PRODUCT REVIEW
When set for active operation, they provided a huge boost in gain and volume
through the Marshall setup I was running.
While the active setting did provide a lot of
great, liquidy gain tones, some amount of
the detail and snap was lost. Quite frankly,
it can be overpowering. I enjoyed the passive setting much more, which allowed the
brighter, detailed tonal nature of the guitar
to shine through. The pickups can also be
switched to either series or parallel from
two mini switches near the rear tone pot. I
really enjoyed the sound of the neck position in parallel coupled with the bridge
in series mode. It allowed for some great
sounding arpeggiated intro pieces from the
rear position, then some thick, raunchy riffing when quickly switching to the bridge.
The last component in the circuit is the
5-way Varitone switch controlling preset
tone filters, which offers changes in the
sound from the subtle to extreme. I found
that combining some of these settings with
the active position engaged helped tame
the sound, making it more controllable.
The Final Mojo
The 40th Anniversary Eagle was inspired
by the renowned designs and construc-
tion techniques worked out by Bernie Rico
decades ago, and it is a fitting tribute
to the man who helped pioneer a move-
ment in the industry. The solid construc-
tion, smooth fit and finish and massive
array of tones are all useful and unique,
but the intrinsic brightness of the guitar
might turn off some players. In addition,
the hefty price tag is a major deciding fac-
tor. However, if you’re in the market for
the cream-of-the-crop among what B.C.
Rich has to offer and you have the capital,
I highly recommend that you give the 40th
Anniversary series a try. Finding one might
prove to be just as difficult as tracking
down an original, as they made only 40 of
each, so now might be the time to try and
find one before they’re all gone.
“Sure, we have those in stock.”
Chuck Levin’s
WASHINGTON MUSIC CENTER
11151 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, Maryland 301-946-8808
www.chucklevins.com
you’re looking for the best of B.C.
Rich, and have always wanted one of
the original Rico-issued instruments.
Buy If...
Skip If...
very expensive is not on the list of
things you’re looking for in a B.C.
Rich, and you’d prefer a darker tone.
Rating...
4. 5
ONTHEWeb
Click here to watch a video review of
the guitar at
premierguitar.com
B.C. Rich Guitars
MSRP $5399
bcrich.com/handcrafted
