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Anonymous
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As I mentioned in the Bottle Rocket thread I posted earlier, I received my EVH Star yesterday from Curt at Squid Music. It was kinda an impulse order I did quite awhile ago when they first announced them, because I've dug this guitar since I saw EVH play it live in '80 at the Sports Arena in LA. Always loved it... Honestly, I was a bit concerned about what the quality would be like because I'm used to some pretty high quality guitars, even the ones I'm slapping together myself, so when Curt dropped it off and I picked up the box, I was a initially concerned. It was so light that I asked Curt if the guitar was actually in the box and he replied that he hoped so, but maybe it was just the gig bag...
I also did not like the Japanese Charvel I bought a few years ago. I had to work on the neck quite a bit to get it playable - had this really gummy yellow finish on it. I got the guitar out of the box at the studio and plugged it into the Bottle Rocket and it sounded cool - pretty aggressive - definitely would be able to cover the early VH stuff and beyond, but I was having some problems keeping it in tune, so I just put it away until I had some time to set it up properly.
Anyway, when I got home, I set the action, stretched the hell out of the strings and set up the D-tuna correctly. I have to say I'm very impressed with this thing. It played great, the finish looks great, it sounds really thick and aggressive (pickup may be a tad too aggressive actually) although it is really light with the basswood body, the Floyd feels really solid, neck is really nice. Frets are done nicely, ends are smooth. For ~ $1K, this is a very, very nice guitar and I've got a room full of really expensive stuff. I've heard some bad reports on the MIM Charvels, but this thing is killer. I love the Dano style headstock, although I know a lot of people HATE it... Pickup is screwed directly to the wood - although there is a pickup ring, the pickup is not connected to it at all. Kinda funny... The only thing I could complain about as far as fit and finish is that the EVH logo on the headstock is clearly off and not centered. I'm sure this would piss off some, but I kinda like it.
Anyway, if you are inclined towards this sort of thing, I highly recommend you contact Curt at Squid Music and grab one. He's got 'em in stock now as far as I know...
EVH is putting out some nice guitars if this, fairly reasonably priced guitar is any indication. Kinda interested in an expensive USA Wolfgang arch top now.... :facepalm: :thu:
Obligatory carpet pics:
Steve

Anyway, when I got home, I set the action, stretched the hell out of the strings and set up the D-tuna correctly. I have to say I'm very impressed with this thing. It played great, the finish looks great, it sounds really thick and aggressive (pickup may be a tad too aggressive actually) although it is really light with the basswood body, the Floyd feels really solid, neck is really nice. Frets are done nicely, ends are smooth. For ~ $1K, this is a very, very nice guitar and I've got a room full of really expensive stuff. I've heard some bad reports on the MIM Charvels, but this thing is killer. I love the Dano style headstock, although I know a lot of people HATE it... Pickup is screwed directly to the wood - although there is a pickup ring, the pickup is not connected to it at all. Kinda funny... The only thing I could complain about as far as fit and finish is that the EVH logo on the headstock is clearly off and not centered. I'm sure this would piss off some, but I kinda like it.

Anyway, if you are inclined towards this sort of thing, I highly recommend you contact Curt at Squid Music and grab one. He's got 'em in stock now as far as I know...
EVH is putting out some nice guitars if this, fairly reasonably priced guitar is any indication. Kinda interested in an expensive USA Wolfgang arch top now.... :facepalm: :thu:
Obligatory carpet pics:










Steve