In the 1970’s, Ibanez got into serious legal trouble with their copy of a Gibson Les Paul. Probably the biggest reason Gibson got upset with Ibanez is that by many accounts the Ibanez copy was, at the time, a far better instrument than the real thing!

Enter the Ibanez ART100. No Gibson lawsuits here. With this instrument, Ibanez shows that they haven’t forgotten how to make a great single cutaway guitar for a fair price. What are the specifics on this killer guitar?

The Ibanez is equipped with a mahogany body and neck. The set neck also has a rosewood fretboard and 22 medium-height frets. Electronically, the guitar has two Ibanez Artcore pickups (a 1-S neck pickup and a 2-S bridge pickup).

Since it only costs $300 brand new, you really can’t complain about the ART100 a whole lot. It’s very playable, even though it doesn’t have the celebrated “Wizard” neck. This isn’t really a criticism, though. It just has its own feel.

We chose the Heritage Cherry finish and were very pleased with it. We found no discernible flaws in the finish. The guitar has no inlays with the exception of a custom inlay on the 12th fret. A classy look, in our opinion, especially for a $300 guitar.

Regarding the sounds, the strengths are certainly the distorted and overdriven tones, though the clean sounds are certainly passable.

You could easily swap in replacement pickups if you so choose, though the stock pickups perform admirably in most situations.

The only downside is that it doesn’t ship with a case. We would recommend the SKB Les Paul style case for the ART100, which is a world-class case for a great guitar. Overall, we definitely recommend the Ibanez ART100 for those looking for Les Paul bite without the Les Paul cost. It’s a fine guitar. Highly recommended!

Searching for the absolute best price on a new or used ESP ART100? Then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop! They offer the most competitive prices on all used and new guitars. It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a Washburn, an ESP, or a Gibson, Ray’s Guitar Shop has what you’re looking for!

While not as popular as the Fender Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul, the Gibson SG is nevertheless an iconic guitar that has been used by everyone from Tony Iommi to Frank Zappa.

The SG has found its way into rock, blues, and even jazz artists at one time or another, and the current Gibson SG Standard is the company’s attempt to fuse the best of the past with the present. Not to give away the ending, but we think Gibson succeeded. Let’s take a look at the SG Standard in more detail.

As usual, the SG has an instantly recognizable double-cutaway body, which is made of mahogany. Similarly, the neck is mahogany and sports a bound rosewood fingerboard adorned with signature trapezoid inlays. For the pickups, Gibson chose a 490R humbucker for the neck and a 498T for the bridge. This combination yields a wide variety of sounds.

In common Gibson fashion, the SG has double volume and tone controls in addition to a 3-way switch. The guitar features chrome hardware.

As you might expect, the SG is pretty light, particularly compared to a Les Paul. What would you expect from an instrument that’s been Angus Young’s choice for years?

The fit and finish (we opted for the Heritage Cherry) were absolutely perfect, and we were able to get very low action on the neck, which made the guitar a breeze to play. No discernible string buzz or dead spots were to be found.

We tested the SG Standard through a variety of amps, including a Marshall JCM800, Rivera Chubster 55 Combo, and a Dr. Z MAZ-18. We definitely liked the sound through all three amps, though the Marshall/Gibson combination was perhaps our favorite.

If you think the guitar world revolves around only Strat and Les Paul sounds, the SG is a reminder that there are other worthwhile tones to be found. While it doesn’t have the low-end chuck of a Les Paul, it has a bite that will cut through a mix that would otherwise bury its big brother. It has a sound all its own, and for only $1,200 new, there’s not much reason to not give one a try today.

If you are searching for the absolute cheapest price on a new or used Gibson SG Standard, then you must visit Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the lowest prices on all new and used guitars (electric and acoustic). It doesn’t matter if you’re searching for a PRS Custom 22, an Ibanez JEM7V, or a Fender Telecaster, Ray’s Guitar Shop has what you’re looking for!

The Gibson Les Paul is a part of music history, to say the least. Ever since the 1950’s, the Les Paul has been celebrated for its recognizable shape and the strong, thick sound. Through the years, though, several items (from the neck specifications to the pickups) have varied.

The last major round of alterations made to the Les Paul Standard occurred in 2008. Some of the changes have received positive reviews while others have not. We’ll take a look at the details and let you decide for yourself.

Here’s a summation on the changes Gibson carried out. The new Les Paul Standard now includes Strap Locks (Dunlop), chambered body, Grover Locking Tuners, TonePros bridge/tailpiece, Neutrick output jack, and a setup via Plek. If you’re familiar with Les Pauls, you’ll right away notice the lighter weight, due to the chambered body.

We were somewhat afraid that the chambered body would have a bad effect on the tone, but, luckily, it didn’t happen. The trademark Les Paul sustain was here in all its glory, as was the typical thick, meaty tone. We were glad, though, that the guitar was a bit lighter. If you’ve played with a Les Paul strung over your shoulder, you know what we mean.

