This is a really cool great playing guitar."

 

Quote from luthier/owner DJ Warkentin: >"I have been modifying guitars since I owned my first electric guitar at the age of 14. It first started with custom paint jobs and slowly evolved into modifying and then to finally building my own from scratch. I don’t just build guitars though, I also like to sculpt and repurpose things…like old radios and toasters."

A Telecaster from Momose. It is green ('GR'), it has a flame top ('FM') and what Momose calls 'Vertical Graduation' ('VGR'), a color fade ...took me a while to figure that one out.

 

Specs:

• pair of handwound Momose Beano 'buckers with chrome covers
• Gotoh GTC-101 hardtail bridge
• 'Green w/Vertical Graduation' (GR-VGR) top finish, natural clear back
• three-piece mahogany body
• flame maple top with binding
• bolt-on mahogany neck
• 25.5" scale length
• Madagascar rosewood fretboard with binding
• very rounded 8.25" fretboard radius
• 22 nickel-silver, Momose-exclusive Jescar 9662NS medium frets
• bone nut (42mm)
• traditional 'F-style' 6-in-line headstock
• Gotoh SD91-05M MG-T locking tuners
• Momose-branded gigbag included
• 2020 limited edition model
• price MSRP when new:
  • ¥231,000 JPY
  • (approx. $1450 USD)
  • (approx. £1085 GBP)
  • (approx. €1250 EUR)
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• made in Japan

 

Quote from the classified ad: (translated from Japanese) >"This Premium model is a truly one-of-a-kind special. This is a masterpiece made for the Shinshu Guitar Festival 2020, a special model using rare and top-quality woods not used in regular products. > >The flame maple top changes its appearance depending on the viewing angle. [...] It shows almost no signs of use, with only a few tiny marks that are barely noticeable. The neck condition is excellent, there is no fret wear, and the truss rod is in perfect working order."

 

About Momose Guitars: (translated) >"Momose Custom Craft Guitars is a traditional electric guitar/bass brand named after Yasuo Momose, the senior master builder at the Asuka factory in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. An experienced guitar maker with over 50 years of experience in building high-quality guitars, he founded his own acoustic guitar company in 1977. Yasuo Momose's philosophy and techniques for instrument making have been refined into this product, emphasizing traditional design while incorporating meticulous attention to detail throughout.
>
>Established in 2002, Momose Custom Craft Guitars is an electric guitar/bass brand that embodies the philosophy and techniques of instrument making cultivated by craftsman Yasuo Momose. While inheriting traditional guitar forms, Momose instruments incorporate unique attention to detail in specifications and design, and we are grateful that the number of customers who appreciate them has been increasing year by year, and we have received support from many people."

A Reverend from the early days - a hardtail model - when they were USA-made.

 

Quote from 'RevFan' site: >"Black Cats were listed in the Catalog briefly between 1997 to March of 1998 and appears to have represented the stripped down or entry level guitar in the Reverend line. By the time the Reverend Catalog was being distributed at NAMM in 1998 however, it no longer included the Black Cat. > >The archives show that 33 Black Cats were made in total, though four of these were made after they were deleted from the catalog (1 in 2002, 1 in 2004, and 2 in Feb of 2006) which were probably "special ordered" by someone in the know. [...] > >In the beginning, Reverend made the guitar bodies in house, but outsoruced necks and pickups. Early Reverend "Made in USA" necks came from a variety of sources, including All-Parts and Mighty Mite. Eventually, Reverend would have pickups made to their specifications overseas, but initially, the early pups were Kent Armstrong models. [...] > >During the USA era at Reverend, it was possible to send your guitar/bass back to the factory for upgrades and/or changes. When looking through the archives, we often see notes on these changes. [...] The first of the three noted/custom Black Cats is serial number 00103. This was sent back for "Bridge upgrade (string-thru)" on 12-6-02 and possibly acquired an armrest at that time as well. Because Reverend had so many different models and color options, there are a lot of "one-of" guitars and basses." [...]

Reverend Black Cat & Reverend Commando >"Not many people think about the Black Cat (BC) as being the first Commando, but it seems to be the first sign of its conception. It was the first Rev to have a Humbucker in the bridge (no coil tap) and a Single-coil in the neck. A single volume control, no tone knob (integrated into the volume) and a G-style 3-way pickup selector. Almost all of them have the MIU neck (1st version). You can see the similarities and how it evolved into a Commando. The neck PU being straight instead of slanted toward the treble side like the COM's."

