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"So good it's bad, or is that the other way around?": A treatise on guitar attraction

Discussion in 'Standard Guitars' started by LLink2411, Aug 26, 2013.

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  1. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    What a lovely thread to have as my 500th post. Only took me 4 years.


    Anyways, I have had many GAS threads on this forum, but none like this.

    None like this...


    Ernie Ball/Music Man Armada HH Black/Gold Opaque 2013 6-String Electric Guitar
    [​IMG]


    I tried an Armada in person this weekend and it was certainly a unique experience. I don't think there literally is a guitar it can be compared to. It is like someone took the body of a PRS SC-45 and put a Gretsch neck on it.

    The center curve is at such an angle that -unlike normal LP-style guitars- your arm does not dig into the edge. Also, the center curve makes the bridge and neck seem raised compared to the rest of the guitar leaving ample picking room (that being another Gretsch specific feature). Full neck-through with a sculpted heel as well.

    It truly is an oddity, but an oddity that is needed in our stagnating guitar market. It is literally a neck-through Gretsch with PAF humbuckers when you think about it, which is great in my book.​

    ​


    ESP Custom Shop EX w/ Oswald Graphic 6-String Electric Guitar
    [​IMG]
    ​


    This ESP is something that has caught my eye for the past 6 years, and now it has undergone a price drop.

    It is easily the most obnoxious thing I have ever seen and I love it with all my heart for that.




    Quick, somebody buy both of these guitars before I lose my willpower!
     
    LLink2411, Aug 26, 2013
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  2. MFB

    MFB Banned

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    That MM is just so bad that it's bad.

    :shrug:
     
    MFB, Aug 26, 2013
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  3. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    Like many here know from getting burned by boutique builders: the appearance of a guitar in pictures is not an indication of quality. At all.

    They look quite normal in person and play wonderfully. Read my description for a better idea.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 26, 2013
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  4. Grand Moff Tim

    Grand Moff Tim Some call me... Tim

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    The Armada looks SO much better in an opaque two-tone color scheme like that one in the OP than it did in the two-tone trans-finished figured top schemes the protos all had when pictures first emerged. I'm glad they didn't make them all with figured tops. Now, make one that's daphne blue/white or surf green/cream with a maple fretboard and we'll REALLY be talking.
     
    Grand Moff Tim, Aug 26, 2013
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    LLink2411 likes this.
  5. Grand Moff Tim

    Grand Moff Tim Some call me... Tim

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    The ESP, on the other hand, looks terrible. That's mostly because I've never really liked that particular take on the Explorer shape, though.
     
    Grand Moff Tim, Aug 26, 2013
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  6. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    I don't know why they did not add more solid colors as this is not a BFR run.

    The irony is that the figured tops look almost solid color in person. The pigment on top is actually very thick and there is not any real "pop" to the figuring.

    Normally I would say yes and agree, but the sharp contrast between the black and white portions really fits the pointed edges. It looks like the guitar and graphic were put together with a ruler. I love how the black ends at the pickup ring's edge, how it meets the off-center in the horn cutaway, how the graphic seems to bloom from the pickups, and how only white space will be obscured by your picking hand.

    The painter was definitely on their game that day.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 26, 2013
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  7. Andromalia

    Andromalia Pardon my french

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    Can't buy an EX, I'll wonder why I didn't use the cash to get a real explorer all my life otherwise. The MM looks better that way, still not sold on it but at least it's not repellent enough that I wouldn't even try it.
     
    Andromalia, Aug 27, 2013
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  8. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    I've played "real" explorers. I have not been impressed with a single one.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 27, 2013
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  9. Andromalia

    Andromalia Pardon my french

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    Well, if we're talking Gibsons, they're imho some of the best value guitars around, remember they cost 1K2 new.
     
    Andromalia, Aug 27, 2013
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  10. JamesM

    JamesM The Armada

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    I like the MM. :shrug:
     
    JamesM, Aug 27, 2013
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  11. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    Not for the quality I have seen on low level Gibsons.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 27, 2013
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  12. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    400 views, 10 replies.


    Such a shame.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 28, 2013
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  13. yellowv

    yellowv Turd Ferguson Contributor

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    I have an EX. It slays "real" Explorers.
     
    yellowv, Aug 28, 2013
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  14. Ironbird

    Ironbird Kahler Abuser

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    [​IMG]
     
    Ironbird, Aug 28, 2013
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  15. Kodee_Kaos

    Kodee_Kaos NegRep For Free Porn

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    Same with the Vipers and SG's. Or Strats and Horizons. Or Eclipses and LP's.

    Japanese Craftsmanship ftw. We need to bring seppuku back to America. Maybe the luthiers here will up their game a bit. :hbang:
     
    Kodee_Kaos, Aug 28, 2013
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  16. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    ESPs in general are in no way better than *everything* American made.

    Many ESPs are very standard. They just have the luxury of either being extremely cheap or in such low supply you can only assume things about them.
     
    LLink2411, Aug 29, 2013
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  17. rikomaru

    rikomaru SS.org Regular

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    I actually kinda dig the armadas, especially considering EBMM isn't exactly the most adventurous group when it comes to finishes. I think the Oswald graphic would look better on an explorer, or perhaps even destroyer body though. Of course that's just me. :)

    quick question.....the headstock on the armada is gold like the body, right? the pic makes it look cream or something....please tell me it's just lighting.
     
    rikomaru, Aug 29, 2013
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  18. vangkm

    vangkm SS.org Regular

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    Ugly hot, that's the term I believe. So ugly that they're hot. I've owned a few guitars in the past like that. Hard as hell to sell though.
     
    vangkm, Aug 29, 2013
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  19. LLink2411

    LLink2411 Banned

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    Yes, it is gold as well.

    I prefer the term "hot mess."
     
    LLink2411, Aug 29, 2013
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  20. Metaguitarist

    Metaguitarist SS.org Regular

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    I see why you'd like the ESP there, but for me its a no. The Armada, however, I am immensely curious to try out. Gretch guitars play great, so by your description I'd be interested.
     
    Metaguitarist, Aug 29, 2013
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