Hi there! This is actually a belated GD, I've had this guitar since months already, but didn't have much time to write a proper review.
Let's start with a video, shall we? Apologies for the very sub-par quality, cr@ppy iMac camera and built-in microphone...at least I make stupid faces.
This will be part of a new
Abiogenesis tune, probably a post-break. Still not 100% convinced about certain parts, we'll see how it progresses...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pif-8jF8sKI'nuff talk, pictures.
Specs:
- swamp ash body
- purple-ish burst quilt maple top
- three piece flame/birdseye maple set neck
- ebony fingerboard
- 20" radius
- Hipshot fixed bridge
- Hipshot tuners & hardware
- BKP zebra ceramic Warpig bridge
- BKP VHII neck
Some words about this incredible instrument: Dylan makes awesome stuff. Really really awesome stuff. This is with no doubt the most shreddable 7 I've ever played, the neck is as thin and blazing fast as you could ever desire, but at the same time very comfortable during chords and riffs. It kinda resembles a JP7 neck, just a hair thinner.
This is imho what an ultimate 7 string shred machine should be built, it begs to be played. Fret access is incredible, the smooth ebony fretboard and superb fret work make it so simple to slide across them.
Inlay work is, as usual, mind blowing, but I never get lost because of the huge side block inlays. This aspect, coupled with the unbelievably light weight, makes it a perfect live guitar.
Actually, I do think I'll use it live as my main 7, only complain I have is that I use the trem all the time and this instrument should be even better with a Floyd imho.
The guitar itself has a very broad frequency range, but due to the rather bright wood combo (expecially the very crisp and percussive sounding ebony fretboard) it's a bit on the brighter side. That's why I didn't like the original BKP Rebel Yell in the bridge (a very upper-midrange focused pickup) and swapped it for a Ceramic Warpig.
I have to say this pickup is the perfect choice for my playing style: very aggressive, throaty midrange, very evil sounding during chugs or purrs, but not as compressed as the Aftermath. Thanks to the brighter resonance of the guitar, it doesn't sound dark at all, but cuts thru like a knife.
I was scared it might not couple very well with the VHII, but to my surprise they are working reaaaally good together.
To further improve its qualities, the sustain is the longest out of any guitar I own, Blackmachines included. I guess ash just wants to resonates for hours :) And it never, NEVER goes out of tune, thanks to the slightly more angled headstock, which definitely helps in this aspect.
That's it, hope you liked this NGD! :)