 

Specs:

• pair of black Kent Armstrong M214 'bucker (bridge) & MP-112 standard singlecoil (neck) pickups, single volume control
• string-through-body hardtail bridge
• 'black phenolic Reflecto-Hyde' finish
• white single-ply 'early-style' pickguard (up-facing "stairs" at the bottom of the guitar)
• banjo-style armrest (added as a modification)
• hollowbody construction
• injection molded polymer rim with white vinyl stripe
• white mahogany center block
• laminated phenolic (wood and phenolic resin) top & back
• bolt-on maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• 'thick front to back' neck contour
• rosewood fretboard
• 12" fretboard radius
• 22 medium jumbo frets
• traditional one-way truss rod
• truss rod adjustment at body end of neck
• Reverend 6-in-line headstock
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• serial number: #00103
• in production: 1997 – 1998
• available finishes: see below
• price MSRP when new:
  • $598 USD
  • (approx. £450 GBP)
  • (approx. €520 EUR)
  • (depending on specs & finishes, excluding additional taxes)
• made in USA — built around 1998

 

Early Reverend finish options >"For Guitars, the top ten finishes that were produced are as follows: > >• Jet Black (566)
>• Sky Blue (268)
>• Aged White (244)
>• 57 Turquoise (218)
>• Bug Eye Black Chrome (201)
>• Moroccan Gold (157 - including 11 Hot Rod Flames, 9 Hawaiian Scenes)
>• Blood Red (132)
>• Aged Yellow (130)
>• Lava Swirl (105 - including 1 Hot Rod Flames)
>• FireBall Red (85) > >Despite all of the color options and choices, the most common Reverend USA model is the Black Rocco (two Humbuckers) with 288 models made. I consider this one "the base line" for valuing USA Reverends. Joe Naylor is without a doubt, the Willy Wonka of the guitar world and he cooked up some doozies during the USA era. Every once in a while a Reverend "one-of" appears on the market causing a stir in the collector community. Since there were several companies (Formica included) that had many different materials to choose from, there are lots of guitars that were experiments and thus, one-ofs."

One especially for the young(er) ones.

SQOE added their own unique spin to a variation on Fender's established, well-known 'Hello Kitty' theme. I could see kids loving these - cute design!

 

Specs:

• SQOE Alnico 'bucker, single volume control
• Wilkinson WOF01 string-through-body hardtail bridge
• contoured poplar body
• Canadian maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Medium C' neck contour
• 22 jumbo frets
• synthetic bone nut
• matching color headstock
• SQOE vintage-style tuners
• available finishes:
  • 'Sonic Blue' (shown here)
  • 'Olympic White'
  • 'Shell Pink'
• price MSRP when new:
  • $225 USD
  • £170 GBP
  • €195 EUR
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• made in Jakarta/Phillippines, Southeast Asia

 

About SQOE: >"SQOE Spain Since 1883. Taking the world by storm fueled by demand starting in Southeast Asia, SQOE instruments are now well known because of their affordable price, superb aesthetics and have a strong community base."

One of Peavey's fancier, more obscure 'bucker 'tails from the 1980's.

If anyone has access to a mid-1980's Peavey price list that includes original retail prices, please let me know. I'd love to know what these were going for when they were first introduced.

 

Specs:

• two Peavey 'Center Tapped Super Ferrite' bar-type 'buckers
• continuous coil-split via tone control for each pickup (Peavey single-coil/dual-coil circuitry)
• Peavey-branded die-cast 6-way adjustable hardtail bridge
• polyurethane finish
• die-cast tophat knobs with distinct 'P' logo
• solid maple body
• two-piece hard rock maple neck
• 24.75" scale length
• 'Thin C' neck contour (.746"-.817")
• 'Gloss Natural' neck finish
• 12" fretboard radius
• 23 nickel silver, medium frets
• stainless steel truss rod
• synthetic bone nut
• classic Peavey 6-in-line headstock
• 'Peavey Trulok'-branded Kluson-style vintage tuners
• serial number: 01820615
• in production: 1983-1987
• available finishes:
  • 'Silver' (shown here)
  • 'Black'
  • 'Frost Blue'
  • 'Inca Gold'
  • 'Sunfire Red'
  • 'White'
• price used:
  • $500–$750 USD
  • £390–£590 GBP
  • €450–€675 EUR
  • (depending on finish & condition)
• made in USA

 

Quote from the classified ad: >"1980's Peavey Mystic, Silver. Made in USA. Some fret wear. Plays & sounds nice. Has honest play wear. What a cool guitar."

