Travis

I’ve got a Budda SD18. Not a “clone” but still within the lower watt parameters yet loud enough to do most anything I would need in or out of the house. And it sounds great! If I ever need something louder, my SD30 would be more than capable.

I like the musical arrangement. You can tell that Dave and crew are better musicians/players. It’s ridiculously tight. The solos did a good job of capturing the melody of the originals but weren’t note for note copies. However, there’s something about the rawness of the original. The analog recording and production of the original gives it a more organic and natural feel. A visceral gut punch where the new one is ultra polished and almost sterile. And I just don’t think Dave’s vocals fit for the song. But, I’m willing to accept that may be because I’m so used to James’s vocals for the track, back when he was still angry. Overall, I liked it. But it was going to be near impossible to beat the original. If anything, it made me wish the original version had Dave, Teemu, and Dirk paired up with James and Cliff…

The Severn is on my radar if I ever decide to go “strat” style again. So may different options available, including a headless version that looks REALLY cool to me. Which I found interesting because I’ve never been fond of the headless designs in the past… 🤷🏻‍♂️

Yeah, I’ve played a few PRS over the years and I just never bonded with them. My Hamers always felt better. Granted, I haven’t played any private stock or the newer 594’s, just the run of the mill customs and CE’s, etc… I’m also a fan of smaller builders that don’t have the widespread name recognition of the likes of PRS/Fender/Gibson. Everybody knows those brands, even if they don’t know guitars. But players who know, know….

Technically, the NGD was yesterday. However, it’s cold in Chicagoland in January. So, I waited the obligatory 18-24 hours after delivery to slowly bring it up to temp. 2026 Knaggs Kenai spec’d out by me. Build/completion date 1/9/26 so I got it exactly a week after it was done. 1-piece solid mahogany body, 1-piece unbound mahogany neck (cuz I prefer an unbound neck), tier-1 maple top in Blue green burst. 24.75” scale, Indian rosewood fretboard with Morning Star inlays, ebony headstock overlay, Bare Knuckle Mules and the Knaggs Influence bridge. So far I’ve only been able to plug it in to the Spark with headphones for 5 minutes to make sure all the electronics work (darn sleeping baby…) First impression is that the pickups are warm and articulate, very clear. “Bell-like” is an accurate description. Sustains like crazy… The neck is a little smaller than I expected. They say it’s a V into C carve. I would personally describe it as a chunky-medium asymmetrical C. If there’s a V to it then it’s the softest V I’ve ever felt. Flatter on the bass side of the neck and rounder on the treble side. Very, very comfortable. Can’t wait to plug it in to a real amp and get some time pushing air…

Caught most of that this morning. Have a few minutes left to finish. Nonissues with what Gene said. Seemed to keep it matter of fact. I don’t have anything against Prof of Rock. I dig some of his stuff. Some of it I skip.

Well, I just got one of these for Christmas. And since it has a “plexi” channel, I’ll be giving it a go before I spend the big money on a “real” plexi… FYI, I have the best wife ever…

P90’s are awesome. Who’s been ignoring them? Their loss…

I’d say that’s a good price. Mid 90’s medium C neck carve? I’m not far from Bloomingdale if anyone needs some help with it. Or if you want it x-rayed to prove it’s solid. Or if you just want to let me play it for a week or two before sending it along to you… 😉

And, it’s got the correct headstock!

Those are fantastic guitars and a great price. GLWTS!

Do tell…

But, the flamed maple is where it’s at…

Let me know when you’re ready to unload that Mirage. 😢

Whatever you call it, it’s gorgeous. Congrats!

It was a light year for me in terms of acquisitions. Only one guitar in: Les Paul Standard 50’s. Had Josh @JGravelinwind a killer bridge pickup for it. Only other thing I picked up was an EQ pedal for my big board. I’ve got something else in the works, but it won’t be here until Jan/Feb. I’ll post that one when it arrives…. 😉

Congrats on joining the club! Jazzburst is one of my all time favorite finishes. And that top is beautiful with the nice, tight flame.

No new Hamers for me this year. Actually, last Hamer purchase was 11/12/22… I’ll have to wait for the non-Hamer thread to post my 2025 acquisition and I’ve got something coming for early 2026…

Uh…. Isn’t that an Artist Custom…? 😉

Kelly…?

I was just getting ready to ask if the route under the pickguard would accept a HB. You saved me as well.

I get that. And for resale value, I agree with you. As for the time you have it, Burger King that shit. Have it your way…