I started reading your page hoping for some true guitar enlightenment only to find you're just another self-worshiping, over-opinionated blow hard. Good work.
You want someone to audition to buy your guitar? What a fucking big headed douche bag.
Keith Bowles kbowles2002@yahoo.com (Keith Bowles Pest Control, San Jose, CA)
This is truly discouraging. I was actually under the impression that this web site IS enlightening... just a bit at least. I am not sure what more I can do to enlighten people. I also cannot understand why it would be so hard for anyone to prove they can play the guitar worth two shits. Why would anyone find that so difficult and be unwilling to do so, I wonder, even to the point of becoming terribly angry, offended and compelling one to send hate mail? If he could only play a few notes, I would be very happy to build this guy the guitar of his dreams. ... I am confused.
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Body
Style |
Body
Wood |
Neck
Wood |
Fbd.
Wood |
Scale |
Frets |
Pickups |
Switching |
Neck
Joint |
Strings |
Weight |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Z3-T |
Top: Urban Forest Back: Ash + Cherry |
Maple |
Ebony |
25.5" |
24 Large/Medium *Dual Size |
Neck: Bridge: DiMarzio Super Distortion |
Volume, |
Screwed |
ZOG 10 RW |
9.3 lb |
$3175 with case |
Pickup Sellection: 1- neck humbucker, 2- neck inside coil, 3- both inside coils, 4- both humbucking, 5- bridge inside coil, 6- bridge humbucking
About 12 years ago I was driving down the coast from LA to San Diego and I saw this sign from the highway, which read "Exotic Hardwood". I was intrigued and took the off-ramp to find out. This was a great store which sold the usual boards but also took in any old hardwood, ignorant people would normally discard. So they had all this old, almost discarded high-end furniture, which they then cut up, planed the finish off and sold again as rough wood to woodworkers. What a "novel" idea. I remember, they had this huge conference or dining room table made of solid oak or walnut or something, which they were going to cut up. They also had this other stuff, which caught my eye. It was this rustic, savage looking wood, which others, I am sure, would simply dismiss, or not even notice or sneer at. You know, people like you Lexus-driving, cappuccino-sucking, atheist religion-mocking, Liberal-Democrat PRS collectors. You are a shame to humanity, you know it and you disgust me.
I asked the wood experts at the store what this wood was and they didn't even know the species. They said it was "Urban Forest" wood. I asked what the hell that was. They said it was various trees which were cut and salvaged from the streets of Los Angeles. My eyes lit up and it was music to my ears. As expected, this Urban Forest wood was of various strange species, which I did not recognize and it was usually full of flaws in the form of insect holes, knots and cracks. I loved it and bought some of it. The top of this Zachary guitar is an example of this Urban Forest wood and I have no idea what it is but think its cool and totally "ME". I hope this does not catch on and you Progressives don't start to see Urban Forest guitars at your local repulsive guitar boutique, where you belong. I somehow doubt it though. The owners of those stores would not stand for it. Someone may want to play this over a PRS Dragon and that would be "regressive". How's that Hope and Change working for you? I hope you are all having fun out there, Socialism is already here and it feels good dosn't it? Communism is next and it will feel even better.
Hot damn, Alex, that Urban Forest guitar is fucking sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!!!!!! I'd kill for it. Hell yeah!!!!!!! Another instant Z Classic--along with so many others! Rock on!!!!!!!
And what's really driving me nuts is that I know that wood! I've seen that somewhere before and I can't place it! Damn, what a girl! WooHoo!!!!!!!
I love it when guitar hacks see my Zz and try to tell me, "Y'now, I have a friend who is a real luthier and he could have built that same guitar for you, but with much better wood and much better components and it would be a much better guitar." I bust out laughing at them every time.
I hand them the Z and they start playing it. Then their jaws drop and they don't know what to say after having just stuck their own foot in their own mouth. When they finally hand the guitar back to me they usually say something like, "What is that Z Web site again? I've got to get one of those things!"