 

Quote from Vintage Guitars Magazine: >"Just a handful of years after Peavey turned the world of electric guitar upside-down with its T-60 guitar, the company was feeling its oats. While the T series caught attention [being] CNC machinery produced, consistent, durable, instruments, they also weren’t overly appealing, given prevailing tastes of the era. > >Peavey retailers were asking for something to appeal to the MTV crowd – flashy instruments were a growing segment of the market. [...] Peavey launched two new models, described as “special rock ’n roll shaped guitars”, trying to broaden its appeal beyond the country-and-western base they’d been identified with. [...] > >Interestingly, the Mystic had aesthetic roots dating back to 1958, when a teenaged Hartley Peavey sketched an idea (on butcher paper) inspired by a “rocket-shaped guitar” he had seen on a Bo Diddley album cover. He kept the drawing, and the Mystic wound up looking a lot like that outline. [...] > >Brandon Stolte worked in Peavey’s drafting department from the fall of 1982 to the spring of ’86, and was involved in the development of the Mystic. Peavey veteran Mike Powers (1950-2013) was head of guitar development at the time; he and founder Hartley Peavey monitored the evolution of new designs. > >Quote by Stolte: “The Mystic was developed as a curvaceous counterpoint to the straight-edged Razer. Mike gave me a lot of leeway. [...] Hartley was always making suggestions about ‘massaging’ the shapes of guitar bodies, so maybe he was thinking of that old sketch when he guided me with the shaping of the Mystic.” [...] > >Hartley Peavey’s credo to offer dependable gear at reasonable prices carried over to the used/vintage guitar market, even if some of his company’s creations looked rather peculiar."

A high-end 'bucker 'tail from Finland.

Taisto offers unique wood choices (like arctic birch or spanish cedar), uses modern pickups/electronic systems and high-quality Schaller Hannes and Evertune bridges.

 

Specs – V25 standard features:

• neck-through-body construction
• contoured doublecut body with arched top
• pair of Schaller security lock strap pins
• deeply contoured neck heel
• neck contour: various options available
• carbon fiber rods reinforcement
• neck thickness at 1F is 20.5 mm, thickness can be customized in 0.5mm steps.
• neck width at 0F is 42.5 mm, width can be slightly customized wider or narrower.
• ​24 stainless steel frets
• 2-way adjustable truss rod
• Graph Tech TUSQ nut
• PRS-style 3+3 headstock
• Graph Tech locking tuners
• 7-string, 8-string, baritone & lefthand options available
• in production: 2017 – present
• price MSRP when new:
  • starting at €4195 EUR
  • (approx. £3659 GBP)
  • (approx. $4875 USD)
  • (depending on specs & finishes, excluding additional taxes)
• made in Europe — built in Finland

 

Specs – options shown here:

• pair of direct-mount Bare Knuckle 'buckers with black covers
• Schaller Hannes hardtail bridge
• 'Redsky' transparent red burst finish
• chrome hardware
• contoured mahogany body
• arctic birch top
• Taisto signature 'HOOCUT cutaway' contoured neck heel
• 25" PRS-style scale length
• rosewood fretboard
• offset dot inlays with logo inlay at the 24th fret
• matching color headstock

 

Available options:

