Guitar Review Ninja

Schecter doesn’t just build great guitars, they create them. Like works of art, each design is a work of art, individual, but still showing Schecter examples of quality in durability, playability, and of course, sound. The C1 is no exception. With a flame Maple carved top, a set-in neck, and Schecter’s own “Vector” design inlays, anyone will admit that this guitar doesn’t just sound good; it looks good, too.

Schecter C1 Plus Features…

Construction: Set Neck

Body: Mahogany / Flame Maple

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Scale: 24 in.

Inlays: Vector

Hardware: Chrome

Bridge: Tune-o-matic

Tuners: Grover

Binding: Creme: Body & Neck

Frets: 24 Jumbo

Electronics: Duncan Design

Buy Schecter C1 Plus

"Don'y buy a Schecter…..buy two!!!"

It's really a beautiful instrument.

For the $, it is an amazing product!

I have seen the bridge on two other C series guitars have a few minor flaws, but mine seems to be ok. The finish is gorgeous, the inlays are very tasteful the balance is great, it plays great . The intonation is true so far. I play it setup Drop C. New strings seem to take a little long to break in so it stays in tune, but I have friends that play 1 hours sets beating on the C series and never have to tune it.

I will probably buy another Schecter, possibly the Classic for the versatility in tone or maybe the aesthetically pleasing C1 Elite with it's light sleek body and gorgeous minimalist inlays.

a customer from hotmail.com (8/12/2003)

"Worth the money."

I am very happy with my purchase.If i buy another guitar it might be another schecter.

Great Guitar!Love it.This is the best guitar your going to find in this price range.The tone is perfect and the fret board is faster than hell.I would recommend this guitar for new or experianced players.Rock on!

The guitar is very well built ,except for the input,the nut comes loose all the time and i have to screw it back in with my fingers.except for that the finish is great and it doesn't come out tune.

rockman_077 (7/22/2006)

Fender and Roland team up once again to bring you the revolutionary new VG Stratocaster guitar.

It’s an incredibly versatile instrument that gives you 37 different Stratocaster, Telecaster®, humbucking, 12-string and acoustic sounds, plus 5 alternate tunings, all at the simple flip of a switch or twist of a knob. It all comes in the gracefully familiar form of an American Series Stratocaster, and it’s designed to deliver each sound with level, balanced tone and volume—no need to readjust your amp settings with each change in guitar sound.

It’s a classic Strat in every sense of the word, with a lot of extra magic, too.

Fender VG Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Maple, with Case) Features…

Model Name: VG Stratocaster

Model Number: 011-7502-(Color #)

Series: American Series

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern “C” Shape, (Satin Polyurethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple (p/n 011-7502), 9.5 in. Radius (241mm)

No. of Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo Frets

Pickups: 3 American Strat Single-Coil Pickups, 1 Roland® VG Pickup

Controls:

Master Volume

Master Tone

Tuning Function Control (5 Rotary Positions)

Mode Control (5 Rotary Modes)

Pickup Switching:

5-Position Blade: (Functions in All Modes)

Position 1. Bridge Pickup

Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup

Position 3. Middle Pickup

Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup

Position 5. Neck Pickup

Bridge: American 2-Point Synchronized Tremolo with Stainless Steel Saddles

Machine Heads: Fender®/Schaller® Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines

Hardware: Chrome

Pickguard: 3-Ply Parchment

Scale Length: 25.5 in. (648 mm)

Width at Nut: 1.6875 in. (43 mm)

Strings: Fender® Super Bullets® 3250L, Nickel Plated Steel, (.009 to .042), p/n 073-3250-003

Accessories: Standard Molded Case

Case: Standard Molded Case

Introduced: 1/2007

Buy Fender VG Stratocaster Electric Guitar (Maple, with Case)

In standard mode, it sounds great; just like my American Standard strat, and suprisingly quiet, very little hum when plugged into the '65 Deluxe Reverb amp I demo'ed it with. The virtual Strat, Tele, and humbucking sounds were very good, but slightly lower in volume than the real pickups. The 12 string tracked pretty well, but had a slight digital warble if you strum too fast. The accoustic sound would be ok for gigging, but not for recording. I didn't mess much with the alternate tunings.

