What Makes Your #1 Your #1?

I don't have a #1 I did get a few PRS guitars last year that play well two are quilt tops would have never guessed.
Back in 2000 had a 3 million dollar hospital bill I had insurance sold everything that would sell
I did keep my 1961 Fender Stratocaster and my 1972 Les Paul Custom sold my boats new truck drum collection my dogs thought they were next
I had a massive amp collection sold most of them
 
I tend to be a monogamous player and have always spent the majority of my time playing one guitar even if I've got others.

I bought this 2 years ago or so and it's largely the only guitar I play. It dethroned my PRS which held that spot for many years. I never really dove into the "why" but since it's been asked, here are a few thoughts:

Sound: the pickups are versatile in that they have enough output to allow for easy heavy tones but have great clarity for clean tones

Comfort: I don't need to tell folks here that the S-shape body is extremely comfortable. The neck is chunky which I prefer but not overly so. The satin finish on the neck feels incredibly smooth even on humid days.

Versatility: With HSH I can get a wide variety of sounds (see diagram below), particularly given how the selector switch is wired which can give me a wide spectrum of sounds to play with...probably more than I need.

Quality: It's from the Charvel Custom Shop so the build is damn solid.

Consequences: My wife bought it for me so I better play it if I want to keep peace in my house. ;)

Will it eventually be replaced by a future #1? Perhaps. I'll never say never but it's not likely to happen for a while.

GG Wiring.png

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If you asked me just a couple years ago what my number 1 was? Id say my Gibson Explorer Pro, which was my number 1 for over 20 years.
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The reason why, is that I've always been a Gibson guy and though I love nearly ALL their designs, the Explorer to me was just so far out there and cool. I actually ordered that guitar without ever even playing it or any other Explorer for that matter. I got it through Gruhn Guitars in 2003 because it was a rare version that consists of a slightly smaller body, black translucent flame, ebony fretboard, block inlays and body/neck binding. The pickups are 500T/496R Ceramics. Everything is stock

It is a phenomenal guitar, not one you see everyday but it's a darker guitar, more attuned to higher gain stuff. I still use it a lot but my number one became something entirely different, especially from typically playing Gibsons most my life ( though I do own other brands and enjoy lots of different models)

The one I play the most now is a G&L Legacy Special USA. I was gifted it by my dad and immediately fell in love with it.

20220806_222249_copy_2080x1560.jpg


It's the first guitar I've ever owned that doesn't have a fixed bridge, for one. It's all stock, consisting of the Powerblade Humbucker in the bridge and the Dualblade Humbuckers in the middle and neck, a Dual Fulcrum tremolo system and locking tuners.

It is EXTREMELY versatile and not only can it do the heavier, high gain stuff but it shines far brighter in clean stuff and is brighter sounding than the Explorer. Plus, I'm a sucker for Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, so the super Strat element has always been something I've been drawn to lol

So, kinda torn on which really is #1 lol
 
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Clockworkmike said:
If you asked me just a couple years ago what my number 1 was? Id say my Gibson Explorer Pro, which was my number 1 for over 20 years.
View attachment 104739


The reason why, is that I've always been a Gibson guy and though I love nearly ALL their designs, the Explorer to me was just so far out there and cool. I actually ordered that guitar without ever even playing it or any other Explorer for that matter. I got it through Gruhn Guitars in 2003 because it was a rare version that consists of a slightly smaller body, black translucent flame, ebony fretboard, block inlays and body/neck binding. The pickups are 500T/496R Ceramics. Everything is stock

It is a phenomenal guitar, not one you see everyday but it's a darker guitar, more attuned to higher gain stuff. I still use it a lot but my number one became something entirely different, especially from typically playing Gibsons most my life ( though I do own other brands and enjoy lots of different models)

The one I play the most now is a G&L Legacy Special USA. I was gifted it by my dad and immediately fell in love with it.

View attachment 104740


It's the first guitar I've ever owned that doesn't have a fixed bridge, for one. It's all stock, consisting of the Powerblade Humbucker in the bridge and the Dualblade Humbuckers in the middle and neck, a Dual Fulcrum tremolo system and locking tuners.

It is EXTREMELY versatile and not only can it do the heavier, high gain stuff but it shines far brighter in clean stuff and is brighter sounding than the Explorer. Plus, I'm a sucker for Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, so the super Strat element has always been something I've been drawn to lol

So, kinda torn on which really is #1 lol
Click to expand...
Well done sir , I am leaning in to the Strat for the same reason. Mostly Dave Murray
 
I….I just…nope…I can’t do it…not gonna…not gonna do it. It’s like choosing between children…just…wrong.
I can’t even imagine doing a “top 10” list.

I go through phases…yeah, maybe focus on one for a while, or often…but…why have ‘em around, if they can’t inspire.
 
Thatbastarddon said:
I….I just…nope…I can’t do it…not gonna…not gonna do it. It’s like choosing between children…just…wrong.
I can’t even imagine doing a “top 10” list.

I go through phases…yeah, maybe focus on one for a while, or often…but…why have ‘em around, if they can’t inspire.
Click to expand...
You have enough guitars to do a top 10 list?!! :bow:I have 4 working guitars and I can't do a top 1 list. :rolf2:
 
Very
Mouse said:
I tend to be a monogamous player and have always spent the majority of my time playing one guitar even if I've got others.

