Great looking guitar! The band is still putting out music and had a new album a few months ago (even the devil believes). They still sound as good as ever, maybe even better than before.
The Duncan Designed pickups in this do not have the PIN connects, so easy swaps aren't possible.....BUT I was able to compare the USA Blackouts to these and happy to report that the tone/ pinch harmonic response are scary similar!! So much so, that I'm having a hard time justifying the swap and I have a set of USA's sitting around.... This has convinced me that these are the ONLY Duncan Designed that can live up to its counterpart! But, I did pull the FR Special out in a heartbeat and put a real German FR in. Was able to get Michael to sign the trem backplate over the 777 at a concert last year, Now its complete 🤘
I agree, there is something really magical about the neck. The profile and the "feel" of the neck is on point....and I usually don't like lacquered/glossy necks! Great video!
Blackouts are violent. I like them so much in the RR24 X series (basswood) I recently got, but it's very bassy. This is a mahogany guitar and should sound even bassier but I enjoyed it.
Excellent video! I’ve recently purchased the USA custom one; that one does have the push pull controls on vol/tone. Both the import and the USA are beautiful guitars. Great share! I really enjoyed Stryper when I was younger. 🖖 &🤘 Max Power
Guitar Gear Guy Hi Triple G! Yes I did. I sold my import and found an excellent deal on the custom one at the Music farm’s online Ebay store, and it was brand new, just couldn’t pass it up. It’s really pretty close to the import and, like you said, the extras on the USA one not sure command the 4K price when compared to the import one. The USA does have the upgrade electronics, as mentioned, rechargeable active pick up connection by a USB connection, the different humbuckers you mentioned, the vol/tone knobs are better/upgraded material, the paint finish striping is on the back of the neck, and MAH neck unlike the import, so yes you were correct that store’s info is incorrect. Oh, and the USA does come with the OG Floyd German version/the truss rod cover is different,too, a bit more yellow and black along with a better back plate. I’m going off my memory of when I had the import and from what you said. The import does have the buckers switched although I could not confirm this with Washburn for the USA-they have not gotten back with me on that question. 🖖 &🤘 Max Power
Guitar Gear Guy Here is what the Washburn guys says about the USA electronics just in case you wanted to know even though you own the import. Push/Pull #1 will be the master volume and master voice1 voice 2 switching. Push/Pull #2 will be the master tone and engage our HF (high frequency) Tilt feature. HF Tilt adds additional capacitance to the signal so it mimics the coloration and loading of a 10' cable. This feature is often preferred by players that have set their rigs up with passive pickups where cable capacitance and loading is part of the "cocktail" that creates the guitar tone. 🖖 &🤘 Max Power
#1 makes sense as the Fluence has 2 voicings, my other guitars with Fluence would often have a toggle or pull/push to change voicing, so that's pretty norm. Now, the #2 is pretty rare mod out of factory seems like. I know lots of pros compensate for cable length somehow, but the guitar to have a mimic feature HF Tilt which I never heard of, damn nice for sure!
Hi Triple G! Fantastic video! Thank you so much for the review on this. Sounds great and looks great as well! I've had one of these on my radar for a while. My biggest concern was about the neck feel, which you covered and answered here. I may be mistaken, but I believe that Michael said in an interview that the neck shape was modeled after one of his PRS guitars. If it feels and plays as well as you say, I think you just helped me make my decision. : ) Thanks again Triple G! : )
Thanks for your tine JJ!!! Now that you mention it, maybe it was a slightly thinner profile of a PRS? I don't know but it definitely feels nice to play on personally.... Your mileage may vary LOL!
Hello GGG, last we spoke on this guitar we talked about the specs; however, I find it interesting that the US custom version has increased in price from 4K to 5k and extremely rare to find, too. There is a lot of differences between the the two models, as we discussed before, but the jump in price is baffling unless it’s considered a collectible type of guitar, which considering you can still buy one from a vendor who can order it for you, is puzzling. Typically a guitar increases in price through 3rd party “cash in” because it’s a guitar no longer available situation. The US version is hard to find yes but is still can be custom ordered and is till being made by Washburn. I mean people were already off set by the 4K price before and now it being 5k seems strange. At first I thought it was a typo when I saw it listed at 5k on Guitar Center’s website but then I went to other websites and noticed that other places listed it for 5k too! Boy I’m glad I got mine really early on and on sale. As for the import it seems to fluctuate between 800 and 1100.00. So maybe the US will become a collectors guitar item??? Better stop playing it now ha ha! Maybe it will hold its value like a Gibson or Fender??? I just thought what an enigma the US version is with its price increase. Love the Jeff Loomis guitar follow up video, by the way. 🖖 & 🤘 Max Power
The status of the guitar indeed has changed although I don't know if it has anything to do with it. Michael no longer has his signature through Washburn as of this month. I forget which company but he has jumped ship earlier this month. So perhaps that has anything to do with it since they will no longer make?