American series Strat features; satin finish neck, black gloss alder body, rosewood finger board, Fender tuners, standard strap buttons (what happened to the Schaller strap locks?) 3 single coil pickups, Roland VG active pickup, standard Fender molded case.

The one I tried was set up very well, great, low action with no buzz, and I love a Strat neck! This one was great too. Everything else seemed top notch, like it should.

I have never dealt with Fender customer support

Steam Furnace (05/23/2007)

I am a blues and jazz guy and I play a range of styles within thoswe two genres. Everything from bop to cool to modal to some limited fusion and rock oriented jazz. The versatility of this instrument allows me to craft new voices for each style. For blues I play everything from a down home fingerstyle to Chicago blues to T Bone and uptown blues. Again, the ability to shift between modes and tunings is invaluable. For straight ahead jazz the humbucker mode give me the mid range and low end body that a strat does not. Rolling back the tone knob really gets me there and I love this sound as much as I've loved the sound of any number of more traditional jazz guitars I've played. It's not the exact sound but is instead its own sound that in the end is excellent. For fingerstyle Lightnin Hopkins blues I go acoustic, sometimems dobro, and really get there. Three of the five acoustic sounds are really fantastic. For other blues I find myself ranging between tele, strat, and humbucker modes. Let's face it, this axe allows you to fully express yourself. The modes and tunings are so close to the real deal that the only people that I don't recommend t his guitar to are the tried and true vintage geeks.

But hear this vintage geeks…I am playing this through a 1964 Fender Princeton. The pairing of this guitar with a great vintage amp really dials in serious mojo. That's what may be unique about my review and perhaps most helpful. Don't just plug this into any old amp. The Hot Rod series will cut a lot of the dimensions of your sound. A serious blackface amp just makes this thing sing. As you know -and you don't have to play on gold records to know this- your amp is at least as imprpotant as your guitar and in most cases is even more important. With a great amp this guitar is an incredible value and anincredible winner.

An American Series Stratocaster with staggered alnico pickups and an amazing Roland pickup that provides emulation of a Fender Deluxe Strat with noiseless pups, telecaster, humbucker euipped strat – 2 humbuckers, 5 acoustic models from dreadnaught to dobro resonator, a 12 string guitar that can be used with strat or tele or humbucker modes, a baritone guitar, several altered tunings including dadgad and open g that can also be used in strat tele or humbucker or acoustic modes. All this and I'm probably leaving something out. 22 frets. Maple neck. Three color sunburst alder body. Roland electronics powered by 4 AA batteries. Normal alnico pickup strat still works when batteries die out. Nice slim neck with rounded edges as found on American Series models. A little heavier than your standard strat because of the roland electronics housed in the body. I got a nice tweed hardcase with plenty case candy.

There are so many sounds that can be generated by this instrument that it's hard to give the features anything less than a 10 but it does lack the open G tuning of Duane Allman as well as tuning down a half step, which might have been cool and could have fit on the dial or possibly replaced stuff like dropped D. No offense to the dropped D lovers!

Bought it used but the previous owner was a serious musician who knew how to take care of his instruments. No flaws. The 3 color sunburst is immaculate!

doctordredlocks (09/10/2007)

The new SuperNatural Series of instruments are voiced for players who appreciate brilliance and ambiance as much as depth and richness.

Takamine TAN16C Super Natural Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features…

Body Shape: Dreadnought

Rosette: Abalone

Top: Solid Spruce

Inlays: None

Back: Solid Rosewood

Sides: Solid Rosewood

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Electronics: CTP-1

Tuners: Gold with Amber Pearl

Features: Features the new CTP-1 Cool Tube Preamp; Scalloped Bracing.

Buy Takamine TAN16C Super Natural Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Round Warm TubeTone with a Fast Pick Attack

I bought this guitar recently and the first thing I noticed was the really great action. Low and comfortable from low to high up on the board unlike some guitars ive played where the action bows . Ive even had a couple Taylors do the "bowing" thing or rather the guitar had an uneven action to it that even a truss rod adjust wouldnt get right. The Tan15C is not one of those ! Perfect playability as I play Al Dimeola style fast picking attack to Vai to Morse to Ole SChool Funk, BLues, Groove, Alt. , Instrumental, Flamenco, BLuegrassy stuff, etc. Ive used it a few times at the store I teach at as well . Getting a ROland Chorus Acoustic amp. Not very big amp but the size of a GK500 from the 80s for those that remember. THe sound with the cool tube is huge , warm and very responsive and puts a smile on my face. Chord Play is warm and mellow to snappy and tight and anything inbetween. What you put in is what you get out. THe tone from this preamp is simply wonderful. The aesthetic of this guitar is nice as well. Indian Rosewood back and sides to the Cedar top and the EBony neck and so on. Great looking great playing piece!

