Zion Guitar Technology - show me what you got!

[KENHOOVER]

picts since that's what I like seeing too. [/quote]
Check this out!! http://picasaweb.google.com/zionguitars

[Darth Tater]

Hey Ken,

How could you compare the DiMarzio Virual Vintage pickups to the Lawrence Zion labeled noiseless single coils that were used years ago?

[walker22]

Ken,

Do you mind relaying some info on this particular zion. It would seem to be a radicaster, but I am not sure what pickups... Bill Lawrence, EMG's??? I don't really remember you guys using vintage style tremelos, but I could be wrong.

Thanks so much!

The serial number is
SN- 2044

[Darth Tater]

I have a very similar Zion except with a flamed top, it uses the same bridge. As far as the pickups, they look like the Lawrence/Zions, but the logos are gone. Does it look like they are worn off? Have you ever seen the underside of the pickups? If they are filled with blue epoxy they are the Lawrence noiseless single coils.

[KENHOOVER]

Originally Posted by Darth Tater

Hey Ken,

How could you compare the DiMarzio Virual Vintage pickups to the Lawrence Zion labeled noiseless single coils that were used years ago?

It is really hard to make a humbucking strat pickup that still sounds bright with that characteristic high end of real single coils. Many claim to have done so but "the proof is in the pudding" The Lawrence Zion labeled noiseless single coils came as close as any. The DiMarzio Virtual Vintage pickups are as good as currently available in my humble opinion.

[KENHOOVER]

Originally Posted by Darth Tater

I have a very similar Zion except with a flamed top, it uses the same bridge. As far as the pickups, they look like the Lawrence/Zions, but the logos are gone. Does it look like they are worn off? Have you ever seen the underside of the pickups? If they are filled with blue epoxy they are the Lawrence noiseless single coils.

The backs will tell what they are. If epoxy filled Bill Lawrence. We did try some pickups made by Mel Lace. They could be some of those.

[KENHOOVER]

Originally Posted by walker22

Ken,

Do you mind relaying some info on this particular zion. It would seem to be a radicaster, but I am not sure what pickups... Bill Lawrence, EMG's??? I don't really remember you guys using vintage style tremelos, but I could be wrong.

Thanks so much!

The serial number is
SN- 2044

This was called a Maple T model, predecessor to the current Bent T. They are identical except through vaccuum technology, we are able to bend the 1/4" maple top down to the back. You've got a quilted maple top
laminated to a basswood back. The neck is Birdseye maple. Have to look at backs of the pickups: either Lawrence or Lace (see prior comment)
We did use on occasion steel blocked, vintage trems. It also has a 3 ply, mother of pearl pickguard. BTW Nice photography!

[KENHOOVER]

Example of today's Bent T. (no pickguard) can be with or with out pickguard. Covering up gorgeous wood with plastic is the issue!

[tythety]

Ken, I agree with you about the Virtual Vintage pickups. I would add that DiMarzio has two newer products (at least to me). The VV Area '58 and the VV Area '61. They get closer than ever to achieving the sound of singles while completely eliminating noise.

I'm trying to find out if the current Bill Lawrence L-250 Humbucking Strat Pickup is close to the ones they made for your guitars fifteen years ago - from Bill Lawrence USA. It would be cool to put those in my Maple Top T and bring it closer to "stock".

[KENHOOVER]

Too funny, off the beaten path but it is still amazing to me when guys put technology & creativity together.

http://www.rockyou.com:80/gizmoz/publish.php?instanceid=28937

[Ed-Venture]

Originally Posted by KENHOOVER

This was called a Maple T model, predecessor to the current Bent T. They are identical except through vaccuum technology, we are able to bend the 1/4" maple top down to the back. You've got a quilted maple top
laminated to a basswood back. The neck is Birdseye maple. Have to look at backs of the pickups: either Lawrence or Lace (see prior comment)
We did use on occasion steel blocked, vintage trems. It also has a 3 ply, mother of pearl pickguard. BTW Nice photography!

Thanks, Ken. Would you know what year it is? SN-2044

[walker22]

does anyone have a zion that they are wanting to sell? I would be very interested.

[Ed-Venture]

Originally Posted by walker22

does anyone have a zion that they are wanting to sell? I would be very interested.

I have 5 for sale, counting th Burst Model T - SN-2044.

Two Bent T's, Radicaster, E-Series

[KENHOOVER]

Originally Posted by Ed-Venture

Thanks, Ken. Would you know what year it is? SN-2044

My computer records are spotty back then. The closest I have is
SN-2041, dated 2/10/93. We were just converting our record keeping from paper to computer 15 years ago.

[tythety]

Originally Posted by Ed-Venture

I have 5 for sale, counting th Burst Model T - SN-2044.

Two Bent T's, Radicaster, E-Series

Do any of those have rosewood or ebony fretboards? I have serious GAS for Zions. Are they listed anywhere with pictures?

I really want a Ninety and a Primera. But am interested in what ever you have.

Thanks,