reveals how savage the combination of the
Slipstream with a small tube amp really
is—sizzling and gritty, with excellent
definition.
Plugging into a bigger, more powerful Dean Markley CD60, it was easy to
coax monstrous Live at Leeds tones that
retained all the character and definition
you get from a smaller amp. The bigger
amp also revealed how well the Slipstream
works for chunkier rock rhythms. At
the amp’s highest gain levels, the bridge
pickup has the satisfying thickness you’d
expect from a humbucker, but with a
more percussive high-end snap. The guitar also seems to have endless energy and
sustain, which can inspire a teetering-on-feedback search for weird-but-musical
sounds to match its unusual styling. By
bending one or more strings behind the
nut, I generated some eerie howls and
awesome layered throbbing sounds. The
headstock’s sharp drop-off behind the nut
and the lack of a string tree made this
RATINGS
Pros: Adventurous styling with a unique finish. High build
quality. • Excellent P- 90 tones.
M-tone Guitars Slipstream, $2,600 street, m-tone.com
Tones
Value
Cons: Styling might be too adventurous for some. Strong
output might not match some more laid-back styles.
easy, and the locking tuners stayed in tune well. So in addition to being a red-hot rock guitar, the Slipstream is also a great playground for experimentalists.
the Verdict
While the Slipstream’s adventurously art-
ful shape and finish can get you excited
about new sonic possibilities made pos-
sible with its appointments, this instru-
ment also delivers classic P- 90 sounds
with aplomb—from Pete Townsend’s roar
to round, jazzy leads. But even when
plying classic waters, you just might
feel inspired to take musical leaps you
might not have taken with a more tradi-
tional guitar. The pickups, balance, and
playability just inspire confidence. The
Slipstream is a good value, too. While it’s
not inexpensive, you get an extraordinary
handbuilt instrument with top-quality
tone woods and components for the price
of a high-end assembly-line guitar. Not
everyone will care for its styling, but
even if it’s not to your taste from a visual
standpoint, the Slipstream’s expressive-
ness as an instrument is sure to influence
yours as a player.