Assholes and jerks, opening their mouths to criticize and tear everything down without even having the slightest idea about what they are talking about in the first place.
Ted NoizMaybe I use some imperfect "real" wood but never in terms of structural integrity. All necks are quarter sawn. In terms of hardware, its the best in the world and a lot of it is custom made to my specifications at great cost for me. I have OCD in terms of quality and detail in everything I am involved with. I am not surprised though, guitar consumers are the stupidest creatures anywhere. Its like the biggest losers and morons are drawn to buying guitars. I have not seen anything like it, its a phenomenon yet to be explained. I feel there should be a school simply educating people on guitars and what they are about. However, that is not good for the mass manufacturers, who rely on this ignorance to sell their products. I rely on the opposite, knowledge and intellect. Hence you must pass an intelligence test to get a Z guitar. Alex
Hi Alex.
The new guitar is a perfect "up yours" to the entire industry. The small knot / crack under the neck pup will make a perfect pick slot. The wild bend on the trem arm, The clunky rotary knob and an interesting pup combo make this a true one of a kind Z. I really like the wood you chose, front and back. Kind of messy but brought together beautifully as usual. This guitar will scare and piss off alot of people. Maybe more than any other and thats a good thing.This guitar is another powerful "anti industry" statement. The combining of body woods has a potential to be quite messy but once again Alex brings them all together in a daring way, making their flaws a feature. I personally find this guitar to be more radical than any other in it's statement, more so than the butcher block, knotty pine, bug inf. etc. Just amazing!
Every day I am somehow reminded of the fact that I have two of the very best guitars in the world (Zs). I am more and more thankful of the choices I have tonally between the two. They really don't overlap at all in that respect. This is the first and only P90 guitar I've had and it's single coil sounds are completely satisfying and very different than the G4. I also love the low output HB on the G4. This new Z3 with the "Fred" will havesome of the same creamy tone I suspect. I'd love to hear it and also some combo sounds between the bridge and neck.
I hope all is well with you. On the last few instuments your commentaries have been priceless. It must be a pain to post what some of these guys write about you as not all will catch the irony.
Thanks for sticking it out there everytime. Tony
Wow! The urban forest guitar is amazing. A true work of art (as are all of your guitars).
I think I will have the money for the Modern G4 shortly (1-2 days). I would like to buy it from you. I really want that guitar. Jamie (owner of ButcherBlock F1)
I just took a look at it, and fuck me!!....It blew me away!!....What and awesome raw statement of a guitar!!....It just looks dangerous!!....however, I can see how it will do all your beloved PRS purists head in hhahahaha....how could anyone use wood that is cracked even on a $3000 + hand made guitar!!!...hahaha...and yet we know it will have a sound to die for!!...Love your work Alex!!
Ps, That neck joint is just fucking awesome!! Orlando
So here I am all stoked up because I mastering my own CD and I decide to take a break and look for then new Z!! And there she is. I TOTALLY DIG THE WOOD! Like how freakin awesome that its like just off random bullshit LA trees. How perfect for such the shred machine it is. Some rocker is going to kick some serious ass with that weapon. Exactly what Steve Vai or Joe Satriani would dig instead of those plasticy Ibanez guitars. Of course they know this too and will see it, but because of their contract they will be forbidden to touch this beast. Dream on boys. You don't want to anger your pimp. Frank
Of course I would be very curious to see what Vai and Satriani would sound and look like playing a Z. That would be interesting. However, those guys don't touch any piece of gear, unless it pays them big bucks. Its all business. Those are two of the most ruthless businessmen anywhere. Most likely they would drill a whole in their own mother's kneecap if the money was right. On the other hand, those horrible plastic guitars seem to match their heavily processed music, tone and also matches their plastic personas. Organics is not preferred by them. If I hear one more time Satriani saying how heavily he is influenced by Hendrix, I will puke. Hendrix was the epitome of organic tone and personal sincerity. There was actually nothing processed, plastic, artificial or contrived about Hendrix, while those two cartoon characters belong in a video game. Other than that, I am sure they are nice guys, the kids love'm. Alex
Das ist eine schöne Gitarre! Überwältigendes Holz und unglaublich anmutige Linien.
