DiPinto Galaxie 4

4 single coil pickups, 4 individual rocker style selector switches (1 for each pickup), Jazzmaster style tremelo tailpiece, pink sparkle finish, rosewood capped maple bolt on 22 fret neck (25-1/2" scale), mahogany body, 1 volume knob, 1 tone knob, unknown tuners, designed in US, manufactured in Korea, star inlay fret markers

GREAT SOUND!!!!! Very versatile sound ability, can go from country twang to surf chime to fat blues to basically anything you want. The individual pickup selector switches gives you a broad palate of sounds to choose from. The pickups are single coil, but I haven't yet experienced any severe hum problems. I'm guessing that Chris DiPinto designed these pu's himself, as they are unlike any other pickups I've yet encountered. But whatever, they sound excellent.

Guitar came set up pretty well, but I did tweak the bridge height a little more to my personal liking. Very easy to adjust, so no problems there. I also lowered the 2nd pu (next to the bridge pu) as it kind of got in the way of my right hand when I was playing the guitar. But, I just lowered it a bit, and now it feels fine, with no discernible loss in output balance compared to the other pu's. Frets are very well dressed, no spikey edges to contend with. Mine is the Pink Sparkle finish with MOP/MOTS pickguard and headstock. Looks fantastic!!!! It gets a lot of notice and compliments. Back of the neck is finished in white, it's a little draggy and resistant but nothing dramatic. It doesn't inhibit my playing, but I may give it a couple of swipes with some fine sandpaper just to take off the drag.

Seems very well constructed. It is a little on the heavier side, it's definitely heavier than my teles or strats, but it doesn't enter Les Paul territory. Feels like a very well made professional guitar, nothing cheap or budget feeling about it.

Have spoken with Chris DiPinto a couple of times (I ordered the guitar directly from DiPinto) and he was extremely helpful and friendly. Haven't had any problems yet, but I have a feeling it would be easy to work out any issues that may arise.

I've been playing professionally for a long long time, over 25 years, and this guitar is as good, if not better than any of my top level guitars. It's a keeper, and most likely will become one of my main guitars. I'm now excited to try out some other DiPintos, the Mach IV and Belevedere Deluxe come to mind first.

The most outstanding attribute of this guitar is the 4 single coil pickups. They open up an array of possibilities. The pickups are good sounding (haven't taken off the pickguard to find out type), and I especially like playing in the neck position (gives a strong biting tone without getting sloppy). The buttons are basically on/off switches, a method that I'm surprised isn't used more often. I have the silver sparkle and must say that, although not really me, is pretty fun to play out with.

As mentioned before, the tones are real flexible. I like the neck pickup with a slight distortion.

My guitar was purchased as a demo, and even though it sat in the store that I bought it from for quite some time, the finish had held up wonderfully. Everything seems real good (I especially like the pearloid buttons on the tuners), but there is a slight grounding problem (which was mentioned in a Guitar Player review that I had read).

Have only had for a few months, but it feels pretty solid. I'm also quite easy with my guitars.

Haven't had to deal with them.

All in all, a great looking guitar which also sounds great(gotta love it when someone gets it right). I play many different types of music (from gospel to alternative) and this guitar is up for mostly anything. The really cool thing is that it's not like my strats or pauls or prs's or anything else. It's really unique and so consequently, really fun to play.

Ordered online, found I paid a bit more than some but i'm happy with the guitar so i'll get over it. It's a sunburst model; I have a 4 sunburst guitars and a sunburst bass, so I wanted the galaxie to match.

Came with a gigbag, which was handy because I don't have any more.