Guitar Gear Guy Really!!! He just got the signature acoustic guitar not too long ago. Very interesting.... I wish these Rockstar would stay put with their guitar makers like Slash or even Nuno has been with Washburn. That’s a bit of a disappointing news. It be nice for him to go back to Jackson, though. I would love a Stryper Jackson guitar. Thanks for the update, it makes a bit more sense now on why the price increase and how rare the US version will be. I guess maybe even the import may stop being sold too. Where he went I’m sure they will be making him a V guitar too and I wonder how that will impact the price of the Washburn ones in the future 🤔. 🖖 & 🤘 Max Power
Guitar Gear Guy I’ve never heard of Sully Guitars but just went to their website and yep there it is. Well, on a good note they won’t be redoing the color scheme of the Washburn so that is really good for resale value on both the import and US custom. The new Sully V one looks cool too, different, but cool, however, I like the color scheme of the To Hell with the Devil more nostalgic for me personally. I wonder if it was a Washburn contractural thing not to do the same design color scheme with Sully or Michael saying “nah we did that design wit a Washburn let’s move on....” either way I’m happy that they are not duplicating what I have. Great info GGG 🖖 & 🤘 Max Power
What did you use for a cable? I have this guitar but the cable input Is in an awkward place for seared (classical style ) position. My 90 degree cable wouldn’t fit properly, and the straight cable makes it difficult for seated playing. Any suggestions?
Yeah Michael has set up his pups that way for quite sometime. Also, he has also stated that he has used the import version of this on their newest album and live as well. it's not his #1 obviously but he says he's really fallen in love w/ the import cause it doesn't sound or feel like one. I'm on the fence of getting this or another ibanez 550.. same price.. I would have to put in a real german made floyd though. I have a special on my jem jr and I hate it. I think it's just wearing out.
Actually, I started digging and I found that Washburn used the ESP-like knife edge headstock as early as 1987, when ESP was still using the lawsuit Jackson headstock. This would mean that ESP copied from Washburn, not the other way around.
That speech relates to me about buying more gear than I know how to play as if more gear will magically make me better but it’s worse for me as I really don’t know how to play yet the first thing I bought was a $900 2x12 engl vertical cabinet with vintage 30 celestial speakers. Later buying a Ltd with active EMGs and a small cheap head and a combo practice amp I should practice more first but I also keep buying gear. I’m still worse but I think it’s cool or rather funny the irony in it.
Man, that guitar is SWEET!
No pun intended! :)
"We are fighting over sin .." thx for tking me back. i love the guitar. thx for the review GGG
I love the fact that you watch most of my videos as poorly put together as they are. I thank you more than you know. Take care and stay safe!
Great looking guitar! The band is still putting out music and had a new album a few months ago (even the devil believes). They still sound as good as ever, maybe even better than before.
Love it!
The Duncan Designed pickups in this do not have the PIN connects, so easy swaps aren't possible.....BUT I was able to compare the USA Blackouts to these and happy to report that the tone/ pinch harmonic response are scary similar!! So much so, that I'm having a hard time justifying the swap and I have a set of USA's sitting around.... This has convinced me that these are the ONLY Duncan Designed that can live up to its counterpart! But, I did pull the FR Special out in a heartbeat and put a real German FR in. Was able to get Michael to sign the trem backplate over the 777 at a concert last year, Now its complete 🤘
I can get behind this! Thanks for watching and your upgrade sounds killer mate!
And they put a Floyd rose special in it ! 😂😂😂😂
Beautiful tone brother!!
Thanks Dave!!!!
Very beautiful guitar
yes indeed~~ :)
and dust in throat i crave... only knowledge will i save, to the game you stay a slave.... Excellent riffs GGG!!🔥🤘😎🤘🔥 and another great review👏👏
Thanks Michael!!!
I agree, there is something really magical about the neck. The profile and the "feel" of the neck is on point....and I usually don't like lacquered/glossy necks! Great video!
Great feedback! Thanks for your time watching Brian!