• choice of pickups:
  • Bare Knuckle
  • DiMarzio
  • EMG
  • Fishman
  • Lindy Fralin
  • Lundgren
  • Seymour Duncan
• choice of electronics:
  • Sustainiac Stealth Pro sustainer system
  • Graph Tech Ghost piezo system
  • split coil functions
  • serial/parallel pickup configurations
  • ​volume, tone and toggle or 3-5 way slide type switch
  • custom-made TAISTO 2-band/3-band EQ for more efective tone control
  • "all main pickup layout configurations supported. Many passive or active pickup brands and postion layouts can be used."
• choice of hardware color:
  • chrome
  • black
  • gold
• choice of body & neck wood:
  • mahogany
  • maple
  • spanish cedar
  • "many cutaway choices and body shape features available. CLASCUT, HOOCUT and SHRECUT cutaway selections available."
• choice of top wood:
  • arctic birch
  • flame maple
  • other custom options
• choice of scale length:
  • 25" 6-string
  • 25" 7-string
  • 27" 6-string baritone
  • 27" 7-string baritone
  • 27" 8-string
• choice of fretboard wood:
  • arctic birch
  • ebony
  • maple
  • other custom options available
  • inlays: various dot patterns and custom made inlays
  • fretsize: choice of jumbo or medium frets
• available finishes:
  • 'Blacksky'
  • 'Desire White'
  • 'Northstar Silver'
  • 'Redsky'
  • 'Remedy Black'
  • 'Skyfire Burst'
  • 'Viride Gold'
  • various other custom colors

 

Manufacturer's description: >"Discover the V25 series guitars, where modern classic meets exceptional craftsmanship. With a 25" scale, arched top, and integrated neck structure, these guitars offer unparalleled playability. from a variety of bridge and finish options, along with unique cutaway styles like CLASCUT, HOOCUT, and SHRECUT, ensuring your instrument reflects your personality. Guitars are avalable as 6-, 7- and 8-string version and baritone scale. Whether you're a right or left-handed player, the V25 series allows you to customize your dream guitar and embark on your musical journey!"

 

About the V25 Redsky: >"V25-HS RedSky custom guitar with red finish and Bare Knuckle pickups and Hannes bridge made by Taisto Guitars. A wide range of customizations is available, ranging from neck thickness, frets, colors and finish, to wood selection, inlays, pickups, control layout, body spape options and electronics. > >The V25-HS Redsky features a striking black-red transparent finish with an arctic birch top. It includes a smooth Hannes hardtail bridge and high-quality Bare Knuckle pickups for top performance. The HOOCUT cutaway builds the look and allows easy access to the upper frets. Guitar is available with many bridge choices and body customized shapes."

Introduced at the 2005 NAMM Show, the Godin Detour shares a lot of features with Godin's 'Redline' series of 'bucker 'tail guitars.

It could be considered aprecursor to the later Redline and shared many similarities with it. Body construction, neck woods, scale length, pickups, and hardware are identical. As far as I know, Godin only offered this model in three different finishes, which kept production costs and the retail price down.

The Detour didn't have a flamed maple top like the Redline, it had a more traditional fretboard profile, and a 6-in-line headstock instead of the Redline's 3+3 headstock. Those are essentially the differences, as far as I can tell. If you can find a used one, it is one of these perfect first guitars for beginning players.

 

Upgrades & Modifications:

• The body seen here has been modded. The original finish was sanded off and apparently treated with a walnut-colored stain of some description. I've definitely never seen such a color on a stock model Detour before. This one here was transformed into a true one-of-a-kind model by its original owner.
• The hardtail bridge appears to have been changed to a Gotoh-style one (stock: Godin Ibby-style string-through-body hardtail bridge with block saddles).

 

Specs:

• pair of uncovered Godin-branded GHB1 (bridge) & GHN1 (neck) 'buckers
• black hardware
• three-piece body with silver leaf maple centre & poplar body wings
• contoured neck heel
• bolt-on hard rock maple neck
• 24.75" scale length
• 'Modern D' neck contour
• semi gloss neck finish
• rosewood fretboard
• 12" fretboard radius
• 22 nickel silver, medium jumbo frets
• dual-action truss rod
• Graph Tech ivory TUSQ nut (1.68"/43mm)
• Godin 6-in-line headstock
• Godin-branded die-cast tuners
• Godin deluxe gigbag included
• in production: 2005 – 2008
• available finishes:
  • 'Red HG' high gloss
  • 'Black Pearl HG' high gloss
  • 'Silver SG' semi gloss
• price MSRP when new:
  • $445 USD (Red HG, Black Pearl HG) / $415 USD (Silver SG)
  • (approx. £335 GBP (HG) / £310 GBP (SG)
  • (approx. €380 EUR (HG) / €355 EUR (SG)
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• price used:
  • $150–$275 USD
  • £100–£220 GBP
  • €120–€250 EUR
  • (depending on condition, stock model, without modifications)
• made in Canada