And to Mr Bowles - you're Unintelligenter Narr. Cool Guitar Alex Eagle
The back of the guitar is very impressive. The organic texture created by the mixture of woods is unique. I am also intrigued by the new style of trem bar. I am interested in how the non-Z pick ups mesh with the Z resonance. Hope somebody good gets to buy it and play it. Eli
The new bend of the trem bar is just my experiment on how Jeff Beck bends his own trem bars. I like it, it fits into the palm of my hand as I pick. Alex
Alex, What is discouraging is that someone is trying to find enlightenment in a web site.
I would think that most of the players that frequent your site are just enjoying the fact that you're a guy that has found his passion and is working toward it. That you make a damn fine instrument and that you have the knowledge that its not the wood it's made of but the player that makes the guitar sing. Obviously a quality instrument helps, but a real player can use any shitty lay-about guitar if he has the need to play. It will still sound good because he wants to play it. The wood? I would like to think that the guitar's beauty lies in the fact that it was toiled over by someone with skill and played by someone that appreciates the guitar and the work that went into it.
I fail to see why anyone would have a problem with sending you a video or song to show you that they actually play. Not can play, but just actually play like it says on your other pages. Isn't a guitar made with some passion and hands worth a little effort? I certainly wouldn't take issue and I invite you to check out my YouTube channel. I have a wife, a nine year old son and a house to support so I really can't afford to purchase an instrument from you right now, but that doesn't stop me from coming here and enjoying what you do and inviting you to take a look at what I do. Where is the fear in sharing a little of yourself?
Well there I go again, long winded and thinking that I still didn't say what I wanted to the right way. Just keep doing what you do, Alex. Myself and all the other regulars here appreciate your attitude, skill and guitars. Are there any new sound or video clips coming for these new guitars you're building? And as I've said before, I really enjoy your work. The guitars are incredible looking and I do hope to be able to actually play one some day soon. Anyway, keep up the good work and every success to you. Jeff Regards, Jeff (Calgary)
Wow Alex,
Just finished eyeballing your latest Z3 “Experience”. Enjoyed the story about the “Urban Forest”. She looks aggressive with those checks on her red body. The back has got great curves, the ash rings really enhance the sculpting. Bet she Rocks hard. What’s the deal with the top screw plugs, did you blend the woods? Is that ASH mixed with the Urban Forest top wood?, it’s too obvious that it draws the eyes.
Well, enough of “lusting” on other peoples stuff, I’m a one guitar man now. Still cannot take my eyes off of “Miss June” 290610 AKA Ricky-Dicky-Payne. You wouldn’t happen to have any sound bites of 290610 would ya??? Toss me a bone, please! Every Good Wish, Yordys
Nice Z3, with attitude. The Z3 with the new specs are absolutely outstanding players. I really wish I could have had a chance to play this new axe while I was in Z-land a few weeks ago (though I WAS lucky enough to play 290610, which is one very fabulous Z (btw, if it stays 'reserved' for too long let me know.....)). My bad luck that 300710 wasn't quite done yet I guess.
It's really puzzling how somebody can send hate mail like that. Perhaps for an exterminator, a guitar showing signs of potential bug infestation can throw them into a rage. Seems that people really misinterpret your request for a recording of their playing. I mean anybody that's really interested in buying a $3K custom guitar should not be afraid to sit down and play a little bit in front of a mic or camera. I've told people who have contacted me that it's not an 'audition' - it's simply to screen out the sheer beginners who should be buying a made in Mexico strat or the oddball collector/investors who want to stash a guitar under a bed hoping to make a few bucks down the road or put a guitar on the wall in a glass case. Or maybe people are just offended because they think that sticking a handful of cash in your face should be all they have to do to get what they want.
