Blade California Standard

It is a solid body to body visibly ash, quite heavy, handle 22 boxes beautiful maple neck, rosewood fingerboard. A humbucker and 2 single (HSS config so), volume, tone, 5-way switch and a mini switch to activate the active boost. Hardware level, it ends with a (very good) standard floating tremolo and Sperzel locking mechanical.
The peculiarity of mine is to bring Nomination "Made In England", probably at Patrick Eggle since it seems he has made or assembled a number of guitars Levinson in the mid 90's. It also has a feature at the active circuit is simply a "boost" adjustable by a trim pot on the back of the guitar, not the usual VSC in Blade.

UTILIZATION

The handle is small enough and close enough (more than a Strat U.S. for example), but remarkably comfortable despite my big hands lumberjack. I've never felt uncomfortable on them and comfort is royal, as in academic position with the thumb on top.
A heavier than a Strat Ash hair, she never becomes uncomfortable and everything falls to hand. A little regret for the location of the mini-switch the active circuit, I would have preferred the two potentiometers and not to that of the volume.

SOUNDS

Simple original pickups are for me the biggest weakness of this guitar: cold and without personality, they now decorate the bottom of a box in my basement. They had several successors, and today (and for several years) is a couple of Virtual Vintage Dimrazio that replaces most conveniently. Not only the sound is very "Strat", but they do not absolutely buzzent even activating the boost. A definite plus.
Double acute meanwhile is much more satisfying. Very powerful for my use, it is rather bold and spring mix well. It makes me think a Dimarzio Fred with his side marked medium and high output. I added to it a split that extends its register in interesting ways. In short, if you offer this guitar, change the following 2 simple to have a super Strat very high level!

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it new in 1999 and since then others have arrived and left without ever arriving at the ankle level in violin. This guitar (which admittedly, was much played) resonates incredibly well already empty, and it is an essential quality in my eyes. It gives me all the Strat sounds so I need not worry, acute dual really sends the ball and the boost can even be used to annoy a little weakling drive channel. A Swiss Army knife (ha-ha-ha), able to shine in almost any style with class. I love it! If you find one, go for it. Rating Blade is ridiculously low and allows for excellent business, but mine is not (and will not) for sale!

Blade manufacturing Switzerland
22 Cases
Active Pickups (2 preset changeable by switch)
Micros levinson excellent qualities
3Micros simple with the bridge that passes by double pressing the knob of tonalitbr /> knob 1 volume, 1 Tone knob a 5 position switch (conf classic stratos)
Maple

UTILIZATION

Channel super enjoyable, end desire (such as fenders for guidance)
Accs in acute spotless (stratos Bond)
Equilibrated body lgre strato as good ^ ^
Trs his versatile, has all necessary to make good its low for the funk, that's well over to the metal.
Versatility.

SOUNDS

Fits all style of music eXept FREE!
I play with H & K and V-amp.
Everything sounds.

OVERALL OPINION

3 years of use
Its versatility is trs surpenante and playing comfort me trssduit.
I jou scratch any of 4 types (lespaul strato tv) before the front to keep it is my choice because I play all styles.