Aslin Dane Cidera SG Copy

I am probably one of the very few owners of a left-handed Cidera in the US, thanks to Bernard Pizzitola who helped make it happen. I've been using this CIDERA for about two years now and when Asline-Dane says that their necks using the Superphenol fretboard is fast, believe me they know what they're talking about! Visually the fretboard appears textured like wood but that all the similarity it has. Simply said, the "feel" of my 2 other guitars with rosewood fretboards, cannot compare to the CIDERA. Now, if some purists will claim that the use of Superphenol degrades the integrity of the instrument, find out first for yourselves what Asline-Dane did before saying "nay" or "aye" to the criticism.

Feature-wise I rate the tuning keys - good. The truss-rod adjusting cover on the headstock - tacky, (shame because it's quite visible). Little things on "fit & finish" could have been improved from better production and/or quality control. For example, the finish is dull in places with surface imperfetions here and there that could very well have been rubbed out, although rubbing compound reside is strangely visible in nooks & crannies especially inside the pick-up and electronics cavity. The vol pots did not control loudness gradually but rather went from soft to very loud within a very small arc. The Tone pots did the same thing so I eventually replaced them with after-market Gibson parts. The replacement parts were not really expensive so I kinda sorta wonder why better quality pots were not used in the first place. The bridge & stop-tail pieces are likewise good, so far the chrome has held up through almost every weekend of use. There is nothing about this guitar that cannot be improved simply by tweaking the production and/or quality control lines.

I plug this CIDERA into a DSP Effects Processor upstream to a '64 Fender Bandmaster. With the DSP by-passed, tone quality is much too dark. Good that the DSP I use has EQ capabilities because without it, that "fat" humbucking tone that the CIDERA produces is much too dark for my preference. String balance on this instrument is definitely a good point especially if you have to jump from any of the mid strings to an upper registry of the high E-string.

I like the fact that the CIDERA is a very light guitar but it has one drawback. It's balance. Either the body is too light of the headstock is too heavy so if I leave it strapped unsupported over my shoulder, it rotates forwards. It's really an SG clone so this complaint probably existed with a real SG but with the CIDERA, I've learned to accept it as a small compromise to pay for it's weight.

I used to always bring a spare because you just can't pick up any guitar in case something goes wrong when you're left-handed but after a while, the spare guitar somehow became just an extra piece of weight. I've used the CIDERA almost exclusive as my only axe for about a year & a half now and I've lost the concern of the instrument failing on me. Previously I had this anxiety with my strat of strings breaking as they passed over the tremolo piece and you really never had any indication of which string would break when.

I like the fact that the CIDERA does not have a Trem because from my experience, guitars with trems can be a bitch when a string breaks.

Been playing for more than 25 years. Would have preferred brighter sounding pick-ups on this instrument if such were available. Would DEFINITELY try and re-purchase another CIDERA if this one got stolen/broken. It's not easy for "Leftys" to just acquire guitars because unless there's a lefthanded demo model around, there's no way to tell if this brand or that model is right for you.

Im not sure when this guitar was made, but it has 22 frets, two humbuckers, two tone knobs, two volume knobs, and three pickup selections.

I mostly play punk, so this guitar fits my stlye great. Im using a beringer 30 watt amp. This guitar has great sound that makes playing guitar very fun.

Every thing was set up perfectly when i bought it.

This guitar holds up very well, i expect it to hold up for a very long time.

This guitar is worth much more than i paid for it. The only thing i wish is that the input was place on the bottom edge of the body, it'd be more convieniant.

This guitar was made in either 2000 or 2001, since Aslin Dane has discontinued this model. It is Korean made to Aslin Dane's specifications. The Cidera features 22 frets, two Aslin Dane AD59 humbucker pickups, Gibson style bridge and stoptail piece. Controls consist of two volume and two tone control knobs, a three position pickup selector switch. Tuners are similar to Schaller tuners. The guitar is styled after a Gibson 61' SG. The control knobs are vintage styled black top hats with silver inserts that read either "volume" or "tone". Great set neck with a composite fingerboard. This fingerboard is similar to those on a Parker guitar, very easy to play, doesn't get slippery nor does it get sticky.

