This is a nice metal axe. The perfect hybrid between a firebird model and an explorer model.
The setup was just fine, about 2mm action.
Just had to re-intonate it slightly.
It plays very wel.
Sound is good. Very high output, but not that much noise as you would read on forums or boards... There are some preamp noises, but nothing really distubing. I do have to admit that my amp uses a noisegate, but I can't hear any hiss or hum. Great for metallica style. Sounds allmost as good as real deal to me...
Shape is very pleasant. Only the neck heal starts at the 15th fret.
I can imagine that being a problem for shredders (not for me, i'm more a rythm player).
Also the strap buttons feel like they have been placed slightly wrong to me... i'm kinda worried that the strap will snap of the upper strap button ;) Some straplocks might fix that...
Very good and solid guitar ! pleasantly suprised, and I want more ! (my current 4th HB in the collection, and I regret selling some other Hb's in the past ...)