The Greg Howe Laguna LE924FRTAO

Darin · #1 01-03-2009, 09:44 AM

Anyone had a chance to test drive one of these yet? I keep checking our local GC, but they haven't had one yet. Seems to be a poor way to sell guitars, by NOT having one in the store....ever.

http://www.playlaguna.com/greg_howe.cfm

* Louisiana Swamp Ash body
* AAA Flame Maple Flat Top
* All-Maple neck and fretboard
* Custom DiMarzio™ pickups
* 5 way “Super Switch” for a myriad of tonal possibilities
* Laguna locking trem system
* Die-Cast, high ratio tuners
* “Awesome Orange” custom finish (AO)
* Designed and assembled in the USA

The Euphor · #2 01-03-2009, 09:55 AM

Never heard of the brand. If it didn't have Howe holding it, I wouldn't even be tempted to try it. He's been to the gym, and the guitar looks kind of weird. But it can still be a good guitar.

barbarelaxe · #3 01-03-2009, 10:05 AM

It sure does look beautiful. Love the orange top against the maple board. nevr heard of it before.

eruji · #4 01-03-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Seems to be a poor way to sell guitars, by NOT having one in the store....ever.

I agree, they had a Laguna guitar insert inside their mailer a month or two ago. The first page was this Greg Howe model. I really like orange finish, and think it looks great with the maple fretboard. The headstock on the electrics look like a shark face profile. I have not seen it at any of my local GC's either.

Neoclasiccl · #5 01-03-2009, 10:38 AM

I played one at my local GC and I have to say I was very impressed. Plays as good as any of my $2000+ guitars. I will probably pick one up this year.

Neoclasiccl · #6 01-03-2009, 10:40 AM

here he is talking about the guitar.
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ko5SRCYZ7a0

butch · #7 01-03-2009, 11:11 AM

I saw the insert and was very intrigued as well. Until I saw the price. I like Greg and appreciate the Laguna "plant a tree for every one we cut down" philosophy, but $1000 for a GC "house brand" guitar is a bit steep. (Much like if Sam Ash picked up someone to endore their Carlo Robelli or Brownsville lines, and built them a signature model).

I'll probably still check one out when they arrive locally, but for that same $1000, I'd lean more toward a Charvel SoCal.

Cheers,
Butch

Neoclasiccl · #8 01-04-2009, 07:48 AM

for a USA made guitar $1k is pretty reasonable.

Brosa · #9 01-04-2009, 09:05 AM

I like the Laguna, except for the headstock. Here's a picture from his european tour two months ago:

Darin · #10 01-04-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brosa

I like the Laguna, except for the headstock. Here's a picture from his european tour two months ago:

And so sharply dressed...

JM5150 · #11 01-04-2009, 11:24 AM

The headstock definitely could go! That orange flame on maple board is very nice....

I'd rather throw my money at a used RG565, which has very similar features....

Riverdragon · #12 01-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Nice guitar, but for a grand I don't want GC's house brand, licensed Floyd, etc. Also the phrase "designed and assembled in the USA" does not mean "Made in the USA". It means it is assembled here. I bet every piece of it comes from China or Indonesia. Korea if you are lucky.

Lefty Robb · #13 01-04-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darin

And so sharply dressed...

You didn't hear that the "homeless bum with a tin can asking for change" look is in this year??

Darin · #14 01-05-2009, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lefty Robb

You didn't hear that the "homeless bum with a tin can asking for change" look is in this year??

"And so sharply dressed" Is a quote from Meet the Robinsons. When Bowler Hat Guy say the frogs sitting at the bar.

I don't go for the "bum" look personally.

heem6 · #15 02-19-2009, 11:59 PM

I played one tonight at the GC in Phoenix. Wouldn't have known it was the Greg Howe model except I'd seen him holding one in an ad.

It reminded me a lot of the Fender HM's Greg used to play. Neck radius is flat, just like the HM's, back contour is similar, just a little thicker. Played really well right off the wall. (Setup was much better than the $1,300 & $1,400 Ibanez RG re-issues.)

I was very surprised. It seemed like a really well made guitar and played like a dream. It was GC, so I can't give an accurate opinion on the sound.

I would probably be very tempted to get one - the Schaller-type Licensed Floyd was a bit of a put off though. But If I found out that their Floyd was made with hardened steel and had a brass bridge block I would buy one.