sorry, this is my first poll. still trying to figure out how stuff works....

anywho, this is the place for you to rant about certain shaps of certain guitars. or if you find nothing wrong with em, how do they compare to other guitars?

for example, since Strats are most common guitar shapes, say you pick that. now, name which you prefer. the Fendre strat, or the Ibanez strat(with more pointy horns). say why they are better than all the other guitars. and say what guitars you have and/or havent tried


for me: i'm still new to all this. i only have a strat that i've been playing for almost 2 years. i recently bought a guitar with a Les Paul body, and am dreading it! the les paul body is making it impossible for me to do solos on. the place where the neck/body meet is way too fat, preventing my thumb to support my fingers. no wonder you dont see that many metal lead guitarists with les pauls(excluding Slash and Buckethead). i have also tried a Jackson King V, and a Jackson Rhandy Roads and think they both are really comfortable guitars to play standing up, and sitting down. what i like about the V is that since its body is so different, it makes it so easy to reach the higher frets(after the 17th fret), as is the case with Rhandy Roads. how ever, one thing i dont like about the V is the place where they put their Jack(not all V's have their Jacks in the same spot!). if you're playing it while sitting down, its patch cord starts digging into you. thtas where the Rhandy Roads wins. but V's i found, to be lighter. so a lil give and take...


one thing i dont get is why V guitars(flying, king, or rhandy roads) are looked down upon by the rockers. they say that 'V guitars are for fake metalers'....i guess in taht case, Kerry King, Rhadny Roads, Alexi, Buckethead and others are all fake guitarists....

here are pictures of em if you havent seen em before:

Strat:
yes, ibanez does make strats. but they do not look like the Fendre/G&l strats. their horns are pointier. the fendre strats, first made in i believe the 1950's, and been widly used by tons and tons of guitarists. from Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, to Yngwie malmsteen, to John Pretucci to everyone. well, sort of. the fender starts come with a tremolo bridge, along with a whammy bar. how ever, other strats can come with Floyd Rose, or kahler, or Tune-o-matic etc bridges. the fendre guitar comes with 21 frets. others usually come with 22 frets or more. Ibanez comes with 24(i've seen 25, but pretty sure it was custom made). and the strats are usually found with 3 singel coil pickups. some companies like Peavey like to mix and match with 1 hum, 2 single.


Les Paul:
the dreaded weight of the guitar puts off a lot of guitarists. like me(not that i'm good). first made by Gibson around the same time as the Fender Strat, and therefore can be called a 'sister' to the original strat. these guitars are usually around 9 LBS. though, it isnt uncommon for them to be found to be heavier or lighter. for some reason, guitar companies that do make guitars with a les paul body refuse to make em with a floyd rose bridge. its rare to find one though. the les paul come with humbuckers. since the guitar body is so heavy, the neck bolt is usually ticker just so it can support the body weight. and that is why doing fast solos on les paul can be a lil tricky. not impossible though.


Flying V/King V:
came out in late 1950's by Gibson just to give a more 'futurist' look to its guitar. how ever, people werent impressed, and thus, Gibson withdrew the idea. in early 60's, Hendrix and a few others, started using V's, and then they quickly went back on the shelvs. other companies such as Jackson came out with their own V guitars known as King V. and then later, in the 80's came out with Rhandy Roads guitar. since the body of the guitar is is so unique, it alows the player to reach frets higher than 17 without having any troubles. that is not the case with the Les Paul guitars. and just that fact makes it easier for guitarists to sweep/shred or do whatever they want with their fret board


Beast:


Others(can be as fucked up as you want):


Warlock:
[img]http://images.google.ca/images?q=tbn:3ZKuM6bQlyVBVM:http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/7430/stevesmythe02000me.jpg[img]

Explorer:

Umm...What shape does this Count as?

[URL=http://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ibanezguitarxx1.png][/URL]

I don't know, It's similar to a strat but I don't know if I wanna call it that.

Other. I really like the look of the Gibson SG.

Please backup your choice with some more details, a guitar body is not just about how it looks

I don't particularly see the point in separating Randy Rhoads' type of guitars and V shaped guitars. To reply to your question about why they're looked down by some people, I'd say that this shape is definitely not apporpriate for playing on a chair, and also that some of those V guitars aren't very well balanced (I believe the body weighs too much compared to the headstock). I quickly tested one in a store, I think it was an Epiphone: I quite liked it cause it was surprisingly light, though I was turned off by the fact it didn't have a floyd rose type of vibrato and only 22 frets.

I've played on several types of Les Paul guitars, and here too the overall weight makes a big difference. It's usually well balanced but Gibsons and their Epiphones replicas can be really heavy. But I've been playing (and I'm still playing) with a Stagg Les Paul, a very cheap and light model. All the freats can be reach - at least on 22 frets models - but it may be slightly harder than on V shaped guitars or some strats.

