SOLID ASH & BRASS Tele for UNDER $300!

I'm taking another look at the Slick brand of guitars from GFS. This is one of their new models, the SL55. With a solid ash body, brass hardware, walnut fretboard, and Filtertron style pickups, all for under $300... this is a unique guitar with a lot of value. But does it sound as good as it looks? Let's unbox it and do a full review!
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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@AndruJorj]

Every time I try to buy their guitars, the one I want is out of stock. When I can't afford them, they have them in stock. My misery is monumental. Such is life.

[@samain1804]

Yeah:( I wanted the hard tail strat style

[@jlo2987]

Hey man, you must have the same black cloud over you that follows me. Can’t catch a break on a dam thing!

[@lawrencemcbride9190]

Keep tryin’! They’re great!

[@Cam_B]

@Emily Minnie woah that's awesome, I'm gonna check it out! JK STFU

[@sryburn641]

Just tell them you'll send them a huge batch of special brownies. You'll have your shipment in five business days.

[@jlo2987]

The way you open the box and sound so serious is hysterical to me. It’s so stupid but I love it! Love the channel!

[@steveweilhart2359]

Earl is the man - the myth and the Legend - his guitars are a gift to us all - price friendly and very good - thanks Earl

[@johnikserak3199]

Received my SL55 about a week ago. Checked it thoroughly, and was very pleased. The frets were well polished, with no sharp edges. The setup (intonation, relief, string and pickup height, nut height) were all right on. After tuning up, the sound was great. Just thought I'd mention the great setup, as in some previous videos I've watched, Slick guitars were criticized for having poor fretwork. My only regret was not ordering the body style shown in the vid. I got the relic sunburst which isn't as impressive. I used a cordless reciprocating saw to open the box, instead of one with a cord.

[@lawrencemcbride9190]

Yeah, mine was fine out of the box. I’m a big fan.

[@d3agl350cal]

I ordered SL60 a month or so ago, played so nice out the box my bro bought same exact model, he wants to add a jazzmaster trem to it, that guitar was also great out the box. 2/2 of same model played great, so in my very limited experience, QC looks good! No sharp frets, intonation good, no fretting out on bends or buzzing.

[@bradowens4052]

Are the pickup quick connect?

[@HigzyTeflon]

To be quite honest, that might possibly be the best sounding $300 guitar I have ever heard. I do like the look as well, but I would have preferred all brass pieces to be plastic if I could get a brass nut instead of a plastic one. Overall, pretty impressive. Good job, Slick!

[@MrZlic]

they say on their website the nut is graphite...

[@OnAir21]

What did you do to my guitar?!?! 😱 Kidding. I’ve been tweaking some things on it since I got it back. It plays and feels awesome.

[@philw8049]

If that things playability is as good as it’s sound/looks I mean dang, can’t go wrong with that.

[@arndlorenz6630]

I have the SL60 BA with P90’s and it’s an absolutely amazing instrument! Especially the degaussed pickups create such a unique sound. One of my favorite guitars to play 🤘

[@helcat3567]

Hi Max. A very nice little guitar you got there. I think it looks fantastic. I think it will age beautifully. and it sounds amazing. take care Max from your pal Helcat in Australia.

[@308media74]

I worked on the Original Air Wolf lol

[@MrCamarokid83]

I bet that was fun. Good ol days

[@bikerrider4845]

Cool, i worked loading Sparrow & Tomahawk missiles onto F-14's.

[@AndyDion]

Classic movie!

[@Eoraptor1]

@@bikerrider4845 I didn't know Tomahawks could be launched from F-14s. Would that be the "B" model Tomcat? Not trying to be a wise guy; I really want to know. JAMES

[@leonardcrabtreeii]

I worked on AC-130U gunships and was aircraft battle damage control train Air Wolf when I was kid I really loved. And I remember a brief we did for base commander and one of the Chiefs (during als) we stunk in the air Wolfe theme during the presentation. Thank you for your work

[@matthewearl9824]

Lol! At first when I saw Max I was like ..hrmpf. Now after I watch him a while and get to know his personality he is quite entertaining.