I bought this 2 years ago or so and it's largely the only guitar I play. It dethroned my PRS which held that spot for many years. I never really dove into the "why" but since it's been asked, here are a few thoughts:

Sound: the pickups are versatile in that they have enough output to allow for easy heavy tones but have great clarity for clean tones

Comfort: I don't need to tell folks here that the S-shape body is extremely comfortable. The neck is chunky which I prefer but not overly so. The satin finish on the neck feels incredibly smooth even on humid days.

Versatility: With HSH I can get a wide variety of sounds (see diagram below), particularly given how the selector switch is wired which can give me a wide spectrum of sounds to play with...probably more than I need.

Quality: It's from the Charvel Custom Shop so the build is damn solid.

Consequences: My wife bought it for me so I better play it if I want to keep peace in my house. ;)

Will it eventually be replaced by a future #1? Perhaps. I'll never say never but it's not likely to happen for a while.

View attachment 104737

View attachment 104738
Click to expand...
Very cool!!
There appears ro be no difference when the toggle is on? Am I reading the chart wrong?
 
Jethro Rocker said:
Very

Very cool!!
There appears ro be no difference when the toggle is on? Am I reading the chart wrong?
Click to expand...

It’s a confusing chart. Basically the toggle only impacts positions 1 and 5 to put them in single coil mode. It’s not a true split. I believe it’s some sort of capacitor or something. It’s sounds single coil enough for my purposes but there’s no drop in volume like with most coil splits.

Single coil purists though wouldn’t likely be satisfied I’m guessing.
 
Mouse said:
I tend to be a monogamous player and have always spent the majority of my time playing one guitar even if I've got others.

I bought this 2 years ago or so and it's largely the only guitar I play. It dethroned my PRS which held that spot for many years. I never really dove into the "why" but since it's been asked, here are a few thoughts:

Sound: the pickups are versatile in that they have enough output to allow for easy heavy tones but have great clarity for clean tones

Comfort: I don't need to tell folks here that the S-shape body is extremely comfortable. The neck is chunky which I prefer but not overly so. The satin finish on the neck feels incredibly smooth even on humid days.

Versatility: With HSH I can get a wide variety of sounds (see diagram below), particularly given how the selector switch is wired which can give me a wide spectrum of sounds to play with...probably more than I need.

Quality: It's from the Charvel Custom Shop so the build is damn solid.

Consequences: My wife bought it for me so I better play it if I want to keep peace in my house. ;)

Will it eventually be replaced by a future #1? Perhaps. I'll never say never but it's not likely to happen for a while.

View attachment 104737

View attachment 104738
Click to expand...
USA Charvels and Jacksons are made in Corona at Fender. I got to tour that facility, it’s awesome.
 
Clockworkmike said:
If you asked me just a couple years ago what my number 1 was? Id say my Gibson Explorer Pro, which was my number 1 for over 20 years.
View attachment 104739


The reason why, is that I've always been a Gibson guy and though I love nearly ALL their designs, the Explorer to me was just so far out there and cool. I actually ordered that guitar without ever even playing it or any other Explorer for that matter. I got it through Gruhn Guitars in 2003 because it was a rare version that consists of a slightly smaller body, black translucent flame, ebony fretboard, block inlays and body/neck binding. The pickups are 500T/496R Ceramics. Everything is stock

It is a phenomenal guitar, not one you see everyday but it's a darker guitar, more attuned to higher gain stuff. I still use it a lot but my number one became something entirely different, especially from typically playing Gibsons most my life ( though I do own other brands and enjoy lots of different models)

The one I play the most now is a G&L Legacy Special USA. I was gifted it by my dad and immediately fell in love with it.

View attachment 104740


It's the first guitar I've ever owned that doesn't have a fixed bridge, for one. It's all stock, consisting of the Powerblade Humbucker in the bridge and the Dualblade Humbuckers in the middle and neck, a Dual Fulcrum tremolo system and locking tuners.

It is EXTREMELY versatile and not only can it do the heavier, high gain stuff but it shines far brighter in clean stuff and is brighter sounding than the Explorer. Plus, I'm a sucker for Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, so the super Strat element has always been something I've been drawn to lol

So, kinda torn on which really is #1 lol
Click to expand...

When ever I see you playing other guitars and that explorer is just hanging right there on the wall I think something must be wrong in your head.... Ha ha ha ha ha!
Just kidding.... But seriously. That axe is sick!
 
Thatbastarddon said:
I….I just…nope…I can’t do it…not gonna…not gonna do it. It’s like choosing between children…just…wrong.
I can’t even imagine doing a “top 10” list.

I go through phases…yeah, maybe focus on one for a while, or often…but…why have ‘em around, if they can’t inspire.
Click to expand...

You love all your children the same amount.... But one of them is the easiest to get a long with.
 
Mouse said:
It’s a confusing chart. Basically the toggle only impacts positions 1 and 5 to put them in single coil mode. It’s not a true split. I believe it’s some sort of capacitor or something. It’s sounds single coil enough for my purposes but there’s no drop in volume like with most coil splits.

Single coil purists though wouldn’t likely be satisfied I’m guessing.
Click to expand...
Handy! Chart was identical in both cases So I couldn't tell.
 
fitz said:
1st "real" guitar, my 17 Gibson Les Paul Tribute - satin honey burst.
I'd have to say familiarity makes it my #1, and there's nothing I don't like about it.

I know it's a bottom shelf Gibson and the least expensive one I have.
Mostly stock except for the zebra '61 Burst Buckers & Studio PCB (p/p splits).

I like all my guitars, and I do play them all, but the Tribute is the one I compare the others to.

View attachment 104725
Click to expand...
Thatsa perfect Tribute. Love everything about it.
 
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