the N4rum

[jimcroisdale]

Hi all,

I recently took delivery of my new N4 Padauk with OFR and black hardware. Delivery was prompt and the package was in tiptop condition.

It took me a good ten minutes to summon up the courage to open the case, but boy, was I glad when I did!

Hands on for the first time, my thoughts were:

1. The case is brilliant. Fits the guitar like a glove and looks very smart.
2. The grain on MY guitar is wonderful. The body is pretty much quartersawn and the stripe is fantastic.
3. It smells gorgeous. Is that the wax/oil finish, or Jon's cologne?
4. Fretting is great. As good as my Ibanez Paul Gilbert PGM301, and that's bloody good.
5. Feels awesome to play, even with the slightly high 'out of the box' action. Was even better when I lowered it. Nice chunky neck like my Charvel, and the Padauk and Ebony feels great to the touch.
6. Routing, fit and finish is flawless.
7. Nuno's signature. Took a while to sink in!
8. Volume knob in just the right place for me - I won't knock it during crazy stage maneuvres. Same with the switch.
9. I like the non-barrel jack socket. Easier to replace when they eventually give up.
10. It's no heavier than my Ibanez, and is more compact.

So I did two gigs over the weekend. After blocking the trem up totally, I used her both times through my Peavey 5150mkII rig. Here's my thought of the beast in use:

1. It's very bright sounding compared to the Ibanez I normally use. I know the paddy's are supposed to be dark, but wow! Top end AND plenty bass. I found that the lack of a single coil was no problem - the L500 does a great clean sound. I also found that the clean channel, when I really hit the guitar hard, did a great crunch sound too, something not possible with the Ibanez on s/c. Less channel switching required. More versatile than a 3 pickup Ibanez!
2. The volume pot is no good for me. It's virtually on/off and swells are impossible. Also, the treble rolloff is ridiculous! I'll be fitting a Dimarzio 500k as soon as my soldering iron is hot....
3. Feels beautifully balanced on a strap.
4. The SEC is a revelation. Why do all guitars not have this?
5. Tuning stability is excellent - and my Ibanez is legendary at this, so anything less would have annoyed me!


All in all, it's the versatile gigging machine I hoped it would be. I couldn't be happier.

Just need to start saving for a spare!

Cheers,

Jim
_________________
My covers band - www.myspace.com/fulltiltuk
My originals band - www.myspace.com/differenceenginerock

[calmante]

Welcome to the club, man.

[JONNYGORILLA]

UH OH! He's becoming an addict

glad you dig her! she looks GREAT with black hardware!

PHOTOS!?!?!?!??!?!?!!?!??!

[guitardave]

[jimcroisdale]

Speaking of pics Jon, did you manage to get one of Nuno signing my N4?
_________________
My covers band - www.myspace.com/fulltiltuk
My originals band - www.myspace.com/differenceenginerock

[JONNYGORILLA]

I will dig through and find it

YOU still need to post photos

the one I have will be with chrome before the swap