The guitar is very obviously based heavily on the Fender Jaguar. Its tailpiece is identical (dipinto may even get theirs from the same supplier as fender japan, in any case the unbranded version on the galaxie is available through various internet shops,) the body shape is ludicrously close, only the bottom horn TRULY sets it apart from the jag shape, everything else is slightly off proportion/different dimensions but still tit-for-tat in the jag/jazzmaster body shape. Its a 25 1/2" scale length though, more like the jazzmaster (or the strat, tele, etc..) There is also nowhere near as much chrome, though the tailpiece coupled with the bridge cover (another jag-derived feature) make up for any surfy glitz lost. Like the Jaguar, the Galaxie has a kooky switching system. Unlike the Jaguar, it's not too complicated: 4 sexy red on/off rocker switches for each pickup(4 pickups is another advantage over the Jaguar's 2). Now this is a stroke of genius. Lots of people have tried their hand at retro designs, but few are willing to put the big, cheap, stupid rocker switches on. This is what sets retro guitars apart from just plain ugly ones. Another pleasantly quaint feature is the pearl tuning buttons, which compliment the faux-abalone headstock veneer and help it look extra gorgeous in the light. I can't even begin to imagine what the silver sparkle one looks like up close.

The neck is very comfortable, not too thin and not too thick. i was expecting it to be slightly skinnier, though the thickness was actually a pleasant surprise rather than a let-down.

I found out at the last minute that you could get the Galaxie 4 with a 5-way switch in place of the 4 on/off switches. No thanks- besides the personal opinion i have regarding the looks, the 4 on/off switches make a few extra pickup combinations possible and provide a lot more tones.

This thing sounds like a word that is not part of my age demographic's colloquealisms, that's how good it is. I may just have to dust off "tubular" for this one. When I strummed it unplugged directly after recieving it, i was greeted with a reassuringly bright tone. there's definate Fender vibe going on in the Jaguar/Jazzmaster/Mustang vein, even unplugged. Plugging it in however, unleashes those 3 beasts and more.
Fiddling with the switches and trying all different combinations of pickups, I was able to find all sorts of familiar tones, those clucky in-between strat tones and biting surf stabs sound like they're coming from a long-playing disc. Using the volume and tone controls on each setting allows you to tame any unwanted harsh treble.

I suppose the harsh treble is where the Galaxie's bridge pickup comes to disagree with me, It may be my buzzy ear, but I just can't handle stuff THAT bright. Being a fender man though, I was able to remedy the problem by finding my preferred balance with the volume and tone controls. the only problem then was when I used a different pickup the tone for that one would be all wrong too. This was where I missed the Jaguar's seperate rhythm circuit with it's own volume and tone controls.

Running through an early 70's Marshall, I was even able to get some decent hard rock tones out of this guitar, though it was like pushing a little kid onto a rollercoaster, only slightly amusing and really quite inappropriate. With a touch of reverb and, if so inclined, a tremolo effect, this thing excells at what the Jaguar is meant to.

I also checked to make sure it had my Jaguar's ability to snag a good chicago blues tone, and it did. The bright, snappy character combined with the lack of sustain makes it great for chord comping and little disjointed blues fills.

While this is a better surf guitar than the Jaguar, it fails to capture the Jag's versatility.

The finish is great. The setup needed a bit of tweaking out the box, but i'm so used to tinkering with jaguars and mustangs that it was hardly a daunting task to give it's bridge an appropriate set-up. In minutes it was in top form, with the vibrato bar behaving itself and not sending the thing out of tune with a few swift dips as many people experience on poorly set-up guitars of this bridge design.

The bridge pickup and pickup number 3 (from the bridge up) were set too high. The strings were well clear but I had funny noises and at one point thought I was out of tune no matter what. Turns out it was the pickup's magnetic pull on the strings. Lowered them a smidgen and it sounded fantastic.

This thing is solid. I have enough confidence that it will hold up as well as a Fender durability-wise. Dropping it face down or onto the headstock would really be the worst thing you could do to it, as the input jack and whammy bar would be sure to cause damage given a serious blow to the front, and that huge headstock has a lot more leverage for a break in a quick fall. I'd depend on it like I do my other guitars. I've never had a guitar fall apart on me, and I've never bought one that felt like it might.

