Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

[Butch Snyder]

I was cruising the Net at various guitars and players today. One of my favorites has always been Allan Holdsworth. I have also been very intrigued by his signature Carvin model; the HF2 Fatboy.

Has anyone here ever played one, own(ed) one, or know someone who has? I'm always looking for an idea for another guitar and this guitar is "Tele" enough to peak my interest and unique enough without any fancy looks to get me even more interested.

Take a look at the pics.

Allan Holdsworth HF2 model

BTW, the Harmony Central reviews are all very good.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

I'm not sure that I like the little bum that they all have at the bottom . . . some beautiful tops on them though!

 

[Butch Snyder]

Re: Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

The guitar priced out is $1099.00.

With the options I added, it came out to $1352.99

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Re: Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

I played one of the original Allan Holdsworth model Carvin guitars, the H2 I think is the model, when I visited Carvin's shop in Hollywood 10 years ago.

The Holdsworth models have chunky necks and 25 1/2" scale. Not a problem for Holdsworth, but if you're used to skinny necks, a Holdsworth model might not be your cup of tea.

Though I haven't had the chance to play a Fatboy, I like the idea of a hollow body guitar with a more compact body. I expect it probably sounds amazingdoing a variety of styles, not just fusion. Carvin's workmanship is top notch, and the Fatboy looks great too, especially with an optional flame top and some of the finishes available form Carvin.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

I've only played a couple of Carvins. Frankly, I think they are HIGHLY underrated.

 

[aloha]

Re: Opinions on Carvin HF2 - Holdsworth Fatboy Model

I have one.

It has stock woods on the back and neck (Alder and Maple). I also have Ebony fretboard, but mine has no inlay.

I have a quilted maple top in antique brown with black burst.

The goodies are black hardware and sperzel tuners.

I've played the pickup trade around on this guitar just for fun. I liked the originals (and still have them). They revisit the guitar from time to time. Right now, I have a Jazz/JB in there.

It sounds great.

I wrote someone yesterday that it is kind of like a Les Paul and a tele combined. Thick, but zingy (not muddy and not piercing).

It sounds best played through a clean tube amp. The gigs I've played in small clubs with my Gibson GA15RVT mic'ed have had really really great sound.

Having said that, I don't really like the sound through my Mesa, except on the clean channel.

I'm not sure that it is the only guitar I would play, but I do know that I have not had another guitar that is as solid and well constructed as this one. The one exception I can make, here, is that the switch has been a little flimsy (but I've been changing the pickups quite a bit for yadda yaddas)...

I hope this helps. I'll be glad to answer any specific questions you have about it.

I also own a tele, Les Paul BFG, Charvel (Jazz/JB and two point trem)...

Z