Ordinarily, I swap out a stock tune-o-matic bridge with a TonePro locking bridge, so it was nice to find that as a stock option here. We were also agreeably surprised with the standard setup, owing to the Plek machine setup, we imagine.

As you might expect, we did have to adjust the truss rod, but that’s regular fare for a guitar delivered by UPS (or any carrier for that matter). Even without the truss rod tweak, we could’ve easily taken this instrument to a gig and played with nary a problem.

We were also very impressed with the finish, which was a flamed Heritage Cherry Sunburst. Try as we could, we found no troubles in the fit or finish. While a matter of personal preference, we’re also appreciative they chose to omit the pickguard, but it is included should you wish to install it.

We were intrigued when we discovered that Gibson built this series using an asymmetrical neck profile; however, we have to say that we’re glad they did. The profile features a thicker bass side and a thinner treble side.

Think of it as the best of a 50’s and 60’s profile in one neck design. The fretwork and factory setup were the nicest we’d ever seen from an out-of-the-box Gibson.

It’s hard for us not to think of a Les Paul without thinking of the sound of a Les Paul cranked through a Marshall, so we ran the Gibson through a reissue Marshall JCM800 half-stack. We liked what we heard, though you do need to know that the chambered body gives the guitar something of a ES-335 sound when cranked. Think old Clapton.

We were also surprised by the pickups, since we’re used to installing aftermarket pickups (e.g. Seymour Duncan), but the Burstbuckers did the job praiseworthily. They definitely let you know that you’re playing a Les Paul, since all the heavy sounds are here.

We have to say, though, that there were a few things we just didn’t care for. Gibson chose to include Neutrik locking input jacks, for example. Some people love them, but we’re not fans. Still, the Neutrik jacks are superior quality, so we value that at least.

Even worse are the control pots (volume and tone), which are all mounted on a PCB board. In fact, all the electronics (pickups, selector switch, and jack) are connected to this board. In some ways it’s cool, but it could make the once-simple act of changing a pickup much more complicated. We’d pass on the PCB, if left to us.

Aside from these minor concerns, we think the newest incarnation of the Gibson Les Paul Standard has a lot to offer and that it unquestionably has the spirit of a classic Les Paul. If the revisions are not to your liking, Gibson now offers the “Les Paul Traditional” that is more, well, traditional. There’s something for everyone in Gibson’s Les Paul lineup.

If you are shopping for the absolute lowest price on a new or used Gibson Les Paul Standard, then you must visit Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the best prices on all used and new guitars. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for a Fender Telecaster, an Epiphone Casino, or a PRS Custom 22, Ray’s Guitar Shop has what you’re searching for!

Set between the American Standard series and the MIM Standard series, Fender’s USA-made Highway One Strat is a special guitar that is definitely worthy of the name “Fender.” What makes this particular Stratocaster unique?

We critiqued a Highway One Strat that came in a classy Flat Black finish. In order to trim costs, Fender elected a light nitro satin finish for this series. In addition to being more budget-friendly, it has a different look that we really liked. More than a cost-cutting strategy, though, the lighter finish will let the guitar’s alder body resonate more freely over time.

Other specifics include a vintage-style vibrato, large frets, a 70’s style large headstock, C-shaped maple neck (available with either rosewood or maple fretboard), 3 Alnico 3 single-soil pickups, and a “Greasebucket” tone control. Another cost-cutting decision was to include a gig-bag rather than a hardshell case.

Upon playing the Highway One Stratocaster, it becomes immediately clear that the guitar is a quality, USA-made six string, even if it’s got some significant differences that set it apart from the American Standard series. As we’ve already stated, we dug the nitro finish and appreciate the result it has on the guitar’s tone (yes, finish does affect tone). Individual notes and chords just seemed to resonate better than with glossy finishes.

The pickups were hot and punchy, and the Greasebucket circuit (which allows you to turn down the highs without increasing the bass) is a nice addition. We could get tones from classic rock crunch to Texas blues easily.

While we acknowledge not everyone will like the larger C-shaped neck, we admired the feel of it. It made techniques such as sweep-picking and fast runs flow much easier. The construction quality, fretwork, and attention to detail was impeccable on both the neck and the maple fretboard.

If you don’t like the feel of larger frets, then this might not be the guitar for you, but we found it really comfortable.

With a street price of around $700, the Fender Highway One Stratocaster is a first-class USA-made instrument at a price that won’t break your wallet. From its classy satin finish to its beautiful C-shaped neck, the Highway One Stratocaster is a guitar that we highly recommend to Strat lovers who want something just a little bit distinct.

Want to find the cheapest prices on a new or used Fender Highway One Stratocaster? Then head on over to Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the lowest prices on all used and new guitars (acoustic and electric). It doesn’t matter if you want a Fender Stratocaster, a Gibson Les Paul, or a PRS Custom 24, they can help you find the perfect guitar.

Even guitarists who play “Guitar Hero” know that the Gibson Les Paul is a symbol of rock and roll power. However, guitarists from a variety of music genres (blues, rock, jazz, and country) have favored the Les Paul for its power and versatility.

The trouble for many of us, though, is that Gibson Les Pauls are a bit on the pricey side.

