Got a HARDTAIL yesterday!!!

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

I've been gasing for one of these since the Philly guitar show. I recently got a bonus from work, so I said F IT and bought one. What an amazing guitar! The fit and finish is top notch for sure. The top has INCREDIBLE flame and is perfectly bookmatched. I was just playing it for the last hour and it sings! The 59 in the neck has a beautiful bell-like quality clean and sounds sweet for through the Powerball's 3rd channel. The JB in the bridge is awesome as well (once I boosted the bass on the amp a bit). The neck on this guitar is by far one of the best I've ever tried. It is very much like a LP in it's contour plus it has a 24 3/4" scale. Beautiful Ebony neck and stunning inlays.

Here's a picture of it:

It actually looks MUCH nicer in person

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 7641 Location: Florida

you lucky dog, great looking guitar there - welcome to the funny farm!

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 1163

Know the feeling, it's like "Dude, I got a HardTail". Congrats, I wouldn't mind a blue one myself. Cool

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 583 Location: St Joseph Missouri

Very nice Hardtail. Enjoy that baby they are wonderful.

Dave
Bass & Treble Music

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 4406 Location: Hostile Territory

Sweet Bro - congrats!!! I miss mine already Crying or Very sad

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 2036 Location: VALHALL

WOW SWEET HARDTAIL Shocked

Congrats

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2003 8:06 pm

Congratulations on the new Hardtail! I just happened to pick-up my second one last week. They really are awesome instruments!

Chuck

Joined: 14 Dec 2003 Posts: 127

Wow, that blue is killer! May it serve you well.

Jack

Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2003 9:09 pm

SWEET!!!

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 393 Location: Lake Mary, Florida

You've got a beauty there! You'll find it hard to stop at just one Dean. Do you know for a fact that the neck pup is a '59? I think most come with a Pearly Gates at the neck. Welcome to the forum!

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

ragnut wrote:

You've got a beauty there! You'll find it hard to stop at just one Dean. Do you know for a fact that the neck pup is a '59? I think most come with a Pearly Gates at the neck. Welcome to the forum!

Thanks a bunch everyone! I thought they came stock with a 59' in the bridge? Either way, I love the neck pickup for sure. This guitar is much nicer than any PRS I've ever played and even better than the McInturhh Glory that I owned.

BTW, where is the s/n located? I can't seem to locate it.

Thanks!

Paige

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 393 Location: Lake Mary, Florida

SN should be stamped on the back of the headstock. If it's not there, we might be seeing a trend here, as a fellow member clmazza (Chuck) recently got a hardtail with no stamped SN on it.

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

ragnut wrote:

SN should be stamped on the back of the headstock. If it's not there, we might be seeing a trend here, as a fellow member clmazza (Chuck) recently got a hardtail with no stamped SN on it.

Thanks...I'll have to give it a closer look. Here is where I got the info about the neck pup:

http://www.deanguitars.com/guitar_player/guitar_player_03.php

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 393 Location: Lake Mary, Florida

That's the Hardtail "Collectors Edition." It has a V neck like Dean made in the late 70s/early 80s, as well as that found on the Time Capsules. Regular Hardtails have a flatter neck.

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

ragnut wrote:

That's the Hardtail "Collectors Edition." It has a V neck like Dean made in the late 70s/early 80s, as well as that found on the Time Capsules. Regular Hardtails have a flatter neck.

yup, i noticed that. do they have a different pup config as well?

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: Espoo, Finland

Paige,

Nice to see you here. Killer HT you got there! That flame looks SO good. More pics?

Mikko

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 4797 Location: BEERMUDA

Congrats man I already saw it at HCAF VERY cool! now cranck it up thuogh your ENGL POWERBALL

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: Espoo, Finland

spacebeer wrote:

Congrats man I already saw it at HCAF VERY cool! now cranck it up thuogh your ENGL POWERBALL

The ENGL/DEAN brotherhood is growing Very Happy

Mikko

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 1163

Most of the regular HardTails have a '59 neck pup and a JB Bridge pup. Quite a fefw have the Pearly Gates in the neck. #14 has Bartolinis. There was a thread about this on the old forum.

The serial numbers are there. I just looked at the TC Caddilac I got yesterday and the finish is so thick, it fills the stamping in. I had to go outside in the sun and hold it at just the right angle to see it and even then, I could only make out Made, USA, 3 6 8.

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

trapper189 wrote:

Most of the regular HardTails have a '59 neck pup and a JB Bridge pup. Quite a fefw have the Pearly Gates in the neck. #14 has Bartolinis. There was a thread about this on the old forum.

The serial numbers are there. I just looked at the TC Caddilac I got yesterday and the finish is so thick, it fills the stamping in. I had to go outside in the sun and hold it at just the right angle to see it and even then, I could only make out Made, USA, 3 6 8.

YES! The s/n is 03 10444! I held a flashlight upto it and was able to make it out through the thick finish Smile

. Is there anyway to find out if it has the PG or 59 from the s/n?. I really like this pickup and may swap out the 490's in my LPs for it. Surprised

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

liipotin wrote:

Paige,

Nice to see you here. Killer HT you got there! That flame looks SO good. More pics?

