XXL Guitars

[bitzerguy]

I had the opportunity last weekend to spend some time with the folks and products at XXL Guitars, a custom luthier here in Montreal. I was most intrigued by a model U2 (serial number 007) a Tele style body with P90 pickups, volume, tone and a 10 position Varitone styel citcuit.

The guitars are built in a similar style to the old Danelectros, but with different materials. They us a cedar or western spruce core with mahogany or maple (or whatever you like) top and back plates. A double bound (custom 3 layter binding) and buffed conversion varnish finish that is spectacular. Very Jingle Jangle'esque actually. Bolt on neck with bubinga fingerboard and medium high frets. Normally not my style at all.

This guitar is one of the most versatile sounding instruments I have ever played! I used no effects, just a modded Princetone amp and a local boutique Gerd Weigel 20W tube amp. Sustain forever and tone to the Gods and back.

The playability is similar to a 350V63, but the unbelievable tone from each of the Varitone selections (1 bypass and 9 different LCR networks)!!

Anyone ever try one of these out? Stunning to play and mesmerizing to listen to, when played well.

...Dean