Caparison C2 Series
by John Knowles
This year at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, Japan-based guitar manufacturer Caparison introduced their newest line of min-range guitars, known as the C2 series. Serious Heavy Metal fans, if you have never heard of Caparison guitars I strongly encourage you to do some of your own research on these amazing instruments. Over the passed decade and a half these guitars have been the weapon of choice for such artists as Christopher Amott (Ex-Arch Enemy), Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage), Michael Romeo (Symphony X), Tom Englund (Evergrey), Peter Wichers (Ex-Soilwork), Phil Campbell (Motörhead), and many more. These are serious hard rock/heavy metal axes for serious players. After missing these guys at the 2012 NAMM show, I knew I had to stop by for a long visit when I saw they were returning for this year’s show. While I expected to see and experience hands-on their usual display of expertly crafted guitars, my expectations were surpassed when company director Gabriel Ösztreicher introduced me to their newest “C2” line offering. I was informed that this new line of guitars would be marketed towards players who would love to own a Caparison, but who cannot afford the $2000+ price tag. The C2 Series will retail for roughly half the cost of their current offerings while maintaining unmatched and uncompromised quality, all based on the designs of lead deisgner Itaru Kanno. Take for example the current Horus-M3 model. This fine instrument currently retails for around $2500. However, the Horus design, as planned to be released in the C2 Series, will retail for somewhere in the vicinity of $1000! (Prices are a bit vague at this point due to final manufacturing costs/location). There are some noteworthy differences in design and manufacturing between the Horus-M3 and C2 Series Horus model (HRG-QD) that justify the price difference. While the Horus model is well known for its unique body design, with a central maple section - to which the neck is fixed - attached to two mahogany sides allowing for unmatched rich sustain, the HRG-QD will feature a full mahogany back, and a quilted maple veneer top. The neck on the HRG-QD is rosewood, compared to Ebony or Maple on the M3 model. DiMarzio pick-ups will be standard on the HRG-QD, while EMG or Caparison’s own designed pickups are featured on the M3. Another big difference aesthetically speaking is the presence of dot inlays on the HRG-QD, as opposed to the beautiful and unique clock inlays on the M3. Overall however, body shape and design basically seem to be the same, with a bolt-on neck and the renowned 27-fret neck found on Horus models to date. Aside from the HRG (Horus type) models, the C2 Series will also be released in ANG (Angleus type), DEL (Dellinger/II type) & DEB (Dellinger-Bass type) models. All models should retail for approximately $900-$1200, depending on model and specifications.
As far as playability goes, the prototype C2 Series guitars featured at this year’s winter NAMM show felt amazing. I can honestly say that they easily meet or exceed the playability of their similarly (and in some cases more expensive) priced competitors from ESP, Jackson, or even Ibanez. Aside from the latter listed differences, a lot of the price difference with the C2 Series will be the result of less individual attention these instruments will receive from lead designer Itaru Kanno, according to sources at Caparison. But even with all of the differences between the new C2 Series and their Regular Series comparisons, these guitars will be a great value and I definitely expect to see Caparison in the hands of more bands as this series becomes available.
On a personal note, I look forward to the prospect of actually owning a Caparison someday, now that these more affordable mid-range models will be made available.
Look for Caparison’s C2 series to be made available for purchase sometime this Summer/Fall 2013.
Caparison Guitars Official Site
by John Knowles
This year at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, Japan-based guitar manufacturer Caparison introduced their newest line of min-range guitars, known as the C2 series. Serious Heavy Metal fans, if you have never heard of Caparison guitars I strongly encourage you to do some of your own research on these amazing instruments. Over the passed decade and a half these guitars have been the weapon of choice for such artists as Christopher Amott (Ex-Arch Enemy), Joel Stroetzel (Killswitch Engage), Michael Romeo (Symphony X), Tom Englund (Evergrey), Peter Wichers (Ex-Soilwork), Phil Campbell (Motörhead), and many more. These are serious hard rock/heavy metal axes for serious players. After missing these guys at the 2012 NAMM show, I knew I had to stop by for a long visit when I saw they were returning for this year’s show. While I expected to see and experience hands-on their usual display of expertly crafted guitars, my expectations were surpassed when company director Gabriel Ösztreicher introduced me to their newest “C2” line offering. I was informed that this new line of guitars would be marketed towards players who would love to own a Caparison, but who cannot afford the $2000+ price tag. The C2 Series will retail for roughly half the cost of their current offerings while maintaining unmatched and uncompromised quality, all based on the designs of lead deisgner Itaru Kanno. Take for example the current Horus-M3 model. This fine instrument currently retails for around $2500. However, the Horus design, as planned to be released in the C2 Series, will retail for somewhere in the vicinity of $1000! (Prices are a bit vague at this point due to final manufacturing costs/location). There are some noteworthy differences in design and manufacturing between the Horus-M3 and C2 Series Horus model (HRG-QD) that justify the price difference. While the Horus model is well known for its unique body design, with a central maple section - to which the neck is fixed - attached to two mahogany sides allowing for unmatched rich sustain, the HRG-QD will feature a full mahogany back, and a quilted maple veneer top. The neck on the HRG-QD is rosewood, compared to Ebony or Maple on the M3 model. DiMarzio pick-ups will be standard on the HRG-QD, while EMG or Caparison’s own designed pickups are featured on the M3. Another big difference aesthetically speaking is the presence of dot inlays on the HRG-QD, as opposed to the beautiful and unique clock inlays on the M3. Overall however, body shape and design basically seem to be the same, with a bolt-on neck and the renowned 27-fret neck found on Horus models to date. Aside from the HRG (Horus type) models, the C2 Series will also be released in ANG (Angleus type), DEL (Dellinger/II type) & DEB (Dellinger-Bass type) models. All models should retail for approximately $900-$1200, depending on model and specifications.
As far as playability goes, the prototype C2 Series guitars featured at this year’s winter NAMM show felt amazing. I can honestly say that they easily meet or exceed the playability of their similarly (and in some cases more expensive) priced competitors from ESP, Jackson, or even Ibanez. Aside from the latter listed differences, a lot of the price difference with the C2 Series will be the result of less individual attention these instruments will receive from lead designer Itaru Kanno, according to sources at Caparison. But even with all of the differences between the new C2 Series and their Regular Series comparisons, these guitars will be a great value and I definitely expect to see Caparison in the hands of more bands as this series becomes available.
On a personal note, I look forward to the prospect of actually owning a Caparison someday, now that these more affordable mid-range models will be made available.
Look for Caparison’s C2 series to be made available for purchase sometime this Summer/Fall 2013.
Caparison Guitars Official Site