[@jackc6716]

Lol same

[@psando9000]

I've been eyeing a tele style guitar the last few years, I absolutely LOVE the finish on this, and the price can't be beat, I think I know what I will be ordering come the new year!

[@MisterNiles]

GF = Gold foil?Tron = filter iron I like it. I may buy one, even though I'm in the market for a tele that sounds like a tele. But! The receptacle may be longer for a pickup related reason, in that these look to be four wire (from info on internet) so they are coil split-able. I wonder how they sound as single coils. Off to the internet! If you noticed, when you rolled back the volume with a dirty sound, it didn't exactly clean up. Gold foil pickups do something cool where the volume level doesn't clean up the signal as much as change the characteristic of the distortion. Very cool. I might have to get one of these. Always looking for another flavor. Thanks.

[@kenimiller3896]

One day soon Max will put up a video showing it's possible to play guitar despite missing three fingers on your left hand!

[@jacobm804]

*Django Reinhardt has joined the chat*

[@72dodge340]

Tony Iommi concurs.

[@BuffaloC305]

What a wuss, Max! I wanna see those giant 18-foot lumber chainsaws or M-1 tank flame throwers!! CHICKEN-!! I love these videos!

[@SuperBigPetey]

Tis only but a scratch!

[@MadGunny]

Drop D

[@ketchfishshow3001]

Waiting for mine to be delivered. Thanks for the review!

[@ZitherBeast]

Hilarious about sneaking it back on the guys porch before he knows it's gone....HAHAHAHA!!! I recently bought the Slick SL51 Aged "Black Ash" Dual Single-Coil Pickups, Maple Fingerboard and it looks and feels great, but I just haven't been able to get it intonated properly yet. I've gotten close but I just can't seem to get the G and the B to play nice. UGH! I wish I would have seen these filtertron like PU's, I probably would have ordered that instead. Oh well, I do love the Maple fretboard amd the satin neck.

[@BackingTracksByTim]

Beautiful guitar and amazing playing! Love the natural wood grain! 🤘

[@skyseasun_333]

About to barbeque some baby back ribs but I could use that fancy swamp ash picnic table you just reviewed.... thanks Max!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Love the Air Wolf shirt! Was a big fan of Jan-Michael Vincent and Ernest Borgnine. I think it was spinoff of Blue Thunder. However, I digress, excellent video like always.!!

[@chriswich0071]

I've been seriously considering one of the SL 54T models, sort of a superstrat style, with one pick up, one control knob and a trem. I saw your review of the SL 54, I am really intrigued and impressed by these guitars.

[@janbob3386]

Max - so happy you are doing more of the slicks ! I’ve been seriously considering them as they were also gear of the year in one of the big magazines. Then I got distracted and hooked on Wolf guitars thru your video. You have one of the best guitar channels on KZbin. Thanks for continuously opening my mind to new things.

[@derekhand7904]

I really like this guitar I’m going to have to buy after Christmas

[@72dodge340]

I have this exact one, same finish, but the normal 2 single coil Tele model (SL51). The look and feel of finish truly is different and awesome. The guitar plays great, too. I do wish it had a more traditional (thicker) Tele-style neck rather than the more modern one, but I'm sure a lot would like it better the way it is. I got used to it. Also, the SL51 is Fender scale (25.5") which might make it easier to change necks if you wanted to.

[@Fryerbottom]

Best unboxings on the interweb !!!!! + 2500 BOUS POINTS for the Air Wolf Tshirt !!!! Great review.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Activate full REVERSE TURBO!

[@DemonChild_111]

You always bring a smile to my face, max. Love the videos, keep the great content coming!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Glad you like them!

[@joedavis8481]

I've got a yellow one with a maple fretboard on the way , in a case for $380 ....I can't wait 🎸🤟🍻

[@Peasmouldia]

Max, you need to buy a plasma cutter. No ones going to outdo that. Nice. Ta.