Never dealt with them, though wouldn't mind a congratulatory cigar and a brandy.

I'm very pleased. I expected it to be a Jag clone, and that's pretty much what it is, with some unique stylistic touches and a few extra great sounds. You don't normally get guitars of this caliber for under $500 (I know I paid more than that but most haven't and they can be had for cheaper). I'm determined to find a hard-shell case for it now though, as it'll probably be seeing some heavy use.

If I didn't have strong sentimental feeling for my jag I'd be dumping it for this beauty. At present i'm using a les paul and a strat, and that third distinguishable sound was my jaguar for awhile, but after a few modifications to make it more rock-worthy I decided the DiPinto would make a fine addition to the ol' arsenal. I'd reccomend it to people who have cleaner, percussive rhythm styles and those in jazz combos/ensembles, etc... as it must really cut through the mix.

If this were stolen I don't know if I'd buy another one because I'd still have the jag... If I didn't have the jag though, I'd rebuy the Galaxie in a heartbeat.

made 2005 in korea,silver sparkle top ,yellow pickgaurd 5 red selector switches. los straighjackets model.the style of the body is kinda strat like but think, retro 60s italy or japan. the bridge system and trem bar set up reminds me of my fender mustang.the tremelo arm is floating.

this is the new age of surf guitars, i have40 many fenders, and for surf this is great.iuse amarshall 50 watt combo lots of reverb, electro harmonix holy grail. the sound is one part jag one part strat one part mustang.you can get any surf tone in the world on this baby. the plate over the bridge tends to rattle a bit.

the action was set up o.k. most guitar players make minor changes. the pick ups were set up very welln didnt even touch them.this is one of many companys making fun good sounding surf guitars of a good quality

this is a kick butt surf guitar i own 40 guitars some custom shop strats even,the hardware is solid ,the finish is wild, this thing is awell built guitar ready to be played hard.

never dealt with them though i want to let then know they have a great surf axe.

ive been playin 35 years ive had music out on rough trade cargo instinct and many other us and uk labels.i like retro guitars , and the vintage thing to me is b.s. ihave custom shop strat id put up against any older fernder. this dipinto is retro kick butt surf guitar, at a good price. made in korea? dont let that bother you. ever play a burns marquee reissue? another great guitar not usa made. ive played all over the world, used many guitars and this is a high quality fun guitar

I bought Two Galaxy IV's.

Brand new 2006!

USA

A sparkle silver with a yellow gold pearloid type pickguard with a matching retro looking art deco headstock ... and a sparkle pink Galaxy IV with similar Peppermint White decor!

Both eye catching!

You feel like you're in a fancy candy store looking at them!

They are truly works of pop art? in my opinion!

Cool as can be!

Tried them out at the DiPinto NAMM show booth and was immediately impressed!

In fact floored!

I said to myself before the show that I was going to hold of spending alot this year but this was the Exception!

They played like dreams too.

No action problems what so ever.

Perfect for the styles I play Eg: Surf, 60's, Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz, Rock a billy, Twang, Reverb and Tremelo retro Garage sounds ...

Has four red rocker button switches, surrounded by white, which allows any combination of the four pickups.

The buttons look cool as heck too!

Strats don't give you that choice.

They should - Lol!

Very easy to work too.

Best switching system I've every seen!!!

They have four passive single coil pickups that kind of remind me of Vox Hurricane pickups or Fender Jaguar pickups, in a way.

Retro!

Very bright, Hi fidelty and clean with alot of sound deliverance.

The body is sort of shaped like Fender Jazzmaster type but different.

Bolt on neck like a Fender Jazzmaster, etc.

The wood is probably Korean!

The bridges are a kind of tunematic style but with small roller saddles.

Easily adjustable.

The tremelo system is just like a Fender Jazzmaster stype.

Also the tuner ends have white pearloid material and adjust very easily.

They compliment the guitar very well.

Suits my styles very well!

