Pure rock axe - TMZ Mah vs. 25th

[axeman81]

So I've been inspired to play more rock lately (rather than playing metal 110% of the time ), and thus I'm contemplating getting a new axe.
I've been looking at some Charvel strathead options, and I really like the idea of the MZ mahogany models, particularly the versatility of the H/S version.
What are your experiences with this axe? The only one on the board I know owns one, is Kevin, and he seemed very pleased with it in past threads.

I have also dug up a NOS 25th Anniversary which is of course a different animal altogether, but I really like that one too. (well d'uh!)
Obvious differences are alder body (?), single hum and v-trem, so it's a bit more limited (no pun intended)

Tonally, I like it when I can play rhythm with a little "beefy" sound, especially when playing/strumming/palm muting open chords. (e.g. quite unlike what you get when using the bridge pickup on a stratocaster)
That's one reason I'm leaning a bit towards the mahogany body.
I'm not overly worried about having a "regular" trem vs. floyd, but I think I've settled on 1 11/16" nut width as being a must-have.
I do believe both the 25th and TMZ Mah models fulfill this criteria.

What do you think? Have I made up my mind and just not realized it yet?

I guess the TMZ is the more sensible and versatile choice, but at the same time the lure of the 25th is very strong, I have read lots of rave reviews about it!

oh and before anyone says it, I know there's a substantial price difference, but the only thing that matters is getting the better axe for my purposes!
(but no, I'm not rich! )

thanks for your input,

- Rune.

[shreddermon]

None of the above. I'd grab this last Candy Apple Red strathead while you can...

http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70678

[axeman81]

and why would that be?

[jcm800x]

I have a MAH and I like it very much. The stock pup was very tinny to my ears (Duncan site rates the treble at 9!) so I put in a Tonezone. Sounds much better now! I couldn't compare it to the 25th having not played one but the TMZMAH covers all the bases for me, rock to metal, just turn the mid knob!

[~K~]

I have both guitars. I like the figured neck in the 25th better but I dig the versatility in the MAH because is has a neck pu and a floyd. I didn't find the duncan Custom5 to be tinny in mine at all. I will say that the Tone Zone definetly compliments Mahogany...

With that said tone wise the MAH probably has the edge. I find without the heavy finish it tends to sing much better

pure rock- MAH

[shreddermon]

and why would that be?

The MZ-mahogany is probably a great sounding guitar. Personally, I don't really care for the appearance of plain oiled mahogany, though. Maybe as a back with a nicely figured transparent flame- or quilt-top. But not for the whole guitar body. Sorry, that's just my personal tastes.

The 25ths are gorgeous guitars. Again, probably sound and play great. But, as you noted, single hum and V-trem layout make it (functionally speaking) a limited-use pony.

The Candy Apple Red was spec'd to be a straight-forward rock & roll "player's axe". (Disclosure: I'm the one who spec'd them, so I'm obviously biased. And, yes, I have one.) Floyd and dual hums make it flexible, functional and it'll stay in tune 'til the coyotes howl. The Duncans are a set of Custom (bridge) and '59 (neck), and IMHO they're a great match to the (pretty rare) ash body wood. And the solid color - CAR, which came out great - gives it a cool original SD vibe.

All of the above are just MHOs, mind you. Your's may vary.

Bottom line: you probably can't go wrong with any of them. All great axes in their own right, but for different reasons. But it sounded like you were looking for a versatile, punchy "players axe" that looked cool. IMHO, the CAR is probably a great fit for what you seem to be seeking.

[axeman81]

yeah I did a little research and learned that you were behind those. Looks great! Not sure if it is for me though. But how does the Ash sound compared to Alder and Mahogany? Is the price in the dealer thread final price, or is it some kinda MAP bs?

thanks,

Rune.

[shreddermon]

You should talk to Matt about price. That's a great deal on a new strathead, though.

Everyone's opinions about body woods and tones are different. The swamp (punky) ash used is a classic for rock guitars, and one of my favorites. Warmoth has some great descriptions of various woods here:

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm

[ColoBaretta]

That CAR that Matt has is frickin sweet and a great price.

[Super_shredder]

+10000

[tmmsjm]

I got one of the TMZ lefties, and I'm lovin' it. I wasn't sure about the custom 5, but it has a really good tone for my type of music, mostly 80's stuff.

[Ralph E.]

Be very careful with the figured necks on the 25th. I had one and it went back immediately upon arrival (it was completely fucked). And there have been many other occurances with problems regarding the stability of figured necks.

I for one, will never order one again, more trouble than they're worth IMO.

Just something to factor in...

[Oregon Jason]

I bought one the the natural Koa stratheads from the Music Zoo a few weeks back. It has a birdseye maple neck. I haven't had any issues with this neck yet (I have had a few that had a ton of issues over the years)...I also think I need to swap out the pickup... I am not totally sold on it. I love the guitar, it plays fantastic.

[jcm800x]

Bogner! Nice! I used my TMZ MAH at a gig for the first time Friday night and it was great with the Tone Zone, seems like a perfect match for this one anyway!