Mayones Aquila Elite S: UNBIASED REVIEW (spoiler, it's amazing)

[@KevohmPatrick]

At the end of this video, my girlfriend from across the room said.. "lemme guess, you are now buying one of those guitars?" Cue nervous laughter from me and a slightly sullen maybe recalling the incredible story of you acquiring this one. It looks phenomenal and sounds great. Killer sounding song. Glad you have something that feels like your voice. I've been really loving my strandberg but ultimately deep down i should have gotten one with a 5 way switch and a tone knob :P Still really glad i got my plini. I'll be starting to save up for my next guitar soon. Great video

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

You can definitely add a 5-way to the plini model! Tone pot would be a bit of a big job, but I never use a tone pot for rock and metal, only for more delicate stuff :)

[@marcusgray7515]

Yo I stumbled on here by accident and haveta say was not expecting the quality of production and mad chops that you have. Great demo and you actually deserve to be playing that guitar. Have a great day my good sir.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Ayyy thank you much! Glad it was fun :) More guitar reviews on the way. I have the Mateus Asato sig, Tim Henson sig, and Plini signature Sälen model all on deck.

[@leolmx]

Now that was an entertaining video. Keep up with the good quality and humor, you certainly deserve more views.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Preesh!! 🙏🏼

[@Drew-vw1mn]

It's criminal that your channel isn't bigger, you're hilarious man. Great video, been eyeing the Adam Christianson Aquila

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I appreciate that much. I just haven’t made a lot of content for myself. I’m busy making films for other people! haha. I think that baritone aquila is SICK. i want one.

[@darvinreed2314]

There are alot of gear guys out there

[@GeldarionTFS]

Such a great review. Genuinely funny and educational. I really am interested to feel how smooth it is compared to the PRS Custom 24. It sounds phenomenal. You didn't mention the smell though. Does it smell good?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

haha My main comparison point between the two would be that the trem feels better on the Aquila, I also like the shape of the neck better on the Aquila, the components are in the correct place for my hands, and the Aquila sits up from my leg a bit more. The PRS leg carve is so deep that the strings are kinda low, and so PRS bodies are typically less comfortable for me to play sitting down. Also, this is a flat top, like a strat, so there is no little edge that digs into my forearm like there is on a PRS. Still love my PRS tho, but will be setting it up for D Standard probably. As far as smell goes, it smells delightful, but not as good as a PRS fresh out of a case 😂 That case glue is magical. 🤣🔮💫

[@leahfluitt7207]

I have absolutely NO IDEA what any of that meant.....however you are so good at telling stories/explaining things I stuck around to the end haha good job

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

ayyy! let’s go! Thanks for that 😇

[@mikeguitarist]

Great Guitar Jared! The neck reminds me of a custom shop Nick Johnston Schecter model. (Love those)

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Yup! Same exact neck wood and finish. :)

[@neoncloud5494]

I just bought one of these sublime instruments. Totally in love with it!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

ayy. love that. :) what color did you get?

[@neoncloud5494]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs it's a Trans custom colour, like a blue burst it's so beautiful

[@williamstevens7648]

This is absolutely beautiful. Nice playing as well man. I look forward to seeing other review videos, this was very well done.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I appreciate that William!! I may do more reviews. I got the Neural DSP Quad Cortex at the same time as this guitar, so reviewing that machine would be an appropriate next step probably.

[@axelongaro1261]

Just found out your chanel because I was searching for videos on this model (that I just bought and have now to wait 3 long months before I get it). Man this is real good work, the quality of your video is amazing and you deserve way more subs!!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Oh man, I really appreciate that! I do commercial videography on the side of my guitar teaching business 😁😁 I’m glad you enjoyed it. What spec did you end up ordering on your aquila???

[@axelongaro1261]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs well, I'll have the "standard" specs on the Aquila S with a blue top. I struggled to find a dealer that had this guitar, when I found one, he said that the current delays to get one of these from mayones is 13 to 15 months... But he had already ordered one months ago, so I reserved it right away! So didn't really have the choice of the specs, but I wanted the blue top anyway! Will probably swap the pickups for silos as well, tho!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@axelongaro1261 nice that works out well! I'm now very interested in Nolly's new signature pickup, the Ploymath. I think I might try those in the Aquila soon. I really do love the VHII set, so I'm going to be sticking to these for a while. Do you know if you got a mahogany body or a swamp ash one?

