Guitar advice..and where to buy..

HusseinSarhan · 24-12-2004 8:36pm

I'm not buying. Just curious. They sound like great value though.

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 8:42pm

It's worth noting that guitar asylum are an autorized BC Rich Custom shop dealer, and the different models they show there are pretty much just examples, you can order them exactly to your specific details. Definetly great value though, I priced a guitar I'm interested in recently:

7 String Stealth, maple neck-through, ebony fretboard with side markers only, reversed pointed headstock, and floyd rose bridge. Didn't price pickup options, but for that and a hardcase it came to €1750. It would definetly be the best time to buy one now, considering that the dollar is so weak against the euro.

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 8:54pm

That Stealth 7 string is calling you

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:01pm

Doctor J wrote:

That Stealth 7 string is calling you

It definetly is, and that's an absolutely phenominal price, especially considerin that I was expecting it to be closer to 3 or 4 grand for the custom shop. Tell me though, what kinda tax would I expect on top of that price? It's something I'd want to factor in if I am going to buy it.

I'm seriously considering it, as I'd probably be able to afford it over the course of the new year, and if I downtuned it to an A, that might be enough low end for anything I'd ever want to do. The attatched pic is pretty close to what I want, though I'm not too sure about the headstock.

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 9:04pm

It's all falling into place, the planets are aligning

The import duty for guitars is 4% or thereabouts and then 21%VAT on top of it too, the easiest guidline is that you'll pay slightly less in € total than the guitar value in $

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 9:05pm

I quite like that headstock, what one are you thinking of?

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:08pm

Well, I'm not aversed to the rounded headstock as pictured there, I think it has it's charm and it's definetly very nice, but at the same time, the reversed pointed headstock a-la Chuck is just incredibly bad-ass. I'm really not sure, but either way it looks amazing.

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 9:13pm

Yeah, can't argue with that. Gotta be revered though

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:19pm

The only thing is that I'd feel very guilty indeed playing such an amazing guitar when I'm such an amazingly bad guitarist.

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 9:27pm

You'll get over it, I know I did

Conscience me arse

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:32pm

Well at least I've no qualms about running that beauty through the microcube.

Jesus... I really am seriously considering buying it.
I'm getting excited at the thought!

Doctor J · 24-12-2004 9:35pm

Enough of the thinking. I believe we have a winner. Perhaps you could check to see if they do a piezo trem?

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:41pm

Could be worth looking into, but as I understand from the graphtech site, the ghost piezo could be easily installed into the Floyd, no need for any specialist bridge.

I'm still pretty unsure about the headstock though...

Here we see chuck modelling both variations.
What do you think?

I actually prefer the way the curved headstock is more straight and in symetry with the guitar, whereas the pointed looks fairly lop-sided. If the pointed headstock was straighter, there'd be no contest tbh. I'm not sure.

Giblet · 24-12-2004 9:47pm

Man, thats one dodgy looking guitar.

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 9:48pm

You take that back!
It's a thing of beauty!

HusseinSarhan · 24-12-2004 10:14pm

Putting any guitar through a microcube as your main amp is just not how to do it! Dont get me wrong, they are really good for practise if volume restraints are very high but COME ON! Your drinking a very fine wine out of a paper cup. Not right... did spinal tap teach you nothing! Seriously though, a microcube will not show off what that guitar has to offer. I hear very nice things about the THD Univalve (built in atenuater for lower volume) in regards to both high and low gain sounds. They have them in Musician inc. Try them out, I'm sure it would be a better choice (although admittedly, much more expensive!) than a micro cube in terms of tone. But them off the net though, the THD 2X12 cab here costs over 1000 euro I believe. They are 599 dollars on the net... plus shipping of course. You could probably get the head and cab for about 1200 euro or perhaps less. Keep the microcube in the toilet so you can practise when using it

Its just not going to show off the guitar to its full. By the way, I've yet to try out the THD so I cant give you any real opinion, plus I dont play metal at all really so I'm not much of a high-gain conesiuer. Enjoy whatever guitar you get but if I were you I'd get a mockingbird deluxe in natural finish with 7 strings by the custom shop. If that is even possible.

Karl Hungus · 24-12-2004 10:20pm

I'd love to get a nice big combo amp at some stage aswell, but in all seriousness even if I had a Mark IV, 95% of the time I'm going to be using the microcube for practicing, and recording demos or whatnot. It's a great little amp that I use all the time, and I think you do underestimate it, it's shockingly loud for it's size.

HusseinSarhan · 24-12-2004 10:27pm

Maybe I do underestimate it. I havent ever used one, they seem like a good idea. Personally I think modelling is great for home use as I find valve amps below a certain wattage (maybe 5 watts) dont sound too hot, nasal and compressed all the time. Not all of them, just some.

Doctor J · 25-12-2004 1:59am

Big amps are sod all use for practising at home, you've really got to crank them to get the sweetness out of them. A small practice amp is always a good idea, just a more practical solution for when you're not doing gigs and band rehearsals every week.