I play mostly 60's style Classic Rock n' roll, Vintage Jazz, Blues, Surf, Rockabilly and related.

Sounds great with a Fuzz tone too ... Psychotic reaction, Seeds, Standells, Hollywood TV show, Go Go sounds!

I mostly play clean though!

I use mostly 60's and 70's Fender amps like Twins, Quad Reverbs, Fender Dual Showman, Bandmaster, Princeton Reverb, Vox Super Beatle ...

Very quiet as far as noise.

Nice bright clean, Fender Jaguar, Hagstrom, Tele, Strat single coil sounds ,,,

Superb in all aspects!

On the Pink sparkle I did a little truss rod adjustment just for my personal preference, etc.

I raised the bridge a little too.

I also put on colored coordinated control knobs Eg: on the Pink Sparkle I put on white Fender knobs to match the white pcikguard and adornments.

On the Silver Sparkle, I put on Gold Gibson knobs to match the yellow Gold pickguard and retro headstock.

The pickups were adjusted already being compensated for the different positions relative to the neck.

Very impressed with the care!

It's a workhorse.

I played it on two gigs already and it get the thumbs up!

Chris DiPinto and company are very real, personable, one on one!

He'll answer you right away.

He strikes me as real, sincere, conscientous, etc.

I've been playing since 1965.

My guitars: Gretsches, Gibsons, Fenders: Jaguars, Jazzmaster, Mustang, Strat, Mosrites: Mark I, Combo, Rickenbacker 12 string, Hagstrums, Retro Teisco types, etc. ...

Reminds me of a Hagstrum II, III or a Fender Jaguar a little.

Can get very similar retro garage rock surf sounds.

It can be set to get those inner switch sounds too like clacky in- between pickup Fender sounds too.

I love the button switches!

Can get anything from Buddy Guy to the Astronauts, 13th Floor elevators, BB King, Howard Roberts, Spy sounds, Robert Cray, Clapton, Joe Maphis, Los Straight jackets, Ventures,

You can get all four pickups on at once or any combination.

Hey, I'll send you some sound samples and or camcorder clips if you like?

Korean made guitar. Has 4 single coil Dipinto pickups. On this model, each pickup has it's own on/off switch (some Galaxie 4s have a five way pickup selector switch instead).

I play in a couple of different music groups. One of them plays old jazz standards, motown, 50s and blues. The other groups plays instrumental 60s surf (Dick Dale, the Ventures, Duane Eddy, Link Wray, The Shadows, etc.). This one guitar can pull off any sound I need. Because of the versatile pickup switching options I can make drastic tonal changes without touching my amp. My amp is a Roland Cube 60. I have never gotten so many compliments on my sound before getting this guitar. The tremolo bar is perfectly shaped for simultaneous picking while moving the bar. Does a great job of staying in tune even after serious whammyfication. I used to be a die-hard Strat guy. From now on, I will probably never play another Strat. The Galaxie can get sounds I can't get out of a Strat. If your goal, however is to sound as close as possible to Jimi Hendrix, you probably need to pass on this instrument.

Perfect greenburst finish. I have never gotten as many compliments on a guitars looks as with this guitar. There is no other guitar that carries as much of that wild 60s aesthetic, including Fender Jazzmasters, which I could never afford. The action was perfect after a brief adjustment. I removed the bridge cover which just got in the way of my playing. I read another person's review saying that the slick finish on the neck was too draggy and needed sanding. I can assure it is not and does not.

By all appearances, this guitar should hold up fine for professional use without a backup.

I had a problem with the tremolo bar at first. Once I let go of the bar, it would swing way out of position. It was very loose fitting. I got on the Dipinto website and emailed them on how I could remedy the situation. The next day Chris Dipinto himself gave me instructions on how to fix it. If I wasn't sold on the Dipinto company before, that alone was enough to seal the deal. The purchase of this guitar has put me firmly behind this guitar maker and will purchase their products again and again.

I am a professional working musician with decades of experience, both in live and recording environments.