Any Armada owners present?

[jzeijen]

Played one a while ago, but too brief to get a good impression. Haven't seen that many Armada NGD threads, but any owners amongst my fellow knuckleheads?
Even if you don't own one, but have played one, feel free to share your experiences!

 

[Barny]

I have spent years trying to find the perfect guitar for me and tried a lot, in fact a scarily huge amount of different brands, Models, configurations etc, every MusicMan guitar I have played has hit the mark in some way shape or form for me, but the reflex, that is the one that nailed it for me, thats the one that feels like "my" signature model, so you know, before I say what I am about to I want to establish that.

I played two different Armadas at GC in New York in January when I was there on a work trip, I was extremely interested as they worked out about 50% cheaper than buying one in the UK. So I played both guitars for about 2 hours.

Once my fingers got used to the scale length and finished neck, which took me about 15 minutes, I loved the feel of the Armada, I knew from my experiences with the AL that looks can be decieving and of course the Armada balances perfectly, is surprisingly light and the controls which on paper look in a slightly odd position are located perfectly. Neck and middle pick up positions blew me away, absolutely stunning tone, I like to play bluesy stuff and found myself in heaven. The Bridge pickup, I personally found it too bright for my taste, I tried tweaking the amp and the tone controls etc and just couldn't get a tone I liked from it. Of course you could change the height and tweak the action, but then I wonder how that would affect the Middle sound.

For me it came down to, how desperate am I for that specific tone that the scale length gives the guitar and the answer was "not very". If I was I would order a Armada MM90 in Dark Cherry Burst right away. But I am not, the reflex does everything I want and ultimately that is why I left GC empty handed.

 

[lock-ny]

I played one at Music Zoo here in NY, they are really light and they play really well, sounds huge as well, not to compare but played much better than a paul..better upper fret access...

 

[Barny]

I played one at Music Zoo here in NY, they are really light and they play really well, sounds huge as well, not to compare but played much better than a paul..better upper fret access...

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that, Neck Joint, where we're going we don't need neck joints!!!

 

[Benji Peterson]

I hate to make the obvious comparison here but to me it's an LP killer in every way. Looks-wise it is every bit as elegant and timeless while making it's on unique mark. In the hands it very much has the LP feel with the 24.75" scale length and thicker neck. Tone and construction is where it really leaves its competition in the dust. It has a very substantial humbucker tone that is thick but still chimey. I would also mention that of all the guitars we have the Armada gets the most attention. People just seem to want to stare at it!
If you haven't gotten a chance to I'd suggest playing one. I certainly see one in my future at some point.

 

[wolfbone07]

I own one. Great guitar. Great variety of sounds, easy to play. Of course, your mileage may vary, but I found it to be a visual and sonic delight.

 

[jzeijen]

I hate to make the obvious comparison here but to me it's an LP killer in every way. Looks-wise it is every bit as elegant and timeless while making it's on unique mark. In the hands it very much has the LP feel with the 24.75" scale length and thicker neck. Tone and construction is where it really leaves its competition in the dust. It has a very substantial humbucker tone that is thick but still chimey. I would also mention that of all the guitars we have the Armada gets the most attention. People just seem to want to stare at it!
If you haven't gotten a chance to I'd suggest playing one. I certainly see one in my future at some point.

Yeah, I was hoping for that. I always wanted a LP, but never really got along with them. When I tried the Armada it felt alot better. Seems very different from the other MM models, but it's still MM. I like that..

 

[jzeijen]

Bumpski

Shortly after this thread I purchased an Armada through Ebay, but the deal fell through. Really bummed out about that, but decided to wait on another Armada deal. Well.. that moment came yesterday when I won an Armada at an even better price than the earlier one. Plus it is in trans black, my preferred finish.



Really excited!

 

[Barny]

Bumpski

Shortly after this thread I purchased an Armada through Ebay, but the deal fell through. Really bummed out about that, but decided to wait on another Armada deal. Well.. that moment came yesterday when I won an Armada at an even better price than the earlier one. Plus it is in trans black, my preferred finish.

Really excited!

Cant wait to hear how you like it!!!

 

[GuyOnraet]

Congrats. Your collection is amazing.