Now more importantly, the headstock, I thought I preferred the curved one, but seeing them side by side... well, the pointed one is how I knew the guitar back in the day and it just looks like it means business, Metal business, more than the curved. The curved one is pretty, but the pointed one just says "This is a guitar for playing real Metal" and I like that, I like that a lot. ****ing old school! :cool: The one thing I'd be weary of is that BC Rich sometimes have the habit of making that style of headstock bigger than it ought to be, so I'd want to see how they shape the seven string headstock in that style. I think the pointed one is in better harmony with the body, certainly in Chucks hands anyway

HusseinSarhan · 25-12-2004 2:04am

I'd agree with you there Doctor J when talking about amps say over 30 wats but the Univalve is 15 watts with an ateuater so it is suitbable for home/studio work as well a gigging. There is also the myth the tube amps ONLY sound good while cranked. A good tube amp sounds great when played low too. I think it is a very very silly decision to go buy a 150watt marshall head the constantly put the master on 2 or something. I think the unvialve is a great option still. Its not a monster!!

Karl Hungus · 25-12-2004 11:44am

Doc, the 7-string curved headstock is in the pic I attatched a few posts up, and it doesn't look too oversized at all. I do agree that the pointed just looks the absolute business though. I'm still undecided.

As for the amps, the microcube absolutely whomps my old 30watt laney for sheer volume and crunch.
Like I said, no qualms playing anything through it.

HusseinSarhan · 25-12-2004 1:06pm

I cant imagine much bass being pumped out of a 2 inch speaker though.

Enjoy the guitar anyway.

Good luck

Karl Hungus · 25-12-2004 1:29pm

It's a 5 inch speaker, I beleive.

HusseinSarhan · 25-12-2004 2:32pm

:eek: Well in that case!! ........

Karl Hungus · 25-12-2004 2:34pm

Hmm... I think I'll send them an email and price the reverse pointed headstock. If it's much extra I don't think I'll bother.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 2:28am

Karl Hungus wrote:

Doc, the 7-string curved headstock is in the pic I attatched a few posts up, and it doesn't look too oversized at all. I do agree that the pointed just looks the absolute business though.

Twas the pointed one I was referring to, they made some horrific variations to that design during the mid 90's and made is substantially bigger fro some reason, mainly on the cheaper models though. If it's kept to scale in keeping with Chuck's one, then yes, yes, yes

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 8:40am

Well I did fire off an email for exact pricing and specs, so I think the differece in price of the two headstocks will be the defining factor.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 1:26pm

Can't see there being a difference in price between the two. Either one is a result... big time result

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 1:36pm

Well the curved headstock is standard with the stealth, a reversed pointed headstock is more specific, custom work. I'd say there might be a difference.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 1:39pm

But isn't the anticipation of finding out just great?

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 1:52pm

Oh hell yeah, I sent in the enquiry anyway, should have it one of the days, they're very quick with the replies.
Forgot to ask about coil tapping though, d'oh!

Still, even though I'll likely be using my pal the microcube most of the time, I'm looking at new amps too. I don't think I'll ever shake the need for a Mesa, so maybe if I get some good earplugs, lug it up to the attic and jam out for about an hour everyday... Sweet. Can you imagine The Philosopher being played with a handmade stealth through a Mark IV and me actually being decent enough a player as to not butcher it!? My bowels empty with delight!

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 1:56pm

Just listening to the new Dream Theater DVD, Petrucci playing through a Road King, man what sweet tone. Don't think the neighbours would be too happy about one though

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 2:02pm

I think a road king would be completely out of the question altogether, but I couldn't ever imagine myself wanting, or needing anything more than a MarkIV combo, unless I was playing huge venues like Dream Theater and the like would play. But jesus yes, what a ****ing tone you get from Mesa amps.

I've only ever played one once, and it still calls to me, whispering gently "Buy me! Play me!"
Sweet beyond belief.

I assume you'd want to come over for a jam if I did indeed get the gear, aye?

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 2:32pm

Oh yes, but the missus knows it'd really be so we could visit her sister in Headford

I should have the S2020 in the first week of January, all things going to plan that is, I'll let you know how the piezo trem works out. The anticipation is terrible and fantastic at the same time. Just can't wait to get stuck in.

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 3:47pm

Sure if you're ever down this way reguardless of new gear on my part, why don't you pop in so you can laugh at my guitar playing and have a few pints?

Hope your new bit of gear is nice and sweet though. Don't think I'd be too interested in the auld piezo for the Stealth at any rate, and I don't think the BC Rich custom shop offers as much options as Jeremy, so it could be a moot point.

Still, a REAL BC Rich, none of those cheap mass-produced Chinese/Korean guitars, but a real handmade one, at that price!? Who could say no!? Not I at any rate.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 4:21pm

I shall not be laughing at anyones guitar playing, my technique has turned to gick, I've got a lot of work to do. The hard part is finding the time.

So the Stealth would be made to order or you'd just get a handmade stock model? Much and all as the custom made option appeals, I'd hate to have to wait however long it takes to make a guitar once I'd paid the bill

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 4:30pm

Aye, well that's my reckoning on it.
Tbh, as long as I get mine without fretmarkers on the board itself (Side markers only), I don't really mind about the headstock, or other aesthetic options, then the options as shown here are fine. Might see into pickup and electronics options, but other than that, I don't really see myself mucking about with anything else.

