I was struck by the distinct grain patterns on the swamp ash body and the two natural finishes offered: Open Pore Trans Grey (pictured) and Open Pore Jean Burst. The maple and Panga Panga (also a large pore hard wood) neck provides stability and a smooth surface for high-speed riffing and soloing with total access to the highest frets via distinct U-shaped neck and compound radius fret board.

The X500's two EMG® pickups with ceramic magnets combine for a powerful tone and "years long" sustain (if you want) for a focused mid-range sound and punch. At the neck, the EMG 60 provides full-treble response and ample output while at the bridge is the 81 with aperture coils to deliver a tone that was designed with detailed intensity and incredible high-end cut and fluid sustain.

There is something tranquil seeing a single volume control and one tone pot with just a three-way pickup selector switch--this keeps it simple and, focused on the music. You also get a Floyd Rose® Special Tremolo that eliminates tuning worries and yet allows for dive-bombing, extreme harmonic squeal pull-ups or providing subtle chord coloration.