[@BuffaloC305]

I love wood and even more when wood is on full-display. Gorgeous guitar and thanks for the different playing styles you offered as samples. Also, an even louder shout-out for the mentioning of the extra length cavity area. We seldom hear anything about router-cavity 'opportunities' and I think that's a very significant factor for guitarists.

[@HomegrownAssets]

I love this guitar. Frets do need a good sanding, but it's the width of the neck that my long fat bass fingers appreciate.

[@actionpotato]

Fine, you win. I just ordered one.

[@devnull901]

It is quite similar to Harley Benton TE-90FLT Orange Blast which is my favorite guitar. HB TE-90FLT Blast has sungkai body, baked sungkai fretboard, strings through body, reversed headstock, chrome hardware, Graph Tech Tusq nut, knobs for volume and tone, and large cavities under the knobs and the pickguard.

[@royward16]

I wonder how it would sound playing some low down dirty Delta Blues

[@jimmyz2098]

Good question. My guess is.... this guitar will do most anything you would want it to. Prolly need to work the effects out just so.... for the super high-gain stuff. But I'm guessing this axe * could * do whatever you wanted it to do. Just a guess tho - without having it (yet).

[@thebaldshredder]

That guitar looks and sounds great.

[@carlosclaptrix]

You are too good, Max! Even a broom would sound good in your hands!

[@daddyosink4413]

I've worked on several of Slick guitars... they were quality instruments, especially for the price point. That stark black headstock and very "Sears catalog" logo always turned me off though.

[@samain1804]

Yeah, the headstock needs to show wood again. And the Tele styles look terrible with the dark fingerboard/black headstock combo

[@ERICF66]

I was thinking the same thing! Excellent guitar but that headstock logo would have to go immediately!! It would be sweet if it had the headstock to match the body! 👍🏽

[@daddyosink4413]

@@samain1804 at least a color match or something...

[@daddyosink4413]

@@ERICF66 they are really nice instruments.... the headstock and logo just look like the cheap ones that you would see in the back of a guitar magazine in the late 80s. Reminds me of Lyon, JB Player, etc.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

How hard woud it be to remove the logo? I don't like it either.

[@MB57]

Hey dude, thanks from Dallas, Tx!

[@troytrellman5011]

Just picked up one. Frets were level. Had to dress a few fret ends. Sounds and plays great. The price is crazy. Might put in a couple of co-centric vol-tone pots, but it sounds so good stock I might just leave it as is.

[@Smurf431]

Ya made me REAL nervous with that saw! LOL! As soon as a sunburst gets back in stock I am grabbing one, I am really liking the specs on it AND the tones!

[@montelarge5790]

GuitarMax I think your reviews are awesome Love the slick tele I want one.

[@YesuAiNimen]

When I opened this video, I thought.."how can I take seriously a guy who wears an Air Wolf t-shirt?" Then it hit me.....I need an Air Wolf t-shirt

[@beastrock1696]

I need one too...

[@travisbrueckner4457]

I just ordered the seafoam green SL60! These guitars seem so much value at the price point.

[@VictorianRecords]

I was just looking at this one today on the Guitar Fetish website. The pickups are new to this model. Very tempting.

[@ebaybasuki]

Wait whaaa?! 24.75 inch scale length. So it's not just another tele. Damn, i want one now

[@JohnnyBgood548]

That guitar rips! Great playing again Max!

[@mannyflo209]

Awesome guitar 🎸 You can tell this guitar was made with love

[@scsviiyt]

I've been looking at that guitar. It's so cool. I'd like to see how it compares to the new Harley Benton Harley Benton TE-90FLT Blast guitars.

[@jimmyz2098]

Yes. Yes. And...... yes. I was thinking exactly the same thing. I dig the Orange-Blast, and the Black-Blast too. And I really like this Slick Guitar too. Sign me up.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

This looks like the wood came from an old barn. Very cool! I like the vintage sunburst with a maple fretboard. The walnut Looks better on this guitar.

[@pee-in-the-wind]

I have a Slick 57 and I think its a great value. I rewired it with Emerson pots with blender knob wiring and it plays like a $1k+ guitar.