 

Manufacturer's description: >"Montreal, Canada (January 25th, 2005) -- The Detour adds another double cutaway solid-body to Godin's growing roster of Performance Series guitars. [...] > >The short-scale (24 3/4"), rock maple, neck provides easy string bending, [...] further assured by the super-tight neck pocket, which is masked prior to finishing to make sure that there is no paint or finish residue left to impede a perfect wood-on-wood connection. Strings pass through a brass plate in the back of the guitar and the body for maximum sustain. [...] The neck and body of the Detour are crafted in La Patrie, Quebec and assembled at Godin USA in Berlin, New Hampshire."

 

Quote from the 2005 catalog: >"The Detour has a compact feel similar to the SD, but in an aggressive double cutaway body style with two Godin humbuckers and a three-way switch. This guitar is a rock machine."

I was previously unaware of Altero Custom Guitars – a Japanese brand of custom guitars, sometimes also sold under the label "Kanade Sound Design".

The naming is still somewhat confusing to me, and it is probably a kind of "naming agreement between guitar manufacturer and distributor", similar to what Momose/Bacchus and Deviser are doing.

At this point I can't tell you much more about it, other than it's an in-house customizable 'bucker 'tail. The Kanade guys did a fantastic job with their specs sheet, so I will rather let that one speak for itself instead.

 

Manufacturer's description: (translated from Japanese) >The Amico series, the brand's first original shape model, is a new direction for Kanade SOUND DESIGN, emphasizing a compact, cute look and a pop aesthetic, based on the theme of "a musical companion that you'll want to pick up and strum easily. [...] > >● By using a "shop order" system, we can produce guitars in a wider range of custom colors.
● We have also added the much-requested "maple fretboard (laminated maple)" as an option.
● The pickups are domestically produced, hand-wired "Kariya-Pickups." Various combinations can be ordered depending on the model.
● The ultra-thin polyurethane coating provides exceptional resonance and high durability. It doesn't require the same care as a lacquer finish.
● The neck grip has a polyurethane satin finish that feels good to the touch.
● The side position lights use "Luminray" phosphorescent material, which offers excellent practicality and visibility, making them effective for use during stage blackouts.
● At the time of shipment, the guitar comes standard with American-made SIT STRINGS S1046 (10-46) strings, which boast exceptional tuning stability.
● The bridges are the "BS-TC1" and "GTC-102," which feature GOTOH's unique "In-Tune" saddle to address the pitch inaccuracies that have plagued users.
● The special oil nut and fretwork are finished with high-level techniques cultivated through numerous repairs and crafting projects.
● The headstock shape is an original design created specifically for non-tremolo systems, taking into consideration factors such as tension and resonance.
● Its unique, original shape, being slightly smaller than a Telecaster and featuring a larger radius on the body edge, gives it an overall soft and warm design. It also fits the body perfectly when held, and is easy to handle while playing. ● Custom orders are available through our shop. You can choose from a wide range of solid and metallic colors. Some colors are available for an additional charge. For open-pore painted bodies, you can choose from the following finishes: non-buff (semi-gloss), half-matt, or matte. (Half-matt is the standard finish.) ● You can also choose to have the popular KarDiaN character module "Iodoform" pre-installed as an option."
● [Editor's Note: That 'character module' mentioned is a built-in, active 2-band EQ/preamp with additional gain- and level controls, powered by a standard, replaceable 9V battery. Essentially a preset-switchable booster inside the guitar itself.]

