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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

1111.0. "Zion guitars" by PNO::HEISER (I want my SMP!) Mon Jan 30 1989 17:08

    Has anyone had enough experience with Zion guitars to form an
    impression of them?  I'm in the market for a new electric and would
    like to hear some opinions on them.
    
    Their Radicaster model comes with a Floyd Rose trem. and Zion pickups.
    Other pickup configs. are available including EMG.  Would anyone
    recommend EMG over the stock pickups?
    
    They are currently running specials (so they claim) for the Radicaster 
    with custom paint that range from $599-$799 (list $1395-$1795).
    Are these decent buys?
    
    Thanks,
    Mike
    
    BTW - Their custom painting is done by award-winning artist, Wayne
    Jarrett.
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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1111.1PNO::HEISERArizona: The Battle for SeattleThu Mar 16 1989 11:408
    How about Lotus guitars and Gorilla amps?  Anyone ever hear of these?
    Would it be good for a person's first electric set-up or we talking
    "you get what you pay for" here?  
    
    The Lotus is a strat type that I can get for $175, new.  Should
    I bother or wait until I can afford something better?
    
    Mike
1111.2Opinion, of courseCSC32::G_HOUSECaught in a moshFri Mar 17 1989 14:3213
    They're not *real* bad...kinda like Mako, Series 10, or Hondo.  You
    *do* get what you pay for though... 
    
    I only played one once.  If they're like most low priced vendors,
    there's probably a lot of variation between different guitars, even if
    they are the same model.  Try out several and see if you find one you
    can live with.                     
    
    However, you could probably buy a used Ibanez for around the same
    price that you'd be more happy with in the long run.
    
    Greg
        
1111.3PNO::HEISERArizona: The Battle for SeattleMon Mar 20 1989 14:0014
    I'm at a point where I've out-grown the one I've been learning on.
    My starter guitar is the only one that I can't perform E-position
    bar chords on the first fret.  I've borrowed a friend's Takamine
    12 string and a Martin 6 string and they both play like dreams without
    hindering my own abilities.  For some reason, my starter guitar's
    strings are too high off the neck, tough to get them down on the
    first fret :-).
    
    Right now I'm looking at something that won't hinder me but allow
    me to grow with frustrating me.  My choices are narrowed down to
    a 12 string with a pickup or a 6 string electric.  Still shopping
    around...
    
    Mike    
1111.4Finally something on ZionPNO::HEISERWalking in 2 Worlds...Tue May 30 1989 23:1647
This note was prompted by Note 611 "Guitar Endorsements".  I
recently received some literature from Zion Guitar Technology and
one of the pieces follows.  I tend to agree with them and would
rather buy a guitar from a company that thinks like them than buy
something just because Vai's or Clapton's name is on it.

Zion Guitar Technology - A note about endorsements:
"While it is the policy of many companies to 'buy endorsements'
by giving away products, cash, or other incentives, in order to
create an image in the marketplace, we have determined not to
follow that trend.  All of the artists mentioned below paid for
their instruments.  Several of them actually bought them through
their local dealer.  The premise being 'If it's a great guitar,
it's worth paying for.'  In fairness to our dealers, their
customers, the artists we deal with, and ourselves, we will
maintain that commitment."

Current User List (1/1/89)
--------------------------
Dawayne Bailey		      Chicago/Bob Seger/LA Studio
Bob Boykin		      Solo Artist/LA Studio
Pat Buchanon		      Hall & Oates/Cameo/NY Studio
Jeff Campbell		      Sting
Jeff Cook		      Alabama
Chris Davis		      Glad
Dan Gaub		      Illustrator
Tom Hanby		      Second Chapter of Acts
Bob Hartman		      Petra
James Hollihan		      Russ Taff
David Hunter		      The Limit
Phil Keaggy		      Phil Keaggy Band
Jeff Liggens		      Jeffrey Osborne
Kerry Livgren		      Kansas/AD
Johnny McGhee		      Jeffrey Osborne
Jerry McPherson		      Amy Grant Band
Russ Morton		      Rightside
Tim Norris		      The Imperials
Sheldon Reynolds	      Earth, Wind, & Fire
Velpo Robertson		      Robbin Thompson
Chris Rodriquez		      Amy Grant Band/Michael W. Smith Band
Kim Simmons		      Savoy Brown
Dick Smith		      Earth, Wind, & Fire
Ed Stockton		      Image
Jeff Stone		      Steve Taylor
Russ Taff		      Russ Taff
Guy Thomas		      Kenny Loggins/LA Studio
Maitland Ward		      Jeffrey Osborne/LA Studio
1111.5PNO::HEISERThursday's Child,dressed up with no place to go...Thu Jul 20 1989 19:154
    If anyone is interested, the June 1983 issue of Guitar Player featured
    this guitar line.  The Silverbird model was on the cover.
    