Mikko

Thanks Mikko Very Happy

. Here are some more pic's that the seller provided. I've been too lazy to take some of my own...lol. It really looks more beautiful in person...

[/img]

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: Espoo, Finland

I bet it looks even sweeter in person! When you change the strings, take out the bridge pup and there should be model stamped under the pup. At least my Duncan's have.

Mikko

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 79 Location: Dayton, Ohio

All of the Hardtails that I've owned (3) had a Pearly Gates in the neck and JB-bridge. I thought that was pretty standard.

Congrats on the Hardtail, they are awesome.

Tim

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

liipotin wrote:

I bet it looks even sweeter in person! When you change the strings, take out the bridge pup and there should be model stamped under the pup. At least my Duncan's have.

Mikko

It really does...the guitar is a very deep blue and has a beautifully book matched flame on the entire top. I guess I'll have to take the pup out like you suggested to confirm which pup they used.

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

So Amplifire, if you don't mind me asking.....how does the HT compare to your LP? What model LP is that? I ask because I currently have Dean Evo Deluxe, special, and two Hamers. I am considering a Hard Tail or Les Paul. I tend to lean toward the big thick tone a Paul style guitar plus they feel right to me....but I am extremely interested in a HT.

I am concerned about the V vs rounded neck though......I do know I love my Evo Deluxe neck.....I don't know how much I could afford much beyond $1200 so maybe I'd have to get a nice Les Paul or one of the upcoming econo hard tails......hopefully they won't be terrible.

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 1088 Location: Espoo, Finland

papersoul,

I think you will indeed need to add little bit more to $1200 to get a HT. And about the neck, only Hardtail collectors edition has the original V shaped neck.

I personally love the V shaped neck. Fits perfectly to my hands. I also have a Gibson LP Custom and I really prefer the neck on my TC V.

Mikko

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 697 Location: Colorado

AAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGGG!

If you guys aren't gonna get me a HT for X-mas, you HAVE to stop torturing me! lol

Do you have any Idea how long I'd have to save for that?
I'd have to sell like 10 guitars.

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

My biggest concern is the difference between the V and C shaped neck but I LOVE the neck on the Evo Premium/Deluxe so I hear the standard HT is similar and probably $1700-$1800...and the collector's edition with the V shape is well over $2000, I believe.

Maybe I'll just grab a used Les Paul and look to get a HT as a long range goal. I have always wanted a Paul so...

Joined: 29 Nov 2003 Posts: 1163

The standard HardTail neck is a little thicker and wider than the eVo Deluxe and you can find them used in the $1,200 range. One of the numbered ones went for less than $1,000 a few months ago, but the back of it had some cosmetic damage.

Of the three I have, two have '59s and one has a PG. All have JBs in the bridge. There are stickers on the back of the pups.

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

I swapped out the strings last night and pulled the neck pup. It is in fact a 59'...

Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2003 10:43 am

papersoul wrote:

I have always wanted a Paul so...

Baaaaaaaa!!

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

What does that mean Ponch?

Posted: Wed Dec 24, 2003 9:26 am

It means 'try something new' by criminy!!! I used to be a huge LP nut, however regardless of their popularity with old curmudgeonly collectors, my own research showed that when compared to alot of the newer brands and model designs (the Hardtail included) LPs are just average guitars at best. It's an average design that has been improved apon by others over 3-4 decades. (The EVO is just superior. Ben Chafin deserves a medal).

Now this is not a LP bashing thread and I am still somewhat of a LP fan (I have an SG - close enough Razz

) but I challenge you to pick up any new Les Paul (go ahead - we'll include the Historics) and compare it to any new TC or Hartail. I bet you'll leave with the Dean. You'll also leave with more money in your wallet.

JFTR, I have no problem with buying Pauls tho. If you have a huge surplus of cash then knock yourself out. However there are some much sweeter options for the more budget conscious. The most expensive isn't always the best. It's just the best known. Good luck on your purchase. And bring on a USA EVO!!!

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

Ponch, the possibility of a USA Evo is one thing that really makes me hold onto my money. I do bounce back and forth over and over again concerning LPS....I because I partly believe that very few guitars can get as thick and creamy a tone.......afterall it does have a beefier neck joint than the Evo. But, I will say the Evo is an amazing design.

Other guitars I've considered are the Hamer Monaco, Hard Tail, PRS model, or one of those Chafin Embers thanks to Bill bluzman who tipped me off.

I just don't knoe if a hard tail would gibve me that thick tone that has so much oomph behind it.....the kind of tone that only comes from a les paul or Evo style guitar.

That said......I compared my $650 Euro Evo to my USA Hamer Studio and Mirage....and it compares easily....especially with the new pickups and pots. Amazing value!

Guest

Here's my take onit for whatever it is worth. In comparing the Hardtail to a Les Paul it is like comparing apples to oranges. There is more body mass to a Hardtail which in theory should transmit to more sustain, not necessarily deeper tones.