The common street price of a new Les Paul is well over $2,000, which is hardly pocket change. What’s a Les Paul devotee to do?

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus is a common and less expensive option.

Don’t let the “Made in Korea” sticker fool you. This Epiphone-branded Les Paul Standard Plus sounds, plays, and looks like its American-made equivalent. But how does it compare in every detail?

We surveyed a transparent Blue Les Paul Standard Plus Top, and I have to say the guitar has one of the most gorgeous tops I’ve discovered in this price range. The figuring is absolutely exquisite, and is wonderfully complimented by its creme-colored binding and chrome hardware.

Aesthetically, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top is simply a exquisite guitar.

When I first played the Epiphone, I couldn’t help but compare it to my own Gibson Les Paul Standard. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the Epiphone. The neck was fast easy to play, reminding me somewhat of a 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard. It was speedier in many ways than my own Les Paul, which was a pleasant surprise.

The rosewood fretboard felt superb and the frets were well-polished and smooth on the whole, but not quite as faultless as my Gibson Les Paul. Still, the fretwork is really well done, especially given the guitar’s cost.

The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top sports alnico classic pickups, which unquestionably capture the classic Les Paul Sound. Even So, I prefer switching pickups in most of my stock guitars, and the Epiphone is really no exception.

I think a Duncan JB and Jazz would sound great in this guitar, but the substitutes would be more of a preference than a necessity.

These pickups sound fantastic and might be what you’re looking for without the need for substitutes. They did tend to squeal somewhat at high volumes, but not annoyingly so.

The compromises in a model such as this guitar aren’t readily evident. Epiphone saves cash by having a veneer flame top glued to non-flamed maple. Likewise, where Gibson Les Paul Standard bodies are made from a single mahogany slab, the Epiphone mahogany body is laminated, as is the neck.

Astonishingly, these cost-cutting measures permit the Epiphone to weigh even less than its Gibson counterparts. For the price, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus is a nice sounding and easily playable Les Paul for a small fraction of the cost of the Gibson equivalent.

If you are searching for a super deal on an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top, then search no further! Ray’s Guitar Shop has the best deals on all new and used electric and acoustic guitars available on the Internet. Go visit Ray’s Guitar Shop today!

In 1983, Gibson introduced what was to soon become one of its most best-selling guitars, the Les Paul Studio. As its name indicates, the guitar was initially directed at studio guitar players who wanted the Les Paul hallmark sound without all the aesthetic bells and whistles.

Eschewing such adornments as body and neck binding, the Gibson Les Paul Studio carries most ingredients that add to the Les Paul tone.

The neck is sure enough Les Paul through and through. It reminded us of a 50’s Les Paul, which likely helps the instrument grab that chunky sound Gibson is so well-known for. The pickups (490T and 490R) also help catch this classic tone.

Though it wasn’t possibly Gibson’s original design, many guitarists have adopted the Les Paul Studio as their main gig guitar because the Studio model is much lighter than the “regular” Les Paul because of its chambered body.

The model we critiqued came with a snazzy black finish and gold hardware. Fit and finish were first-class throughout. The frets were well-polished with scarcely any buzzing present.

The rosewood fretboard was pure Les Paul, down to the instantly recognizable trapezoid inlays. From lead guitar to thick power chords, the instrument felt, played, and sounded like a much more high-priced Les Paul.

If you’re curious what the distinctions are between a Les Paul Studio and a more traditional Les Paul, it’s actually pretty simple. The Studio model lacks body and neck binding and has a chambered, lighter body.

With a list price almost $1,000 less than a Les Paul Standard, it’s simple to see why the Les Paul Studio is such a popular model in the Les Paul lineup. Our review model was first-rate all the way, and we commend it without qualification.

If you need to find the cheapest price on a Gibson Les Paul Studio, then there’s only one website you need to visit. Ray’s Guitar Shop has the cheapest prices on all used and new guitars. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a B. C. Rich Bich, a Carvin CT6M, a Fender Stratocaster, or a Gibson SG, Ray’s is the place.

If the words “Made in Korea” turns you off regarding a potential instrument purchase, it’s time for you to think again. Sure, Korean-made guitars were once low quality, but those days are long gone. Many Korean-made musical instruments rival their Japanese and American made counterparts.

So, it’s simply a fact that Korean-made musical instruments have advanced substantially in recent years and Korea now produces some fine quality musical instruments. The ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 is an example of one such instrument. What makes the ESP such a great find?

A guitar is only as strong as its components, and the ESP LTD Deluxe EC-1000 contains the first hardware in the business. The ESP is equipped with EMG 81 pickups, TonePros System II locking bridge, Sperzel locking tuners, and an Earvana compensated nut.

Therefore, the ESP easily gets an A+ regarding the quality of its parts. Still, it’s the sum of the parts that matter. How does it play? How does it sound?

As Luck Would Have It, the LTD Deluxe EC-1000 plays and sounds as good as its parts indicate. The action is as low as any guitar we’ve ever played. The action is smooth, low, and silky, and the 24 fret fingerboard is impeccable.

