ErikH
Well-known member
After trying out several other used guitars I had my eyes on, I went with the SZ720FM in the end. Much better value, better condition, and just a better fit.
It has Duncan/Ibanez designed pickups exclusive for these models (except for the first year, 2004). That puts mine in the 2005-2007 range of production. The bridge has poles like the Screamin' Demon (screw/hex) and the neck has the traditional screw/slug configuration. Controls are 2 volumes, 1 tone and 3-way toggle. With the toggle in the middle, it splits both pickups giving a nice Stratty-like tone. The body is pretty thick, if not the same thickness as a LP. The neck also has some beef to it. It feels almost like the neck on the SG Classic I had; not a massive baseball bat and not slim. It's been played but still in very good condition. A good polishing and lemon oil on the fingerboard cleaned it up nice. All I had to do besides that was fresh strings and a setup.
I know there's been lots of threads and discussion on good marriages of Les Pauls and Strats. IMO, I think this is a great one on a budget. Thick slab of mahogany with an arched flame top (most likely veneer), maple neck, 25.1 inch scale, 3x3 tuners on tilt headstock, string through body, set neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual humbuckers, body and neck binding, gut cut. There are so many things from both styles that are in this guitar. Weight is 8 1/2" pounds, not a feather and not a boat anchor. It feels solid and plays great.
Highly recommended.
It has Duncan/Ibanez designed pickups exclusive for these models (except for the first year, 2004). That puts mine in the 2005-2007 range of production. The bridge has poles like the Screamin' Demon (screw/hex) and the neck has the traditional screw/slug configuration. Controls are 2 volumes, 1 tone and 3-way toggle. With the toggle in the middle, it splits both pickups giving a nice Stratty-like tone. The body is pretty thick, if not the same thickness as a LP. The neck also has some beef to it. It feels almost like the neck on the SG Classic I had; not a massive baseball bat and not slim. It's been played but still in very good condition. A good polishing and lemon oil on the fingerboard cleaned it up nice. All I had to do besides that was fresh strings and a setup.
I know there's been lots of threads and discussion on good marriages of Les Pauls and Strats. IMO, I think this is a great one on a budget. Thick slab of mahogany with an arched flame top (most likely veneer), maple neck, 25.1 inch scale, 3x3 tuners on tilt headstock, string through body, set neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual humbuckers, body and neck binding, gut cut. There are so many things from both styles that are in this guitar. Weight is 8 1/2" pounds, not a feather and not a boat anchor. It feels solid and plays great.
Highly recommended.
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I would say this guitar comes close to an LP & Strat in many aspects. I like the idea of having two volume knobs because in gives you more control over your tone in the middle position. The FB inlays look real sweet and it matches with the guitar perfectly. The weight of my '06 Epiphone LP Standard is just under 10 lbs. so the weight of your guitar seems more ideal. BTW, how much did you pay for this masterpiece?:scratchch 
