Is there a heavy metal fan alive who doesn't like Iron Maiden? There aren't many bands that are as universally loved. Though Maiden have a very lengthy discography, I personally like the Paul Di'anno period best. No doubt he was a bad seed (to put it mildly) as he readily admits in his book 'The Beast', but he really was a better singer than he gets credit for. Of course Bruce is far more professional and reliable but I choose Killers as my no.1 Maiden album. What's remarkable about Maiden is that they pretty much stormed to success right out of the gate; apparently their debut album racked up sales of 350,000 in 1980 alone. Without the benefit of MTV, the internet, or actual radio play (I don't think the Heavy Metal Soundhouse DJ sets really counted for all that much), 350,000 'punters' bought their first album the year it was released. They never put a foot wrong pretty much their first 15 years.
Navigator custom Dave Murray Stratocaster 2008
A very interesting Navigator custom order Strat made by ESP Technical House as evidenced by the serial number. Of course as a Dave Murray Strat it has the typical appointments, Dimarzio pickups, chrome pickup rings (vol knob slightly overlapping) but in this case it has a modern truss rod adjustment wheel at the base of the neck. Otherwise it is strictly vintage spec, synchro tremolo as per the original guitar before modification to a Floyd Rose (same as the USA DM strat, and something which I prefer as a nod to the early years Maiden), Kluson tuners and lacquer finish (which may or may not have been relic-ed by factory). Same as the Fender USA which is also vintage spec, the black finish is not a thick high gloss one. The neck is interesting as it has an unfinished look and feel, except for the front & back surface of the headstock which is lightly lacquered. So you can actually see the transition from raw to light lacquer. Of course the neck wood only looks raw but is actually sealed in some way, otherwise it would be full of fingerprints and stains or marks by now. This is a high-class custom touch and lends itself well to a worn-in Maiden Soundhouse look.
Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass
