[oddone]

Hey guys just a quick question to those who have fanned guitars. Ive been looking at them recently alot cause its prob the way im going to go for an 8 string but i was wondering what its like to play them, specificly with the palm muting technique. Im looking at the black machine fanned and the bridge slants backwards sorta thing cause of the different scale length. Does this make it hard to palm mute? After all the ideal tone comes from correct placement of the palm and when each string is different i can imagine it would cause problems.

thanks

[bostjan]

You can always angle your fingers forward. I never played full chords palm muted, and there really isn't much difference in position with three string power chords and such. If you are really concerned about it, it might be something you'll have to get used to, though, but I'm sure your wrist can handle the angle if you take some time to get reacquainted to the technique.

The Blackmachine is a little more radical than some of the fanned fret stuff out there, but not the craziest.

[oddone]

yeah, on the site he says the bridge is like that cause he wanted the nut to be at a decent angle so your finger doesnt hit it or something. i just hope the bridge angle isnt to extreme. more oppinions please

[metalfiend666]

Well, I've played it and it's not hard to play at all. A little disorienting at first, especially on the upper frets as the treble note are acutally a whole fret behind the bass notes on the same fret number due to the angle of the frets.

It will take time to get used to it and require some slight adjustments in your playing technique. Palm muting wasn't a problem for me, but I angle my hand anyway.

BTW, that model now has the offical designation of "884" and a page abut it's design on the Blackmachine website.

[oddone]

yeah i saw that. hes now also selling an ampeg on the site :S

[Durero]

Personally I find fanned-frets easier to play that straight - for both hands.
the angle of the bridge complements the angle of your hand for palm-muting. Of course, it will feel different at first - but you might also find it easier than straight frets after a while.

[TMM]

I'm going to have to agree with Durero. The fanned frets have actually been easier for me to play (for both hands) than straight frets. I wouldn't worry about angled bridge palm-muting either; at least in my experience, its even more ergonomical to have a slight tilt like that. My hand very naturally sits across the angled bridge for muting. Sweeping is also way more comfortable on the fanned frets, especially in the upper registers.

[dpm]

I agree with Tom and Durero

[bostjan]

I agree with dpm's agreement of the agreeing therein of the first party's agreeable statement to the second party panda.

Seriously, fanned frets are the coolest thing since sliced bread. I think everyone should try them for at least one day.

[oddone]

sounds good