Echopark Arroyo

This is one of Gabriel Currie's Californian builds, and is the precise same spec as Dean Fertita's (QOTSA Reading 2014 video Burn the Witch). At a shade over 7lbs, the NOS mahogany results in a decent comfortable weight - the substantial C neck is very comfortable indeed - a solid handshake from this Arroyo.

The choice of pick-ups on this build is sensational - the Arcane Echotron built to Currie's spec, and gives the lead tone a very special character clean and driven. The neck pick-up is a single coil goldfoil, another custom winding that manages to combine clarity and "lo-fi" perfectly.

For the bridge pick-up, just listen to the Reading 2014 QOTSA Burn the Witch – that guitar is the exact same model and spec as this one. It is an Arcane Echotron which cuts and bites without overdoing it. The balance between the two is sublime. This is a guitar that lends its lo-fi character to every other tone you have in your head and delivers something more than you may have expected.

It is old-stock Mahogany for body and neck, and a Macassar Ebony fretboard with medium Jescar frets. The bridge is a Tonepros wraparound, all other components are what you would expect (CTS, Gotoh, Switchcraft, PIO capacitor).

There is a characteristic of all Echoparks that I have experienced – is it one of Mr. Curries idiosyncrasies? Maybe. The scratchplate doesn’t fit brilliantly – it curls a bit at the edges. It is a lot better than the aluminium affair that graced the Clarence that passed through here a while back. It’s character – proves it’s a real one!

This is one of Gabe’s Californian builds – some say his best era. He’s not the easiest chap in the world to deal with, especially lately, but this guitar represents the finest qualities of his hands and mind. A solid handshake without being heavy, a neck like a telegraph pole without being unwieldy, and a green-burst finish that oozes quality and class. This is one of 2 Echoparks we have had here recently – both sublime. This one is still available here at the Hall – come and try it to see what the fuss is all about.