That's one sweet sound. For me this has been the Coolest guitar ever
Damn the production quality is crazy!
Thanks for noticing Sunny! Much appreciated!
Great review, ive been looking at this a long time. My next purchase.
Thanks, Ricky!
Great look at this guitar, brother!!
Thanks Eric! Much appreciate you taking the time to watch!
Blackouts are violent. I like them so much in the RR24 X series (basswood) I recently got, but it's very bassy.
This is a mahogany guitar and should sound even bassier but I enjoyed it.
Hey Pier! How you doing brother!!! I love me some Blackouts well documented on my channel here for sure. Thanks for your time watching!
Excellent video! I’ve recently purchased the USA custom one; that one does have the push pull controls on vol/tone. Both the import and the USA are beautiful guitars. Great share! I really enjoyed Stryper when I was younger.
🖖 &🤘
Max Power
MAX! How are you brother! You got the US?!?!?!?!? Damn nice!
Guitar Gear Guy
Hi Triple G!
Yes I did. I sold my import and found an excellent deal on the custom one at the Music farm’s online Ebay store, and it was brand new, just couldn’t pass it up. It’s really pretty close to the import and, like you said, the extras on the USA one not sure command the 4K price when compared to the import one. The USA does have the upgrade electronics, as mentioned, rechargeable active pick up connection by a USB connection, the different humbuckers you mentioned, the vol/tone knobs are better/upgraded material, the paint finish striping is on the back of the neck, and MAH neck unlike the import, so yes you were correct that store’s info is incorrect. Oh, and the USA does come with the OG Floyd German version/the truss rod cover is different,too, a bit more yellow and black along with a better back plate. I’m going off my memory of when I had the import and from what you said. The import does have the buckers switched although I could not confirm this with Washburn for the USA-they have not gotten back with me on that question.
🖖 &🤘
Max Power
I should have consulted with you before making this video for some knowledge on US vs Import of this guitar!!!
Guitar Gear Guy
Here is what the Washburn guys says about the USA electronics just in case you wanted to know even though you own the import.
Push/Pull #1 will be the master volume and master voice1 voice 2 switching.
Push/Pull #2 will be the master tone and engage our HF (high frequency) Tilt feature. HF Tilt adds additional capacitance to the signal so it mimics the coloration and loading of a 10' cable.
This feature is often preferred by players that have set their rigs up with passive pickups where cable capacitance and loading is part of the "cocktail" that creates the guitar tone.
🖖 &🤘
Max Power
#1 makes sense as the Fluence has 2 voicings, my other guitars with Fluence would often have a toggle or pull/push to change voicing, so that's pretty norm. Now, the #2 is pretty rare mod out of factory seems like. I know lots of pros compensate for cable length somehow, but the guitar to have a mimic feature HF Tilt which I never heard of, damn nice for sure!
Great review! Going to look at one of these tomorrow. Subscribing to your channel. Really helpful review.
Thank you so much Jason! Stoked to hear the video was helpful!
@@GhostRiderGGG I bought it and love it! Your video really helped me to decide! Thanks again.
Hi Triple G! Fantastic video! Thank you so much for the review on this. Sounds great and looks great as well! I've had one of these on my radar for a while. My biggest concern was about the neck feel, which you covered and answered here. I may be mistaken, but I believe that Michael said in an interview that the neck shape was modeled after one of his PRS guitars. If it feels and plays as well as you say, I think you just helped me make my decision. : ) Thanks again Triple G! : )
Thanks for your tine JJ!!! Now that you mention it, maybe it was a slightly thinner profile of a PRS? I don't know but it definitely feels nice to play on personally.... Your mileage may vary LOL!
This will be my next guitar 🤘🏼
Excellent video \m/
Thanks Pit! Hope all is well!
Lars is on his way to get that Adsense money!
Cracked me up!!!
Hello GGG, last we spoke on this guitar we talked about the specs; however, I find it interesting that the US custom version has increased in price from 4K to 5k and extremely rare to find, too. There is a lot of differences between the the two models, as we discussed before, but the jump in price is baffling unless it’s considered a collectible type of guitar, which considering you can still buy one from a vendor who can order it for you, is puzzling. Typically a guitar increases in price through 3rd party “cash in” because it’s a guitar no longer available situation. The US version is hard to find yes but is still can be custom ordered and is till being made by Washburn. I mean people were already off set by the 4K price before and now it being 5k seems strange. At first I thought it was a typo when I saw it listed at 5k on Guitar Center’s website but then I went to other websites and noticed that other places listed it for 5k too! Boy I’m glad I got mine really early on and on sale. As for the import it seems to fluctuate between 800 and 1100.00. So maybe the US will become a collectors guitar item??? Better stop playing it now ha ha! Maybe it will hold its value like a Gibson or Fender??? I just thought what an enigma the US version is with its price increase.