[@axelongaro1261]

​@@Plant_Based_Riffs I'll have the swamp ash one as well! My guitar will come with a set of Lollar imperial, which I believe are P.A.F. clones, I'm quite surprised that they decided to put "vintage" type of Pickups in such a modern looking guitar. I wasn't aware of the new Nolly pickups. After hearing the demo, now I'll have to buy these someday as well! But I guess you can't go wrong with bare knuckles pickups!

[@foggyblues13]

I just pissed myself at the Rabea comment/cameo. lol. ..... beautiful guitar! awesome playing

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

haha YES! 🏆 that was my goal. 😂 Thanks a bunch.

[@thedudeofficial69]

Sweet guitar. Saw this after watching your vids on the Schecter AM6/7 issues. I have a basically matching Duvell Elite QM 6 in the same finish as this Aquila. Love it to death, would never part with it. Also acquired a Duvell Pro (Floyd Rose) 7 string with 26.5" scale as well. As someone who spent a few years (since 2016) eyeballing Mayones guitars on the internet, I'm honestly still blown away with how good they actually are in person. Great tone in this review as well, very intervals inspired between the tone and phrasing.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Mayones is king, no question 💪🏻

[@momentArhythm]

i recently tried one of these at a shop in birmingham uk and it instantly went from a guitar i wanted when i was older and could get a decent job straight to a guitar i was going to save up for before i bought any other, it plays amazingly and sounds even better, looking at getting one hopefully within the next few months (maybe like 8/9 at most)

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Awesome! That’s a worthy goal. You will love it and cherish it as an heirloom to pass down.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs I have wanted a Mayones for a very long time however I'm too poor to ever own one as I only have a part time job because of my dissociative disorders. That said, I loved your quirky reviews and top notch playing, had to sub. Btw, your cat is gorgeous:)

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@MICKEYISLOWD There are many more affordable brands who deliver on high quality. Mayones is good, but the PRS S2 series are really quite phenomenal if you’re looking for a ton of value in a less expensive guitar. I wouldn’t say my Mayo is worth like 2.5 the price of a PRS S2.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs I recently played a Yamaha Pacifica which is the 1221 model. It has a Compound Radius, very low profile so counter sunk bridge, all the knobs and toggle switch is in the perfect place like an Ibanez. It has a slim body and deep cutaways and importantly very light weight 'cause of the basswood body. It feels effortless to play. The only problem is finding one for sale as they haven't made them for decades. I put out searches to notify me if and when one is available. The other model is the 921 version with 22 frets instead of 24 and either will do. I like the Strat moderns that PRS and other companies have made popular, also the Nick Johnston signature model by Schechter is a budget version. My guitar has 8 gauge strings only because the action is very high or it frets out starting at the 15th frets and on the low E string it buzzes all over which I can't stand. It is a shame because it's very lightweight and has good sounding ceramic Pups. I want to play 9-10s strings with a low action all done with the Plek machine which is worth it in my opinion. The Mayones had a Plek action where all strings had perfection action and bending was effortless with SS frets and that action.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@MICKEYISLOWD Plek is a good system, but even then some things need to be adjusted after the fact. Plek gets you very close tho!! :)

[@jonnydubai]

Just found your channel. I'm thinking about getting one of these. Great vid

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thanks much! Hit me up on instagram if you have any questions about it 💪🏻 @plant_based_riffs

[@armanborloza7981]

I love your playing style.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thank you much! I have a song on spotify with another one on the way within the next month hopefully! I appreciate the streams and the support :]

[@benjiman818]

Your cat chilling is a vibe haha. Great vid man keep em coming!

[@saiii.42]

Hey Jared! Amazing video! I was recently considering one of these guitars and was wondering if you knew which coils are activated in the in-between positions. I read somewhere that position 4 is the outer neck coil and inner bridge coil, while position 2 is the inner neck coil and outer bridge coil, but I'm not 100% sure. Thanks!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Yo! I’m gonna have to confirm. I’m currently moving across the country but I’m sitting in the AirBnB with the mayo in my lap as I type this lolol. I am nearly positive that position 2 is the bridge-side coil on both pups, and position 4 is the neck-side coil on both pups. :) I personally prefer 2 to be the inside coils, and 4 to be the neck-side coil of the neck pup by itself, but this is a cool arrangement too. Different vibes! I swapped the pups for the polymath set and had it wired the same as factory.