 

**Specs – Amico standard features:

• Gotoh hardware
• Japanese Kariya pickups
• singlecut-shaped body with comfort contours
• thin poly urethane body finish
• contoured neck heel
• bolt-on maple neck with steel inserts
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Modern C' neck contour (.800" – .880") / (0.800"/20mm – 0.880"/22.3 mm)
• vintage tint satin polyurethane neck finish
• 12" fretboard radius
• 22 stainless steel medium frets
• Luminlay 'Super Green' side dots (3mm)
• dual-action truss rod
• oiled bone nut (1.65"/42mm)
• tele-style 6-in-line headstock
• Gotoh SD91 Kluson-style, 15:1 ratio vintage tuners
• original gigbag included
• in production: 2022 – present
• price MSRP when new:
  • somewhere around ¥248,000 JPY
  • (approx. $1550 USD)
  • (approx. £1175 GBP)
  • (approx. €1350 EUR)
  • (depending on specs & finishes, excluding additional taxes)
• made in Japan

 

Specs – options shown here:

• Gotoh GTC102 hardtail bridge with block saddles (HTB model)
• Kariya PAF-style 'bucker with chrome cover (bridge) & classic telecaster-style singlecoil (neck)
• 'Matt Black' finish
• 3-ply black/white/black pickguard
• alder body
• rosewood fretboard

 

Available options:

• choice of pickups:
  • (HTB Model)
  • Kariya standard HH 'bucker set
  • Kariya HS set with telecaster singlecoil in the neck position
  • HSS or HSH configurations
  • three singlecoils, strat-style
  • various P90 options in either bridge, middle or neck positions
  • (TLB Model)
  • telecaster-style with classic tele pickups
  • telecaster-style SH configuration with either a 'bucker or a P90 in the neck position.
  • probably other fancy configurations I'm not yet aware of.
• choice of hardware:
  • (HTB) Gotoh GTC102 hardtail bridge with block saddles
  • (TLB) Gotoh 'In Tune' BS-TC1 three-saddle tele-style bridge with compensated brass saddles
• choice of body wood:
  • alder
  • light ash
  • mahogany
  • various other materials
• choice of fretboard wood:
  • Indian rosewood
  • maple
• choice of pickguard:
  • 4-ply tortoiseshell
  • 3-ply black
  • 3-ply white
  • 3-ply parchment
  • 3-ply mint
  • 3-ply white pearl
  • 3-ply vintage pearl
  • single-ply white
  • single-ply black
• available finishes:
  • '3-Tone Sunburst'
  • 'Blood Orange'
  • 'Indigo Dye'
  • 'Matt Black'
  • 'Natural'
  • 'Ocean Turquoise Metallic'
  • 'Sakura White'
  • 'Sonic Blue'
  • 'White Blonde'
  • 'Blood Orange'
  • their gallery lists about 30 guitars in various other colors. Unfortunately they didn't bother to actually name them, and I don't just want to do guesswork, else I would've listed them here too.

 

About Altero Custom Guitars / Kanade Sound Design: (translated from Japanese) >"<Kanade SOUND DESIGN> is a brand produced by Altero Custom Guitars. It is a brand that uses carefully selected high-grade materials, and is equipped with domestically produced hardware and Kariya-Pickups as standard. Despite this commitment to quality, it is an attractive brand with an affordable price that rivals mass-produced instruments. > >Based in Shiga Prefecture, Altero Custom Guitars is a workshop that fulfills all guitar-related requests, including guitar making, repair, and customization. With skills honed through the countless experiences of builders Mr. Yasuda and Mr. Kurata, they are active in a wide range of fields. [...] The flagship brand "Altero Custom Guitars" primarily focuses on creating one-off, custom-ordered instruments. [...] > >In November 2021, I visited Altero Custom Guitars in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture for the first time as part of my workshop visit report. I toured the chic and tranquil shop, including their secret wood seasoning stockroom, and checked on the customer selection orders they are currently making. > >Our store started carrying Kanade SOUND DESIGN products in 2017. I still vividly remember when Mr. Yasuda, the representative of Altero Custom Guitars, and Mr. Kurata, the builder, visited our store and personally delivered Kanade SOUND DESIGN's guitars to us." [...]

Sound the bargain basement alarm again...

Similar to Xaviere, Slick Guitars is a budget brand distributed exclusively by GFS/Guitarfetish. The man who gives Slick Guitars its name is, of course, none other than ex-David Bowie guitarist, the legendary sideman Earl Slick.

The WT410 TE is part of the new 'World Tour Series', offering a range of strat- and tele-shapes, all featuring a cut-tele-style string-through-body hardtail bridge as the common denominator.

