I know the scalloped neck might turn some folks off but I just bought my first Yngwie Malmsteen signature series Strat. I absolutely love it, it took no time to get used to the neck and it plays wonderfully. I have been playing for 25 years and I can tell you that it is a superb guitar. Anyone have any thoughts?

always wanted to try one of those. But never have. Don't see them in any of the shops much.

I've recently sold mine in favor of an American Vintage 62. I think the Malmsteen Strat is a fabulous guitar. Scalloped necks are great but they are not without their drawbacks. You need to be more precise in your technique. For example when you fret a note you need to land on the note squarely otherwise your finger will fall off into the scallop since there is no wood there to help keep your finger on. And if your playing the high E string it's really easy to have that fall off the fretboard since the wood has been removed.

And I discovered the brass nut sucks. Brass is the worst material to fashion a nut out of. But you can always replace the nut if you so wish.

But overall I think the Malmsteen Strat is one of a kind cool.

I love mine, I play a lot of blues and it has become my number 1 for that. Bends are so much better.

Unlike 357 Mag I happen to love the brass nut, to my ear it makes the sustain a bit richer but not too bright….the only thing I would change is the low powered pickups. Don’t get me wrong that have great tone an force you to drive the amp a bit more but to be quite honest I would rather have a humbucker in the neck and hot rails in middle and bridge.
Overall a super guitar and I really love it..

Cheers
Bill

_________________
(80’s Hair Metal) = A snapshot in time before Grunge ruined Rock & Roll forever!!!!

Thanks for the replies guys. I was really interested in hearing what other folks have to say about the guitar. I don't really have the problem of missing the strings as was mentioned and as for the brass nut, well, I think that it keeps the instrument in tune while using the bar. I guess it is all in what you like. Once again, thanks for the replies. Everybody keep rockin'!

Best Wishes,

Stuart

I have 2 friends that use scalloped necks and one has an Yngwie and loves it. The only drawback I am concerned about is that they said it took some getting used to and also they find it hard to play unscalloped necks now so that scares me.

It's not hard to get used to playing a scalloped neck. And it's also not hard to return to regular necks.

I cant wait to try a scalloped neck. I admit, there is a certain appeal to the yngwie, and if I ever come across one it will almost be like meeting someone famous.

I also feared playing a scalopped neck but I got used to it much quicker than I thought.

Recently bought a scalloped neck & put it on a MIJ strat. It's something else entirely.

Yes, getting used to the scalloped neck took a little time but it wasn't too bad. Also, it is somewhat strange to go back to a standard neck but it is possible. I find that when I pick up a standard neck I have to be aware of the wood under my fingers but it isn't that bad. I much prefer the scallops though and it was an altogether good choice for me.

It's not just the scalloping that makes the YJM so good, it's the neck profile and dimensions too. I love the C shape neck (almost slightly 'v' like compared to the modern Fender C); and also the width at the neck, smaller than a most Strats.

I've been playing the YJM's for years, and do not think about the fact that they are scalloped..however, I really notice that my fingers don't get tired when I play, I think this is due to the lighter touch you automatically get used to when playing those necks. (fingers do get tired after some hours though, but not as fast as I remember with standard necks.)
Maybe others have experienced the same with the scalloped ?

Another fact is ; I've got zero gas for new guitars,as 99,99 percent of them are not scalloped.Good for the economy. (mine, that is)

Regards, Per






My scalloped 1972 Stratocaster (what a great name) is heard here :
www.myspace.com/bergsinferno

here are my fender yngwie malmsteen signature strats :


- 1989 (early production) FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA, SONIC BLUE, ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD



- my "NUMBER ONE" : 2000 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, VINTAGE WHITE



- 2007 THE NEWEST VERSION FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD, VINTAGE WHITE



- 1995 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA, CANDY APPLE RED



- 2000 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, CANDY APPLE RED


and finally, all of my guitar collections are :








notes:
Guitar :
- FENDER USA CUSTOM SHOP 1960 STRATOCASTER NOS DAPHNE BLUE
- 1997 GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD TOBACCO SUNBURST
- 1993 GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD HERITAGE CHERRY SUNBURST
- 1989 (early production) FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA, SONIC BLUE, ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD
- my "NUMBER ONE" : 2000 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, VINTAGE WHITE
- 2007 THE NEWEST VERSION FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD, VINTAGE WHITE
- 1995 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA, CANDY APPLE RED
- 2000 FENDER "YJM" YNGWIE MALMSTEEN SIGNATURE USA LARGE HEADSTOCK, CANDY APPLE RED
- 1995 FENDER AMERICAN STANDARD ROLAND GR READY USA
- WASHBURN N4 NUNO BETTENCOURT SIGNATURE GUITAR USA

Amp:
- MARSHALL JCM800 2203, 1995 LIMITED EDITION RED COLOR, ENGLAND
- MARSHALL VINTAGE MODERN 2466 100WATT HEAD , ENGLAND
- MARSHALL 1960 LEAD cabinet (Celestion G12T-75 speaker , 4 x 75 W)[/img]

_________________
http://public.fotki.com/Gooswyn

But the brass nut that comes standard on the Malmsteen Strat absolutely sucks.