G&L Rampage Tribute vs USA

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the rossness

the rossness

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I'm curious about getting a G&L rampage. I played the USA model a few years ago and loved it, and played the Superhark import model a few days ago and thought it was a solid guitar. However, I'm not sure if I should pick up a USA model or get the imported tribute model and upgrade the kahler and PU. The USA goes for about $2k and a used tribute goes for $350-ish. With the upgrades, it would be in the $800 range. Does anyone have the imported tribute model? I've heard that it doesn't stay in tune very well and the cheap Kahler tremolo is to blame. Can anyone give me some feedback on this issue? I've swapped pout floyd rose units on guitars before. Are Kahler's any harder to swap around? Or should I support american workers? Does anyone have the USA version? How do you like it?
 
Kahler is easier to swap than Floyd. No claw and springs. Just unscrew unit from body and screw new unit to body.

Edit. Unless route is different but I believe it may be the same.
 
Crunchtime, now that we are not on GAB, between us, you still say ASAT Classic over the Fender Tele?
 
Super long time lurker here, figured I should man up and register to post my $.02 on this. I bought a tribute series rampage about 2 or 3 years ago. It was on ebay listed as a b-stock since the finish has some weird lines in it. Even at full retail price it would be worth it. I've never played the USA version, but aside from hardware, I can't see it being any better. The neck is great, fretwork spot on, and it just feels right. The bad news is, the import Kahler sucks. If you look at it funny it'll go out of tune. I've taken the thing apart and tried everything to no avail. So, until I get some spare cash to replace it with a USA Kahler, I've got it locked down with a special screw that it came with. The stock pickup sounded ok, kinda like a generic JB copy. I replaced it with a MCP Afwayu, and through my Shiva (Jerry Cantrell fanboy much lol?), it sounds massive. I love it so much that it inspired me to take the plunge on a tribute series ASAT Deluxe when Musicians Friend was blowing them out super cheap. G&L import stuff is top notch! Hope that helps!
 
JerEvil":3hqmucz2 said:
Crunchtime, now that we are not on GAB, between us, you still say ASAT Classic over the Fender Tele?
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I would go G&L because I believe it is what a Fender should evolve to. Plus I like my gear to be a bit different than everyone else's. I don't like feeling like one of the herd.
 
I owned an original Rampage (red) back in the 80s, great guitar.
 
Crunchtime":1ax9n0d1 said:
JerEvil":1ax9n0d1 said:
Crunchtime, now that we are not on GAB, between us, you still say ASAT Classic over the Fender Tele?
Click to expand...

I would go G&L because I believe it is what a Fender should evolve to. Plus I like my gear to be a bit different than everyone else's. I don't like feeling like one of the herd.
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I hear you. I really like the look of the ASAT Classic.
 
I own both. The USA model is head and shoulders above the Tribute model. It's not even close...Tone, playability, Kahler being recessed is a big plus. I wouldn't put the money into upgrading the Tribute model. The USA version is very nice. Thinking of selling it, though as I just don't use it enough.
 
I just picked up a Superhawk tribute that a local dude was selling. 300 bones. Its an import, but honestly feels like a quality guitar-especiay for the price :D The JB bridge is super hot. I can totally get my lynch on. The neck pup is dull. Any suggestions for a neck hum for a maple boddied guitar? I'm looking for a sweeter tone, that will blend well with the JB. I'm also thinking about maybe a p90 (hum sized). Any suggestions?
 
the rossness":2ys6wibp said:
I just picked up a Superhawk tribute that a local dude was selling. 300 bones. Its an import, but honestly feels like a quality guitar-especiay for the price :D The JB bridge is super hot. I can totally get my lynch on. The neck pup is dull. Any suggestions for a neck hum for a maple boddied guitar? I'm looking for a sweeter tone, that will blend well with the JB. I'm also thinking about maybe a p90 (hum sized). Any suggestions?
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Alnico Ii pro Humbucker or a Phat Cat P90
 
I have the Tribute Rampage...its a nice guitar but you get what you pay for. The trem is ok for subtle stuff but not much else. I have a real Kahler on an old Carvin I have and there is quite a bit of difference.

I had a higher opinion of it until I got a USA Invader not too long ago. The Invader is such a nice guitar, and the playability is out of this world...I know the Invader and Rampage are two different guitars, but based on this, I bet the USA Rampage (which I've never played) is markedly better than tribute.

I'd avoid the the Tribute if at all possible in favor of the USA version.
 
Rayneman":9w4be9f8 said:
I have the Tribute Rampage...its a nice guitar but you get what you pay for. The trem is ok for subtle stuff but not much else. I have a real Kahler on an old Carvin I have and there is quite a bit of difference.

I had a higher opinion of it until I got a USA Invader not too long ago. The Invader is such a nice guitar, and the playability is out of this world...I know the Invader and Rampage are two different guitars, but based on this, I bet the USA Rampage (which I've never played) is markedly better than tribute.

I'd avoid the the Tribute if at all possible in favor of the USA version.
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I paid $300 for the Superhawk model. It's a hardtail with 2 pups but everything else is the same as the rampage. It came with a JB in the bridge :)
 
Thanks for the post, i was seriously looking at one of these as well. There is a guy selling them brand new for $499, with free shipping. its a great deal. A couple guys i know have one, and they said they were great all around. I would be super disappointed if the trem did not work properly - especially with the locking nut.
 
I have wanted to try the USA rampage for a long time and am close to pulling the trigger on one. I have a MCP Detroiter, how do you guys that own the rampage think that pickup would work in the rampage? Also, I am used to a Floyd Rose and the shop that sets up my guitars is telling me to stay away from the Kahler.
 
I've really been happy with the G&L Rampage. No problems with the Kahler 2320 tremolo in these. This was my first time playing a Kahler too, and I like them just fine. It should be fun with a MCP Detroiter.
 
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