Love the Jeff Loomis guitar follow up video, by the way.
🖖 & 🤘
Max Power
The status of the guitar indeed has changed although I don't know if it has anything to do with it. Michael no longer has his signature through Washburn as of this month. I forget which company but he has jumped ship earlier this month. So perhaps that has anything to do with it since they will no longer make?
Just remembered where he jumped to. He's now with Sully Guitars for his signature series.
Guitar Gear Guy
Really!!! He just got the signature acoustic guitar not too long ago. Very interesting.... I wish these Rockstar would stay put with their guitar makers like Slash or even Nuno has been with Washburn. That’s a bit of a disappointing news. It be nice for him to go back to Jackson, though. I would love a Stryper Jackson guitar.
Thanks for the update, it makes a bit more sense now on why the price increase and how rare the US version will be. I guess maybe even the import may stop being sold too. Where he went I’m sure they will be making him a V guitar too and I wonder how that will impact the price of the Washburn ones in the future 🤔.
🖖 & 🤘
Max Power
Guitar Gear Guy
I’ve never heard of Sully Guitars but just went to their website and yep there it is. Well, on a good note they won’t be redoing the color scheme of the Washburn so that is really good for resale value on both the import and US custom. The new Sully V one looks cool too, different, but cool, however, I like the color scheme of the To Hell with the Devil more nostalgic for me personally. I wonder if it was a Washburn contractural thing not to do the same design color scheme with Sully or Michael saying “nah we did that design wit a Washburn let’s move on....” either way I’m happy that they are not duplicating what I have.
Great info GGG
🖖 & 🤘
Max Power
What did you use for a cable? I have this guitar but the cable input Is in an awkward place for seared (classical style ) position. My 90 degree cable wouldn’t fit properly, and the straight cable makes it difficult for seated playing. Any suggestions?
Hey thank for posting this. What is the difference between this model and the American? Thank you.
Yeah Michael has set up his pups that way for quite sometime. Also, he has also stated that he has used the import version of this on their newest album and live as well. it's not his #1 obviously but he says he's really fallen in love w/ the import cause it doesn't sound or feel like one. I'm on the fence of getting this or another ibanez 550.. same price.. I would have to put in a real german made floyd though. I have a special on my jem jr and I hate it. I think it's just wearing out.
I wonder how hard it would be to switch the Seymour Duncans in this out for Fishman Fluence pickups. I have a change to buy a used set of Fishmans.
A original Floyd and Floyd rose special are 1000s apart !! No comparison.
Where did you get this beauty from?
Hey Lou. It's actually pretty well distributed, you can order from any well known online retailers like SW, ZZ and AMS. Hope you are well!
Great finishing paint .good job indo quality..usa model very overprice .
That's why Michael insisted on an Indo model. He knew it would be very difficult to get the USA made one into the hands of players.
the USA is mahogany, but the import should be hardened maple. Michael had said that as well, when talking about these imports
I love me some knowledge! Thanks Ryan, much appreciate your time watching!
is it me but the shape of this guitar and headstock are pretty similar of the ESP Arrow?
It's not you, it's pretty close. I reference my ESP Alexi somewhere in the video too.
Actually, I started digging and I found that Washburn used the ESP-like knife edge headstock as early as 1987, when ESP was still using the lawsuit Jackson headstock. This would mean that ESP copied from Washburn, not the other way around.
How would you compare the neck to a Jackson? Thank you!!
Hi Kevin. Definitely more beef in the middle and about the same shoulder I'd say.
Nice guitar man 👊😤
A GREAT axe
yur dictionary ?
That speech relates to me about buying more gear than I know how to play as if more gear will magically make me better but it’s worse for me as I really don’t know how to play yet the first thing I bought was a $900 2x12 engl vertical cabinet with vintage 30 celestial speakers. Later buying a Ltd with active EMGs and a small cheap head and a combo practice amp I should practice more first but I also keep buying gear. I’m still worse but I think it’s cool or rather funny the irony in it.
I dont know,w hat is wax on...wax off? Mr. Miyagi
1500 dollar guitar with a garbage Floyd rose special ! Come on !!!!!