The ESP is a metal or shred guitarist’s dream. You can rip sweep arpeggios with delight and chug out drop-D power chords until you get arrested. The EMG 81 pickups are quite multifaceted, so if you do happen to get a country gig, you’ll be able to pull it off, but it’s in the metal and shred arena where this instrument truly shines.

Thanks in no small part to Buzz Feiten, guitar players are aware more than ever of the value of compensated tuning systems. The folks at ESP have outfitted the EC-1000 with an Earvana nut, and the benefits are readily apparent. Chords stay in tune all the way up the neck. The EC-1000’s intonation is spot on.

Aesthetically, the ESP is a looker. The flamed maple top and mahogany body are quite stunning, as is the rosewood fretboard and its pretty abalone inlays.

The guitar’s construction quality is faultless, and believe you me we tried to find troubles with it. Well done ESP! This guitar could really make a lot of musicians very happy, given its uniform excellence.

ESP has proven that a made in Korea guitar can compete with the best American-made musical instruments. For less than a $1,000, the LTD Deluxe EC-1000 can hold its own with guitars costing three times as much.

If you want to find the absolute lowest price on a used or new ESP Electric Guitar, then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the lowest prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars available on the Internet. Go visit them today!

At first look, the Gibson ES-339 looks just like its “big brother,” the ES-335. Upon closer inspection, though, you realize it shares its body size with another common Gibson model, the Les Paul. So, what you’ve got with an ES-339 is the ES-335 look and sound with the feel of a Les Paul. Sounds great in theory, right? Let’s look at the particulars a little more carefully.

The details of the construction are as follows. The hardware is common Gibson fare, with a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece, Kluson tuners, chrome hardware, and ‘57 Classic Humbuckers. The top and body are a maple and poplar laminate. The neck has what Gibson terms a 30/60 profile, and is made from mahogany. Another Gibson exclusive is the the guitar’s “Memphis Tone” electronics.

What does “Memphis Tone” involve? It’s truly simple, actually. Ordinarily, when you turn a guitar’s volume knob down, you will lose high-end. The “Memphis Tone” controls allows the instrument to keep the instrument’s tone consistent as you control the volume. Furthermore, the diminution in volume is even and smooth.

Another identifying feature of the ES-339 is the 30/60 neck, which is a 60’s style neck and an extra .030″ added to the depth. This particular profile is at once comfortable and traditional, helping maintain both playability and the semi-hollowbody tone we’re all familiar with.

When we strapped on the ES-339, we were encouraged at the ease of play and comfort, especially likened to larger semi-hollowbody instruments such as a Gibson ES-335.

Regarding the sounds, we were encouraged with the distinct diversity available. Although it will primarily appeal to blues and jazz instrumentalists, this is a guitar that could conceivably appeal to guitarists from a broad range of styles. To be sure, though, there are some great semi-hollowbody tones available here!

Many guitarists who use semi-hollowbody guitars do so because of the ease of feedback control, and the ES-339 is no different. No matter what your style – rock, blue, country, jazz – the instrument is quite versatile and could find a home in a diversity of settings.

At first, we were skeptical of the “Memphis Tone” circuit, but we became believers pretty quick. It really does allow the ES-339 to keep tonal unity throughout the volume spectrum. It actually makes the guitar’s volume and tone controls more usable, which is a really good thing!

We believed we might have to trade out the Classic Humbuckers for some “real PAF” pickups, but we had no need to do so. Likewise, the 30/60 neck profile was exceedingly comfortable and made the ES-339 a real delight to play.

If there’s something that could be improved about the ES-339, we’d like to know what it is, because we sure as heck couldn’t find any faults. If you’re looking for a semi-hollowbody guitar that’s not just the same old thing, give the Gibson ES-339 a try. You’ll be glad you did!

The Gibson ES-339 is an incredibly versatile instrument. If you want to purchase yours today, then you should head on over to Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the cheapest prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars. It doesn’t matter if you want a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Stratocaster, or a PRS Custom 24, they offer the cheapest deals on the Internet.

One of my favorite guitarists has always been Eric Johnson, and I’ve always valued his innate sense of superb tone. Eric is unapologetically a tonal perfectionist, and he demands the best from all of his guitar gear.

When I heard that Fender would be developing an Artist Model Eric Johnson Stratocaster, I knew it was going to be top-flight because, quite frankly, Eric wouldn’t attach his name to something that wasn’t top notch.

The team at Fender (including Johnson) used a vintage 1957 Stratocaster as the inspiration for Eric’s signature model, since that’s the guitar he’s most known for playing. As a really detail oriented person, Eric had the final say on everything from the paint to the pickguard screws.

For starters, the EJ Stratocaster has an ultrathin, Custom Shop-quality nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which in the end results in more sonorousness since you don’t have a thick coat of paint “choking” the sound.

The neck is also a thing of beauty, since Johnson decided on a one-piece, quartersawn maple neck. The 12″ radius results in superb playability, and the thin-skinned glossy lacquer and vintage tint give the neck a beautiful appearance.