Strats are ugly. Hopefully, Ibanez renewed the overall shape to something better and that can be appropriate to a really wide range of genres. But all the strats I've played on were quite pleasant, especially because they're not heavy (speaking of weight). In fact the most annoying thing is that most strats come with 3 pick ups, and I'm not used to play with a pick up in the middle (here again, Ibanez has some nice models without this 3rd pick up).

Other than that, I play on a Explorer, and this shape is not really as cool as it looks. First, just like the Vs, the weight repartition can be really shitty. I've tested a Jackson Kelly (I don't know the exact model, perhaps it was a basic model) and it was awful. Plus, the nut to fix the strap is positioned in a way the headstock goes down when you stand up. It was the same on my guitar, but the previous owner fixed it by adding another nut just behind the neck: the problem is solved, but still the guitar is pretty heavy. Accessing the very last threads is not very easy too.

So all in all, I'd be tempted to vote for Ibanez typical "strat" model. Good looking, comfortable, light-weight with a good access to all the fretboard.

Written by wrathchild on 20.01.2007 at 01:05

I've played on several types of Les Paul guitars, and here too the overall weight makes a big difference. It's usually well balanced but Gibsons and their Epiphones replicas can be really heavy. But I've been playing (and I'm still playing) with a Stagg Les Paul, a very cheap and light model. All the freats can be reach - at least on 22 frets models - but it may be slightly harder than on V shaped guitars or some strats.

Ive got to agree there. I have an Epiphone Les Paul and that thing weighs a ton. Mainly I prefer my Gibson SG over the LP due to the weight and complete fretboard access. I dont have alot of experience playing on expensive guitars, but Gibsons have a nice tone. More importantly I prefer those types of bodies as they are easier to play while sitting down. I tried to play on my buddies Explorer while sitting and it was so awkward.

I guess I'm gonna Put My vote into the Ibanez strat.

Explorer Bodies I feel are to Mishapen, and Cumbersome, while they can look cool, Definitly not for me.

Warkocks are cool, Mos Def, But the body is kinda TO Flashy IMO, But Still good overall.

V's are off balance, and Like Wrathchild said, What's the point in Separating Randy Rhoads/Flying/King V's?

The shape of a les paul is to asranged to me, It's sort of Uncomfortable, and definitly Not Metal In My Oppinion.

I think Fender strats are ugly and over used.

So I like Ibanez strats, good shape, rests easy on your legs, well balanced, and Definitly good for music all around.

I FUCKING HATE the flying v's, explorers and especially BC rich explorers(though the beasts look decent for me). they just look tasteless. brandishing one on stage(for me) is like saying "i'm such a trve metal god i've got these custom made by edward scissor hands!!"
i like the les paul shape. while it certainly isn't "metal" i really really like it. never tested one but i plan on getting a epiphone goth or standard les paul in the near future(1-2 years).
momentarily i have a strat(not a fender/squier), and i can reach all frets, it's very light, but off-balance.
i don't like the shape of the les paul guitar in soliloquy's first post, but i do like very much this one: http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-Left-Handed-Electric-Guitar-i97022.music
so les paul gets my vote, although i hate early models, as they look like a bad combination between a guitar and a cello(like the one in the video for animals-house of the rising sun and some rock n roll bands videos in the 60s, including beatles)

well, often enough, les pauls are used more as rhythm guitars. umm, i'm not sure, but i believe that IN FLAMES band uses one as a rhythm guitar. and tons of local bands around my area are also using les pauls as rhythm for metal, rock, jazz, funk or whatever they are into.

so les pauls can indeed be used for metal. its just not common for them to seen as lead guitars.

but just as you, Cursed, mentioned, and for similar reasons, i HATE BC RICH guitars. they look too tacky and flashy. some of their guitars look decent, but majority of them look like they are trying to make the guitarist look like a god, which he/she might not be. how ever, i wont mind getting a normal BC RICH guitar had their headstock been a bit different. even the head stock is fugly. or atleast that is my opinion.

but other than that, i'm thinking of getting a Coffin Case gig bag made by BC. RICH. its not TOO flashy, and its relativly cheap for a gig bag that can hold a rhandy roads guitar.

I really love the flying Vs, specially if they are black, my dream is to have money to buy one i'm getting there...

Written by Valentin B on 20.01.2007 at 13:08

i don't like the shape of the les paul guitar in soliloquy's first post, but i do like very much this one: http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Standard-Left-Handed-Electric-Guitar-i97022.music

Hmm...yeah, I guess that Model isn't so bad.
In all Honesty I don't mind BC Rich's, I do believe Chuck Schuldiner played with one.

my personall favorite will always be the gibson blackbird/thunderbird.

The original strat is just fine , fits perfectly

Please guys, should I really warn you all for spamming :

I placed a vote for the Beast, though Explorer was sorely tempting.

I can't play strats for the life of me. Well, I can... but it's never an enjoyable experience. Gibson SGs were right second to that.

