It comes down to the slim neck and 24.75 scale

Or is it 24.5? I forget.

After trying out lots of things... I know that the guitar I need for rhythm playing (lead is another story) is characterized as follows:

1) Slim neck for small hands. A Gibson simply won't do. And I like to do all kinds of weird jazz chords and stuff, as well as solo. Shredder quickness is also good. [Would a flat or rounded fretboard be better for weird chords and stuff?]

2) The shorter scale than what's on a Strat... the standard Gibson scale. But again, because of the big fat baseball bat neck, Gibson won't do. Again, I like to do all sorts of weird jazz chords, drones, etc.

3) Hardtail. I despise Floyd Roses, and in general I don't want to deal with a tremolo. I think I'll get a whammy pedal instead. Also, I prefer heavy gauge strings... 13s, sometimes 12s... maybe 11s, depending on the day. Nothing lighter than 11s, that's for sure.

4) Preferably neck-through. Set-in is acceptable. Sustain matters a lot. High fret access is also good but not a dealbreaker. This is the only reason why I'm reluctant to go with Warmoth. Although... could the "bolt-on" problem be remedied? I'd gladly go with Warmoth (which would assure that every last other persnickety specification is met) if I could be assured of having sustain comparable to a set or through neck. Having the heel chunk in the way isn't that big of a deal, at any rate.

5) I'd be looking to spend a grand or more... but not more than $1,500. I'm persnickety. Although if there was an absolute underrated gem that could be had in the $400+ range, I'd be open.

So... what are the recommendations? I've looked all over, and unless I stink at looking, I haven't found anything that matches my specs.

I've been looking to take a Fernandes Ravelle Elite for a test drive, but I haven't been able to find anybody that has one. (I'm in Las Vegas, NV.) If it has a big fat neck like a Les Paul... then it would be nothing-doing. Even if it had an average, as opposed to slim neck... might not be so good. It's such a dilemma for me.

Bolt-ons can sustain just fine. I get great sustain from my 1966 Yamaha SG-2. It also has a simple trem system that doesn't suck tone. Miracles happen. No, don't bother asking - it's a 26" scale. Yes, longer than a Fender.

Order your persnickety parts selections from Warmoth.

Be happy. :)

The ESP LTD Viper 400 is an amazing guitar for the price, and seems to match your requirements pretty well. Second one down (or 3rd if you like active EMG's).

http://www.espguitars.com/guitars_viper.html

They are basically a cross between an LP, SG, and... I don't know. They have a set neck, play very fast, have great sustain and sound, built great, and they look awesome. Plus they can be had for well below $1500 (about $599).

Have you ever played a Gibson with a 60's neck?

Yes. And a week was longer than I shoulda' kept that POS! :mad:

Warmoth.... hmmmmmmm... I like it I like it.

Schecter C-1

Originally Posted by: LordathestringsYes. And a week was longer than I shoulda' kept that POS! :mad:

Okay then..... :rolleyes:

I can't believe no one has mentioned Carvin. Neck thrus, 25" scale, fixed bridge, slim neck and $1500 is much more than enough for probably everything you'd need by the sound of it.

Oh yea, n00b here, howdy. :)

I've got a Godin exit22-s. SSH setup with a very deep set bolt on neck that you couldn't slide a business card between it and where it meets the body. Tons of sustain. I traded an 89 Squire II strat with the same pickup setup and there was no comparison. The Godin has the shorter scale neck you are talking about and is much slimmer than a Gibson. The neck has a very smooth sanded, satinish finish so your hand won't stick to it. It comes stock with 9's but I also prefer 11's. You can play anything you want with it, blues, rock, jazz, rythm or lead. Before you buy, you should check one out. Go to www.godinguitars.com. It's one of the performance series guitars. It lists for just under 500.00 but I got mine on sale for 400.00. Sometimes Ebay will have them for under 300.00 new. Great all around guitar.

Check out Godin. I think they are over looked way too often. Seymour Duncan pickups are great.

Is it Seymore Duncan that makes pickups for Godin? I knew it was either them or Dimarzzio. I've got a friend Forrest Mcdonald, www.forrestmcdonald.com, that used to give me lessons on occasion. He tried it out and couldn't believe how much more active the pickups were than the ones in his 72 strat. He hit one note and had to roll back the volume on it to get it at the same level as his strat on the same amp settings. Check out his web site. His "15 minutes of fame" is playing the lead part on Bob Seagers "Old time rock and roll" from the Stranger in Town album. He's also jammed with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, together. When he was younger he said him and Robin Trower used to sit around and jam Hendrix tunes together and he still keeps in touch with him. The guy lives down the road from me. I was coaching rec. soccer and his son was on my team. He ended up being my asst. coach. The next thing I knew, I was playing again after 25 years!!! He's the featured lead guitarist for just about everybody in blues when they come to Atlanta. I've seen play afew times with E.G. Kight when she comes to town. Incredible blues guitarist.