Johnson and the Fender team went through nineteen distinct pickup designs before they eventually arrived at models that would fulfill Johnson’s discerning ear. The work was well worth it, as these are some of the nicest Stratocaster pickups we’ve ever heard.

Another move to live up to EJ’s attention to detail was the wiring configuration. Traditionally, Stratocaster wiring has the tone control affecting only the neck and middle pickups. Johnson’s penchant is to have the tone wired to affect the neck and bridge pickups, so his signature guitar reflects that preference.

The other “little” particulars ensure that you’re getting a one-of-a-kind design. Not a fan of string trees, Johnson insisted that his signature guitar use staggered tuners instead, which increases tuning stability.

Though it seems like an unusual request, EJ also insisted that the tremolo cavity not have a cover plate. Furthermore, he wanted the cavity left paint-free, insisting that this helps the resonant qualities of the guitar.

In the end, what you have is a guitar that reflects the class and virtuosity of its architect. While it has a vintage vibe, the Eric Johnson Stratocaster is well-suited for a wide variety of genres.

The pickups have a chime, punch, and bounce that rank them, again, as some of the greatest Strat pickups we’ve ever heard. The playability is first rate as well, so don’t hold back in trying some of your “Cliffs of Dover” licks.

Add the classy vintage-inspired case, and you’ve got a guitar that’s guaranteed to only increase in value. Don’t put this one in the closet, though. This guitar demands to be played, so go buy one and have some fun!

If you want to locate the best price on a used or new Fender Eric Johnson Stratocaster, then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop today! Ray’s Guitar Shop offers the best prices on all new and used electric and acoustic guitars, including Fender guitars and basses. Visit their website today for the cheapest guitar prices on the Internet!

Year to year, the Les Paul Studio is Gibson’s greatest selling model. Since it’s roughly one-half the price of a Les Paul Standard, that’s understandable. Since the Studio model has most of the characteristics that individuals love in Les Pauls, it makes sense.

However, at over $1,000, the Les Paul Studio is still out of the price range for many individuals, especially younger players. The Epiphone Les Paul Studio is an attempt to bring the spirit of the Gibson model to a more affordable level.

With a list price of less than $400, it’s certainly much more inexpensive than the Gibson equivalent. But what about the instrument itself?

Surprisingly, the guitar features a set neck rather than bolt-on, which is rather odd for a guitar as bargain-priced as this one. It also boasts a carved top, mahogany body and neck.

Other points worth noticing are the chrome hardware, rosewood fingerboard, tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and two open-coil Alnico Classic humbuckers.

Given the price, we found this guitar to be a nice novice guitar. However, you might have to budget for some minute upgrades.

The action was good, though we did notice a few audible buzzes due to some high frets.

The instrument’s selector switch and volume pots were a little scratchy, but not too bad. The humbucking pickups furnished some real nice blues and rock tones.

Still, those are relatively bargain-priced fixes and minor complaints. When you see that the price of a new Epiphone Les Paul Studio is around $350 and that a used one goes for around $200, it’s tough to complain.

In the end, it’s a fantastic beginner or intermediate guitar at a extremely inexpensive cost.

If you need to find the absolute lowest price of a new or used Epiphone Les Paul Studio anywhere on the Internet, then you’ve only got one place to look! Ray’s Guitar Shop offers the lowest prices on all used and new acoustic and electric guitars for sale anywhere. Go visit their website today!

Anyone with a basic familiarity with the history of the electric guitar knows how fundamental the Fender Stratocaster and Fender Telecaster are. From rock and roll to country to blues, these instruments have helped define music as we know it. As a result, when Fender decides to name a guitar “Stratocaster” or “Telecaster,” the guitars had darn well better live up to their legacy.

The “Standard” series of instruments, including the beloved Stratocaster and Telecaster, are part of this legacy. Made in the Fender facility in Ensenada, Mexico, these “Made In Mexico” or MIM guitars represent superb value for the buck, but are often maligned as being far inferior to their USA-made counterparts. Is that actually the case? Let’s see!

Perhaps the most important difference is in the quality of the hardware, such as the bridges, pickups, tuners, and other electronics. These tend to lower quality compared to the American Standard series.

The overall quality of instruments regarding the finish, fretwork, and general build quality, however, was superb with the guitars we tested (a stock 2009 Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster), corresponding to many USA-made instruments, including those made by Fender.

Still, there are noteworthy departures that justify the price difference. As we’ve already observed, the hardware (pickups, tuners, and bridge) is not quite as high quality as the USA-made guitars. The Standard series also includes a gig bag in lieu of a hardshell case.

Having put both instruments through their paces, we’re happy to say that the Standard Strat and Tele are both fine guitars and reflect the various legacies of each guitar. The Strat has all the sounds we’ve come to anticipate from Fender’s flagship instrument. From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Johnson, the Standard Strat can do it all. Likewise, the Tele is useful for everything from James Burton to Keith Richards. After having played these guitars at length, we’re amazed that Fender doesn’t charge a lot more than they do.