I picked up the Beast on near-impulse purchase, and it's been a dream ever since, though it is a real rhythm based machine. The sound (clean or distorted) is so much better when playing power/bar chords than swift picking scales higher up.

The weight of the body is also great with me. I much prefer heavier bodies, and this is exactly that. Sure, I have a slight bit of shoulder posture alterations permanently as a result... but it's still really comfortable. Funny part is, I'm one of the only people to find it comfortable. It's protruding spikes poke into the tender areas of pretty much anyone else who tries to play it.

So overall, it's flashy, sounds great as a rhythm guitar, and perfectly weighted to my tastes.

I wouldn't buy another though.

Cursed: "brandishing one on stage(for me) is like saying "i'm such a trve metal god i've got these custom made by edward scissor hands!!" "

Soliloquy "i HATE BC RICH guitars. they look too tacky and flashy."

I must agree with you both here, except the part about the hate. While I care not for the other particular BC Rich shapes... the Beast is as you describe. Flashy, tacky, obnoxious, and generally pretentious.

That's part of the charm. The looks it gets is kinda impressive. Doesn't matter where I am, just jamming typically results in one or two passerbys stopping and saying "holy penis" or something. The attention-starved nerd in me enjoys that.

@Draco_erroris: i dont really have anything against Beast guitars, or the beasts that BC RICH makes. how ever, i do have a problem with their paint job. like this guy:



not too long ago(maybe 3 years), those places like Randy River used to seel shirts with the same pattern, and those skaters sure digged their stuff. so why dont we just grab one of those shirts and dress up our guitar?

same thing applies to this behemoth:


though, something about the body was unique, its the fret board that sodomized it. i dont really think BC RICH can make soemthing JUST perfect for most players. they have to have some sort of tacky spaz in their guitars.

@Soliloquy: The funny part is, I have that first one there. Kerry King Signature V. Yeah, I bought it. I play that which you all hate.

Aside from the action being too damn high (which is easily adjusted), it actually has a really good sound.

That other one had some measure of potential. I'm sure playing it, I may feel differently about it... but it's just an eyesore.

my personal favorite is the randy rhoades. For some reason i've always been drawn to the guitars that have long edges. I own a rhoades, a flying v(actual original gibson model, not the faded one) and a Hamer Explorer(xploder). They all have really fucking nice tone and fit perfectly for the music i like to play. only problem I have with guitars like that is that the bodies are bulky, although the flying v is amazingly light.

Written by Soliloquy on 22.01.2007 at 17:25

@Draco_erroris: i dont really have anything against Beast guitars, or the beasts that BC RICH makes. how ever, i do have a problem with their paint job. like this guy:



not too long ago(maybe 3 years), those places like Randy River used to seel shirts with the same pattern, and those skaters sure digged their stuff. so why dont we just grab one of those shirts and dress up our guitar?

I don't really mind the paint job on that one, I think it looks good. Really, a shirt with that pattern would look kinda scene, but on a guitar I think it looks really good.

this is easily my favorite guitar body. it's weighted very nicely, provides full neck access, and looks somewhat unique without being too crazy.

Actually i always found warlock and V jackson one attractive and suitable for metal.But if i talk about my own interests les paul and ibanez jem is great.Especially jem a styling wonder.Sure it turns into a black swan in paradise when played by Vai.

Well i preffer strat like guitars (but mor ones like Ibanez than Fender), I liked those shapes since i got into rock music.... Its kinda natural, but not that shitty as Telecaster and likes. I dont like flying Vs so much, but i like X shaped guitars, like some BCrichs, or Dime's Washburn.....

Written by Soliloquy on 22.01.2007 at 17:25

I just vomited.

I voted 'Other', as my favourite body is Ibanez/Jackson kind o superstrat body. They're extremely comfortable, and can look both classy and bitchin'. Definitely a modern classic. I'm also quite fond of Rhoads-style Vs - it's like they've taken a Flying V and injected it with elegance, especially when they're white with gold/black detailing.

im an explorer man myself , however i do like the shape of most ibanez's. V's are overated in my opinion, though some are good.

I like the Jackson RR1, currently saving up $2250.

Taking forever!!!

Hej,
Well I'm going for the B.C. rich Warlock... Not only that it's the classical metal guitar imo, I played on one one some occasions and it was much confortable to play on it.

Strat shape is best choice for me not because of looks but it just fits me in any position! I had tryout of an LTD Explorer for couple of weeks which sounded very nice and looked perfectly but it was hell of a trouble holding and adjusting to it's shape - just can't support my arm anywhere on the body side it was just looks and solid sound but nothing more.. from that period I avoid crazy shapes just stick to Strat and LesPaul

My favorire is either the randy rhoads style or the esp horizon!

its a close one between the v's the explorer and the strat body... i have a rough time making descisions....

Written by [user id=22721] on 19.04.2007 at 23:21

its a close one between the v's the explorer and the strat body... i have a rough time making descisions....

Just make 2 more accounts and vote for all of them!

THATS A GOOD IDEA!