As I suspected with Xaviere, the new Slicks were definitely assembled to some degree from Guitarfetish's own parts. Tuners and pickups for certain, maybe even extending to the actual wood parts. As always, the GFS pickups used here are particularly nice and noteworthy.

 

Specs:

• pair of GFS direct-mount KPH209 Alnico 8 'bucker with push-pull for coil-split (bridge, 14kΩ) & GFS KPT19 Alnico 5 Overwound telecaster singlecoil (neck, 9kΩ)
• three-saddle cut-tele hardtail bridge with compensated stainless steel saddles
• 3-ply white/black/white pickguard
• contoured pauwlonia body (35mm)
• laminate spruce top and back (5mm each)
• bolt-on Canadian hard rock maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• 'Beefy C' neck contour (.750" – 1.05")
• satin neck finish
• Indian rosewood fretboard
• classic 9.5" fretboard radius
• 22 stainless steel, jumbo frets
• rounded fret edge treatment
• dual-action truss rod
• spoke wheel truss adjustment
• graphite nut (1 21/32")
• GFS XGP locking tuners with vintage buttons
• in production: 2026
• available finishes:
  • 'Vintage Cream' (shown here)
  • 'Burgundy Mist'
  • 'Gloss Black'
  • 'Lake Placid Blue'
  • 'Sonic Blue'
• price MSRP when new:
  • $359 USD
  • (approx. £270 GBP)
  • (approx. €310 EUR)
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• made in China

 

Manufacturer's description: >"The Ultimate Guitar to take on a World Tour - The Slick World Tour Series. [...] > >A super lightweight guitar (average under 6 lbs!) with excellent structural rigidity. Strap buttons are screwed directly into solid maple dowels, so we never compromise strength! > >We use super high quality XGP brand LOCKING tuners with vintage buttons. [...] The pickups are what makes this guitar compete with models listing for 3 or 4 times the price - Our famed "POWER 8" Bridge pickup and an overwound vintage style GFS neck pickup wound to a stout 9K. The tone control pulls up to turn the bridge humbucker into a single coil. [...] > >22 Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets with perfect rounded ends adorn the fingerboard. Our heel located truss rod wheel makes for effortless neck adjustments."

 

About Slick Guitars: >"Designed by legendary guitarist Earl Slick… Slick Guitars represents an entirely new approach to building roadworthy, great sounding instruments. They look roadworn because we don’t lay on a thick glossy finish [...] we use a thin layer of automotive paint, sand it back to reveal the wood."

An extended range Aristides 'bucker 'tail with their signature 'Raw' finish in a Dark Teal color, spotted sold on Reverb.

 

Specs:

• pair of direct-mount Seymour Duncan Pegasus (bridge) & Sentient (neck) modern medium-output 'buckers with coil-split
• Hipshot hardtail bridge
• 'Dark Teal Raw' finish
• black hardware
• pair of Schaller security lock strap pins
• one-piece 'Arium' glass fiber/carbon composite material body and neck
• contoured neck heel
• 'Comfortable C' neck contour (.750"/19mm – .790"/20mm)
• light Richlite fretboard
• 26.5" scale length
• 12"-16" compound radius
• 24 stainless steel, Jescar FW57110 frets
• dot inlays, model logo at the 12th fret
• luminlay side dots
• dual-action truss rod
• Graph Tech black TUSQ nut (1.89"/48mm)
• Aristides inline headstock with custom logo plate
• Hipshot Grip-Lock open gear locking tuners
• Quantum Industries soft case, Aristides-branded wallet w/COA card, Aristides-branded strap w/locks & truss rod adjustment tool included
• in production: November 2013 – present
• price MSRP when new:
  • starts at €2545 EUR
  • (approx. £2220 GBP)
  • (approx. $2900 USD)
  • (depending on specs & finishes, excluding additional taxes)
• price used:
  • €1900–€2200 EUR
  • £1650–£2000 GBP
  • $2100–$2650 USD
  • (depending on finish, features and condition)
• made in Europe — built in the Netherlands

 

Manufacturer's description: >"The Aristides Standard Series are [...] both fueled by advanced design innovations & crafted with the intense attention to detail of traditional guitar building. A huge variety of pickup, hardware, & finish options tailor the instrument to your exact preferences & playing style. Its comfortable neck, amazing upper fret access, & elegant body carves quickly made it a favorite among discerning guitarists [...] The Aristides Standard Series is [...] the best value way to experience the benefits only available from one-piece Arium construction.
> >The 070 offers a balanced 7-string experience equally suited to clean, rhythm, & lead styles. You will note an increase in tuning stability & pick attack that makes playing this 7 string a breeze. [...] 070 provides a consistent platform on which to form a unique playing style with that little bit of extended range."

