Any ideas for a late life crisis shred guitar

stratman3142

In the next few months I should have some money available for what might be my last splurge on a guitar.

I own the traditional options (Strats, a Tele, a Les Paul, a PRS). Somewhat late in life, I've developed a yearning for a pretty looking (some might say blingy) high quality HSH shred guitar. 

The Ibanez RG series and JEMs might be a bit too pointy for me. Currently the Ibanez S6570Q Prestige NBL seems to fit the bill (link below). 

https://www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/s6570q_00_02.html

Any thoughts on pretty looking HSH shred type guitar options (in the region of £2K or less) for an old codger.

Jonathangus

Not HSH, but: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/196476/fs-feline-panther-rocktastic-floyd-rose-goodness-small-pre-christmas-price-drop

stratman3142

Jonathangus said:

Not HSH, but: https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/196476/fs-feline-panther-rocktastic-floyd-rose-goodness-small-pre-christmas-price-drop

That's definitely really nice and has the right type of look, but I'm set on an HSH configuration.

MikeB

One of the Charvel DK24s should fit the bill. A little less pointy than the Ibanez. 

stonevibe

RG550 for the win and get some spandex strides!

Embrace the pointy, I'm still waiting for @Gassage to admit he loves the vintage '80s shredder aesthetic, but he keeps messing around with vintage '50s rubbish instead....

stratman3142

MikeB said:

One of the Charvel DK24s should fit the bill. A little less pointy than the Ibanez. 

An interesting option I hadn't thought about.

Jackobean

Another vote for Charvel.

 Regardless, I don't think you need to spend anywhere near 2k 
to get a good shredder/superstrat these days.

stratman3142

stonevibe said:

RG550 for the win and get some spandex strides!

The current RG550s appear to be the Genesis Series and the colours are probably a bit much for me.

I was thinking of the RG550DX-LB at one point but I think they've been discontinued.

Branshen

Lots of the cool shred kids use Ibanez Az nowadays. 

stratman3142

Branshen said:

Lots of the cool shred kids use Ibanez Az nowadays. 

Interesting. They might be almost too traditional looking and I'm not sure about the headstock. Also, I didn't find any HSH options after a quick Google.

jeztone2

The problem with the new affordable shredders is the Ping made Floyd. I had one on a Charvel Pro Mod and it was nasty. 

Maybe budget for a Gotoh or Schaller Floyd and get a luthier to retrofit it? 

stonevibe

Some of the Ping Floyds are actually pretty well made, but it does vary quite a lot. I have a load of '80s vintage Floyd Rose trems and a couple of modern ones too. 

Only reason I know that the Ping stuff varies, as I have maybe two or three Ping ones left in my hoard, and they are actually really well made. Though, I have certainly seen a few poorly made ones by them as well. 

I'd agree go for Gotoh or Schaller though, as both really consistent quality.

Dan_Halen

Suhr Modern? Might have to be used or maybe one on sale but pretty damn fine guitars.

tekbow

I had similar criteria and ended up with an MIJ bacchus imperial pro.

Japanese Gotoh hardware including The 1996T double locking trem.

Its quality.

They also do an HSH Version

https://www.deviser.co.jp/BacchusGuitars/Guitars/imperial/imperial-pro2

stratman3142

@tekbow that Bacchus looks great. The type of look that appeals to me.

sergio

I got a Suhr Modern on sale here https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/193375/fs-ft-suhr-modern-pro-2016-in-whale-blue-further-drop - I think they nail the shredding capabilities without being excessively pointy. They also produce a version with Floyd Rose, and a less 'blingy' one with natural wood showing.

ICBM

Ash body, bolt-on maple neck, HSH, trem, pretty, under £2K... and a little different/less obviously pointy...

How about an older model PRS Swamp Ash Special?

stratman3142

I planned to buy something from new, as I've always done. But it's interesting to see the examples.

ennspek

Schecter Custom Shop?

NelsonP

https://www.ibanez.com/eu/products/detail/s6570sk_00_02.html

Did a bit of idle browsing and all I could come up with was that. Which is what you had already.  The Ibanez sabre and radius ranges, and later versions of them are the best bet for non pointy ibanez's

https://ibanez.fandom.com/wiki/Portal:S_series?useskin=oasis

donbot

How about a used Vigier Excalibur? Not sure if they do a floyd option but they’re definitely rocktastic! Otherwise save a bit more and check out an Ibanez Pia.