[@saiii.42]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs That's so awesome haha. I definitely agree with you about inner coils and outer neck split as those are my favourite split positions too (although I do like neck in parallel as well). The polymath is one of my favourite pickup sets ever, so it's super cool that you got it installed on the aquila. All the best for your travels!

[@hibernative]

Super entertaining review with good production. Guitar looks great.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

thanks so much!! This one definitely took some time to put together haha.

[@st.lukescentralmusic3738]

Cool guitar! Glad you got something that you like. Nice job on the video!!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thanks, Andy! I’ve been searching for a long time, it’s nice to finally settle on something. 😅 It’s a culmination of the last 12 years of trial and error with guitar specs.

[@ШиваБхайрава]

She looks very much like Tom Anderson Angel. In appearance - 99%. Even the logo from a distance is somewhat similar. And the rest is a very interesting tool

[@emerycomputer]

Ditto. To top it off, TA would have a perfectly cut nut.

[@sagenev]

Man, trying to find another one spec’d close to this in the US is sad times. She’s perfect.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Keep searching! I found this one by accident after looking around reverb for several weeks - just to see if anything would pop up! One will pop up eventually :)

[@sagenev]

​@@Plant_Based_Riffs Found you beucase of the AM7 review, but sub'd cuz.. wow, love your playing. Did you swap in some Polymaths in the Aquila? I think i saw the etch. Would love a review of those, or the Silos if that's what you dropped in.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@sagenev Thank you! Yeah I did eventually sup in the polymaths. They are absolutely incredible. I should do a review. They are very punchy and mid forward. Definitely really awesome.

[@sagenev]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs Yeah, please review them. Would love to hear you take on them. While you're at it, review the new Suhr.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@sagenev reverb.com/item/65917796-mayones-aquila-elite-s-6? Here’s pretty much the exact same spec as mine, color and pickups are different, but I changed the pups anyway as you know! :)

[@RobbbbCappelletto]

great vid man!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thanks so much man! You da goat.

[@stefan.avramov]

here before 100k subs also have one of those in the making currently

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

hahaaaa! Man you’re camping out for black friday in April with that 100k subs remark 😂 hopefully one day! And you’re going to absolutely love it. What are your specs?

[@surfrby8876]

You’re very entertaining subscribed 👍, Do you still have this guitar a year later ?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Yep! Still have it and it still rocks! I have picked up a suhr modern that I really love as well. I called this Mayo the “best 24 fret guitar money can buy” but truth be told, I haven’t played every 24 fret guitar haha. There are tons of other great ones :)

[@notyerbrother2228]

This was very informative. Thank you

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I’m glad it was useful to you! Are you shopping for an Aquila?

[@alexanderhigh3834]

I've just placed my order for a custom shop Regius Core Classic V24 6, can't wait 😀

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

the core classic is so appealing. I love the subtlety of the carve. what finish did you get?

[@alexanderhigh3834]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs After more than a year, I've finally got it!! It's finished in a dirty red burst. It is an absolute joy to play, can't believe the craftsmanship!!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@alexanderhigh3834 love that for you! tag me in a post on instagram (tag mayo too and they may share it!)

[@alexanderhigh3834]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs Need to get myself an insta account haha! I did just upload an original solo on my KZbin channel with my new mayo, so if you're curious to see how it looks/sounds please do take a look! 😀

[@borgan1964]

😂😂😂I love youre humor😂😂😂And you ffffuuucking play awsome👍

[@digital360]

I said it on your insta and I'll say it again here - sick riffage broski! Sub'd. P.S. Why is it we bust out our greatest licks and our cats are like whatever I'm trying to sleep here?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

haha they’re so unappreciative 😂🤣

[@MikeShinizle]

I’m enjoyed🎉 have a tabs?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Sure do! Hit me up on my instagram @plant_based_riffs and I can get those to you! It will be the tab for the full version of this song titled “Self Luminous Red.”

