My REAL dream

ESP Phoenix II

My dream. THE REAL DREAM. If I have 3000 fricking Euros now I would immediately ship this damn thing over. This doesn't even need contemplation.

Let's do up a checkboard shall we?

Ebony Fretboard - Yes
Slim neck - Yes

Firebird body - Yes

Jumbo frets - Yes

Floating Bridge - No

Versatile P-ups - Yes

Elegant Rating - 97%

Desire Rating - 100%

But then again, its always the price that stimulate your tear ducts. If I had a stable job, paying $2000 + a month, with wife and kids (wink wink); I would beat my chest and weep when I see the Phoenix.

Oh Phoenix, why art thou so elegant yet slippery? Why do you mock me with your white glossy majesty and

ebony sneer?

Should I save up for this? I wonder if its gone by the time I have money. Discontinued models are like frickin Pokemon Legendary Birds (even this bloody model is named after a legendary bird), you never know where might pop out one IN THE WORLD and whether your pokeBalls are large enough.(pardon the pun)

Now, on to more cheaper alternatives.

ESP Edwards Les Paul (left) and ESP Eclipse CTM FR (right)

I previously owned a very very undesirable Les Paul copy. And I thought it was holy grail when i first bought it. Crap.

Let's Run a checklist eh?

Edwards Les Paul - Ebony fretboard, Jumbo Frets, Gold Hardware complementing black finish, Seymour

Duncan Pickups, Pickguard.

Elegant Rating - 95%

Meets ALL specifications? No.

Desire rating - 95%

Honestly not too bad. Very affordable if i conscientiously save up now. $1500SGD

Eclipse Custom Floyd Rose - Ebony Fretboard, Extra Jumbo Frets, Black hardware, EMG pickups, Liscensed Floyd Rose Tremolo Bridge.

Elegant Rating - 89%

Meets ALL Specifications? Kinda. 98%?

Desire Rating - 85%

Wonder why I'm not too hot for this? I guess its the EMG pickups. They are active units that require batteries to operate. Although they give SUPERB shredding tones with the clarity of hearing each picked note, still not too sure if it sounds good in the clean setting.Plus, expensive too! 2600 Euros.

Bah! I guess at least I feel better now that I'm keeping my options open if the damned Phoenix eludes me!