[@cutmemick4949]

I have a slick Tele back from when rosewood was still a thing on fretboards. It's by far the best budget guitar I've owned. It's a heavy beast tho.

[@liamg88]

Subscibed. This guy is so Metal, and his videos are top-notch. Thanks Max!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Solid looking guitar that sounds sweet with the trons !

[@allanwhittick2930]

Love the way it looks. Sounds amazing.

[@1rwjwith]

Great! How does it compare to the Wolf, Tele style guitars? I know those are more expensive. Thanks

[@thumperboyad1031]

Great review! I would love to see you review a Hard Luck Kings guitar.

[@CoyoteDuran1]

Me too, Brother!

[@onetruthmediacompany]

Its my first time checking out Max Carlisle and you sound awesome. Btw, I will NOT reference Glen Danzig to you, I read the description....hehehe Do I get to keep ALL of my 20 points ? 🎸 P.s. Good thing you had that ripsaw to cut through that impregnatable packing tape. 😆 HEHEHE 🤣 I loved how serious you were about it.

[@bpabustan]

The pickups are reminiscent of the Gretsch Filtertrons. And I like the sound of it. Clarity is there and it's also plenty fat, with a considerable TWANG!

[@shauncrissc]

On tele's and strats ya should play them with no effects so we can Hear the Twang . Just a suggestion

[@lrpops]

Just love your videos Max. Thank you.

[@andyholdstock4559]

I have one they are brilliant for the price.keeps great tuneing easy to play sounds great.perfect

[@justinrayguitars6024]

The Earl Slick pickups are great as well. Love the 65s in one of my strats.

[@josephfish6593]

Airwolf has one of the best themes ever.

[@anthonycheman9930]

cool backing track, i really enjoy backing tracks

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

There's a link in the video description for it! Lots of cool tracks on the Backing Tracks by Tim channel!

[@Kopperafiel]

I have one in white and it's awesome.

[@DodgeDartSongs]

Great clean tones and, as you pointed out, very different harmonic profile.

[@troyoliver1635]

I don’t understand how people can’t take you seriously with a sword I would be intimidated! P.s. love your videos I look forward to them every upload.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks Troy!

[@brianstallard5446]

I love how you keep it fresh with the PPE and implements of destruction. That axe is almost as sweet as that Airwolf shirt! Is this the Slick from Phantom, Rocker & Slick? Can't remember his first name, that was alotta years ago!

[@lawrencemcbride9190]

Great video. I’m a fan of Slick guitars. I have an SL-59. The bridge is a bizarre work of art, and it looks like this has the same one. Also, I’m interested in what you said about the pickups being a good match for the body/guitar. I wish you had said more about that. Again, nice video.

[@Brandon_Wright_Guitar]

That thing does sound pretty good! Nice man! 🤘🏻

[@Raul1971xxx]

This guitar is ideal for all music styles.. Jazz, Blues, Pop, Rock and Roll.. And of course, METAL.

[@billylongley9580]

I wish they recessed the input jack . But still dam cool!

[@StephGV2]

I seriously think of buying guitars like this because they'd look good on the wall. Doesn't really matter how it plays, but if it does play well, bonus. That guitar is beautiful.

[@bloodguts6786]

Would you ever consider doing a demo on a Tim Sway guitar? His brand is called New Perspectives Music. If you've heard of him then you'll know that he builds instruments from reclaimed wood and other materials, I think that would make a really cool video.

[@brianobrian9334]

Getting creative with the unboxing...still got alot of catching up to do to keep up with AvE 's efforts

[@Gldn__yami]

Dude, GFS should sponsor you.

[@chrisbevan9717]

SLICK IS THE SHIT!!!!!!! Have 3 now!!!Have Alot of IBANEZ Fr Low To Prestiege.... Slick Sl54 Original hardtail is my go to!!! Best fiddle out of 34 others!!! Love it! THX MAX

[@Lcg503]

Luv the new unboxing technique. Really like that guitar. I wouldn't take it back. He'll bever know where it went. Lol

[@b.rodclark7349]

That's an interesting Slick guitar and even more interesting brass wraparound bridge!

