Product: Westone Spectrum EX
Price Paid: US $400
Submitted
05/28/2000
at
08:53am
by
Shoei Katano
Email: shoei dot katano<at>aol dot com
Features
:
10
I was told by the guy at the store I bought it from that it was made in the UK. But I've also heard that Westone is a Japanese company. Has 22 frets, locking tremolo system with fine tuner, H/S/H pickup configuration. 5 way selector. 1 master volume knob, 2 tone knobs that pop up for individual humbucker volume adjustments. Unsure about body and neck woods, as it is entirely finished in a very shiny blue. Body style is like a strat, with sharp ends. Came with case and 2 allen wrenches (one for the locking nut, and another to adjust the action on the bridge saddles).
Sound
:
8
I usually play metal, but it really has a wide range of sounds. It can get shiny bright sounds, full/rich sounds, as well as grungy/scratchy sounds. The 5 way selector switch and 2 tone knobs (which pop up for humbucker vol. adj.) offer a wide variety of settings, but to be honest, it's a little overkill. I can't really tell the difference between some of the settings, and I just use 3 particular settings that I like, most of the time. The pickups offer pretty good sustain, and I don't have noise problems.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
It's a fast action neck, and easily adjustable. I lowered the action slightly from the factory settings. The pickups were adjusted to a good heighth with (not too close to the strings and not too far). I've had problems with the tremolo bar and keeping it in tune.
Reliability/Durability
:
7
This guitar is very durable, as I've had it for over 10 years, and I haven't had to send it to repair yet. Reliability is okay, but like I said, I've had to do tweak the tremolo on occasions. If I play live, I don't use the tremolo bar too much.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I've never dealt with them before. I heard they are out of business.
Overall Rating
:
8
This guitar is really a gem for the price that I paid for it. I'm definitely not going to sell this guitar. I think Westones are one of the best low-budget guitars ever made. If you're lucky enough to ever see one in a pawn shop, buy it. I would say it a great investment, especially for those just starting to play guitar. My only word of caution is that it may be hard to find replacement parts for it.
