u/one-armed-scissor

https://reverb.com/item/91087178-esp-m-2-hammett-1993-kirk-hammett-first-kh-2-metallica-signature-custom-shop-m-ii-mii-m2-kh2-guitar

No, I am not buying it at that price but the pickups have got me curious. I assume these are passives, but what model are they exactly?

Is there a point in getting it when Virtuoso exists?

American made Gibson SG Standard is $1800. Les Paul Studio Modern is the same price. Regular studio is $1600. American Pro Fenders fall within the same price range.

In comparison, PRS S2, which is the lowest tier of the US made PRS guitars us around $2500. Same with the US made Jacksons. Korean LTDs and Schecters are around $1500-1700, which is about the same price as Les Paul Studio and Am Pro Fender. Then you have E-II which is Japan factory (not custom) made guitars that cost over $3000. Hell, MIJ Jacksons are $2000-2500.

I am not talking about custom shop guitars or classic reissues which are in a different price range. I am talking about regular guitars made for professtional musicians. Take a look at the Les Paul Standards and Customs: they all are 60s, 50s reissues, special editions, signatures etc. They are collectible items first and foremost. You can't blame them for being expensive. Gibson's and Fender's workhorse guitar offerings, which are LP Studio and Am Pro Strats and Teles are not much more expensive than Korean guitars and in many cases are cheaper than MIJ guitars.

I am not saying that $1800 is cheap. It's a lot of money. But comparatively, many professional guitars cost as much while not even being made in the USA.

It's not 80s but guitars with floyd are still very popular. But Floyd Rose itself hasn't changed since the 80s. It still has the same problems: restringing takes too much time and blocking the trem requires third party solutions. I mean, there's Kahler, but I am asking about the Floyd Rose specifically. What the hell are they doing for the last 40 years?

It's not like those pickup companies which chase that imperfect vintage 50s sound. Nobody is going to miss old FR if there's a new and improved FR.

Using DK24 as an example.

Pro Mod:

Mexican made, alder body, gotoh trem, $1200

Pro Mod Plus:

Indonesian made, basswood body, wilkinson trem, $1350

Am I missing something? Regulat pro mod looks better value all around