James Stephanidis
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2021
- Messages
- 45
Hi everyone, I just received the 40th anniversary Charcoal Phoenix. This is just a short and sweet description of my first thoughts. Upon opening the case, the nitro aroma hits my senses. The signed card is dated 3/12/2025, so it’s 2 weeks old, fresh as can be. As advertised, the maple cap is insanely detailed, not much different than the website photos. This guitar could have easily sold as a private stock. Maybe that’s Paul’s way of offering a limited edition at a sweet price point. The biggest thing that hit me is the EQ switches. I own the core custom 24-08 and the se custom 24-08. This is completely different. It took me some time to get used to the tone. As it turns out, when the EQ is on, the tone knob becomes more of a second volume control for the high frequencies. If I turn the EQ off and the tone down to zero, you get your normal - no high frequencies, muffled bluesy tone. Leaving the tone at zero and flipping the switch, instant high frequency clarity. TBH, it’s freaking me out. I love it. It adds a new variety to my collection that will be fun to experiment with. Great job, Paul.
