Calling all metalheads...

[big_black]

No, not the music, the matierial. This thread is for all those who have found the cold-metal-resonating-love that is the aluminum necked guitar. If you got a Bean, a Kramer, or maybe a Valeno, post a pic and tell us about it. Trussarts and other steel bodies are welcome as well. Show your blasphemous pride!!

I first found love in the form of aluminum through a 1977 Kramer 450G. It has a walnut bodied (wings), with maple/walnut/maple strips running down the middle. It has a bolt on aluminum neck with maple inserts set into it on the back side. It came to me with a Dimarzio Super Distortion in the neck, purchased by the original owner around the same time he got the guitar in '77. I removed the stock pickup, I am trying to decide what to put in the bridge, I am thinking of the '59b I have (Jeff_H's old one). Right now, the SD that is in the neck is satisfying enough to see past the hole in the bridge slot. Clean, it is the warmest pickup I have ever heard. It is warm and punchy, without being dull (if that makes any sense). In a high gain situation, it produces awesome crunch. That says alot, because the Cambridge 30 I use doesn't even have much crunch naturally. I'm having trouble getting my pics off my other computer on the only floppy I can find, so I'll post a pic later...

If you got somethin' you love, tell us about it.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

Hell yes...Count me in too!!!

mine is a late 70's Kramer (Travis Beans just have the smallest little necks on them). It WAS a 350G with Single coils and some jack ass cut it up in favor of a set of DiMarzio Dual Sounds (super Distortions w/ 4 wires)...I loved the guitar...it weighs a ton and it's neck heavy but it has a vibe this is killer...i hated the pickups. I put a set of Gibson Iommi's in it...I had never used them but they were on sale a GC for $19.95 each...NEW I thought it was a good deal...I put them in a Les Paul and they sounded like crap but in the Kramer...WOW...played clean it has a piano like low end with beautiful chime in the high end and the bridge position is very punchy...played dirty, it sounds amazing for heavy rock...and with lots of treble (and sometimes a 1 inch horn and 2 12 inch speakers) it sounds like droping a pile of metal down metal stairs!!! I love it!!! , It is the best guitar for hard rock I've ever had, and it will hold a note for seven and a half weeks!!!

Big Black, I have a feeling that we will be the only guys here but It's good to be in good company! I can tell by your name that you might be a fan of Steve...is that why you got a metal axe? I won't lie...that's why I did...plus it was only $300.00...in the case!

Later

the guy who invented fire

 

[big_black]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

He is what initally got me interested in looking at them. His sound is so unique and has so many levels to it, biting (almost ear shattering) treble combined with a deep bottom end. I realize now that it has as well to do with his moded amp and "mystery box", but you can't get that basic response out of any kind of wood. I have a friened that picked up a Bean TB100A, I think, and it sounded so amazing. His other band accually got signed with distribution through Southern, check them out here: http://www.bearclawrock.com/. The band consists of two bas players and a drummer. They totally jam. And yeah, they have a Bean in the band. The drummer plays an old Vista-Light kit, pretty cool.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

sound very cool...I met Steve early this year at a Shellac show in Athens GA...and I was able to look inside the box! PM me if you want the scoop! Let me say this...it was a killer show, they played out side behind a warehouse before a PeeWee T-ball game!!! It kicked ass...as for your Blueshawk...it should be a one time thing...i say get the set up, get the fret dress and play it till the cows come home!!!

later
Christian

 

[Wattage]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

Wow I had an old Kramer metal neck bass but I sold it ages ago, about 20 ages ago actually! It wasn't the right guitar for me but I would love a cool Travis Bean! Joe Perry all the way baby!

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

I have a gnr dvd that slash plays slide on a travis bean and it sounds killer. I know travis beans are really expensive so whats the next best thing? Kramers? Are those like bean copies?

 

[big_black]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

The guy who started Kramer guitars originally worked for Travis Bean. He went out on his own to start making guitars. The first guitars they made were aluminum necked, before the '80s buttrock guitars. They are diffiantely less expensive than Beans, the construction is very different. They are quality, American-made guitars you can get for $500 and under. They are also almost indestructable. I have '77 and it has very little visable wear to it. Check out www.vintagekramer.com for more spec details.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Calling all metalheads...

I first got my Kramer because O could not afford a Bean...after playing several beans, I prefer the kramers