PRECIOUS AXES FROM CITRON AND MJ

Exotic Electrics' Traditional Tone by Pete Prown

Take a good look at these two eye-popping instruments, the Criton CT1 and MJ Mirage. Beautiful, eu? Now, what if I told you that underneath their respective exteriors lurk both a Les Paul and a Telecaster. "C'mon," you'd say, grimacing. "Are you guys sniffing tune-amp fumes again?" Perhaps. But it's true: these high-end solid bodies are really futuristic versions of a Paul and a Tele. Still in disbelief? Then we'll have to take each on apart and see what they're really made of. You'll be suprised MJ MIRAGE The Mirage ($2,495 - $3,495) also does its fair share of screaming. Like a Les Paul, the Mirage is fitted with a pair of humbuckers and a mahogany back / maple-top body, though the mahogany has hollowed out sound chambers to create a bigger low-end and midrange presence (as well as to complement the natural brightness of maple). The Mirage is a visual stunner, with an elongated, almost-melted Strat shape, an interesting hump next to the upper bout, and a vaguely U-shaped headstock connected by a metal bracket at the top. Despite its radical shape, this guitar is suprisingly comfortable to hold, especially with its near topgraphic assortment of contours on the front and back (clearly, someone over at MJ knows what the word "ergonomic" means). Be sure to also take a close look at the three fretboard markers; this design is among the most original and attractive this reviewer has seen in years. Add to that gold hardware, Gotoh tuners that point backwards like those on a classical guitar, and exquisite natural- binding effect (actually just the unstained edges of the maple top), and you've got a real looker on your hands. Enough about appearances. With the Seymour Duncan 59' in the neck and a Duncan Custom in the bridge slot, the Mirage can rock like nobody's business, much like the vintage Les Pauls whose sound, hardware and electronics it seeks to emulate. Running through the same and and effects as the Criton (59' Gibson tube amp, Roland GX700 multi effects/preamp), the Mirage was a veritable rock and roll animal, jumping from one crunch tone to the neck with ease. With its fast, unusually scales neck (24 5/8", as opposed to a Paul's 24 3/4") and ebony fingerboard, blazing lead licks were no problem and power chords delivered that smack-in-the-face goodness. There are also fat, humbucker clean shades in these pickups, too, just right for all sorts of blues, jazz and fusion textures. Like Criton, the Mirage's electronic guts are traditional, while its facade is anything but - a very classy axe. In sum if you don't want just another Tele or Les Paul, but instead a work of art with strings, the CT1 or Mirage may just be your ticket. Sure, they're expensive, but if the marriage of high-end workmanship, classic tones and an artistic eye towards design is to your tast, then check these gems out. No doubt, you'll be richer for the experience.