strachowyj's Metal Pedalboard

I always liked the X/star shape. It was love at first sight the very moment when I saw the WACF album by Van Halen. However, the EVH shark was always a bit over the top for me - turnbuckles, too weird shape, golden/silver tuners... So I was naturally attracted to this EVH TOM star. I have only played it once so I need some more time for a more in-depth review. However, I will point out some key observations below:

Lightweight, it is actually lighter than my Jason Hook Epiphone, which is, on the other hand, way, way lighter than e.g. Kramer 1984 or my Baretta/Pacer mutt.

Neck dive is not as heavy as some claim - it is passable, I am not using strap locks, just a solid, wide leather strap with felt padding

High fret access is fine - no problem with bends at 21st fret or so; out of my guitars, past and present, the 1984 had the worst high fret access I ever witnessed.

String action is ok, I don't use as low as possible approach, maybe I'll lower it a bit but no biggie, now it is under 2mm on the low E and under 1.5 on high E, I know it is a bit on a high action but no issues for me as I am not really playing complex stuff at lightning fast speeds.

Intonation was ok straight from the factory, no fret buzz at all, too.

Pickup does the job, sounds different from e.g. Duncan JB, but I don't mind it. It's a single-pup guitar, but still it's got what it takes.

Killswitch works fine, but it really is useful only at higher volumes, as playing at low volumes, it's really useless, because the button is not noiseless and it kinda overshadows the effect and misses the point.

Neck is very comfy, my first compound radius neck, so you know...

I do believe that the guitar goes out of tune between playing sessions, but frankly speaking, I haven't put on a new set, so maybe it's a question of stock strings (hope so). I know, lame and lazy - like me, but hey, only fools rush in.

Color is cooler than on most pics, it's actually yellowish, kinda lemonade-like, no need to add any stickers/stuff. Looks cool as is.

Great access to upper frets! Lightweight. Looks cool. Still, the specs speak for themselves.

Well its a combo of a Kramer Pacer body and Kramer Baretta Vintage neck. Made for the looks. Still plays great. Make your dreams come true and don't be afraid of mutts and projects. Sky is the limit!

It is a good analog delay simulation. It has two modes - allowing for max. delay time of 20-600ms, and 600-1100 miliseconds. It can easily go into self-oscillation mode and self-oscillate like a madman. And it is pink, haha. Highly recommended.

Very cheap, does the job, and looks good. Green LED :) What's the job, you might ask? Getting the early 90s overdriven, yet warm Santana tone. Three settings. Ocassionally, i also use it for solos when my amp is not overdriven enough. What's not to like? I admit I use it only occasionally, but that's another reason for choosing a cheap alternative.

Can be used for downtuning or as a poor man's trans trem system. Think Summer Nights by Van Halen. I mostly use it for slight tuning down, e.g. half step down from E standard. Plus it is easy on the eye.

I love it! Van Halenize your fixed bridge or TOM bridge and say bye bye to Floyd Rose! Dying battery sounds, classic divebombs, motorbike sounds, you name it.

Believe me or not I bought it solely for the HOLD function. This mode is for a sound of a car that crancks but won't go.

Pros: It is not purple. It works. Made in Japan. Cons: have to wait 10 seconds after disconnecting to engage. Sometimes you can disconnect the pedal accidentaly.

I always wanted a Vox, but I learned about the hardwire bypass on Vox wahs, and experienced heavy volume drop with them... so I went with this one. Now I am using the "V" setting, after a few years of goung with the "L" setting. Plus it is compact and true bypass. The only downsides - no led (maybe its a plus?) and the need to use a screwdriver to get tom the settings switch.

Does the job and it is cheap. Looks and feels solid too.

Leather-made medium to long length strap. I used it for like three years now and no wear and tear so far. Nice padding. Feels comfortable and secure. Highly recommended!

Supposedly 100% leather. Keeps neck diving issues away. It is cheap. Made in Poland. No issues for now. Time will tell if it stands the test of time.