[@alejandroglz.b.4590]

I'm currently torn between the mayones aquila s and a prs custom 24 which would you say it would be better for me? I play mostly metal and jazz. I have a regius core already and a suhr classic t.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Man, it’s not even a question for me. Mayones all day. I have played (and owned) several PRSs, and they are phenomenal, but you already have the carve top thing with the regius, and the Aquila is just a delicious guitar. The neck is a little thicker than most PRS neck carves it seems, and of course the top is flat with an arm bevel, so if you’re really wanting another carve top, the PRS may be the deal. I really like flat tops and strat-esque bodies that sit high on my lap. PRS seems to sink a little low down, which isn’t a huge deal, but it’s just not my first preference. The good news: it’s 2024, guitars are all sick, so you could go either way and end up with a very high quality guitar.

[@alejandroglz.b.4590]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs thanks for the reply brother, I thought the same thing about the carved top thing! I'm actually more inclined towards the Mayones! The beefier neck is a plus for me as well

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@alejandroglz.b.4590 Nice! That sounds like the Aquila will do the trick then! Enjoy man :] I still love my PRS 408, but it's just a completely different guitar.

[@TheSoundsOfSirens]

Ooooo. Beautiful guitar! I definitely want an Aquila next. Just out of curiosity...who was the dealer?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thanks! I actually feel bad - Shoulda shouted out the dealer. I got it from Sebastopol Music.

[@TheSoundsOfSirens]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs right on! Guessed as much. They have very nice and unique pieces of mayones.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@TheSoundsOfSirens for sure. Mayones sent out an email with a bunch of instruments for the 2021 show guitars, and Alain picked this one and a few others. Had I not been searching for Aquilas every single day online, I wouldn’t have gotten to it fast enough probably.

[@erikhernandez2990]

I’m curious to know what problems you were having with your charvel govan because I was really considering buying one as my next guitar.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Hit me up on instagram and I'll give you the rundown if you'd like. :] more conducive to conversations @plant_based_riffs

[@orlandogonzalez-uw8ps]

have you tried a Tom Anderson? They are currently my favorite 6 string 24 fret trem guitar.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

i’ve played a few! very well made instruments. :)

[@TheCyrax87]

"Tone knobs are stiff, this must be made for metal players who never play them " (spits out drink). A personal attack but hilarious. This is an awesome review! the one piece neck, roasted body, and full figured top gave me chills. I almost want to trade my Duvell Elite in for one. What is the scale length on that?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

hahahaha Nah I mean no disrespect, but it IS true. You almost don’t want the knobs to move because one might be busy thrashing about on stage. Don’t want an awkward volume drop haha. I think the scale length is 25.5” but don’t quote me on that 😯

[@TheCyrax87]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs None taken, how could I take offense when my Duvell didn't come with a tone knob, loop hole.

[@donray8914]

This is the exact reaction I had with my Duvell elite 7 lol

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Oh man, I’m glad to hear! The duvell’s are suhWEET. What woods did you go with?

[@donray8914]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs it’s a poplar burl top, mahog body. Natural matte finish. It’s Basically the Duvell elite 7 you see as soon as you open the custom order configurator without changing any options lol

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@donray8914 oh nice! Don’t fix what ain’t broke 😆

[@rata1983]

I subscribed because you asked nicely….

[@bradleystroup1457]

Have you ever checked out Anderson Guitarworks?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I have! They are delightful instruments. :) Definitely some of the best.

[@VentusGuitar]

How's the neck compared to other guitars you have/had? On the website it seems the Aquila neck is a little thicker than the other models.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I will say the neck is relatively thick for a modern guitar. Maybe slightly less mass than a Suhr Classic S. It’s thicker than my PRS pattern thin neck and my Charvel GG sig that I mentioned, but it’s definitely still modern and playable. I typically enjoy a slightly thicker neck on a guitar more than one that is pencil thin. It’s kinda like shaking the hand of an old friend versus holding a dead fish. But I wouldn’t necessarily call it a THICC neck lol. I can imagine the Regius silhouette has a thinner neck to be sure.

[@VentusGuitar]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs Haha I like that comparison! Okay well that doesn't sound too bad. I'm not really into the super thin kinda like Ibanez wizard profile either. But I don't care for baseball bats for necks either haha. Thanks for the feedback! Time to hunt for one of these myself

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@Przemek Good question. I would say that the Aquila feels very strat-y. That's why I like it. The neck is certainly not as thin as an ibanez wizard neck for sure,

[@byronh77]

@@VentusGuitar it is a baseball neck bro at least to my hands. It’s chunky and round.

