OT: Solid designs
Weaser P
Posted 2006-09-25 6:46 PM (#238578)
Subject: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331

Location: Cicero, NY
Ok, moving this from another thread, what's the best solid body design you've played and what's the worst? Cliff and Jeff are on record as not really appreciating the Deacon Ltd. I, on the other hand, think it's a pretty cool design and hate the SG and Flying V. The Tele was always kinda goofy to me as well until I played one and fell in love with the sound. How 'bout the Strat or the LP?

Time to weigh in, folks!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2006-09-25 6:54 PM (#238579 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
Esthetically speaking, cuz I play like crap, I do like the Limited and find the BW/Deacon refreshing.

I don't like the UK II or PF.

I can't get excited over the Strat or Tele because there's just too may of them.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tupperware
Posted 2006-09-25 6:58 PM (#238580 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903

Location: Phoenix AZ
No disrespect to Ovation, but I've got an original '62 Telecaster that for me pretty much does it all. I do like the looks of double cut Les Pauls, Hamers and PRS. I've had B-winners, Deacons, Preechers, Vipers and an Ultra GP. All nice, but not quite "it". Not that I would know what "it" is supposed to be. Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2006-09-25 7:22 PM (#238581 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331

Location: Cicero, NY
I think the Hamer's and the PRS's have a great look and feel too. I've yet to have an Ultra GP in my hands but I do look forward to it. The Preacher's have no aesthetic value at all to me. Can't say why - never really had one on my hands - but they just don't do it for me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2006-09-25 7:29 PM (#238582 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
If I'm just grabbing a guitar to play, my favorite Ovation solid to play is a Viper. Mostly because it's easy to play, and although it sounds similar to other guitars, it has its own tone. One Vol, One Tone, select pickup, that's it.

When learning to play covers a stock Viper and a Rockman X-100 were my tools. That is one of the most perfect gear matches I have ever used. The Rockman I could switch between distortion and clean for whatever sound was closest. You can control the sustain surprisingly enough with the Volume on the Viper and I controlled rhythm and lead with the Tone. It would seem like it was a very limited setup, but in fact I was able to come close enough to play along with just about any tune I was trying to figure out.

For playing or recording after learning a song, well that would just depend on the tone. I like the Deacon/Breadwinners, love the UKII, and PF-22's. The only one I never really got into was the Preacher or Preacher deluxe. Just never got what I needed from them. My primary axe for years and years was a Viper with a Kahler trem and a Carvin M-22 bridge pickup. The stock neck pickup made for great rhythm and suedo acoustic sounds, while the M-22 was a metal monster. But again, one VOL, One tone, made life simple and that brass bridge gave me all the sustain I could ever want.

Now, for looks and fun... I really really like the Ultra GS, in the 3-pickup version. I thought it was such a smart design all the way around, with it's only real weak point being the necks. They just are not super sturdy, although I have a few that are, they weren't consistent. The rest of the guitar... DiMarzio pickups with a slanted Humbucker in the bridge position. Why Fender never did this is beyond me. The scalloped body design I think is the nicest of all the strat clones out there. I normally like a Kahler trem and have a few with that style bridge, but at the same time, the ones that have the fulcrum style trem I find much nicer than any strat I have played.

Another guitar that I really liked and maybe if I was playing more I would use is the Viper III. I played 2nd lead in a band a few years back, and I used the Viper III a few times. I think I was able to get the most tone combinations from that guitar. However, that was the drawback too. After ahwile I would forget which pickups and tone settings for which songs, and which parts of which songs and it started to drive me nuts. Now granted I could have just picked a position a left it, but it had the potential to really dial into the tone of the other guitarist, so if I played it, I felt obligated to get the best sound for each part which sometimes meant having 4 or 5 combinations for a song. That got old and those micro switches started to fail under that much use.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff
Posted 2006-09-26 12:25 AM (#238583 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 863

Location: Central Florida
I've owned a bunch of electric solid bodies over the years. But, if I had to narrow it down to one favorite, it'd be the Strat for me, no question. I think it's the most comfortable solidbody in the world to hold, and sonically, I find them to be more versatile than most other solids. Teles are cool too, but I've yet to own one. On the other hand, I've owned half a dozen Les Pauls and have ended up selling or trading every one of 'em. I also like Hamers and wouldn't mind having one some day.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
OldLiverJones
Posted 2006-09-26 3:20 AM (#238584 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 803

Location: Avondale, AZ
You can't beat the solid feel and the arch top of Les Paul.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2006-09-26 6:30 AM (#238585 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
Just to set the record straight Weez, I LOVE the Deacons . . . I don't like the Ltd.'s . . .
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Captain Lovehandles
Posted 2006-09-26 7:06 AM (#238586 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3410

Location: GA USA
The Deacon body style has been magic for me ever since I first saw it as a kid. I've always thought that the Limited was ugly.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2006-09-26 7:42 AM (#238587 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331

Location: Cicero, NY
Originally posted by cliff:
Just to set the record straight Weez, I LOVE the Deacons . . . I don't like the Ltd.'s . . .
Duly noted.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tupperware
Posted 2006-09-26 9:52 AM (#238588 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903

Location: Phoenix AZ
This one is kinda neat ...

http://www.vintageguitar.com/classifieds/item_detail.asp?ItemID=125...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2006-09-26 10:05 AM (#238589 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
The Hamer Improv, or a tele.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CrimsonLake
Posted 2006-09-26 10:08 AM (#238590 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145

Location: Marlton, NJ
Tup - that's funny - I saw that exact same guitar yesterday (or so I thought...):

http://www.gbase.com/Powered/GearDetails.aspx?Dealer=d02a9c2b-5538-...

