Michael Angelo Batio, for those who don't know, has been voted by guitarists, as the fastest player on planet Earth. He's also the guy that plays two guitars at the same time. Check him out on YouTube. So anyway, I'm not looking for a shredder, but I know a nice axe when I see one. MAB has worked with Dean to come up with what I consider to be one amazing guitar that is inspiring to play. That's what its all about for me. Yes, it has a very fast neck and I love the ebony fingerboard with the block inlays. Yes, it has the classic EMG 81/85 one two punch. Yes, it has a German Floyd Rose - the best there is. Yes, it has an amazing paintjob. But what you won't know until you spend some time with it, like I have, is that it has an evolving tonal character as the note sustains, which its very good at by the way. The depth and personality of this guitar, made possible by MAB's choice of tone woods and Dean's body design and pickup choice, is unique. Its easy to get carried away and over-sell something that you're in love with, so I won't. I will simply say that I couldn't be happier with this guitar and it will be forever in my possession. The only issue I have with it is the middle pickup seems a little close to the strings for my liking. I realize its a function of the magnetic field and the sound that it needs to be set at that height, but my picking hand hasn't found the gap between the middle and bridge pickup yet. Keeps wanting to dig into that middle pickup. But if anything… read more thats more a criticism of my playing style (or lack thereof!).

Sound
Blistering, high output, crunching rhythm and singing lead sounds. Great bottom and thick midrange. Sustain is excellent. Sensitivity is impressive. Clean electronics. I only gave it 4.5 stars for sound quality because it just lacks the tiniest bit of bite in the bridge pickup that I would have liked. But since nothing exists in a vacuum, I wouldn't change anything for fear of losing the other great qualities of this guitar.

Features
Love the quality components. Floyd is a winner of course, being a 1000 series. I like the recessed angled jack input. Love the shape with the enlarged horns - bigger body than a regular super-strat. Paint work is great.

Ease of Use
Plug it in, turn it up and youre good to go.

Quality
Everything is top notch.

Value
I would have paid more for this guitar.

Manufacturer Support
I actually spoke to Michael Angelo Batio on email. He just happened to be working on his laptop somewhere at the time I sent him an email saying how much his guitar rocked. I actually think for the price, you're getting a very high end guitar. He was a gentleman and was friendly and supportive. Told me to practice, practice, practice! I haven't had any reason to contact Dean as yet.

The Wow Factor
I wanted a guitar that would make me want to pick it up, play it, and push through barriers that I have hit in the past. I think the MAB1 fits the bill. It's built by the guy who plays blisteringly fast, and if that's not good enough for you, then you're probably not in the market for a hard rockin guitar.

Musical Background:
playing 16 years, own several guitars. Play as a hobby now but used to play live and tour some.

Musical Style:
rock, blues, hard rock, metal, electronica read less