Price paid: $ 500
Purchased from: Craigslist
Features: Made in Japan, I believe, no older than 2005. 24 frets, 25.5" scale, Rosewood fingerboard with jumbo frets, Arch top Alder body with a black finish and a Rock Maple neck with Neck-Thru construction. Has a Floyd Rose FRT O2000 tremolo system with Jackson tuning heads, active EMG 81 in the bridge and 85 in the neck with 1 volume, 1 tone, and a 3-way switch. Overall a very nice setup, neck is smooth. I only rated the features a 9 because it doesn't have an Original German-made Floyd Rose. // 9
Sound: The majority of my playing style is metal, and the EMGs do that job to the fullest. I play this through a Peavy Valveking half stack and it sounds absolutely amazing. The EMGs deliver a great clear and aggressive tone, and harmonics are very easy to get with the 81 in the bridge, and the 85 makes for very smooth leads and has a nice clean tone as well. I play anything from Iron Maiden to Dethklok, and this guitar can really deliver. For a more versatile tone, however, I plan on switching out the 85 for a 60, but that's just me. As is common knowledge with EMGs, they are extremely quiet when not playing. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The action was very low, and there was minimal fret buzz. No dead notes, no bends fretting out, no mechanical or electronic defects at all. Finish was pretty much flawless. I got it off of Craigslist from a guy who'd had it for a couple years and the only blemish on it was a little buckle rash and a small chip in the finish on the reverse side. Even after a couple of years of abuse from the original owner, the knobs were still fine and the pickup selector was in good order. // 9
Reliability & Durability: Before the original owner had even bought it, it had fallen of the rack at my local Guitar Center a portion off the top of the headstock broke clean off. However, after a professional fix, the headstock was repaired and it has lasted at least three years, still showing no sign of breaking. All hardware is still good as well, and I have No Doubt in my mind that it will last me a long time. The strap buttons are still sturdy and show no sign of weakness. As for gigging without a back-up, I wouldn't solely because of the Floyd. I don't think I would break a string, but you can never be too careful live, right? // 10
Impression: As a metal guitar, this is perfect for me with the EMGs, Neck-thru construction and Floyd Rose. It isn't as versatile as the Sl3, so if you're looking for an uber versatile guitar, get that, but this is a really good guitar regardless I have been playing for around three years and have owned a Fender Deluxe Telecaster, Ibanez RG5EX1, and a Dean Dime Razorback, but this is probably my favorite of what I've owned and ever even played. If it were stolen, I would definitely get this one again. Of course, if it were stolen, I would hunt and then burn down the house of the guy who stole it, after torturing his family and all. I feel very lucky to have found such a good guitar (list price of $1,149.99) for only $500. The only thing I wish it would have is a \n Original Floyd, but from what I understand, the FRT O2000 is a lot like the Original, just made in Korea or somewhere. It stays in tune for a really long time and I guess in the long run, that's what matters. I highly recommend this guitar. // 10
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