 

About Aristides >Aristides Guitars is a small, innovative, and state-of-the-art custom shop brand based and manufactured in the Netherlands. The body and neck are made from a one-piece fiberglass-carbon composite material that Aristides calls 'Arium'.

An affordable Ibanez S-Series 'bucker 'tail with a very nice poplar burl top. These are very lightweight (about 5.5lbs / 2.5kg, give or take) and very comfy to play.

 

Specs:

• set of Ibanez Quantum ceramic HSH pickups with chrome pickup rings & coil-split
• Ibanez F106 hardtail bridge
• cosmo black hardware
• three-piece mahogany body
• poplar burl top with black binding
• contoured 'AANJ' neck heel
• one-piece bolt-on maple neck
• 25.5" scale length
• Wizard III neck contour
• satin neck finish
• rosewood fretboard with binding
• 15.75" fretboard radius
• 24 jumbo frets
• offset dot inlays
• dual-action truss rod
• RG-style 6-in-line headstock with binding
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• serial number: I141108165
• in production: 2014 – 2017
• available finishes:
  • 'Natural Flat' (NTF – shown here)
  • 'Transparent Gray Flat' (TGF)
• price MSRP when new:
  • ¥90,000 JPY
  • $933 USD
  • €559 EUR
  • (excluding additional taxes)
• price used:
  • $350–$550 USD
  • £275–£430 GBP
  • €300–€500 EUR
  • (depending on condition)
• made in Indonesia — built at the Cort factory

 

Manufacturer's description: >"The cutting edge of Ibanez design, the S series continues to be a marvel of form and function. Its signature body shape - sculpted, lightweight, and mahogany - is stronger and more musically responsive than guitars weighing twice as much. The S series is still a rock ‘n’ roll version of a quick, graceful, and potentially lethal weapon. [...] > >The S771PB offers you a smooth and fast action that's perfect for modern rock and metal. Its fixed bridge not only provides epic sustain, your intonation and tuning stability are rock solid. [...] One of Ibanez's fastest necks to date, the 3-piece maple Wizard III neck is an absolute pleasure to play. This slim and super-comfortable neck lets you pull off lighting-fast runs and arpeggios with ease. [...] From the first time you put your hands on the S771PB Wizard III neck, you'll know you've got a guitar that was built with performance in mind."

A partscaster built around a G&L Tribute Fallout body, paired with a bolt-on Warmoth baritone conversion neck. Certainly a combination of parts I haven't encountered often so far. Highly attractive.

 

Quote from the classified ad: >"I bought this a few years back and had a Warmoth baritone-scale neck professionally installed. The body and electronics are all stock and everything feels, looks, and sounds spectacular. [...] The tuners are from the original neck, and no bridge adjustments were necessary in order to achieve proper intonation. > >Both the body and the neck are in great shape—no dings or scratches. I will be including the original neck as well in case you ever want to convert it back to stock. I will also include a strap and strap locks as I replaced the original strap buttons ages ago."

 

Specs:

• pair of Paul Gagon-designed G&L Alnico pickups; G&L AW4470B 'bucker with push-pull for coil-split (bridge) & G&L AP4285B P-90 with black cover (neck)
• G&L Saddle Lock hardtail bridge
• 'Gloss Black' finish
• 4-ply white/black/white/red tortoiseshell pickguard
• G&L Tribute Fallout poplar body
• Warmoth roasted maple baritone conversion neck
• 28-5/8" baritone scale length
• undercut heel design with slight fretboard overhang
• Warmoth 'Standard Thin' neck contour (.800" – .850")
• satin neck finish
• 24 medium frets
• unbranded die-cast tuners
• price sold:
  • $600 USD
  • (approx. £470 GBP)
  • (approx. €530 EUR)
• neck made in USA, body made by Cort in Indonesia