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    Iron Heart Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Preview - Now Live

    Guitars anyone???

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    • xtcclassicX
      xtcclassic
      啓蒙家
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      Just picked up a new PRS Vela solid body in a wonderful satin nitro McCarty Burst finish and holy cow does this thing rip. I’ve always appreciated PRS’s build quality, they truly are amazing guitars, but despite selling them for 18 years the vast majority of them just weren’t for me. Mainly for the typical reasons, the over-the-top flame maple tops, the bird inlays, etc. They’re just TOO beautiful. The one model that I’ve consistently loved over the years was the CE-22, which was always a bit plainer and more subtle, but such a fantastic guitar. It was my first “real” guitar, and after quite a few mods, it’s still technically my best guitar…

      BUT, this new Vela may be its match. I never thought I’d buy another PRS as my tastes have changed over the years, and I’m primarily a Tele guy who has been getting a little side action with a few Gretsches the last few years. However, the Vela is pretty much everything the typical PRS isn’t, other than the top-notch build quality. It’s like the bastard stepchild of a Tele, an SG, and a Gretsch Jet (or maybe a Corvette?). It’s gutsy, snarly, punchy, and punky on the bridge humbucker, spanky as hell with the humbucker tapped, and sweet and clear on the neck pickup. It weighs right at 6 whole pounds and plays like butter. The fit and finish are fantastic, and the open-pore satin nitro finish is simultaneously beautiful and begging to have the shit beat out of it.

      Obviously I’m in the honeymoon stage, but this really does seem like the perfect guitar for my tastes. Here’s a quick and dirty pic I took earlier at work (had it shipped there so it didn’t sit outside all day):

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      • mclaincauseyM
        mclaincausey
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        Good pickup (heh)! This is the first PRS I think I've seen that isn't all "LOOK AT MY PRS!!!!11!" Machine head obviously is a tell but it just looks like it isn't trying so damn hard.

        Think it, be it.

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        • xtcclassicX
          xtcclassic
          啓蒙家
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          Yeah it’s like the anti-PRS. Coolest guitar they have ever made and really the only model I’m remotely interested in these days. It’s a ripper. It’s gonna be beat to shit in no time with this super thin satin nitro finish. Already replaced the pickguard.

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          • popvultureP
            popvulture
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            Really nice! Those Velas are nicely understated PRSs, the only ones I've really ever looked at and thought were cool. The DGT plays and sounds really fantastic, but even at its most understated, it's still a bit flashy for my taste.

            Is that neck pickup like a Dynasonic? Looks killer!

            WTB
            IHSH-IHG-BLK XXL
            Sugar Cane Coke Stripe SS L charcoal

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            • xtcclassicX
              xtcclassic
              啓蒙家
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              It’s PRS’s take on a Dynasonic. I don’t think it’s an exact clone, although I’ve never played a guitar with a Dynasonic so I have no basis for comparison. My understanding is that it’s modeled after the Dynasonic but with some tweaks.

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              • hairydanglerH
                hairydangler
                Joined:

                @xtcclassic It looked great before but now with that new pick guard it's really perfect. Love that upgrade!

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                • xtcclassicX
                  xtcclassic
                  啓蒙家
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                  Thanks! It’ll look even better once I find the right knobs and replace the truss rod cover with a rosewood one.

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                  • xtcclassicX
                    xtcclassic
                    啓蒙家
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                    I forgot to post a pic of the Vela in its final state. I replaced the knobs, the pickup switch cover, the truss rod cover, and the bridge pickup (went with a TV Jones Power’Tron). This is such a great guitar. PRS should be killing it with this guitar but I’m almost glad they’re not. I like having a killer guitar that almost no one else has.  😎

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                    • FadezF
                      Fadez
                      啓蒙家
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                      Oh yeah [mention]xtcclassic [/mention]  You made it look even better. Dig the knobs and TV Jones pick ups are amazing so I’m sure it sounds even better now

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                      • summ3rhaysS
                        summ3rhays
                        Joined:

                        Man that's a great looking guitar!

                        IG: summ3rhays & Indigobleed

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                        • xtcclassicX
                          xtcclassic
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                          I agree! So damn sexy.

                          This thread needs more guitars!

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                          • SKTS
                            SKT
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                            @xtcclassic  Really love your PRS Vela…such a cool design!  I’ll bet it plays like butter.

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                            • SKTS
                              SKT
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                              I have been enjoying this thread and all the great guitars/gear for a long time. I’ve been physically laid up for a bit and couldn’t really hold a guitar for a while, much less play one. I’ve finally gotten to the point I can play again, thankfully, and thought it was past time to post some guitar pics! I thought I’d post some acoustics first because they don’t seem to get as much love as the electrics. This is my 1947 Martin 00-18, all original. It’s warm and woody, the perfect couch guitar for me.  I’ll try to get some pics of electrics soon.

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                              • FadezF
                                Fadez
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                                Beautiful acoustic! Is that a parlor or shorter scale one? It looks like a perfect size to play and travel with. Also shoutout to Martins because they’re made in PA!

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                                • SKTS
                                  SKT
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                                  Thanks!  It is short-scale (24.9) and considered “grand concert” size.  It has great volume and handles about everything well. It had a neck reset years ago but the action has stayed low and it’s a joy to play.

                                  Also, I’m a big fan of old Martins…they are tough to beat!

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                                  • FadezF
                                    Fadez
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                                    A well loved guitar usually plays just as well! I should take some photos of my collection sometime. Got some goodies to show off

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                                    • SKTS
                                      SKT
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                                      @Fadez  definitely post some pics of your collection!  I’ll get some more pics up soon as well.

                                      Also, I love old guitars with patina…just like I love a pair of well-worn IH jeans. Patina=Love in my book 😁

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                                      • xtcclassicX
                                        xtcclassic
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                                        Damn @SKT bringin’ the heat to this thread with a vintage Martin! That’s what I’m talkin bout!

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                                        • SKTS
                                          SKT
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                                          @xtcclassic Thanks man!  I’ve been lurking here for a while and glad to finally participate. I’ll try to get some more pics up. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this thread and your collection is amazing!

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                                          • LewisStonehouseL
                                            LewisStonehouse
                                            啓蒙家
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                                            Here’s my old stick that I got for my 18th birthday, some time ago…

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