Todd68
New member
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2004
- Messages
- 1,718
I posted a review with a few quick pics a short time ago. Well, I ended up getting the Montrose after all was said and done. I feel that if you are on the CC hunt, this model is the real deal (along with a few others that are not R9s ... given the upcharge for those). The STP's aging and colour are beautiful. As usual, it is hard to capture this with pics, but with an overcast sky, I got some nice shots of the curves. To be honest, I was a little unsure how I would feel about the lack of finish on the back of the neck, but once I felt it, it was a non-issue. It feels incredible. As stated earlier, this is a big sounding LP. I am able to get some great Mick Taylor tones out of it. It cleans up beautifully but can really push the amp (just enough) with gain. The Custombuckers sound incredible in this model. It's odd to me that the generic Custombucker name is tossed around (like the BBs) as if they are all the same. Sandy, Shanks, Walsh, Perry and Montrose and other CCs all have CBs, yet they are clearly wound for each guitar and based on the original Bursts that inspired them. I've played three Shanks, and although slightly different, the similarities were uncanny. So I think it may be safe to assume that the original Montrose is a thicker and richer sounding LP to begin with. It has great, smooth mids that help the guitar sing. The Walsh has a similar warmth to it, but the Montrose has a little more bite. It is a great guitar for slide playing too. I played the guitar through Vintage (style) Deluxe Tweed, 1966 Fender Vibroverb and a small Marshall tube combo. It shined with all. I move around a lot of great guitars between friends. I have to say that I continue to be impressed with the guitars that have come my way as of late. Gibson has certainly delivered. I have my favourites, but there is certainly something that appeals to everybody. I never did get to play a Goldie, but the first CC to come my way was Sandy (aside from a VOS M. Franks). That raised to bar for me. Since then, I have been blown away on numerous occasions by the Signatures and CCs. A couple of the great ones are the darkhorses too - Allman, Louis and Walsh come to mind. Those are killer guitars. The Beast is one of the best LPs I've ever played, and it wasn't all that well received at first (That may be before people played it). I am itching to try a Dutchburst next. If the Montrose is an indication of what's out there, we are living in a tone rich era. :salude
