| Axe | Pickups | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Fender American Stratocaster |
Fender Texas Specials | Fender Stratocaster |
| Yamaha RGZ Standard |
Bridge - Semour Duncan Trembucker Middle - Dimarzio HS2 Neck - Semour Duncan Hot Rails |
Yamaha RGZ Standard |
| Jackson Concept JDR-94 (Mr. Ugly) |
All Jackson Pickups | Mr. Ugly |
| Guild F30 NT | Martin Thinline | Guild F30 NT |
| Yamaha APX 4 | Yamaha | Yamaha APX 4 |
The Stratocaster is my main axe. It is the one in all of the site's pictures. It is a 2002 model.
Since this is my first foray into country music, I wanted to get something more versatile than a Tele. So
I decided on a Strat. It is a USA Limited. Ash body with a beautiful clear finish. The pickups are Texas
Specials. I played 20 guitars and this was the last one I played. I bought it on the spot.
The Yamaha RGZ Standard is very special to me. I've had the guitar for about 12 years. I traded a Gibson
Explorer for it and never looked back. The thing is everything you'd want in a guitar with humbuckers. I use it
on occasion live and in the studio. The first two clips you hear when entering the site are played with the Yamaha.
This particular model, the RGZ Standard, was never supposed to be released in the USA. It was a Japan only model
but a few made it over here. I was lucky enough to get one. It is a mahogany body with a bookmatched flame maple
top. Maple neck with an Ebony fretboard. It has the Yamaha Pro II locking tremolo which, in my opinion is the best in the
industry. I refitted the guitar with new pickups a year or so ago just to give it more of an edge. This, by far, is my most
favorite guitar to play.
The Jackson Performer was named 'Mr. Ugly' by my wife, Linda basically because it's, well, ugly. I bought it because I
needed an inexpensive second guitar. Someone tried to strip the finish off of it. It was pretty messed up. So, first I set the guitar
up. It actually plays pretty well and the Jackson pups don't sound bad. The bridge pickup has both a coil tap and a phase switch
which makes it pretty versatile. Once I got it set up, I repaired and repainted what the previous owner tried to do. It was still pretty
messy so I added white stripes to a black guitar. That is how it is today. I keep it at work to noodle with during my lunch hour.
The Guild F30 NT is from the late 1970's. It has allot of character if you know what I mean. But, the instrument is still super-solid.
The tone of the concert style body is very rounded. There is a small emphisis on the bass strings which I believe comes
from the big bottom part of the body. I have the pickup shimmed by a small piece of cedar to balance the guitar when played
electrically. I've also used a Dean Markley Pro Mag sound-hole pickup in conjunction with the Martin Thinline. I've used this
guitar extensively in the studio and it records so well. I'm thinking about not using it live anymore and getting something that
wouldn't break my heart if it were lost or stolen.
The Yamaha APX 4 is my current stage acoustic guitar. I wanted to not take my Guild on the road anymore so I bought the Yamaha. It sounds much better amplified than the Guild and is much lighter. I have it fitted with Elixers. Outstanding acoustic strings I might say. The guitar looks black but is actual a purple burst. Good guitar for the stage. Very playable and sounds good through the PA system.Go Back