RR LTD's - Prototype and Original Run

[brett8388]

With as little effort as possible, I have taken a few pictures of the differences I have found between one of the 7 Mike Shannon-built prototype LTD's (003 that I now own), and the earliest LTD V Trem found so far - my LTD 003 VTS. Here's the skinny...

1) Different logos
2) Different headstock shapes
3) Different inlays
4) Different body widths
5) Different body material
6) Different knob spacing
7) Different pinstripe spacing at the end of the fingerboard

That's all I noticed so far - there may be others. Here are the pictures. The Shannon is on the left.

[rhoads667]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

[img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] Holy Shit those are freaking beautiful. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[BlizzardOfOzz]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

I've seen your Shannon prototype in person and I can say it is one fine axe. I think the 1st time I saw it was in '94 or '95, I could be wrong though. I'm in CT and I know it came from a great home and it's good to see a picture of it now. When I found out he was selling I wish I had had the funds. I'm really glad to see that FedEx got it to you in one piece. Thanks for posting it.

[RR_YJMFAN]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

[img]graemlins/drool2.gif[/img] Those are sweet man!

[shredder85]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

do you like randy rhoads or something? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] very nice! [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

kevin

[MetalGrasshopper]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

The Shannon has less of a "shoulder" where the neck joins...

[Outlaw]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

What's with the switch on the side of the body? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[shredder85]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Originally posted by Outlaw:
What's with the switch on the side of the body? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">do you not know that that's where randy's original switch was? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] sinner! j/k, but seriously, that's where he had it. unless i'm totally off here.....help someone? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

kevin

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Truss rod covers are different too!!

Hey Brett, something I noticed...are the screws on the bridge removed except for the ones on the far left and right, or is that just the shine from the flash? They look white.

[Outlaw]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Originally posted by shredder85:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Outlaw:
What's with the switch on the side of the body? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">do you not know that that's where randy's original switch was? [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] sinner! j/k, but seriously, that's where he had it. unless i'm totally off here.....help someone? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

kevin </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well the only videos I've seen of Randy playing his Vs,I was too busy watching his hands to notice the switch was there. [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
I never knew he had the switch there,must be kinda weird to use at first huh? Anyways,I guess you do learn something new everyday [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Stinkbug]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

I never knew the headstocks were different.

Sweet set Brett, Thanks!!

[img]graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[Metalcop]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Nothing against the LTD's, but this really shows what innattention to detail went into them. They made too many compromises, and lost the essence of RR's original guitar. I guess mass production can have this effect. This is why Mike was commissioned to make these 'correct' replicas. They are the real deal, and just plain awesome. LTD's, not so much. The Shannons even used real brass hardware, not gold plated, yes there is a difference! Kind of like those 25th Anniversary Charvels, they aren't even close to the originals. It is not that hard to get it RIGHT! Pearl dots on maple?! C'mon...

[BLOOD SPLATTER]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Very cool post Brett [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] !!Thanx for the detailed info!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Chucksplatter

[Stinkbug]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

Metalcop raises and interesting point. I have an LTD and I really like it, but I have always wondered why they didn't do it exactly like Randy's. By the way mine has a Schaller on it and that was what first started me thinking on this.

[Metalcop]

Re: RR LTD\'s - Prototype and Original Run

The absolute biggest insult with the LTD's was the recessed Schaller Floyd. When these first came out, I took one look at them and immediately said, no way, that is just wrong. The ones with the vintage trems were about 1 million times better, though. Close but not cigar...
The Shannon run and the JCF Rhoads are true reproductions and true tributes to Randy. These guitars were reproduced with respect to Randy, in that an actual effort to get them right was made. Mass production is evil, it sucks the life out of whatever you are building.