Tell me, what are your thoughts on the V-Twin pre-amp/pedal?
Could be phenominal for recording purposes, then just have the microcube for practicing.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 4:52pm

Dabhoys had one (or possibly the bottle rocket, I can't remember) and it was quite a let-down. He ended up selling it on.

There are amps out there, reasonably priced, which have great, great tone, if not the reputation or hallowed name. The Ampeg VH140 for example, is a great amp for Metal. On old mate of mine was looking for an amp and we found this beate up VH140-C second hand in Waltons. After a minute or so it was obvious it was a seriously special amp and I was left to guard the amp (seriously) while he went out and tried to come up with the money. He moved to London a few years back and sold the amp on to me for €250. I've to do a bit of work on my Eggle later on but I'll record something on it soon and put it up. There are cheap solutions for great tone out there, but I don't think you'll find them in pedals., regardless of the manufacturer. There's just something about onboard drive that sounds right.

It wasn't me! · 26-12-2004 4:58pm

Meh. The drive out of my Big Muff kicks ass, and the noise suppressor takes all the nasty elements out of the sound too.

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 5:22pm

Yeah, you're probably right Doc... It was just a thought. Sure the Mark IV comes with a pedal anyway, so need to be shelling out any extra. Still, I might ask Dabhoys if it was a V-Twin or a Bottle Rocket he had out of curiosity, because the bottle rocket it just overdrive/distortion and the V-Twin is a full pre-amp.

John · 26-12-2004 5:57pm

It was the V-Twin. He couldn't get a tone to suit him out of it

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 6:00pm

Ah well, I suppose I can sacrifice one doomsday device and still be feared.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 7:58pm

Just get the guitar sorted first, then worry about the loudening

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 8:45pm

Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself as usual.

Doctor J · 26-12-2004 9:31pm

Tis understandable

So have you decided for sure on the guitar?

Karl Hungus · 26-12-2004 9:38pm

Yeah, I think I've decided.

I probably would downtune it anyway so I can play Death (And who wouldn't!?) so a low A should be plenty low end without having to seriously get into mad amp jiggery to cope. Besides, you know yourself how much of a fan I am of BC Rich guitars, so the opportunity to get a custom from them isn't one I'd like to pass up. Especially not something as fine a stealth, which as far as spikey guitars go, it trounces everything else! Beasts, warlocks, ironbirds, they've nothing on the beauty that is the stealth.

Oh, and that is certainly not to say I'm ruling out the 8 string!

Doctor J · 27-12-2004 5:07am

I'm thinking of setting the S2020 up in C#, I've always liked the sound of it ever since I first heard Master Of Reality. I was thinking about D but for the moment, C# is the way forward. I've even got a set of 11's ready to roll. Come on Chris FFS

I like the Stealth shape a lot, but I just find the spikey shapes uncomfortable to play, hence the selling of the Jackson Explorer. I was watching some Death stuff this evening, the pointed headstock is definitely the one, which reminds me, got something to send over to you

-=al=- · 27-12-2004 5:43am

all the tube amp talk - all the new recent tube amps play better at lower volumes than the older ones, i have a jcm2000 i practice at 5-6 volumes i know it cud go a but more to push it but the volumes seem to be fine anyways

+ thats a TSL100 im playing with
weh hey!

Karl Hungus · 27-12-2004 12:02pm

Doctor J wrote:

I'm thinking of setting the S2020 up in C#, I've always liked the sound of it ever since I first heard Master Of Reality. I was thinking about D but for the moment, C# is the way forward. I've even got a set of 11's ready to roll. Come on Chris FFS

I usually play 9's myself, so D is about as low as I really want to go without some serious floppy strings or jumping up a few guages, which I don't particularly like doing. I like to play with fairly light strings, but on the 7 String, would lower than the A not be going into bass frequencies again?

Still, you can always jam away to some Carcass!

Doctor J wrote:

I like the Stealth shape a lot, but I just find the spikey shapes uncomfortable to play, hence the selling of the Jackson Explorer. I was watching some Death stuff this evening, the pointed headstock is definitely the one, which reminds me, got something to send over to you

I know what you mean, but I don't mind spikey shapes as long as they don't get in the way of playing, like the beast. Speaking of Jackson though, you ever seen the Warrior? Total Stealth rip-off!

Still not sure about the headstock though, but I imagine price will be the deciding factor there once I get my reply from Guitar Asylum. I wonder do the BC Rich custom shop offer the Buzz Feiten system?

Doctor J · 27-12-2004 12:27pm

Yeah when Deicide played here in 91 (?) the skinny guitar player had one of the Jackson ones. I thought the Jackson sharkfins and binding looked quite nice actually. Many years ago I was playing guitar in a band in C, and was using 13's, so I don't really mind heavier strings, you get used to them. I find 9's just too light in E, gotta have at least a set of 10's on there. You'll be able to get away with the low A, though whatever bass you put under it will travel for miles

Guitar advice..and where to buy..

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