In fact, some of our treasured guitars are MIM model Stratocasters or Telecasters that we’ve “hot-rodded” to our own specs. For less than the price of a new USA Strat or Tele, you could buy a MIM model, replace the pickups, tuners, and bridge, and end up with your own individual “Super Strat.”

We think it’s high time that people paid attention to reality more than their preconceived impressions about what a Mexican-made guitar should sound like. Mexican-made Stratocasters and Telecasters represent an astounding deal and are worthy instruments for novices and professionals alike.

If you are looking for the absolute cheapest price on a Fender Standard Stratocaster or Fender Standard Telecaster, then you need to visit Ray’s Guitar Shop right now. From Fender to Gibson to PRS to B. C. Rich, Ray’s Guitar Shop has the best prices on all used and new electric and acoustic guitars. Visit their site today!

Dean guitars partnered with the late (and definitely great) shred guitarist Dimebag Darrell to make the ultimate metal guitar. The result was the Dean Razorback, a jagged looking metal machine that is as awesome sounding and playing as it is deadly in looks.

A guitar maker as experienced as Dean understands the importance of manufacturing various models of desirable guitars, and the Razorback series is no different. The Razorback is available with a variety of different options and features. We reviewed the more inexpensive Razorback DB, but don’t think that this means it’s a third-rate guitar. The import Razorback DB is simply a great guitar at a super fair price. Let’s see what makes this guitar just such a fine deal!

We reviewed the Classic Black model, but it’s also available in Metallic White. It features a mahogany body and neck with a rosewood fretboard with Pearl razor inlay at the 12th fret. Dean-designed humbuckers, Grover tuners, and a tune-o-matic style bridge round out the feature set.

Regarding the guitar’s playability, the Razorback DB has low action without much buzzing at all, once we tweaked the bridge and neck slightly. The instrument lends itself to super-fast fretwork. Dimebag would be very happy!

We were very happy pleased with the sounds we heard from the Dean-designed humbuckers. The tones were what we hoped for with such a metal shred machine. The lows were thunderous and the highs were cutting, just what we hoped for. You won’t be getting an incredibly versatile instrument, that’s for sure.

However, this shouldn’t really discourage anyone interested in the Razorback DB, since you’re probably not going to arrive at a country or jazz gig with this instrument (at least I hope not).

Just about the only complaint we have is that the included case seems pretty flimsy for continued heavy usage, but for an instrument as inexpensive at the Razorback DB, you really shouldn’t expect a pro-level case.

However, for the price, it’s a pretty serious metal machine and highly recommended for metal and shred guitarists on a budget.

If you are searching for the absolutely best price on a Dean Razorback DB online, then you need to search no further than Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the best prices on Dean electric guitars anywhere online!

Because the market for novice instruments is so popular, you’re beginning to discover beginner-level instruments everywhere you go. Even retailers like Target and Wal-Mart have gotten in on the action.

Honestly, though, the guitars you purchase at a store like Target or Wal-Mart are complete garbage, which is what you get for buying a guitar at the same site you buy socks and underwear. So, where can you find a decent beginner-level instrument without dropping a ton of cash?

Enter the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. With a street price of $169, it’s obvious that this is a budget-priced instrument. However, what’s not obvious is just how much you get for that comparatively low cost.

It has superb playability and a solid sound, which makes the Epiphone Les Paul Special II a superb choice for a budget guitar.

The Epiphone Les Paul Special II features two open-coil humbucking pickups (the 700T and 650R), which transforms the acoustic tone from its basswood body. The guitar sports a bolt-on neck (mahogany) and a rosewood fretboard. A tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece are standard, as are dot inlays.

The pickups are controlled via standard 3-way selector switch as well as a master volume and tone control. Regarding the specifications, the scale is 24-3/4″ and the nut width is 1-5/8.”

Before we could genuinely put the instrument through its paces, we had to make some minor readjustments, such as setting the intonation and action decently. The pickup selector needed some contact cleaner to take out some scratchiness, and the tuners also needed to be tightened a touch.

These minute problems aside, we were impressed with the general quality of the Les Paul Special II. The finish is well done for a budget instrument (although you do have to be careful, since it’s reasonably thin).

Nevertheless, the action and sound are very good for an instrument in this price range. There were a couple of dead spots, but nothing that impeded our enjoyment of the guitar.

Particularly considering its low cost, we think the Epiphone Les Paul Special II is a wonderful instrument for the novice or someone looking for an affordable practice instrument.

If you are looking for a great deal on a guitar for beginners or for a great budget-priced guitar, you should certainly consider the Epiphone Les Paul Special II. For the absolutely lowest prices, look no further than Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the lowest prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars online.

Fender’s American Stratocaster and Telecaster remain the best-selling instruments in the company’s line, which is saying something, given the rich history this company has had over the past decades. Though Leo Fender is long gone, the newest American-made instruments that bear his name are a substantial testimonial to his guitar-building legacy. The current crop of guitars combines the best of the of the new and the old.

