ShredFetus
New member
Hey guys! It's been a seriously long time since I've been around here, hope the place is going well.
I'm finally heading in to do a proper studio recording with the band I've been with for 6 years. We are really going all out with it and I want to use the opportunity to get the best rhythm guitar sound possible.
I've been happy with the sound from my Jackson Rhoads, however the floyd rose is getting really frustrating with heavier strings on there, especially being 25.5" scale and tuned in standard E. The back spring plate is screwed in nearly as far as it can go, and it's really hard to balance the tension. I can get it all nice and set up, but after playing for a while any slackening of the strings really makes a dramatic difference to the tuning and tilts the bridge back up a lot higher than regular strings.
So basically I want recommendations for a non-floyd rose guitar, with a sound similar to what I've been happy with in the Rhoads (Alder body, SD Distortion Trembucker, 11-54 strings).
I think I want to stick the 25.5" scale as I want a heavy but tight sound.
I'm thinking a neck through/set neck may help as well.
No preference on either hard tail or strings through body.
Also different pickups may be needed depending on the guitar suggestions!
Budget - anywhere from $400 to around $1500. New or second hand.
Thanks so much guys, can't wait to hear what you come up with!
Best regards,
Danny.
(Ok well you read that far, here's a little more background info if you are really interested!)
Sound is the main concern, not brand name. E.g. I think a decent Epiphone will probably sound the same as a Gibson on the recording. Don't really care what it looks like either, unless it's an issue for re-sale later!
To describe one thing I love and think works really well would be that perfect amount of distortion where you have thick, grunty palm mutes that break up just enough when you really dig in, without getting saturated or fuzzy with distortion. Most of this is to do with the amp but I've found pickups make a huge difference too.
The other guitars I currently have are:
Jackson Kelly: SD Custom bridge, SD '59 neck, floyd rose, bolt on neck, 10 - 46 strings.
I'm really happy with this guitar for the lead sound and will play all the solos with it.
I also have a Samick guitar (in not so good shape) with an Invader in there. It does sound really beefy and heavy, but I hate how you lose some playing dynamics with it's 'distortion no matter what' approach. E.g. a softer palm mute yields similar fizzy distortion as a 'really having a dig' palm mute.
The playing style of the band is pretty traditional 80's metal, but with a bit of a modern power metal influence. I really want our album to sound along the lines of Iron Savior's 'Condition Red' album.
Our style is more traditional metal, but I would like the album to sound well balanced and quite polished.
No 80's grating treble/high mids.
No modern scoop or competition to have the most earth shattering bass rumble.
Thanks again for reading!

I'm finally heading in to do a proper studio recording with the band I've been with for 6 years. We are really going all out with it and I want to use the opportunity to get the best rhythm guitar sound possible.
I've been happy with the sound from my Jackson Rhoads, however the floyd rose is getting really frustrating with heavier strings on there, especially being 25.5" scale and tuned in standard E. The back spring plate is screwed in nearly as far as it can go, and it's really hard to balance the tension. I can get it all nice and set up, but after playing for a while any slackening of the strings really makes a dramatic difference to the tuning and tilts the bridge back up a lot higher than regular strings.
So basically I want recommendations for a non-floyd rose guitar, with a sound similar to what I've been happy with in the Rhoads (Alder body, SD Distortion Trembucker, 11-54 strings).
I think I want to stick the 25.5" scale as I want a heavy but tight sound.
I'm thinking a neck through/set neck may help as well.
No preference on either hard tail or strings through body.
Also different pickups may be needed depending on the guitar suggestions!
Budget - anywhere from $400 to around $1500. New or second hand.
Thanks so much guys, can't wait to hear what you come up with!
Best regards,
Danny.
(Ok well you read that far, here's a little more background info if you are really interested!)
Sound is the main concern, not brand name. E.g. I think a decent Epiphone will probably sound the same as a Gibson on the recording. Don't really care what it looks like either, unless it's an issue for re-sale later!
To describe one thing I love and think works really well would be that perfect amount of distortion where you have thick, grunty palm mutes that break up just enough when you really dig in, without getting saturated or fuzzy with distortion. Most of this is to do with the amp but I've found pickups make a huge difference too.
The other guitars I currently have are:
Jackson Kelly: SD Custom bridge, SD '59 neck, floyd rose, bolt on neck, 10 - 46 strings.
I'm really happy with this guitar for the lead sound and will play all the solos with it.
I also have a Samick guitar (in not so good shape) with an Invader in there. It does sound really beefy and heavy, but I hate how you lose some playing dynamics with it's 'distortion no matter what' approach. E.g. a softer palm mute yields similar fizzy distortion as a 'really having a dig' palm mute.
The playing style of the band is pretty traditional 80's metal, but with a bit of a modern power metal influence. I really want our album to sound along the lines of Iron Savior's 'Condition Red' album.
Our style is more traditional metal, but I would like the album to sound well balanced and quite polished.
No 80's grating treble/high mids.
No modern scoop or competition to have the most earth shattering bass rumble.
Thanks again for reading!
