

For this reboot, Ibanez has skilfully managed to extract the very essence of what was so popular about the original RG550 and piece it back together in a way that enhances its legacy. Designed as a mass-appeal version of Steve Vai’s famous JEM777 model, it had character in abundance. Introduced in 1987 and discontinued in 1994, the Ibanez RG550 remains the childhood sweetheart of many players.
HEAVY METAL MACHINES RANKED FULL
Read the full Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster review Ultimately, the Dave Murray Stratocaster is one of the best options at this price for metal, with plenty of crunch and scream and a top quality vibrato, arguably trumping Murray's US-built signature model (retailing at more than twice the price) with regards functionality and versatility – if not outright quality. That said, it also has some unexpected sweet spots when the signal is just pushed to breaking point. Given that Iron Maiden's increasingly progressive sound makes all sorts of demands on Murray's gear, we're not surprised by the harmonically rich bark of the bridge 'bucker through an all-valve head, lending a fiery heat and squeal to solos. But make no mistake: with two Seymour Duncan Hot Rails stacked humbuckers in neck and bridge, and a JB Jr in the middle, there's plenty of firepower on offer. Murray's Strat has an air of refinement a sober, classy aesthetic complementing a nuanced, classic rock tone. Read the full LTD EC-1000 EverTune review If never going out of tune is important to you, this is one of the best guitars for metal going. The EC sounds as full and aggressive as ever, with the more mellow tones of the neck EMG being pleasantly rounded, and all bereft of any metallic spring clank. We're not aware of any tone compromises, either. What's more, a guitar that's perfectly tuned and intonated up and down the neck seems to play much more musically. It came back perfectly in tune every single time. We tried everything we could to knock it out of whack: huge, three-step bends, wildly exaggerated string stretching.
HEAVY METAL MACHINES RANKED SERIES
Instead, once set and tuned, it simply aims to stay there, thanks to a series of tension-calibrated springs and levers. Its key selling point, however, is a fitted EverTune bridge – unlike other tuning systems, it doesn't tune your guitar for you or offer altered tunings. The EC-1000ET is an all-mahogany single-cut loaded with an set of EMG 81 and 60 active humbuckers, a comfortably modern neck and a high level of construction quality. If you’re looking for a PRS that can chug with the best of them and still retain the versatility the brand built its name on, this guitar might just be it.ĮverTune is complex to get to grips with initially That said, this set is still passive and can also be split by pulling out the tone knob – which means you’re getting a whole host of tones out of just two humbuckers.Īnd though these models ship tuned to Drop C, with a Fender-style 25.5” scale length they work just as well in standard – unlike baritone guitars, which are made with longer scale lengths to facilitate thicker strings at lower tunings. Which is exactly why this signature was such a welcome addition to their collection, bringing more metallic power to the PRS catalogue without straying too far from what they’re famous for.įirstly you’ll notice the signature Mark Holcomb pickups made by Seymour Duncan bring plenty of ceramic roar, with a considerable increase in output compared to most PRS models. While there is certainly no shortage of metal players who have been seen with a PRS in their hands, it would be fair to say the brand is more associated with vintage class and PAF-style pickups than anything too modern. If it's good enough for Jim Root, it's probably good enough for you too. It handles gain like a champ though, naturally. The V4 is a little less metal looking than its predecessors, and realistically it's capable of any musical scenario you throw at it. The Fender Jazzmaster is already a total classic, but doesn't scream metal - so the opportunity to get your hands on a metal-friendly JM shouldn't be passed up. Win win.Ī close second is the Fender Jim Root Jazzmaster V4 (opens in new tab). It's comfortable to play, looks awesome and is well priced too. It's the perfect blend of calmness and insanity, with the Seymour Duncan Alpha/Omega pickup set onboard capable of sparkly cleans and stomach-churning levels of gain, all while delivering a tone with almost endless clarity. Our number one choice is the PRS SE Mark Holcomb (opens in new tab). As you'll see from the upcoming list, many of the guitars we've included in this guide have five star ratings - and as such, it's a bit like having to choose between our favourite children.īut, we've all got a favourite. Choosing the very best metal guitars is a tough one.
