Question
Hello,
I was just reading Dave's 1st article as a columnist writer in Guitar World's January 2008 magazine, that I had saved from previous years. He writes that he wraps his pinky finger around the plastic bridge ring that frames the bridge pickup, and allows his palm to rest on the string saddles at the bridge. He states he does this for muting techniques, and also hand muscle memory allows play without looking from a fixed position. As an aspiring Mustaine guitarist, I would like to purchase a Dean Dave Mustaine, but would like to know if Dave plans to make more Dean's like the Korina Zero? I have a hard time playing the flying V's, as when I'm sitting they tend to want to slide off my leg due to the V shape (thus making it impossible to try his technigues). The Korina Zero however, straddles the leg. But they are also $3000.00, as only 50 were produced, and aren't as affordable. Does Dave have any suggestions playing a V that makes it more comfortable when practicing sitting down? I would also like to thank Dave for not using highly technical terms in his columns. That is the sign of a true journalist in my opinion as everyone can understand his writings. Does Dave plan to write any more for any Guitar Magazines?
Thank you
Eric Wheatley in Louisville, Ky
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Answer
Hi Eric,
I can tell you that writing the column for Guitar World was a lot of fun for Dave, and his friend Nick Bowcott (Grim Reaper guitarist) was the one who helped him get that gig. No immediate plans for writing another column, but ya never know what the future holds!
The pick-up ring helps Dave when picking strings in an abnormal pattern, like in Hangar 18; he jumps from the E string to the D string at the top of the rhythm track that supports the solo section before the duel.
Those Korina Zeros were Custom Collector’s Items. They sold out fast, and I am sure you can find some, but to the real collector, they are only going to increase in value. Try contacting Josh Maloney at Dean Guitars. He would love to build you a guitar.
As for playing the V shape while sitting down, try putting the bottom of the V shape over your leg, support with the other leg, and sit forward on your chair; you'll get a good stable placement this way. Check the photo below of Dave playing his V while sitting at a recent backstage practice section during Gigantour 2012.
-ScorpioN
