Aliexpress Yngwie Malmsteen Strat / Scallops

[Aceman]

So a friend bought one to use as wall art, him being a big Yngwie fan and occasional grocery store run-in of the Screamin' Swede.

Here is the guitar in question sort of:





Obviously has a total fender headstock. He's a graphic artist, so he doctored up a play loud sticker, the duck, and a couple of Ferrari emblems per the real deal. Additionally, he put a brass nut on himself. So, what did I think of this Alien Swedish Shred Beast?

Well, now being in the Fender club I could compare it to a real one. The color first off, looked more like sweet cream butter than olympic white. The feel was "light". Didn't have the heft of a real Strat IMO. Not sure about the tuners, didn't play it that long. They seemed ok. Didn't use the trem. Also, the pickups were tragically bright compared to my Texas Specials. I'm certain a pickup upgrade would have helped. All in all, it felt pretty Squire like. Just not authentic "Fender" class. That said - it worked just fine. One the treble was dialed out at the amp, some mids added and bass, with a heaping helping of distortion, it was better. Still didn't cop any Malmsteen tone in any settings.

Now - this is the longest I have ever played the scalloped board. Honestly, it did not seem that rough to get a handle on. I had some challenges with first few frets as I'd press too hard. But after the 5th fret, I could play it just fine. Might have been me, or the guitar.

I think I'd have no problem getting used to one.

 

[idsnowdog]

Depending on the price it might be a good neck donor if the scallop was done well. Because scalloped necks aren't easy to come by.

 

[superpete]

honestly the color doesn't look that far off. most real malmsteen strats i've played have been that same buttery yellow as opposed to most fender whites/off whites.

as far as the rest, as long as it is structurally sound, new tuners and new pickups will make that thing a real beast. I have an aliexpress les paul that i did those 2 things to and it is a really sweet guitar for the $230 or whatever i paid for it.

 

[formula73]

Squier

 

[formula73]

The real thing is only $1,750.

Well then, let me buy 2.

 

[superpete]

i'd be happier with the $188 knock off tbh

 

[Securb]

Depending on the price it might be a good neck donor if the scallop was done well. Because scalloped necks aren't easy to come by.

Considering how bad the fretwork is on inexpensive guitars I would bet the scallop work is horrible.

 

[ehdwuld]

i'd be happier with the $188 knock off tbh

Maybe put Malmsteen on the headstock instead of Fender

 

[Aceman]

Considering how bad the fretwork is on inexpensive guitars I would bet the scallop work is horrible.

I would have to ask what is "excellent" scallop work? Seemed fine to me, but I'm no scallop guy. Deep enough, frets seemed ok. Polishing would be easy on this...

As wood work goes, seemed fine. Not stupid deep, not too light, symmetrical from fret to fret. Smoot surface - not just route/sanded and left, it was finished. Inlays smooth.

 

[Securb]

If you say so

 

[superpete]

I would have to ask what is "excellent" scallop work?

if it's convex instead of concave, they did it wrong!

 

[Mincer]

A real Yngwie Strat is pretty remarkable. For wall art, I bet it is fine. For an actual guitar being used in a band situation, get a Squier and put a Warmoth scalloped neck on it.

 

[beaubrummels]

The real thing is only $1,750.

Because, what's an extra 0 between manufacturers?

 

[Adieu]

What's on those pickup covers? Fake noiseless label?

 

[Aceman]

hahahaha - they said "Masarati"

 

[solspirit]

Squier

This kills me every time!

 

[Open lane]

Scalloped boards used to scare the hell out of me. Was always scared i'd somehow become dependant on it. After trying one (and ultimately deciding to purchase one) I realized it was no big deal. If anything, a scalloped board is harder for me to play on, but I wouldn't even go that far. Just feels like using massive frets and I honestly rarely even think about it when playing my YJM.

 

[Aceman]

I think I almost liked it better than massive frets. with massive frets I somehow feel like "I can almost get to the board....if I just press a little harder....

With the Scallop - no chance no way.

 

[Open lane]

Valid point

 

[Mincer]

Scallops are very different than big frets. My main guitar is scalloped, and I just ordered another Warmoth neck with scalloped board (for a new project). I've been using a scalloped neck for over 25 years. It does make bending a whole lot easier, and it took about 20 seconds to get used to.