    Mike
1111.6Zion Radicaster review in Guitar WorldPNO::HEISERRude Dog's TrainerMon Nov 13 1989 17:438
    The December '89 issue of Guitar World has a review of the Zion
    Radicaster written by Carbide Johnson.  
    
    What I'd like to know is, how critical are these guys?  I've seen some
    mags (i.e., Stereo Review) where every manufacturer can do no wrong.
    How honest are the guitar mag reviewers?
    
    Mike
1111.7If YOU like it, that's the real testCSC32::G_HOUSEI just can't slow downTue Nov 14 1989 16:5212
    How straight up are they?  Hard to say, since there is so much superior
    quality equipment available these days...
    
    It's VERY rare to read a bad review though.
    
    Rating equipment is a pretty subjective thing too.  Example: I happened
    to hate the digital distortion in the GSP-5, but I read lots of reviews
    of it in here that really liked it.  Maybe the people that review for
    the magazines really DO like the equipment, that doesn't mean that YOU
    will.  
    
    Greg
1111.8PNO::HEISERBo DOES know Diddley! Film @ 11!Wed Jan 10 1990 13:497
    Check out the new issue of "Guitar World".  Zion has a full page ad in
    there showing off the Radicaster with the "Pickasso" paint job that won
    first place in the L.A. Guitar Show.
    
    It would go great with my Kitty :-)
    
    Mike
1111.9PNO::HEISERKitty Hawk feverMon Feb 26 1990 16:094
    I received news today from the president of Zion (Ken Hoover) that
    Daddy's Junky Music will take on the Zion line sometime in Q4.
    
    Mike
1111.10weird chioceFACVAX::BUCKLEYMon Feb 26 1990 16:427
    -1
    
    Bad move.  While Zion makes some great guitars, they are iffy (ie they
    are all individually done), so some a really great and some are ok.
    Kinda like the *original* Jacksons...and look where they are today!
    I don't think the Zion line will catch on in the NE Marketplace, but 
    that's my guess.
1111.11PNO::HEISERtotally rad RadicasterTue Feb 27 1990 11:3024
>    Bad move.  While Zion makes some great guitars, they are iffy (ie they
>    are all individually done), so some a really great and some are ok.
>    Kinda like the *original* Jacksons...and look where they are today!
>    I don't think the Zion line will catch on in the NE Marketplace, but 
>    that's my guess.
    
    First of all, these are custom guitars and that eliminates most
    consumers right off the bat.  With a Zion, you aren't going to attract
    the youngsters that buy Ibanez's and Kramer's because Vai, Satriani,
    and EVH play them.  That's a lot of $$$ in that age bracket alone!
    
    Zion guitars will do well in any marketplace where people want a guitar
    that is well built and can be configured to THEIR taste.  They serve a
    limited market space to begin with and are a decent addition to a
    store's high-end line.  When it comes to high-end, not everyone wants
    or can afford a JEM.  
    
    Also, they are hand-crafted as you stated and not cranked out in
    volumes by machines.  Zion only makes a limited amount every month
    because of this.
    
    As far as custom guitars go, they are reasonable.  
    
    Mike
1111.12XOANAN::HEISERAmadeus, Bach, Beethoven, Kitty HawkThu Mar 08 1990 12:114
    Question for you Greenville folks:  How far (miles) is it from Atlanta
    to Greensboro, NC?
    
    Mike_who_might_be_there_next_week
1111.13TCC::COOPERMIDI-Kitty-ADA-Metaltronix rack pukeThu Mar 08 1990 13:1212
Huh ?

You mean Atlanta to Greenville SC ?

