2004
J-Frog "Skull & Bones"
|
This is probably one of
the most recognized guitars of the 80's - right up there with Eddie's Frankenstrats -
thanks to George Lynch using it in many Dokken videos in the 80's. I had seen many poor
attempts to replicate this guitar over the years, but when I happened to be in Las Vegas
on business I made the mistake of stopping by Ed Roman's store where this was hanging on
the wall. |
After shooting the shit
with Ed for an hour or so, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked to try this bad
boy. I expected it to be all show and no go, but found it to be a superb guitar with an
extremely comfortable neck profile. This ended up coming home that day and I still play it
regularly. |
This is a guitar that has to be seen
in person and played to fully appreciate. The attention to detail is amazing, and the neck
profile is very addictive. The pickup is a Seymour Duncan "Black Back", which is
made exclusively for Ed Roman. Normally, I put "EVH" pickups in all of my
guitars, but this one is so close that I chose to leave well enough alone. The setup on
this guitar was amazing, and was the best I've ever had on a new guitar. String height was
.048 (1.2mm) at the 12th fret with absolutely no buzzing or dead spots. |
I'm hoping to add
another J.Frog to my collection sometime in the future - probably a Glock 22, which is
nearly identical to a Kramer Baretta. These guitars are a bit on the pricey side, but they
do deliver in terms of quality and playability. |
For one reason or
another, Ed tends to get ragged on quite a bit, but I can only speak from my experience
with the man - he has always treated me with respect and courtesy. Your mileage may
vary, but mine has been all good - and at the end of the day, his shop produces some
damn fine guitars. |
This guitar was recently
signed on the back of the headstock by the man who made her famous himself. |