By the way, just sell Jamie the Moderne - he's totally in lust with that guitar, and having played it myself I told him it's a damn good guitar to lust over.
And as long as I'm writing, in addition to being thoroughly impressed with the Dick Payne Z3 and the Moderne I will provide an inside tip as a public service: If there are any good Tele players out there who have been even remotely considering a Z - you had better do anything in your power to take that Pine Tele 120207 off of Alex's hands. That is one DAMN NICE playing and sounding guitar. Mark Miller
Two great Z3's man, Congratulations! Miss June 290610 reminds me a lot of my Namaste 101004. I love the wild unbookmatched maple top, and that neck with the pitch-black board just looks good enough to eat. Laughed my ass off with the crack in Miss July's "Urban Forest" top. I bet many people will find that extremely shocking. We've got a gig coming up on the 21st, and my band is musically stronger than it's ever been before. Looking forward to that. David (Belgium)
Love the new urban forest guitar. My kind of Z. cracks, holes, nicks, all make it a nice statement to the world that a great guitar doesn't have to look "perfect" to be "perfect." Zach Fenner
Greetings from Emmanuel. 050309 is awesome!
300710 is sooo cool. Only You can do that :) PeaceLoveRoger (Switzerland)
Hi Alex, Nice Z3, with attitude. The Z3 with the new specs are absolutely outstanding players. I really wish I could have had a chance to play this new axe while I was in Z-land a few weeks ago (though I WAS lucky enough to play 290610, which is one very fabulous Z (btw, if it stays 'reserved' for too long let me know.....)). My bad luck that 300710 wasn't quite done yet I guess.
It's really puzzling how somebody can send hate mail like that. Perhaps for an exterminator, a guitar showing signs of potential bug infestation can throw them into a rage. Seems that people really misinterpret your request for a recording of their playing. I mean anybody that's really interested in buying a $3K custom guitar should not be afraid to sit down and play a little bit in front of a mic or camera. I've told people who have contacted me that it's not an 'audition' - it's simply to screen out the sheer beginners who should be buying a made in Mexico Squire or the oddball collector/investors who want to stash a guitar under a bed hoping to make a few bucks down the road or put a guitar on the wall in a glass case. Or maybe people are just offended because they think that sticking a handful of cash in your face should be all they have to do to get what they want.
By the way, just sell Jamie the Z-Moderne - he's totally in lust with that guitar, and having played it myself I told him it's a damn good guitar to lust over.
And as long as I'm writing, in addition to being thoroughly impressed with the Dick Payne Z3 and the Moderne I will provide an inside tip as a public service: If there are any good Tele players out there who have been even remotely considering a Z - you had better do anything in your power to take that Pine Tele 120207 off of Alex's hands. That is one DAMN NICE playing and sounding guitar. Mark Miller (Ohio/Taiwan)
Hi Alex, Its been a while since I've emailed but I still check the site almost daily. I really like both new Z3's, especially that urban forest wood on 300710. That whole guitar is pretty close to what I'd order if I were able to get another Z. Its got real character. I'm playing my cherry Z2 all the time, we do gigs about once a month or so. Still plays and sounds fantastic of course. Bruce (VT)
Just been to your website to see what outrageous guitar porn you'd come up with recently - and I wasn't disappointed. Urban Forest really is outrageous. And gorgeous. I could so easily see myself with this guitar, especially with that hot bridge p/up. This is the epitome of organic married with functional.
I've noticed that the vol control is closer to the bridge pickup than on (say) my Z3 - and if I'm not mistaken, you'd done than on the Dick(head) Payne Z3, too?
It's always interesting to see how your guitars subtly improve and change with each re-incarnation. And I'm sure the bent trem bar is more comfortable, too. Ludwik
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