It's about 2.5 hours from the airport (if you obey the speed limit (Bahah!).

If you really mean Greensboro, I haven't the feintest...

:)

Come see us dude !

1111.14XOANAN::HEISERin your face with no disgraceThu Mar 08 1990 14:044
    Coop, I did mean Greensboro, NC.  I was told it is about 150 miles from
    Greenville, SC.  From Atlanta, it sounds like a 4-5 hour trip total.
    
    I'll stop by if the trip comes through.
1111.15It's a pretty healthy driveCSC32::G_HOUSEFearlessThu Mar 08 1990 21:477
    Greensboro NC is about 30mi west of Raleigh, NC.  By my estimate, it
    should take about 4 hours or so to get there from Greenville SC, so
    figure probably about 6 or so from Atlanta.  
    
    You may not want to drive excessively fast on some of those roads...
    
    Greg (who used to live in NC)
1111.16decisions,decisionsOUTSRC::HEISERwatchman on the wallTue Mar 19 1996 09:0615
    I just got the new Zion catalog.  Nice!  They have a new Ty Tabor
    signature model that he used on "Dogman."  It's Strat-like with all
    single coils.  Lists for $2,295!  Each one is hand-signed by Ty.
    
    Personally I like the Classic Maple model.  Similar to the old
    Radicasters.  When dealing direct with them, you get 25% off list.  
    
    Most of the models come standard with Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners, Kahler
    "Steeler" trems with Schaller arms, your choice of pickups: Fralins,
    Duncans, or Bardens.  Since they are a custom shop, you can change
    whatever you like.
    
    I'm having a hard time picking my replacement guitars :-(
    
    Mike
1111.17Expensive Strat-copy of holy grail!MILKWY::JACQUESVintage taste, reissue budgetTue Mar 19 1996 09:318
    Mike, did you see the note I put in the insurance note? There may be
    a chance of finding the instruments that were stolen. Try it and
    let us know how you make out.
    
    Are you actually considering buying one of these Zion's ?  At $2000
    I would be thinking real serious about resale value.
    
    Mark
1111.18OUTSRC::HEISERwatchman on the wallTue Mar 19 1996 11:4512
    I've played one once and thought it was an awesome guitar.  Certainly
    puts the Ibanez RG550 to shame.  With my discount it's more like
    $1,500.  I'm not so sure my old gear can be found since it's been 3 months 
    already, but I may try it anyway.
    
    I have to replace an acoustic and 2 electrics as part of the replacement 
    deal (and get the rest of my money).  I'm torn between a Les Paul,
    Strat, and the Zion.  The Fender Strat would probably be a custom model
    anyway with a tapped humbucker at the bridge (like the Zion).  I'm not
    sure yet how much a Fender Strat like this would be.
    
    Mike
1111.19Pet detective.MILKWY::JACQUESVintage taste, reissue budgetTue Mar 19 1996 11:5916
    Mike, buy a Les Paul, and a Strat, and an acoustic. Strats are so
    easy to modify, if a tapped pickup is what you want, there is a
    bumper crop of em out there. You can also use push/pull pots so
    you don't have to add a switch. 
    
    As far as finding your old instruments, never give up the chase.
    If anyone every trades one of your guitars into a dealer, there 
    is a chance you might be informed of it's whereabouts. If you find 
    one, it may lead you to the others. I'd say go for it.
    
    Mark
    
    
    
    
    
1111.20Zion-to infinityDREGS::BLICKSTEINGeneral MIDIWed Mar 20 1996 09:333
    But Mark... Phil Keaggy plays a Zion!
    
    	db
1111.21Ty Tabor is a different storyOUTSRC::HEISERwatchman on the wallWed Mar 20 1996 11:341
    His model ain't available anymore so nyah to you!
1111.22Inquiring minds and all thatMILKWY::JACQUESVintage taste, reissue budgetWed Mar 20 1996 11:485
    Do the Zion guitars have a transducer built into the bridge for
    acoustic tone, as well as regular magnetic pickups for electric
    guitar tone?
    
    Mark
1111.23OUTSRC::HEISERwatchman on the wallWed Mar 20 1996 13:513
    I'm not sure but I doubt it.  You can call them at (910) 852-7603
    
    Mike