I was very impressed with the sound of the AD59 pickups. The neck pickup has a warm thick sound without any muddiness. The bridge pickup is bright with a lot of bite if you crank it up. The pickups are very quiet and the tone controls provide a wide range of tonal control. This guitar is great for rock and blues, loads of sustain due to the set neck. The selector switch is completely quiet, no scratch or static as you change pickups.

I purchased this guitar direct from Aslin Dane, www.aslindane.com. I was asked what kind of music I played (which is rock and blues) and what type of strings I used (10's). The action was set exactly as I would prefer. All components are solid, nothing loose. The tuners stay perfectly in tune. The neck is perfect, low action and absolutely no fret buzz. The composite fretboard is beautiful to play, so easy and every note rings true, not a dead spot on the entire neck. The fretboard radius is perfect for playing rock and blues. The finish on the body and neck were a perfect glossy vintage cherry, the pickguard and chrome pickup covers are perfect. I received this guitar with three tone knobs and one volume knob. I called Aslin Dane and they are sending me a replacement volume knob. I added a gold lettered switch washer and a cream switch tip to complete the 61' SG look. The headstock is very clean and simple with just the Aslin Dane logo, none of those tacky fancy inlays.
Upon inspection of the control cavity, I found it to be very clean, uncluttered wiring and finished in a flat black.
The uppper bout is slightly narrower than a Gibson SG, but has all the right body carving.

The Cidera feels solid and well finished. The electronics are quiet and smooth. The strap buttons are on solid as well. The tuners, while somewhat soft to turn, do stay in tune, even after some serious bending. I don't play in a band anymore, but if I did, this guitar would do well as a mainstay. Time of course will tell how well this guitar holds up. I think it is here to stay.

Customer support can't get any better than this. Bernard (who happens to be the VP) at Aslin Dane was a pleasure to work with. He communicated well through emails and phone calls. He provided me with some background history of the company and we discussed details of the guitar and options. Bernard had the guitar set up to my specifications. Aslin Dane provides a limited lifetime warranty on their guitars. I feel that if I ever have a problem, I would get a quick response and resolve. Buying direct is the way to go, it made the buying experience a pleasure.

I have been playing on and off for the past 25 years. I currently own Carvin's, Kramer's, Yamaha's and Aslin Dane's (Jazz 35). I have owned and played Gibson's and Fender's. This guitar is a great value and if you are in the market for an SG type guitar, take a good look at this one, although you better hurry since they are selling the remaining stock. If this guitar was lost or stolen, I would definitely purchase a replacement, that is if they still had them in stock. The customer service is tops, buy direct!

I bought an Aslin Dane Cidera about a year ago... not sure where its made. Its twenty two frets, 3 way tone switch, and individual tone and volume adjustment for the two humbuckers.

The guitar gets "ok" sound: the heavier stuff sounds pretty good, but clean its a little funny... I'm mostly an acoustic player though, so its hard for me to say

The action was a disappointment. VERY low. I get a buzz off of open notes and fretted notes. Everything else seemed ok, but again, I play acoustic, so ask around...

The guitar is generally solid, but the composite material "crushes." IT scratches very easily and the laminate kinda cracks if it gets hit. The guitar looks awesome, and I haven't had a single problem with the actual playing... just some loose parts, and some scratches and dents that i don't think would have been there on a different ax

I haven't dealt with the company at all

Overall, if you're looking for the SG look and sound at a good price, you should be ok with this guitar. I mentioned before that I play mostly acoustic, so buying an electric was a trial and error process... I just fooled around for awhile until i found something I liked. If you're a beginner you should look for something a little more solid, and if you're advanced you can do better.

a great guitar featuring 3 way toggle switch, 22 frets twin humbuckers an a stop tailpiece sg styling with a great finish and
great tone perfect for playing crunchy ACDC style riffs

what can I say the sound is sweet and you can also crank out monster tone. my mom got it for me for christmas and i,m already in love with it

the action was slightly high but not bad the finish is utterly flawless and the pickups are setup great and give out great tone

this guitar is light yet extremely tough and i think it would stand up to any gig short of a pete townshend smash a thon. the strap buttons a secure withouut a bit of wobble

i just got it so i havent had any contact with the company

i havent been playing that long but i know enough to say that this guitar is a winner especially having had experience with other guitars that were not as well made