Calling all guitar geeks! Who makes a guitar like this?

[Soup Kitchen Studios]

Here is my predicament. I'm in three pretty different bands. One is an original modern indie rock band, another is a classic rock/top 40 cover band, and the third is an up and coming original female pop act (ala Kelly Clarkson).

I have a bunch of different guitars that I use for recording... RGs, a les paul copy, strat, ect.. I've been playing the les paul copy and the strat out for the last 6 months, but between the three bands, I have gigs 3-6 times a week and the guitars are taking a beating! I'd really like them to remain primarily recording guitars.

So... I am looking for my dream versitile performance guitar.
Strat Body
H-S-S Pickups
Wilkenson style tremelo
Locking tuners
12' Radius w/Wizard esqe neck and large frets
No pointy headstocks. Oversized Fender headstock perfered
Modern minimalist design. No quilt/flame tops. Raw wood is cool.

Does this guitar exist? Oh yeah, and for under $800 (can be used).

[fettouhi]

Originally Posted by Soup Kitchen Studios

Here is my predicament. I'm in three pretty different bands. One is an original modern indie rock band, another is a classic rock/top 40 cover band, and the third is an up and coming original female pop act (ala Kelly Clarkson).

I have a bunch of different guitars that I use for recording... RGs, a les paul copy, strat, ect.. I've been playing the les paul copy and the strat out for the last 6 months, but between the three bands, I have gigs 3-6 times a week and the guitars are taking a beating! I'd really like them to remain primarily recording guitars.

So... I am looking for my dream versitile performance guitar.
Strat Body
H-S-S Pickups
Wilkenson style tremelo
Locking tuners
12' Radius w/Wizard esqe neck and large frets
No pointy headstocks. Oversized Fender headstock perfered
Modern minimalist design. No quilt/flame tops. Raw wood is cool.

Does this guitar exist? Oh yeah, and for under $800 (can be used).

Try to take a look at Carvin .

Regards

André

[BeastofLove]

Take a look at the higher end Yamaha Pacificas. Great guitars.
I am PM-ing you a link to one in particular that I believe meets ALL your criteria. Let me know what you think.

-Ben

[Polaris20]

Carvin Bolt.

[JESTER700]

I'd have said the two above - used Pacifica (900 series and higher gets you DiMarzios and a Warmoth neck on the bolt-ons) or a Carvin bolt. A new Carvin may top your $800, though you'll get a guitar just as you like it. In fact, you can get any option they offer on their kit, if you don't mind assembling it. The neck may be a little thick for you though. I sanded my Carvin necks.

[shader]

Ibanez Andy timmons? might fit the bill except for the headstock...

Or just make one from parts from Warmoth.

[Soup Kitchen Studios]

Thanks for all the replies... not a fan of the carvin guitars. The AT looks interesting but too expensive. The pacifica's are interesting... anyone know what the necks are like on those guys? I can't find any online dealers for the upper-line yamahas.

I would make one from warmoth, but I don't know jack about wiring so I'd have to pay someone for the labor and it would probably cost me a ton... keep the ideas coming!

[darren wilson]

It may not be exactly your thing, but how about a used Parker NiteFly?

[BeastofLove]

Re: Pacifica necks...

I don't know the exact specs or anything, but I did buy a Pacifica 112 for a budding guitarist years ago. The neck was vey comfortable... I remember it feeling similar to a standard strat neck, only a little thinner... and the 112 had a satin finish on the neck. The fretwork was pretty good for the price range, but you have to remember the 112 was the low-end Pacifica model. The 812W is the current flagship of the line. When I bought the 112 it was $99 and I was really impressed with the quality and sound for such a low price. I've doodled on the higher-end ones since, and they've all felt really good and solid.

-Ben

[screamndemon69]

warmoth
Fly might be a good choice.
Peavey put out a Strat copy called the Limited that was made in the USA and is a VERY nice axe. is plays great, sounds great and looks stunning in some the colors that were available. check around for used ones that are usually under $500 and well worth it.
Peavey put out a Korean version so make sure you are looking at the USA model rather than the EXP version as it was called.

[fettouhi]

Originally Posted by Polaris20

Carvin Bolt.

Bingo!

Regards

André

[BeastofLove]

Originally Posted by Soup Kitchen Studios

Thanks for all the replies... not a fan of the carvin guitars.

Maybe he's not interested in the Carvin Bolt?

[jim777]

Maybe a Strat Elite?

[Jemwielder]

yeah why not just a nice fat strat? you can always put a wilkinson in if you get a fender with the 2 post tremelo, I've heard those fender trems are pretty solid tho so you might wanna just go with that

[Devnor]

Ernie Ball Luke II would be perfect