I didn’t keep the H.D.R. on all the time,
however. For rock playing with overdrive, I
let the Lollar P-90’s creamy, midrange tone
sing without any additional enhancement.
If I did want an extra push, I would switch
on the H.D.R., effectively scooping the mids
for more cut during rhythm playing and a
little more bite and gain for lead playing.
With or without the H.D.R., the Lollar P-90s
had me hooked with their balance of midrange,
clarity, and warmth. These pickups
inhabit an ideal sonic space that’s brighter
than a humbucker, yet has a fatter, thicker
tone than a traditional single-coil that
breaks up very smoothly with distortion.
Perfectly Weighty
The ICON Type 3 just feels like a solid,
well-built guitar. It does have some heft
attributable to the mahogany body, but
the chambered construction makes it lighter
and less back-breaking than some Les
Pauls. The chambered body also expands
the guitar’s tonal range considerably, combining
a solidbody’s concise attack with a
resonance and ring that’s apparent even
when you play the guitar unplugged.
The Graph Tech ResoMax bridge and dense
ebony fretboard definitely contribute to
the guitar’s richness, sustain, and snap.
And its action was perfect, right out of
the case—high enough to do some deep
bends, but low enough to really shred if I
wanted to. The neck profile wasn’t too fat
or thick, and suited my grip and playing
style just fine.
The Verdict
The ICON Type 3 is a sophisticated
instrument with high-quality features and
exquisite looks. With its impressive sonic
versatility and quality components, it’s certainly
a guitar that can give other set-neck
mahogany electrics a run for their money.
And given the advantage the ICON Type 3
has in terms of price, versatility, and quality
electronics like Lollar pickups and the
H.D.R. High-Definition Revoicer, the ICON
has the potential to become a standard,
even an icon, in the years to come.
Buy if...
you’re looking for top quality and
versatility in a package that looks
more expensive than it is.
Skip if...
only a snappy bolt-on solidbody will do.
Rating...