Never ones to rest on the past, Fender has actively questioned a wide variety of players to see how Fender could build even better musical instruments. Leo Fender would indeed be proud, since he was constantly concerned with the requirements of real working players as he built his products.

Luckily, the folks at Fender were wise enough to embrace an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” outlook. Take the Stratocaster, for example. They retained the four-bolt neck, the Micro-Tilt, two-point vibrato, 9.5″ radius, 22 frets, and DeltaTone circuit that had become welcome features in their recent musical instruments. What changes did Fender make to the iconic Stratocaster, then?

Thankfully, they changed the paint job so that the new Stratocaster has a thinner undercoat. This decision allows the tone to resonate more open and freely and results in a much less “choked” sound. The neck also has a smooth satin finish on the back, which facilitates faster playing. The front of the neck, by contrast, has a gloss finish, a much better look.

Another significant upgrade is the bridge, which is a fusion of present-day and vintage bridge designs. It has the modern two point pivot, but now includes a high-mass block infused with copper, which results in both increased resonance and sustain.

This new design is an effort to capture classic vintage-Strat tone, courtesy of the bent steel saddles. It’s safe to say that Fender has succeeded, since classic sounds from Hendrix to Clapton are all here.

While the stock Fender bridge doesn’t offer the same level of tuning security that a locking system does, for all but the most radical whammying the Fender system is amazingly stable.

The Telecaster includes the same upgrades as its Stratocaster brethren, including a redesigned bridge that also has vintage-style bent steel adjustable saddles. The steel saddles coupled with a brass plate helps attain that classic Telecaster tone.

Another serious upgrade regards the case. The recent models include a case designed by SKB that could in all probability endure a nuclear blast. In addition to being extremely durable, they include TSA-approved locks, to facilitate traveling with your guitar.

Both the Strat and the Tele has street prices less than $1,200 which makes both of them quite a deal. If you want the best of both vintage and contemporary Fender guitars, you can’t go wrong with the redesigned American series.

If you are looking for the best prices on a used or new Fender American Telecaster or Fender American Stratocaster, then there’s only one guitar shop you need to visit. Ray’s Guitar Shop has the best prices on all new and used instruments on the Internet, including all Fender Musical Instruments. Visit their site today!

From 1954 on (the year of the first Fender Stratocaster), most guitar shapes have been variations of the Gibson Les Paul or Fender Stratocaster. It’s not frequent for a guitar body shape that deviates from these designs to make any significant effect on guitar players who are fairly conservative when it comes to their guitar gear.

The late guitar maker Bernardo Chavez Rico (popularly known as B. C. Rich) was one such maker who did go beyond convention and design several guitar shapes that were not simply recreations from the past. Indeed, he gave us such renowned models as the Warlock and Mockingbird, the latter being one of the company’s earliest models that has also become one of their most popular.

As it currently stands, the B. C. Rich Mockingbird comes in several different models, including the Mockingbird Special, the Mockingbird Special X, the Masterpiece Mockingbird, the Mockingbird ST, the Exotic Classic Mockingbird, and the Calibre Classic Mockingbird. We focused our current review on the Exotic Classic.

While the original B. C. Rich Mockingbird was hand-made in Rico’s custom shop, most current instruments are Korean made, which helps explain their extreme affordability. It includes the well-known neck-through construction, in which the neck runs through the entire body of the instrument, contributing to its sustain and tone.

The ebony fretboard is sleek and fast, which makes the Mockingbird well-suited for rock and metal styles. The 24 jumbo frets were well rounded, particularly for an import guitar.

The guitar features Rockfield pickups, which gives creamy, smooth rock and metal sounds, though players who desire extreme high gain pickups may want to install Dimarzio or Duncan replacement pickups. If you’re more of a classic metal (e.g. Ozzy) or classic rock (e.g. Zeppelin), the Rockfield pickups are perfectly acceptable.

The B. C. Rich Mockingbird has a classic rock look with tones to match. The action and fit are extremely well done, and the stock hardware is solid, though some locking tuners would be a welcome addition.

If you’re really dying for a vibrato bridge, the Mockingbird ST has an original Floyd Rose system. Still, the Mockingbird Exotic Classic is a solid metal and rock guitar that we recommend highly.

If you’re looking for the cheapest price on a new or used B. C. Rich Mockingbird, then look no further than Ray’s Guitar Shop, which is your number one destination for both electric and acoustic guitars.

categories: guitar,electric guitar,electric guitars,music,entertainment

Musical instrument builder Carvin has a excellent reputation for producing great custom guitars at a decent cost. Unfortunately, you won’t see them in your local music store unless you happen to find a used guitar. Nevertheless, the good far outweighs the bad. With Carvin, you can buy a custom-made guitar that is really one of a kind because it is built to your exact specifications.

The CT6M helps Carvin continue their reputation for unmatched quality. The guitar is flawless in nearly every facet. The playability, sound, finish, and overall artistry are as fine as any instrument we’ve ever examined. If you’re searching for a custom guitar that covers a wide variety of sonic territory, the Carvin CT6M will surely satisfy. Let’s examine at the instrument’s details more carefully.