Danny Sweda from FLA (Dec 10, 2006)

"Simply awesome guitar. One of the best."

Very very sexy. I love it.

Absolutely. The quality build of this product together with it's awesome sound and cool tube pickup system makes it one of the best guitars out there.

I've only had this guitar for a couple of weeks and it looks beautifully made. All solid timber throughout. No laminate sections. Very well polished and has a slight mother of pearl around the hole. It also comes with a 5 year warranty. Great value for money guitar that in my opinion is just as good as the Taylors which are double the price.

Can't answer this. Haven't contacted the company.

Submitted: 3/18/2008

The Parker P10E is stunningly beautiful, sonically Parker.

A solid spruce top with birdseye maple back and sides combine with an ivoroid fingerboard and bridge to produce a visual masterpiece. Parker’s exclusive Fishman pickup system ensures that you sound just as good as you look. 1/4 in. and XLR mono/stereo outputs are provided for performance and recording versatility.

Parker P10E Features

* Solid Spruce Top

* Solid Birdseye maple back, Birdseye maple sides

* Bass balanced ivoroid bridge with compensated bone saddle.

* Mahogany neck, Ivoroid fingerboard with microdot inlays and Parker P, zero fret, maple capped headstock.

* Grover Sta-Tite (97 series) gold machine heads – 14:1

Parker P10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case) Features…

Body

Wood: Solid sitka spruce top

Contruction: Solid birdseye maple back, birdseye maple sides with red tortoise shell binding

Finish: Polyurethane

Bridge: Ivoroid

Neck

Wood: Mahogany

Neck Design: 5-piece construction

Neck-Body Joint: Dove-tail style

Scale: 25-1/2 in.

Number of Frets: 19

Fret Material: Nickel S

Fret Size: .045-inch high, .095-inch wide

Fret Board: Ivoroid fingerboard with microdot inlays

Fretboard Shape: 10 in. – 13 in. Conical form

Neck Shape:

* Width: Regular

* Thickness: Regular

Finish: Polyurethane

Nut: Bone

Nut Width: 1.69 in.

String Spacing: 2.14 in.

Truss Rod: Lightweight steel

Tuners: Grover Sta-Tite (97 series) machine heads – 14:1

Electronics

Magnetic Pickups: Exclusive Fishman Blender System

Magnetic Pickup Configuration: 1 under saddle pickup; 1 exclusive Rare Earth

Magnetic Pickup Select: Blend option

Piezo System: 6 Element Fishman piezo

PreAmp: Hum cancelling neck position Fishman complimented with a Fishman Acoustic Matrix Undersaddle pickup

Other Controls: Top mounted master volume, magnetic/piezo blend, independent boost/cut style bass and treble controls. Output: 1/4-inch and XLR mono/stereo

Miscellaneous

Weight: 4.5 pounds

Strings: Vinci .012 – .053

Other Features

Case: Parker Hardshell Case

Buy Parker P10E Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Love it

I spent about two months choosing this guitar, and from the first time I picked it up until about 20 minutes ago when I just looked at it, I still have the same excitement. The Ivoriod bridge is my least fav feature, but on the fret it is amazing. Good sound, over all great guitar. And since it is a parker everyone one asks what it is and usually asks to hear something.

Zemzem from Japan (Nov 17, 2008)

With the simply decorated Martin D15, Martin has reintroduced the Mahogany-top acoustic that was so popular in the 1940’s (currently their most affordable guitar). The D15’s solid, genuine Mahogany construction produces exceptional tone.

About the 15 Series

Martin’s 15 Series allows you to satisfy your desire for a more easily affordable all solid wood Martin guitar – and they offer these guitars to you in all shapes and sizes.

