Is it finally time for a scalloped board?

Matt300ZXT

Matt300ZXT

Well-known member
I've wanted an Yngwie Strat ever since I first laid hands on one back in my Guitar Center days. I was the only one there that could play it and keep it in tune since I have a light touch. Everyone else kept going sharp from pressing too hard.

Anywho, I've come across a pretty slick guitar with a 24 fret scalloped ebony board with some sweet hardware on it and thinking about pulling the trigger.
 
Yes, its time! haha

I scalloped my strat and I have to say it has changed my sound a bit. Yes, there are some tuning issues ( I think a proper setup and heavier strings would help)..There a little bit of personal adapting needed. It has taken me some time to get used to it I'll be honest. However, the main difference has been vibrato....it basically means you can be a lot wilder and the notes are a little clearer ( I think...).
The amount of downward pressure you need to apply is less so in that respect it *could* make your playing faster....It doesnt automatically mean you have a faster neck, but it forces you to hone in on economy of movement. But it is cool for sure.
 
They're really great for training you to have a lighter touch on fast stuff, which you HAVE to have a light touch to play fast - so that definitely helps.

Conversely, if you want really good rhythm tones it's the opposite, so keep that in mind

I think they're rad though, and a really good training tool for people who gorilla grip on leads
 
They are fun for sure.. but only if I am feeling the Fury or doing the blackmore thing... I have a pre authorized Japanese YJM 90's strat and it's cool. The tuning though.. hard to keep it in tune for me. I spoke to Yngwie's tech (bass player) when he came through town on a clinic and he was sort of hesitant to give me the exact Yngwie recipe on how those strats stay in tune with that wide ass vibrato Yngwie has. The music in the background was loud and made it hard to hear his response but essentially it was stretch the strings, lube nut and saddles, dive it a bunch of times and retune and then "a few other things" which is the part he didn't expand on.
 
Kapo_Polenton said:
They are fun for sure.. but only if I am feeling the Fury or doing the blackmore thing... I have a pre authorized Japanese YJM 90's strat and it's cool. The tuning though.. hard to keep it in tune for me. I spoke to Yngwie's tech (bass player) when he came through town on a clinic and he was sort of hesitant to give me the exact Yngwie recipe on how those strats stay in tune with that wide ass vibrato Yngwie has. The music in the background was loud and made it hard to hear his response but essentially it was stretch the strings, lube nut and saddles, dive it a bunch of times and retune and then "a few other things" which is the part he didn't expand on.
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Well this one has a Schaller Floyd, so I don't think it'll be too tough to keep in tune.
 
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Problem with scalloped boards is once you get used to them you kinda can't play anything else.
I tried and didn't like them.
I friend of mine has bought 3 scalloped necks from Jina and he likes them but he has a habit of changing his mind.
Each neck took like 1.5 months shipping.
 
I bought an YJM sig Strat in ’21 or ’22 and my Ibanez’ and Gibsons have been in their cases ever since. I love the feel of a scalloped board!
 
It kind of is hard to play anything other than "the fury" lol....you almost feel compelled to every time.
 
I owned quite a few Yngwie Strats. My fav, a Candy Apple Red, a color they don't offer any more.
I got one currently and I look at it as a novelty.
 
CarlF said:
I owned quite a few Yngwie Strats. My fav, a Candy Apple Red, a color they don't offer any more.
I got one currently and I look at it as a novelty.
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That's awesome, Carl! I hope they bring back the CAR as a color option for the regular USA models.
 
Jakem said:
That's awesome, Carl! I hope they bring back the CAR as a color option for the regular USA models.
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Fender doesn’t even offer the Yngwie in that Powder Blue color anymore. I had one or two of those too, nice color.
I will way this. I much preferred the DiMarzio HS-3’s.
 
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