This is at a guitar shop not too far from where I live.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DiamondT
Posted 2006-09-26 12:24 PM (#238591 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 79

Location: Minnesota
I've always liked my Teles, It has alot to do with the sound and the neck profiles. I'm also very attached to the Deacons/BWs They have a great neck for fingerstyle and some serious chord comping, especially swing and jazz styles. Great guitars to play sitting as well, you just have to make sure you have a strap on em.


Worst? Flying Vs and Explorers, just not comfortable for me!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
an4340
Posted 2006-09-26 1:43 PM (#238592 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389

Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands
For me, the best is simplicity, since, I'm a simpleton, either a les paul junior with one humbucking pickup and no tone control, just volume, or a telecaster with a four way switch, bridge, neck, parrlele and series setting.


The worst? Oh man ... doesn't matter what it is, there plenty of ungoddly pos out there, you pick it. I guess if I had to pick one it would be something all covered in mother of pearl, including the fret board, just hate that feeling. Some like it, but when you sweat it gets sckeevy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2006-09-26 2:07 PM (#238593 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
ParkerFly.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Steve
Posted 2006-09-26 2:18 PM (#238594 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900

I had my original Deacon custom contoured in the style of the Breadwinner Ltd. It playes like butter, spoiled me rotten, and there's not a Strat on the planet that can compare...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
an4340
Posted 2006-09-26 8:57 PM (#238595 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389

Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands
Let me add a 1972 single humbucker Gibson SG as a favorite.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2006-09-26 10:14 PM (#238596 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
This is a tough one, since different guitars and different amps result in distinctly different sounds. If I had to keep just one electric to do everything, it would most likely be the Hamer Newport. (Does that even qualify as a solid body?) It does a lot of different things very well.

BUT ... my trusty old strat has a lot of mojo in it, my Charvel Surfcaster is just too cool for school, and the all mahogany Viper plays really well and can make a lot of really nice sounds (good for all-purpose work). Then there's the Hamer Mirage with Seymour's '59 and JB in it, which kills any LP I've had in my hands. I had a Ric 360/12V64, but the Deacon 12 gives me all the jangle I need and it's much easier to play ... and with the flip of a switch and a stomp it goes nuclear. But if I want to play a bit of rockabilly, having the FlameKat with the TV Jones makes it real. And then there's ... oh, never mind.

Man, you should see the selection of ice cream in my freezer.

The worst? There's been way too many POS guitars dragged through my house by my boys' friends. Usually they look like Dinky's with reverse headstocks ... and shitty pickups, setups and they sound and play like crap. But then again, I think that's what they want their music to sound like, anyway. ;)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
OldLiverJones
Posted 2006-09-26 11:08 PM (#238597 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 803

Location: Avondale, AZ
The best looking solidbody guitar, It is a pawar. I would like to try one on.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wilblee
Posted 2006-09-27 4:14 PM (#238598 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 1320

Location: Round Rock, TX
This'un is my favorite - a Soulmate Model 4. Good lookin, light weight, fabulous neck and the Wagner Crossroad pickups are absolutely bitchin'.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2006-09-27 4:21 PM (#238599 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
My next solid will be this one an MCS Wraith
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2006-09-27 6:09 PM (#238600 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
:eek: Looks dangerous. Don't fall on it! :eek:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2006-09-27 6:10 PM (#238601 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
By the way, Miles, whatever you did, the site seems to be running solid again. Thanks!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2006-09-27 6:15 PM (#238602 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
"the site seems to be running solid again."

Wish I could take credit, unless of course threatening to move the site to a new host counts.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2006-09-27 6:22 PM (#238603 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Sometimes that's all it takes.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2006-09-27 6:32 PM (#238604 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996

Location: Upper Left USA
You should Pin that Comment!

I had a little bit of time last night to string and play the Thru Body Viper. I set action this a.m.

When I get home from work I have about 30 minutes to crank it up and really play it
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2006-09-27 6:47 PM (#238605 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
I've been playing mine all day. I work from home on Wednesdays. Last night I mounted the GK-2 p/u so I could play with the GR-33.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cruster
Posted 2006-09-27 8:28 PM (#238606 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850

Location: Midland, MI
Right now the solid body herd has been thinned down to two G&Ls, both ASATs (of different flavors). Classic design right from the man himself. Well built. Simple. Rugged (read: I leave it on the stand in the family room without worries...well, mostly without worries).

That being said, I'm developing a case of autumn GAS. If I felt like expending the marital capital (in relationship terms), one of Al's korina Juniors would be on it's way.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
First Alternate
Posted 2006-09-30 6:40 AM (#238607 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs
Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 486

Location: North Carolina
Strat. I more or less echo Jeff's sentiments. To me, it has the most comfortable body and I can pretty much get it to sound any way I want.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jason_S
Posted 2006-09-30 6:59 AM (#238608 - in reply to #238578)
Subject: Re: OT: Solid designs


Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804

Location: ranson,wva
ive never played a electric but i do like the look of the breadwinners tho,maybe oneday i will aquire one..jason
Top of the page Bottom of the page