Explosive NGD!

[GAD]

Good advice, GAD. Honestly, I am checking them out too, and I'm also trying ESPs and Schecters. I'm actually taking a different tack with this hunt. I'm not at all researching model hierarchies. Of course, my seasoned eye can't avoid checking out appointments, materials, woods, and quality hardware, but I'm simply picking up each axe and playing it to test my gut reaction. It's like being a child again -- very fun! Just trying to make a true connection.

As you've no doubt observed, I have a thing for quality guitars. I'm also open to *any* guitar being great, because many years ago a friend gave me the best advice ever re: guitar shopping, which was this: "Buy the one that sings to you."

This guitar is a Japanese-made Jackson special run for Sam Ash which was called an SL2H. That really annoys the US-made Jackson purists, boy.

The only guitar I've ever played that pushed this guitar from it's all-time number one spot for me is my lava-burst Nightbird.

This Jackson has all import parts, crappy (IMO) pickups, a rosewood board (the US models are ebony), an alder body, a laminate top, plastic inlays, plastic binding, and a whole litany of other sins too numerous to count. Oh, and it didn't come with a case. And it's one of the best guitars I've ever played.

I've tried on numerous occasions to get the Jackson custom shop to build me an exact copy using the US parts, woods, team, etc., but I've never gotten a response. This guitar is an archtop shredder, and those seem to be hard to find except for cheap Dinkeys or 7-strings for some reason. At one point I had two of them because I like it so much. I actually bought a US-made Jackson SL-2H in the hopes that it would be even better. I didn't like it nearly as much. Details: http://www.gad.net/Blog/2010/06/22/a-tale-of-two-jacksons/

Over the years I've replaced the pickups (which made it an absolute MONSTER), upgraded the Floyd, and did a bunch of other stuff to it, but it's still the one I grab when inspiration strikes, the that inspiration 80's shred, jazz, Brian Setzer, or anything in-between. This guitar got me back into playing after a 10-year hiatus.

I bought that Jackson new from Sam Ash for $800 around 2007. It's by far the "cheapest" electric I own, and it was my #1 for decades. Why? Because it sings to me. :joyous:

 

[amnicon]

Regarding the original post, I almost bought that one! Price was indeed tempting before, if they lowered it I imagine it was an easy decision.
Glad it's still in the Guild family.

 

[AcornHouse]

Of course one of the most important, if not THE most important thing when thinking about any guitar purchase, is, "what strap shall I get for it?"
After much deliberation, I think I have found the perfect mate.

 

[chazmo]

Chris, that strap is perfect. Now all you need are some black spandex pants and hair extensions and you're time-warped back into the '80s!

 

[AcornHouse]

Chris, that strap is perfect. Now all you need are some black spandex pants and hair extensions and you're time-warped back into the '80s!

I'll need some hair to extend, first!

 

[walrus]

Excellent choice of strap, Chris!!

walrus

 

[rampside]

That strap makes it a complete package. Nice find.

 

[adorshki]

I'll need some hair to extend, first!

 

[adorshki]

I'll need some hair to extend, first!

 

[jp]

I think I've found you some pants to match.

 

[adorshki]

I think I've found you some pants to match.

Pascal gon' be so jealous.

 

[walrus]

I thought that IS Pascal - no??

walrus

 

[adorshki]

I thought that IS Pascal - no??
walrus

I thought he spent big bucks a couple of years ago to scrub the internet of all those youthfully indiscreet images.
Close-minded Facebook-using prospective employers kept bringing them up during job interviews.
They were even giving him a hard time at notoriously forward-thinking Tesla.
Besides, they're not purple and they're not spandex, and we know Pascal is quite a traditionalist about such details.

 

[AcornHouse]

Now that I've given the Detonator a workout in rehearsal, I can report that the Kahler trem does fine with locking tuners instead of a locking nut; it stays in tune just fine, even with some diving.