I have had my eye on one of the new Artist remakes for quite some time now, since they were announced in the USA nearly 2 years ago if my memory serves me correctly. I tried to import one but Guitar Centre refused to ship to SA. I almost got someone to buy one and re-sell it to me but thought the shipping would make it too expensive.
Wednesday night I was at my local music shop for a band rehearsal and notice they had the AR325 and a white AR220 in stock - apparently recently unpacked. I really like the AR325 with its dark brown burst over a Bubinga laminate and gold hardware. It matches my Cort MR710 that has a Bubinga back and sides.
Today I got some time to go and play it. It had not even been tuned yet so I was quite possibly the first person to play it. I fell in love. The Super 58 pups are awesome with a typical LP Lead/Rhythm switch. and separate vol and tone pots. Then to spice up the mix there are tri-switched for each pup (humbuckers) to set them to Humbuckers, single or parallel. The variation in sounds you can get is truly amazing.
I came back home and my understanding wife said that if I really want it badly then I should just go and buy it. With it being on special at the moment I could not pass up the opportunity. I went right back and bought it after testing if it would fit in the hard case I got for my Tanglewood LP Gold top. I have just finished putting it through a first trial run to see what sounds I can get out of it so I can start learning how to set it up for various songs.
Now, does anyone want my Tanglewood TSM58 Gold Top so I can pay for this thing?
Many happy hours of playing ahead! I promise to post some photos as soon as I have some good light to show up the wood grain and get a good glint on the gold hardware.
UPDATE - Photos
