Peavey Predator

Made 1996. 22 frets, Solidbody Strat configuration (S/S/H w/5way Switch. Basically a Strat copy. Maple neck, Ash body. Blue metallic finish (Gorgeous!!). Factory everything for hardware. 25 1/2" scale. Bridge is a factory whammy setup.

Has that rich Strat tone in second and fourth switch positions. I can get a really wide range of sounds out of it. Grounding/noise control questionable in some switch positions, though. First switch position gives a really rich Telecaster single-pickup sound, real good for Country tunes, and the 'Bucker position is genuine rock and roll. My favorite positions/tones are second for clean progressive chording and fifth for rock lead riffs. I've played this through my Crate CR-1, Peavey Bandit, Spectra 220, and an old Fender Tremolux with incredibly good tones throughout, even with my DOD TR3-M or Boss Chorus.

The only complaint I have on the action is the whammy. If I use it, the G and B strings go sharp, regardless of tuning or brands of strings. Not much can be done about this, other than going to graphite bridge parts. I don't recommend changing the bridge. Factory action setup was good, but I fine-tune my actions to my own feel on the guitar. This was easy to accomplish. I have a set of Elixirs on it now, feels like silk. Feels great with D'Addario EXL-130's on it too.

When setup properly, this one will go beyond the distance. It's well- built and very playable (and I'm not crazy about Strats either) for a low-buck guitar. I wouldn't be afraid at all to use this one for every song at every gig.

Warranty is excellent (one year parts/labor), I can always get a straight answer from these people.

I've been playing for about 25 years, and have had a variety of gui- tars ranging from dog logs to Vargas beauties. This one rates in the Vargas class. Graphite parts would be nice on the bridge, possibly a locking system. If I were to lose this one, I'd replace it with the same.