My little lot

[grogg]

Thought it was about time I posted pics of my guitars:-
Thunder 1 big and little brother.



Session II and Prestige 150-



A few others-

[Pollyanna]

NICE!!!!!

I'm sure the guys will appreciate you showing us your wares there Grogg.

Has that Thunder IA bass been restored by any chance? It looks awfully similar to one which I did a couple of years back and sold to a guy in Scotland.

Polly

[grogg]

Hi Polly,
If you remember I restored the T1A bass a about 12-18 months ago and we corresponded about it at the time. It was in a shocking state when I got it, full of holes and filler, at the time probably my second worst e-bay purchase.
Grogg

[Warrn]

Nice collection there! What's the guitar with the P90s?

[grogg]

Its a Nathan Sheppard, hand built, lots of exotic wood. Neck ....

[grogg]

Pups are Bare Knuckle, made in Devon like the clotted cream.

[Pollyanna]

Hi Polly,
If you remember I restored the T1A bass a about 12-18 months ago and we corresponded about it at the time. It was in a shocking state when I got it, full of holes and filler, at the time probably my second worst e-bay purchase.
Grogg

OMG Grogg,

Yes I do remember... no wonder it looked familiar! I knew it was one of mine in a sort of way because I talked you through a few things! Duh!

Polly

[grogg]

Since we seem to be in a period of posting piccies (Corsair) or music (Barry, BoutJP) thought I would bung this one on. Thats me in the middle, Pebble Mill recording studio circa 81, young I was.



Unfortunately have none of the recordings (nicked from my car).

[anaerobe]

Woah... Grogg nice bunch of guitars. And a very cool old pic.

[grogg]

Thanks, want to move the strat copies on and get something similar but better, any suggestions?

[Warrn]

There's at least one model of Electra Phoenix with an S/S/S setup, but since Electra was an American brand that may be difficult to get your hands on.

[corsair]

Westone Concord,as mentioned, the Electra Phoenix and the relevant Spectrum models, Vantage Avenger, APII ST500..... the list goes on!! Oh!! I assumed you meant Matts!!

[Warrn]

There needs to be a facepalm smilie. How did I forget the Concord??

[grogg]

Ok ta, so the Pantera is too different? Havent played one so wouldnt know.

[Warrn]

Well, the thought was "similar to strat = S/S/S". A Pantera might be similar to a fat Strat, but I haven't played one so I wouldn't know either.

[Barry]

Thanks, want to move the strat copies on and get something similar but better, any suggestions?

As Corsair says, you can't go wrong with the Concord. I've never been a Strat player but I've been surrounded by them, it seems like forever! I didn't think I'd care for the three SC pup sound but it is surprisingly good. Especially since I restrung her with Pure Nickel strings.

My only real issue as most here know is that I keep bashing the centre pup with my pick 'cuz that's where I normally do my strummin' (being a 2 pup guitar kinda guy. )

Ya know, I've managed to get a Strat-y tone out of the Thunder IA, a very versatile tone machine, as is the Spectrum GT with its centre SC pup option.

I'll also second the Vantage Avenger AV325 as worth a serious look (in split coil mode). And from what I hear the 315 is maybe an even better choice for a Strat-like sound.

[corsair]

I'll also second the Vantage Avenger AV325 as worth a serious look (in split coil mode). And from what I hear the 315 is maybe an even better choice for a Strat-like sound.

...there's a 3 s/c Avenger, too; can't remember where I saw it; probably over at Matt.com.

[anaerobe]

I really like my 1982 Aria Pro II RS Deluxe-V - great quality instrument. And FWIW, the strat design is special, if only for the range of tones that you can find on it. The APII iteration is no different. Also, like many mats, the neck is slinky - really, I find it directly comparable, if not better than some of the neck c-necked Fender stuff. Mine is identical to the one shown in the 1982 catalogue:

http://www.matsumoku.org/models/ariaproii/catalogs/foldout/ariaproii_foldout_1.jpg.html

This one was owned by a local Winnipeg guy who plays in Celtic band... it had been in their family since new, and he recorded several tapes with it, but sold it to help pay for a new Fender strat. I felt that I stole it (what is it with low price points and Mats in Canada? Not that I'm complaining. ) - it came with a trem, and two sets of knobs.

I agree, Barry, not being a strat guy, I find the centre pup is damned awkward for strummin'.

I've got to find the time to take pics and post it over at the Mats site sometime.

Ian

[Barry]

...the strat design is special, if only for the range of tones that you can find on it...

Yup, nothing sounds like a Strat. That's why a Strat is a Strat!

(what is it with low price points and Mats in Canada? Not that I'm complaining.

Fer Pete's sake, Sh-h-h-! The word is already leaking out and the prices are climbing.

[grogg]

Thanks very much guys, so the list of contenders is:-

Electra Phoenix with an S/S/S

Westone Concord and the relevant Spectrum models,

Vantage Avenger AV325 and the 315

APII ST500.....
Aria Pro II RS Deluxe-V

That should keep me busy.
What about the 3 pup version of the the Poole Corsair? I like the idea of having a h/b on the bridge and theres one of these on ebay UK at present.
I really like the sound of the centre pup on the strat and it doesnt get in the way for me cos I rarely use a pick, only when my nails have snapped yet again.