In comparing Les Paul Designs aginst other similar dean models I would compare the Evo to it. I have played an Evo Special Select and it was a sweet guitar. It was comperable to a Les Paul, and certainly was less expensive. I have also compared my Chafin Ember to my Les Pauls that I have, both the Gibson and the Epiphone and the Ember is every bit as good and in a lot of ways superior to either of my Les Pauls.

So I would have to ask why then would one want to buy a copy when you can go to the original designer of the Evo who probably has more insight into the design and theory of the sound that was sought for the guitar in the first place. The new Ember is all that an Evo is and then some.

Its no different then when Leo Fender designed the Strat and then when G & L was started he improved upon the design which was his in the first place.
Bill

Joined: 07 Dec 2003 Posts: 116

Well...I've had the HT for about a week now and i haven't had the urge to pickup either one of my LP's Shocked

.

Guest

Don't get me wrong I'm not dissing the Hardtail, all I am saying is it's not an equal comparison.
Heck I haven't picked up any of my other guitars since the Ember arrived either, including any of my Deans.

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

Bill, you mention copy. are you saying the Evo would be the copy or the Ember? I am confused.

Anyway...you are saying the Ember would compete tonal with an Evo and a Les Paul? It appears that the Ember is more of a Tele shape or would be tonally closer to say a PRS McCarty or even the hardtail because it seems to have less body mass? Am I wrong?

Also, wouldn't an Les Paul have more body mass than a hard tail?

Finally, does the Ember play as nice as an Evo and have the nice upper fret access or close? I ask, because my Evo Deluxe is hands down one of the sweetest playing guitars.

Guest

Check my homepage and there is a closeup of the neck joint on the proto type which is the same as the regular production one.

http://hometown.aol.com/ccsplumislandman/index.html

I think if you measure the square inchs of a Les Paul versus a Hardtail you will be surprised to find the Hartail has more area, I may be wrong.

To me Ben designed the Evo and has improved on that design with the Ember, so yes I think even though the Evo is the original it is a copy. thats my way of thinking though.
Bill

Joined: 30 Nov 2003 Posts: 583 Location: St Joseph Missouri

Have you tried a Hardtail yet?

Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2003 6:06 am

papersoul wrote:

I because I partly believe that very few guitars can get as thick and creamy a tone.......

That would be assumption. It's not true.

Quote:

Other guitars I've considered are the Hamer Monaco, Hard Tail, PRS model, or one of those Chafin Embers thanks to Bill bluzman who tipped me off.

The Hamer (USA) is every bit as good as the LP. The only problem I have with the Monaco is it's a bit unimaginative. PRS I will not buy for personal reasons, but don't let that put you off. I have no idea how the singlecuts handle and I have no interest in them anyway. The Chafin Embers have too much of a 'Tele' vibe for me. I'd rather a Tele that sounded like a Tele.

Quote:

I just don't knoe if a hard tail would gibve me that thick tone that has so much oomph behind it.....the kind of tone that only comes from a les paul or Evo style guitar.

Well I dunno. I once thought that too. The thickest sounding guitar I have is easily my SG. But it is more of a 'barky', hard thick sound. For my tastes Mahogany LP Customs sound way thicker than LP standards. If I were to shoot for a thick sound I'd get a TC ML... no wait, I already am! I've heard fabulous reports.

Quote:

That said......I compared my $650 Euro Evo to my USA Hamer Studio and Mirage....and it compares easily....especially with the new pickups and pots. Amazing value!

With new pups and pots almost any EVO will stand up to a LP. It may not be 'better' (what a buzz word that is Rolling Eyes

) but the specs are there and the design is better. Regardless of how the Embers are, I still give Ben Chafin top marks for the EVO.

Bill, JFTR I don't see the Embers as being EVO-like. I see both the Helios and the Ember as being more or less the same. Both modded Gibson-like Teles. I'm sure they're very nice, but I'd like to see Chafin expand on the LP style design itself.

Either way, there's no way Gibson USA is seeing a penny of my money. If I become a rich man one day I'd certain;y spring for a Class 5 from the CS, but til then, there are so many better guitars than Gibson USA. It's a pity people are so hung up on the 'name'.

Anyways, don't be afraid to try something different. So your research and find that axe! Enjoy. Wink

Guest

Ponch,
I sent you an email with side by side front on views of a Tele, Evo, and Chafin Ember, I couldn't figure how to link them to post in the forum.
Bill

Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 2:53 am

Yup. Got them. Ben seems to have been hung up on Tele's. I always thought the EVO was a LP with a Tele jones. Now I see the Ember and I find it to be a Tele with a LP vibe. Still, can't wait to see some new designs.

I've got no problem with the Ember/Helios design. As per Ben's usual they're awesome! I just can't see myself owning one...ok well maybe a Helios. I still dig that orange flamey one.

Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2003 7:15 am

Guest

Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 218

I would own an Ember in a heartbeat. In fact it is what I am currently working towards....

I could sell some guitars or a guitar to get one sooner, but I always regret selling.....just like when I sold my Peavey wolfgang hardtail or my custom Ibanez with the spider web design. Sad

Anyway........it will be nice to wait to see what Chafin and Dean have in store for us after NAMM.

Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2003 4:50 am

clmazza7 wrote:

You couldn't help yourself, could you... Laughing