http://www.nevadamusic.co.uk/Guitars/Electric-Guitars/Electric-Guitars/sc1437... Paul Gilbert has several signature models but the Ibanez PGM401 varies quite a bit from his usual spec. The body is made of light weight Ash in place of the usual Basswood. The bridge pickup has been shifted a bit towards the neck to warm up/fatten the sound. The neck is thicker than usual and is fitted with higher and thinner gauge of fret wire. Finally we get a fixed bridge in place of the usual Ibanez Edge locking tremolo.
Close inspection of the PGM401 doesn't throw up any nasty surprises. For this many beer tokens you'd expect and you get quality in all departments. Strapped on, the weight and balance are excellent. I like the feel of the slightly chunkier neck, it's very comfortable and aided by a set of perfectly dressed frets and a silky smooth Rosewood fret board. Pickups are; a DiMarzio Air Norton at the bridge and at the neck a DiMarzio Air Classic. Both pickups employ Alnico magnets and are designed to replicate the sounds of late fifties Humbuckers.
Plugged into our test valve amp and set clean the bridge pickup sounds clear, full and definitely a bit warmer due to its location. The combination of shifting the pickup and a fixed bridge has definitely fattened things up. The neck unit, as you'd expect is fuller but still clear and articulate. Add some crunch for classic rock sounds. These Dimarzio's are fine pickups indeed and with diligent use of the volume control offer several distinct and musical voices. This is not simply a shred machine although it fills that roll well. There's much more on offer here and this guitar deserves a far wider audience. Tone hounds take note!
Played through a Peavey 6505+ head and cabs , mic'd with a Shure SM57.
301 or 401? which is better?
dritzz2009 1 month ago
really nice guitar! <3
hanschannel1 2 months ago
@HandRpuffin Try 2500...
gilloasdfghjkl 5 months ago
@jasonism123 Around $1300 I believe.
HandRpuffin 7 months ago
@warriorsfanatic999 you realise there not holes they are painted on
darrenguitar 7 months ago
@vokes420 the f holes is one of the best parts
warriorsfanatic999 7 months ago
what's the retail on these?
jasonism123 9 months ago
Beautiful guitar :D
FiestyMclovin 9 months ago
0:37 i got goose bumps :D
XxBertFacexX 10 months ago
Perry Mason!
GWH87 1 year ago