These instruments feature richly stained solid Mahogany top, back, and sides to give it the distinctive look along with the recognizable Martin sound – features that mark it one of Martin’s most attractive values.

Standard features for the 15 Series generally include solid Mahogany top, back and sides, herringbone decal rosette, satin finish, patented neck mortise, and “A-frame” X-bracing which enhances the rich, bright sound inherent in mahogany.

Martin D15 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case) Features…

Model: D-15

Construction: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint

Body Size: D-14 Fret

Top: Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany

Rosette: Gold & Black Style Herringbone

Top Bracing Pattern: D1 (A-Frame)

Top Braces: Sitka/1 Style/Non-Scalloped

Back Material: Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany

Back Purfling: none

Side Material: Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany

Endpiece: none

Endpiece Inlay: none

Binding: none

Top Inlay Style: none

Side Inlay: none

Back Inlay: none

Neck Material: Solid Genuine Mahogany

Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval

Nut Material: White Corian®

Headstock: Solid/6 String No Diamond/Standard Taper

Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Gold Foil Logo

Heelcap: none

Fingerboard Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood

Scale Length: 25.4 in.

# of Frets Clear: 14

# of Frets Total: 20

Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16 in.

Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8 in.

Fingerboard Position Inlays: Style 28

Fingerboard Binding: none

Finish Back & Sides: Satin/Mahogany Stain/Dark Filler

Finish Top: Satin/Dark Filler

Finish Neck: Satin/Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler

Bridge Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood

Bridge Style: 1 Style Belly

Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8 in.

Saddle: Compensated White Tusq

Tuning Machines: Chrome w/ Small Knobs

Recommended Strings: Martin SP 4200 Medium Phosphor Bronze

Bridge & End Pins: White w/ Black Dots

Pickguard: I-01 Tortoise Color

Case: 345 Hard Shell

Interior Label: Paper Label

Buy Martin D15 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case)

"Martin, great guitars for the right people."

While the D15 is not exactly a head turner, it is beautifully crafted and a very nice instrument.

The D15 retails on the Martin website for about $1100.00. I would have been somewhat dissapointed with this guitar had I paid full price, but at $699.00 I was generally happy about the purchase.

Impecably built. Every attention to detail is taken.

I called the factory once to ask about tours and they were very helpful.

a customer from mac.com (4/26/2006)

"A simple master crafted beautiful sounding guitar"

It has a simple look that makes people look and when people hear it they ask questions.

Cant beat it for value

Its a low end martin price for a high end sounding simple beauty

Someday I may move up to another Martin but I dont know why. This one
has all I need or wanted. I would replace it If lost. I love the satin
finish although Im still trying to figure out the best way to care for
it

a customer from dslextreme.com (1/17/2004)

Every Legend has a Great Beginning

A beginner’s guitar does not necessarily have to sound or act like a beginner’s guitar. In fact, many guitar manufacturers offer introductory instruments unworthy of even a student’s hands. The Alvarez Regent guitar is designed to turn aspiring students into great guitarists. Including a full selection of styles, sizes and finishes, this series offers quality instruments for every developing player.

Alvarez RD20S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Features…

Body Style: Dreadnought

Back/Sides: Mahogany

Top: Solid Sitka Spruce

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Fingerboard Inlay: Dots

Body Binding: Multiple

Soundhole Rosette: Acrylic Pearl

Tuning Machines: Chrome Die Cast

Electronics: None

Buy Alvarez RD20S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Wow I

This is my second guitar. Man I really lucked on on this guitar. I tried lots of different Acoustics bt none of the ones in my price range could match the sound of this one! It has a nice meaty low pich without the buzzing. Also the frets are closer together than most guitars so its a lot easier for a beginer to play. Plus the price won

Alvarez luva from Michigan (Apr 1, 2008)

Good Quality Starter

I got this guitar as a gift and I normally play electric guitars. I did enjoy the quality of the guitar and found it fairly easy to play and the tone of the guitar was amazing. I did replace the strings with a lighter string set that had a lower action as the ones that came on the guitar had a medium-high action which was a little harder to play Blues and Jazz. Over all this is an awesome guitar that stays in tune I think I have only had to tune it twice and that was because I went from standard tuning to drop D tuning. If you want a lot of clarity and deep bass then get this guitar.

Todd from Arkansas (Feb 18, 2008)