The instrument we evaluated featured a wonderful flamed maple carved top with a mahogany body. The CT6M sports a set-in neck with 22 medium-jumbo frets, and we opted for the stainless steel fret upgrade. We also opted for an ebony fretboard adorned with lovely abalone block inlays. Sperzel locking tuners are stock, as are Carvin’s Classic C22 humbucking pickups. We chose to upgrade to Dunlop Straplocks as well.

Though Floyd Rose and Wilkinson tremolos are available as options, we opted for the Tune-O-Matic M bridge with a string-through-body design. The color was a beautiful triple-stained deep blue with a standard black back and sides. Very sharp!

When we placed our order for the CT6M, we chose extra-light strings with low action. The guitar was shipped halfway across the country via UPS and played wonderfully and in tune when it arrived, which was difficult to believe. The intonation was true, and the action was low and smooth, like any other Carvin instrument we’ve played (they’re known for their fast, speedy necks). We only needed to mildly adjust the truss rod. The neck was super fast, honestly one of the fastest I’ve ever played.

The stainless steel frets were a wise decision, since they were conductive to smooth, silky bends. The playability of the CT6M was just amazing.

We were able to get some very useful sounds out of the CT6M. Couple the Carvin C22 Classic pickups with the instrument’s coil-tap functionality, and you’ve got a guitar that can imitate a Les Paul or a Strat very convincingly.

The stock C22 pickups created some great classic rock, blues, and country tones. The bridge pickup is hot and heavy and yielded some powerful rock and blues lead tones. The neck pickup lacks the depth one would want for jazz, but it’s still incredibly versatile.

The Carvin CT6M also came with a very nice SKB-made case that provides a solid fit for the guitar. We had no need for Carvin’s stellar customer service, since the guitar came to us perfect as expected, though I can say from personal experience that, when needed, Carvin’s customer support comes through like a flash when you need them.

Carvin has made a world-class instrument with the CT6M, and with a price of just over $1,500 new (much less used), it’s certainly easy to afford!

If you’re hoping to find the most affordable price online for a used Carvin CT6M, then you need to look no further than Ray’s Guitar Shop, which offers the cheapest prices on all new and used acoustic and electric, including Carvin guitars and basses.

categories: guitar,electric guitar,electric guitars,music,entertainment

The Carvin Bolt is the California music company’s entry into the customizable “Super-Strat” market. Though Carvin is usually renowned for their set-neck designs, they remind us that they used to make bolt-on neck guitars many decades ago, so the design is nothing new for the mail-order only company. Since everybody these days offers a Strat-style model, the question then becomes, what does Carvin add to the market? As you’ll see soon, they add quite a lot!

As is the case with all of their guitars and basses (except for the Cobalt series), Carvin’s Bolt series can be ordered with a number of options, including customizations of wood, hardware, color, and pickups. The guitar we reviewed came with an alder body and a beautiful flamed maple top with crimson red finish. We got a humbucker in the bridge position and a black perloid pickguard. We left the single coils in the neck and middle positions, just so we could still get some realistic Strat-like sounds. We also ordered the Bolt with the Wilkinson vibrato bridge option.

Regarding the layout of the electronics, our Bolt-T has a master volume and tone control along with a standard 5-way switch. The instrument includes a mini-toggle that lets you to bring in the bridge pickup in positions four and five, something not typically found on a “real” Strat. There’s also an extra mini-toggle that splits the bridge humbucker into single-coil mode. So, the collection of sounds available on the Carvin Bolt-T are wide and useful.

Since we purchased the Bolt with the optional Wilkinson vibrato bridge, we tried to get the guitar to go out of tune, but the Carvin Bolt-T would have none of it. It probably didn’t hurt that we ordered the optional locking Sperzel tuners. When you add those locking tuners with the Graphtech nut, it would take a lot of work to get this instrument to go out of tune. Way to go, Carvin!

If you’ve never played a Carvin guitar before, then you’re missing out on some of the fastest guitars in the world. We opted to order our Bolt-T with 22 medium-jumbo stainless steel frets and an ebony fretboard. We were simply blown away, as it was far better playing than guitars costing two or three times as much! The neck’s tung oil finish added to this silky smooth feel and playability.

The guitar was shipped in a solid ABS case that is durable despite its lightness. Amazingly, the guitar was tuned to concert pitch and wholly playable when we took it out of the box, which is hard to believe!

The Bolt-T has numerous selling points: a beautiful finish, extreme playability, and killer sounds. Perhaps the most compelling reason to pick up a Bolt, though, is the price. You can get a custom-made instrument for less than $1,000, including shipping and a hardshell case. Other major guitar-makers should stand up and notice.

Used Carvins also represent an incredible value, so hopefully you can find one on our site that will satisfy your gear longings. All in all, the Carvin Bolt-T is a world-class instrument at a pawn shop cost.

If you’re wanting to purchase a quality Carvin Bolt guitar, then search no further than Ray’s Guitar Shop, which gives you the cheapest prices on all used Carvin instruments available online today!

categories: guitar,electric guitar,electric guitars,music,entertainment