[@VentusGuitar]

@@byronh77 I got one myself and it is pretty big but not massive I've gotten pretty used to it

[@profanepropane]

I hate you, now my wallet's run away from me..... again

[@arjunff589]

How to buying

[@blazetaylor6989]

HAHAHA "They must be made for Metal players . . . who never touch them." Guilty lol

[@rockinvegan1765]

Awesome guitar. I take it :)

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thank you! I like your username, how long have you been vegan?

[@rockinvegan1765]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs I'm vegan since May 2013. Just saw your Instagram name. Are you vegan as well? I watched my neighbours chickens from the window after eating chicken nuggets. I liked them so much and realized I ate one of them. That's how it all began. Before Corona I was an animal activist, mostly with Anonymous for the Voiceless.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@rockinvegan1765 That’s awesome, and that’s so sad about the chicken 😔. I watched some slaughterhouse footage and that was enough for me. The fear, the unnecessary torture. So devastating. But yeah, I’m vegan fa sho! My instagram is @Plant_based_riffs 😅 I wear it on my sleeve basically haha. I’ve only been vegan since november of 2015, but I’ve really enjoyed it. I feel way more healthy.

[@rockinvegan1765]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs Wow, that's really a long time. I'm always happy to meet other vegans :) Glad you enjoy it. For me it was the best decision in my life. It is really unnecessary tortue. I will never understand why most people don't get it. I'm so sad about it. This is the only thing I don't like being vegan, the ignorance of others. I'm plant based as well and eat like Dr. Gregers Daily Dozen. I think this is a great concept. Plant Based Riffs is a great name. I will follow you on Instagram. Stefan

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@rockinvegan1765 I’m not familiar with the Daily Dozen thing, I’ll have to look it up! But yeah man, glad to meet another guitarist in solidarity 💪🏼🌱

[@rata1983]

How is the thickness of the neck??? Didn’t mention that… thanks! 🙂

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Hey! Here’s a comment I posted answering someone else’s similar question:😁 I will say the neck is relatively thick for a modern guitar. Maybe slightly less mass than a Suhr Classic S. It’s thicker than my PRS pattern thin neck and my Charvel GG sig that I mentioned, but it’s definitely still modern and playable. I typically enjoy a slightly thicker neck on a guitar more than one that is pencil thin. It’s kinda like shaking the hand of an old friend versus holding a dead fish. But I wouldn’t necessarily call it a THICC neck lol. I can imagine the Regius silhouette has a thinner neck to be sure.

[@rata1983]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs awesome, thank you sir 🙏🏻🙂

[@zool84]

Well… I am actually out for buying a Suhr Modern or a JP15 buuuuut……..

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

I had a JP13 for a while which was very similar (if not exactly) the same as the JP15. Really nice guitar! Neck was a little skinny, but it played better than my JP6 at the time. I’ve never played a Suhr Modern, but everyone i’ve talked to has always told me that they are very stiff playing guitars. I love my Suhr Classic Antique though!!

[@ericnicolleau4331]

Have you ever played a Vigier?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Nope. Would love to try one tho!

[@BagusWibisono]

Hi man.. this one is extra jumbo frets?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

yup!

[@BagusWibisono]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs thin U neck or C?

[@BagusWibisono]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs they using Jescar or Dunlop?

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@BagusWibisono I wouldn’t call it a thin neck. But it’s a C shape. There’s a comment here somewhere where I describe the neck more. As far as frets go, I assume they’re jescar, but you’ll have to ask Mayones directly for that info :)

[@jordanmuller2735]

Boy can play!John brown said it’s pronounced mayonnaise!but,I’ll go with your pronunciation.

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

Thank you! No idea who John Brown is 🥶🥶

[@jordanmuller2735]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs guitarist for monuments and fellsilent

[@jordanmuller2735]

@@Plant_Based_Riffs worth checking out monuments they are good!

[@Plant_Based_Riffs]

@@jordanmuller2735 Oh yeah! I’ve heard of Monuments - I think I even have some of their stuff in a spotify playlist. I need to listen while paying attention to it though haha. Thanks for the recommendation :)