Westone Paduak I

A good Westone Paduak I is usually a keeper - not many appear on the market because owners can't bear to part with them even after they have been replaced as working guitars by something more modern and versatile. This example stayed in Japan until last year, hung around on various auction sites until I saw it, and hammered the BID button. Perhaps the niche market that appreciates the Paduak was put off by the non-original pick-up - an F-450 being a pre-requisite for the appeal. 

The original pick-ups in Paduaks are great - no doubt, but the appeal to me has always been the neck and general feel of the guitar. Like a good old Esquire, your playing style will determine the versatility and picking gently over the upper frets can be as good as a selector nudge - sometimes better. The addition of a Lace Sensor Alumitone humbucker with the split and boost function is a brave move, but as it turns out, an inspired one. 

It does require a rethink for amp settings and any effects that may determine your sounds, the sound engineer will be furious with an unannounced flick of the boost switch; but what this guitar can do is simplify your set-up. Not this one - this one stays with us forever, but we are making more. This instrument has become the inspiration for a series of re-issued Paduaks we can't wait to let them loose on you.