Leaderboard

O.K, my midlife crisis guitar. Maybe not as mint as the MCChris Chaparral (http://www.hamerfanc...al-has-arrived/) but it is my midlife and my crisis (and we all get our own if we are lucky), so there. A few months ago, I found myself wanting a Floyd. Don't know why. I got out all the old "Floyd" heavy CDs. Found myself googling lessons for how to do the Dimebag squeals. But I never learned to play with a floyd (full disclosure, I can barely play a guitar of any sort – but I enjoy it). I actually have a vintage Valley Arts with a fully floating Floyd, HSS EMG actives, the whole nine yards if you will - from an objective point of view, an awesome guitar. But, I never liked it. In fact, I decided I hated Floyds while fooling with that guitar. I have that VA out to a friend on long term loan. I also have an amazing Carvin DC400W with blocks, ebony, Holdsworth headstock - and a Wilkinson. So, I set up the Wilkinson to float. But somehow, it just wasn't cutting it from the tremolo point of view. What I decided I "needed" was a set neck, mahogany body, Floyd, with crowns, blocks, or maybe boomers. Ebony fretboard a bonus. Top candidates would be a Floyded Special or similar, a Chaparral, or an SSI. Somehow the SSII just doesn't work for me. Also, I had a specific color in mind so a project grade guitar would be good. Anyway, I was mulling over options, thinking about project approaches, and this one popped up. There is some “ugly”. But, I got crowns, ebony, and original pickups. There is some “damage” from the midi route. One thing that did change is my "color in mind" when I took the trem cavity cover off I saw the original "blue" of that guitar. I don't know what that color is, but it is awesome. If this guitar stays with me through a refinish, I'll be trying to match that original blue. Any tips on how to match that blue are appreciated. One downside is the neck. It has a smallish neck. In the last few years, I have really gotten a preference for a bigger neck. So, whether or not I can handle the neck is sort of the make or break deal. But, here is the plan. I cleaned it up a bit. I had the frets dressed. Then, if the neck and I can coexist, it'll be a keeper. Based on some limited playing, the tone is AMAZING. This guitar rocks – hmm and much more. The switching seems to be bridge, bridge+middle, neck, + a coil tap on the bridge. The tone is amazing. I have to work with it a bit, but at this point, wow! The bridge is not “F” spaced but it sounds great. The bridge PU is a Hamer. The pickups all appear to be original (pretty sure they are). The input jack may not be original, but all other electronics appear original. I haven’t really gotten any skills with the Floyd, but it is fully functional. The guitar is cleaned and working well. If I decide it is a keeper, I'll have to sell something - probably the Carvin which will be hard as I really like it. If it is a keeper, I’ll need some help on that blue for a refinish. If I can't handle the neck, I'll be selling it. But anyway. Pics If I get a chance with some sunlight, I'll try to get some "glamour" pics.

Brilliant assessment! I think in the Ghett-o they call that a grille. Anyone remember Flava Flav?

And yet, not bad enough to make me long to hear any more of either Henry Kaiser or Derek Bailey from last weeks post.

Remember this guy? Reviving a classic HFC moment, just because.

Congrats. The SS1's are killer guitars, and one of the best options out there for a short scale Floyd Rose guitar. The "F" spaced bridge thing is more a sale trick from the pick up makers to sell more product than anything that really affects the tone. Most of my fave records with Floyd Rose guitars on them were recorded before these were "invented". And I really never heard a difference on my own guitars.

You know what's cool about that guitar? Everything. Congrats - looks like a lot of fun.

I'm now a maybe. Trying to nail down travel & hotel arrangements. bubs_42 has kindly reached out to offer up guidance and even assistance. Just wanted to publicly state the very kind gesture is greatly appreciated. Thanks, bubs !

I always wondered what a penis that plays guitar looked and sounded like... now I know.

Kinda reminds me of this...

lol - Steve Fucking Vai can make any face he wants.

At least he wasn't worried about what his belt buckle was doing to the back of his guitar