C-4

More input needed... Could I use an amp that went direct to the board without using a speaker cab, such as a Marshall JMD-1, and foot toys to get my sounds, or would I need an Ax-FX type unit? While what you are describing sounds modern, it also sounds restrictive in nature, and could be costly if you do not have the gear already. Need more questions answered before deciding.

Too many stuff get out-sourced nowadays. I want my gear to remain American. For guitars, I buy ONLY American made. For Amps, American or British made. A bit more expensive, yes. But here's where I draw my line. I don't want my hobby & passion to be outsourced in any way. I understand your loyalty, as I played american guitars for over 50 years. However, after realizing that there are other companies out there that make really super-highend quality products, I found better guitars and amps in Europe. 50 years of brand loyalty was enough for me. The prices were just not worth what I was finding for quality in the product. Actually, I am happier now then at any other time in the past. I don't mind supporting the home country, but I won't foolishly just give my money away when all I get back is average at a higher price. You might be surprised what you would find if you gave yourself a chance.

Gibson guitars have had QC issues in consistancy every year. They are hand made to a large extent, and this is where the inconsistancy comes from in part. The woods used also affect this, as in any guitar made by any company. No two pieces ever sound the same. The biggest flucuation to me has always been in how the necks are shaped from one guitar to the next in the same model, year, etc. Henry is not the greatest boss to work for and this will affect the attitude of the workers there in both a positive and negative way from day to day. In Japan, the workers have more pride in their individual work and it shows in the consistancy of their products. I have played several Edwards from different years and they all were equally beautifully done and felt similar. I owned a couple and found them to be very consistant in tone and playability after I set them up to my tastes. The biggest differences were in the sound of the guitars due to the wood being different from one piece to the next, which is normal, but the necks were very similar. Tokai guitars were very consistant from one to the next as well. When I bought Gibsons, I had to search through a lot of them over time to find one that I was satisfied with. Every one I ever played was different from one to the next to a greater degree then the Edwards were from one to the next. It could be the way they are tooled, hand-finished, any number of reasons. I think the people at Edwards are more consistant in their hand finishing abilities and strive for more consistancy then Gibson does, but this is just my opinion based on my experiences.

I used to like heavily flamed LP's but got away from that and I don't like BBQ tops at all. I do prefer a slightly flamed, but subtle, LP maple top in a teaburst the best these days.

Any guitar that you like, which you are happy playing, should be a cause for being happy.

Wood guitars in general, amps,effects, and accessories found in GC/MF, and most M & P stores. It gets old really fast if you have been playing longer then 10 years.

One of the very best high-end dealers in the world is located in Louisville, CO. Wildwood Guitars. Get a map and find Louisville and you will have it. http://wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/

Remember that hype is really the mind-set of the player and not the fault of any given amp. It's just whatever it does for the person playing that particular amp that makes it great or not.

This is the hottest piece of rear I have bought this year so far. OH, wait a minute, you said GEAR?...Sorry.

Originally posted by Digital Jams If I was in Europe I would be pounding on Peter Diezel's freaking door yelling let me in Wait for me, I'll help you!

I bought Diezels here in the US, and I'd buy them again if I was in Europe. There are many good amps out there, but every sound I want to hear has been given to me on a silver platter by Diezel and Duesentrieb amps. I'm not about to change now.