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My saga began when I saw 2 Holdsworths in the Carvin "in-stock" list. There was a H2T (2-pickup, chambered solid body and tremolo) and a HF2 (the "Fatboy", a semi-solid with a non-tremolo bridge).
Having never played either Holdsworth variety, I decided to get both of them, with the intent of sending one back. I know, I know. You are thinking "yeah, right". Any self respecting sufferer of GAS would keep 'em both, no matter what!!
Anyway, I have started the evaluation process. I am really doing a 3-way shootout: the H2T, the Fatboy and my trusty 1978 Ibanez PF-200. I'd like to share with you what I have done so far.
I made a 3 sets of recordings, clean, dirty, and a lead within the context of a bass/drums/guitar trio. For those interested, I used Fl Studio, N-Track Studio, Adobe Audition and IK Multimedia's Amplitube plug-in to process the guitar sound. That's right, no amp! I just didn't have the time or quiet to mic my Univalve. Would've sounded good, though...
Here are the samples:
| Ibanez | Carvin Holdsworth H2T | Carvin Holdsworth Fatboy |
| Clean | Clean | Clean |
| Dirty | Dirty | Dirty |
| Song Sample | Song Sample | Song Sample |
Take a listen and see what you think. I like all 3 guitars (as I knew I would). As hard as it was, I had to decide: Fatboy for me!.
Copyright 2008 Bill Vencil
