Where MM Rates

[dusty fretz]

I've never indulged in 'fluffy' reviews and always endeavour to tell it like it is. That said, very few instruments are actually all 'bad', so a really awful review is unlikely. Plus points are balanced by those that don't measure up, but criticisms must be constructive, not destructive, and personal preferences should never influence opinion. I frequently find that, rather than suffering major design deficiencies, many potentially good guitars are let down by small faults or lack of attention to detail. Individually these failings might seem minor, but they mount up and can create a negative perception, so I tend to draw attention to them in the hope that appropriate improvements will be made. For example, I recently reviewed a £2,000 electric that was fitted with a really cheap and nasty plastic chassis output jack guaranteed not to last. A couple of other upmarket guitars came with locking-type strap buttons, but the maker didn't see the need to supply the other half of the system. Such lapses in quality and customer consideration simply shouldn't happen, especially in these ultra-competitive times and therefore they warrant a mention.

However, it's nice to highlight pleasant surprises too, such as on the Albert Lee HH I've just reviewed. This employs a five-way selector switch, but careful lodging between the official positions provides a further five coil combinations, which is the sort of useful bonus that's well worth writing about.

In answer to your query straycat113, my favourite six-string from the Ball boys is the Silhouette. I've loved and played this model for the past 22 years and I'm currently eagerly awaiting the arrival of a wonderful custom example, courtesy of Dudley & co.

 

[Big Poppa]

I know who this is....its the guy who wrote me out of the history in his book. Alan says Hi!

 

[Dante]

dude with the purple burst?

 

[dusty fretz]

I know who this is....its the guy who wrote me out of the history in his book. Alan says Hi!

I write about the machines, rather than the men involved, and tend to leave coverage concerning the latter to others. I've never knowingly overlooked your achievements or involvement Sterling, nor would I wish to, as naturally I'm very much aware of your considerable contributions to the company and its products. Therefore, whichever book this was, I must plead not guilty to the charge!

Alan is actually responsible for my latest Silhouette. During the course of a previously unrelated guitar deal he raised the idea and I soon succumbed to temptation. I really hadn't intended to indulge again, although now of course I'm very glad I did, because the end result is unsurprisingly absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to lay hands on it. However, this means you can blame him for any trouble the construction may have caused!

dude with the purple burst?

I do indeed own a purple burst Silhouette and I'm intrigued that you've made the connection. How do you know about this example?

 

[Big Poppa]

I read your book and I was left out of the entire process..you did mention Dudley however and we are grateful for that......Thats ok....we're good. Alan squared it.
These people know all!

 

[dusty fretz]

I'm pleased to hear you don't bear a grudge about what's unwittingly occurred in the past. From your comments I assume you must be referring to 'The Ultimate Guitar Book', published in 1991. I certainly contributed to this, but didn't write it all and exercised no control over the final editorial content. To be fair to those who did, no mention had been made in the music press about your involvement with the development of the Silhouette and, as this provided the main source of relevant research at that time, it meant you were unfairly ignored - an unfortunate victim of your own modesty! I can only apologise belatedly on behalf of myself and my fellow conspirators, sorry, co-writers for this major omission. The next time an appropriate literary opportunity arises, rest assured I'll set the record straight!

In the meantime, please accept my sincere thanks for yet another amazing Silhouette - who needs 'vintage' when we're in the golden age of guitar making!

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks dusty lets put this to rest but I did press on the silo is about 50 countries including Englan since the very first day...hard to get dudleys name and not know mine. Now lets please put it to bed.

 

[straycat113]

Well I can only gather that Dusty is from the UK as he spoke of currency in pounds, and I already stated my favorite guitar magazines are from the UK so I would assume you most likely contribute reviews for one of them.I am not going to ask who you are as I would guess you would rather it be that way, though Sterling used his all powerful Wizard of OZ skills to pin you out.lol

Anyway it is cool to see you guys have cleared the air on any misinformation on a book written 20 years ago, and also very big of you Dusty to say when the oppertunity arises you will set the record straight.

I can only say that as a loyal player of one company for over 25 years I never thought I would become a die hard player of anothers, which is exactly what has happened the more I got my hands on different EBMM models. It would also be hard pressed to find the CEO of another major guitar company who is as involved with his consumers as Sterling. Enjoy your new Silo Dusty and I hope you stick around.

 

[dusty fretz]

Thanks dusty lets put this to rest but I did press on the silo is about 50 countries including Englan since the very first day...hard to get dudleys name and not know mine. Now lets please put it to bed.

As you state Sterling, enough said on this subject and I'm more than happy to let you have the last word! However, I must say I do think it's great to be able to have such an open exchange of opinions with someone heading a major name in the US instrument industry, especially when that person displays such passion for the products and the people who use them. This direct contact and obvious commitment you offer the end user considerably enhances the company's credibility and is an example that I wish more guitar manufacturers would follow - it would make my work so much easier!

 

[Big Poppa]

Thanks Now if you have a question you know where to go Now back to the original intent of the thread....we have hijacked the holy heck out of this one!

 

[Smellybum]

Meanwhile back at the thread....

I generally consider myself part of a select audience. - I know about EBMM guitars, I have some and I know they do exactly what I want them to do. I get the impression that not every guitar player has that?

A 'go to' brand is easy - at the end of the day you can just pick something as a starting point, but having traded and been a bit of a dealer for almost 20 years you do meet people who go their entire playing lives without finding the right guitar for them - or even the right brand. You have people who know what they want but maybe go in cycles, I think fings on his 6th Luke? - He know he likes them but likes to experiement but 99% of the time he's within his comfort zone (Sorry fing not picking you - just quoting an example folks will understand)

Geroge Harrison was quoted to say he was sad when Leo sold Fender, if something was to happen to Musicman I'd be sad too as I wouldn't have the comfort factor that I have a brand I can go to in all weathers (rehab withstanding!) -

I guess what I'm trying to say is guitar choices are like butt-holes - everybody has one!

PS - I got all excited I thought Tony Bacon had joined the forum!

 

[Wide'Iwas]

I don't choose to use print unless I get a steal on it. The international distributors use it extensively. If you advertise you get editorial coverage. The mags pretend that there is separation between sales and editorial and preach journalistic integrity but that part of it is a joke.

I just got my new guitar world and ernie ball has a very nice ad that comes with 3d glasses!!!! Thanks for the nice ad!!!

 

[Big Poppa]

That whole issue was Brian Balls Idea