[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]

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]

Carvin Bolt.

Bingo!

Regards

André

 

[BeastofLove]

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

 

[gunkungfu]

your description dream guitar sounds like a mid 90's Ibanez blazer well it has a h/s/h pup config. anyways it has the wilkinson trem and locking tuners awsome guitar you can probally find a top of the line model as new old stock for about 250.00

 

[Robotechnology]

Jackson PC2... pretty rare but, it would surely do the job and be there pricewise.

 

[sniperfrommars1]

Let me go through the brands you might or might not like.

Ibanez andy timmons, dont know if you like the headstock but otherwise its EXACTLY what you described in my opinion but i cant remember the radius.

Ernie Ball Luke 2 would suit your needs if you like emg pickups.

Usa Fat strat would fit your stuff and you could always just put on the wilkinson, this may be your best bet and you could always buy used and have that classic fender sound

The carvin bolt will give you good build quality and you can get it exactly how you want it from their custom shop so you may wish to go this route.

 

[darren wilson]

Wouldn't the Andy Timmons and Luke models be well above the $800 price range?

 

[fettouhi]

Maybe he's not interested in the Carvin Bolt?

!

Regards

André