I just got my Duke Master from Japan, and wow... what a wonderful instrument it is! I must admit I have little experience with boutique and high end gear, so I can't compare it to any of that, but it fulfills all of my expectations to what a great instrument should feel and sound like, so I'm incredibly satisfied! What's even better, is that it cost me (used) something in the area of 800-850$ (ie, less than an Epi with p90's here in Norway), shipping and taxes included. Unfortunately, I haven't succeded in coercing a decent pic out of my crappy camera, but there is a pic of the model, along with specs, here: http://www.deviser.co.jp/english/e_duke_master.htm
Bacchus makes my fave Japanese guitars. Big fan. They actually build Van Zandt, Moon etc. guitars too.
Yeah, beautiful guitar. They also made an ES-335 copy that was absolutely stunning. As for prices, I got mine used and it didn't cost me much at all, but new they cost quite a bit more, naturally, although I wouldn't call them very expensive. You can see some models here, so you get an idea of the price for a new Bacchus: ikebe gakki Don't know what's the deal with the dirt cheap ones, though, perhaps they're korean made or something. I bought mine from this store, btw: tc gakki
I too am a Bacchus addict (thanks, Matte!). I own (in chronological order) * Clapton Cut Explorer (explorer with the upper bout rounded out) * Futura "Rick Nielsen" model (explorer w/ split headstock and narrower "waist") * s-shape, maple fretboard in what should be fiesta red, but looks more like tangerine * new entry: seafoamgreen s-shape w/ rosewood fretboard. The thing with the s-shapes is that I purch'd the first one as a demo instrument for the Häussel pickups. To my big surprise the guittie sounded soo good with the original Bacchus puppies that I couldn't bring myself to mod it. I have the feeling that the new one - due in from Japan any day now - will remain unmodded as well I missed a LP junior in TV white some time ago and am still kicking mysef silly for having let it go... The japanese had purchased quite a quantity of excellent tone woods and were definitely on the road to kick some serious ass. JJ
Ahh.. finally a mention of Bacchus! Here's my custom-ordered Bacchus-made Van Zandt 'S'. specs- 1 piece swamp ash body, thin nitro, tigerstriped flame D neck, BRW board, vintage trem, Sperzel tuners. Changed out the VZ pups to Suhr V60's and added the 'shell pickguard myself. Most resonant, punchy and sweet 'strat' i've ever played. pics http://community.webshots.com/album/258636651kiToCQ
By the way, anyone know if this recent Edwards Explorer was made by Bacchus? http://www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/original/E-EX-85LT.html
There's quite a bit of info regarding the japanese brands here: http://www.guitarsjapan.com/about.html
Wow, the 'Core' guitar, built by the parent company of Bacchus, looked kinda cool! http://www.deviser.co.jp/core/j.html
