Anyone played a Malmsteen strat?

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sat May 02, 2015 8:59 am

Are there any advantages with a scalloped board if you don't play like Yngwie? A used Malmsteen signature at a fair price has come up in an ad though I don't have the opportunity to test it.

Thinline_slim · Post by **Thinline_slim** » Sat May 02, 2015 1:27 pm

I had the chance to play one in an upscale guitar shop a few years ago. If you haven't played one before the scalloped neck is drastically different as in I would have to change just about everything in terms of how I play to utilize it. Another question is how good is your ear when it comes to pitches? I found just playing chords it was really easy to bend individual strings just slightly out of tune especially on the higher strings.

Different beast altogether but I play pretty hard as I never really developed any finess.

Bensnake · Post by **Bensnake** » Sat May 02, 2015 1:54 pm

Thanks!

That's what I was afraid of... And my ears are most sensitive. Can't stand even the smallest amount of undesired pitch shift. I'm mostly a chord/riff player and def. not a shredder. No need for a scalloped fretboard then.

FleshOnGear · Post by **FleshOnGear** » Sat May 02, 2015 2:19 pm

If you're a finesse player they are great. It kind of forces you to play with a lighter touch. But, it's hard to know if you can adapt to it until you try one. I imagine it would be possible to control intonation issues by using heavy strings with a wound 3rd string.

a.hun · Post by **a.hun** » Sat May 02, 2015 4:03 pm

I'd rather try a fretless guitar. Might take a bit more practice though...

There is a Malmsteen Straat in one of the local shop windows. Wonder how long it'll hang there?

Andy.

Jondog · Post by **Jondog** » Sat May 02, 2015 4:35 pm

I don't get it. I'd rather have taller frets then a scalloped board.

DiabloS · Post by **DiabloS** » Sat May 02, 2015 4:50 pm

Scalloped frets might have their use with shredders, but I didn't really like it the few times I tried them. Sometimes I play light and sometimes I dig in hard, the scalloped frets really felt foreign when you're not used to them.

Definitely not something I'd buy before trying, that's for sure!

msmith4432 · Post by **msmith4432** » Mon May 04, 2015 1:30 am

That fretboard just seems disastrous IMO

Danley · Post by **Danley** » Mon May 04, 2015 4:12 pm

Actually set up with ultra light strings, I think it would make for a really good practice tool, to improve technical skill. Beyond that I can't say I'd ever 'need' it playing live/recording in the studio. I have a lot of respect for what shredders can do, but can't say I idolize Malmsteen enough for that to really speak to me.

Man1ak · Post by **Man1ak** » Mon May 04, 2015 5:14 pm

No need for scalloped necks, even if you're a shredder. If I come to think of it, most shredders I know use normal, plain necks. I had a guitar with scalloped neck (a la Richie Blackmore), but I didn't feel anything special. If anything, it was harder to play.

crankyrayhanky · Post by **crankyrayhanky** » Mon May 04, 2015 9:36 pm

I had one for years and loved the tone. But it took a delicate touch and precise technique; I have King Kong slop chops so I was unable to really shred on it like I can on other guitars. It did have a magic quality to the notes that I loved, but flipped