[@samain1804]

That bridge is a pain tho. Have to unscrew it during string change- Yayeee!

[@b.rodclark7349]

@@samain1804 I figured that as much being that it's recessed in the body.

[@paulweddle9250]

I own the same one but in white with maple fret board. I like the sound of it and it's heavy but sharp frets and high action is how it came. I cured that but biggest problem is that the bridge is so recessed that it's impossible to change the strings with out raising the bridge every time then lowering it hoping it will play the same. What kind of design is that?? I'm probably going to drill out spaces into the wood so I can pull the ball of the string out. I do like the pick ups as they sound bit different from anything else I own. Took two weeks to get here. All in all I do like the guitar!

[@robertgallagher730]

A friend of mine bought one of these and gave it to me to set up. The action is high on it. If you lower the Brass bridge saddle too far it buzzes. I tried to intonate it as well and you can’t intonate it. It never meets the open note. That part of the guitar the bridge saddle combo is junk. Cheap. But then there’s the action too high problem too. On my buddy’s guitar anyway. Not sure about other ones. So I set it up as a slide guitar in. Open G tuning and it’s friggin killer! Great slide guitar. But not being able to adjust the action too good and the the saddle will not intonate basically at all, is a bummer for a cool looking and sounding guitar.

[@mikec6733]

Unfortunately, the spacing of the volume pot and switch, in the cavity, won't allow for just adding a tone pot, without also moving the switch. (I think)

[@martyf663]

Had to go on the waiting list for this but very cool ;)

[@b2bw1955]

Love your channel and you have a great voice for the vids. I would be interested in a review of the Slick SL57. I built a Strat style guitar many years ago with a Warmoth body & neck ...and Fender custom shop pickups. It turned out really nice ...but it doesn't have a whammy (tremolo) bar. I have never heard of Slick until I saw this review of the SL55. They look REALLY nice and I couldn't build one like the SL57 for $300. I'm very interested in seeing what you think of their whammy bar config!

[@MrBrungers]

Slick guitars are really good, i had one... but i sold it.. why? it was really heavy, i didnt like the neck and I thought the headstock was ugly.. I changed to a Squier Classic Vibe Tele and I LOVE it..

[@The_Macaroon]

Wish you got these in the UK.

[@Alexander-of7ny]

You can.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

You can Harley Benton guitars without paying $50 import fee.

[@markdalton293]

Dude I was looking at this guitar Last night after watching the other slick video .

[@bpabustan]

if there is an inventor of the American dry humour, then it has to be Max Carlisle!

[@hbguitar]

Solid work Max- big fan. @HBGUITARR

[@MindDezign]

Slick guitars are one of those guitars when they stop making them , people will rage about how GREAT they were! And will be highly sought after.

[@danepaulstewart8464]

👍😀👍Not a “pretty” sounding guitar for a tele style, but holy crap what an angry shred monster it is! I frikkin’ love the sound. I admit, I’m impressed. This wood quality, the pickups, I seriously don’t know how they do it at this PRICE! I hope to hell the good people whose labor goes into these guitars are working for some kind of livable wage, I really do, because what you can get for this kind of money these days is mind boggling for some of us older folks. 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@johnprice9699]

Airwolf - Hell yeah!!!

[@charliemarkham7418]

That's pretty slick.... Good tight sound. Me want one!!!

[@thonggoulienbaite3954]

please do some more traditional flying v style that is cheap/affordable

[@margovallen]

I've been waiting on a video regarding this guitar.. and what better person to do it. May have to purchase this unique Tele style guitar. 24-3/4 inch scale and those Filter-Tron type pups. Whats not to like? Sounds amazing. I own 3 Slick guitars and love them all.

[@TruthGuitar]

BEST SHIRT EVER!!! I need it

[@MrZlic]

I'm almost decided about getting one of this guitars. Its so hard to find a "G" style scale length that is bolt on, 6 inline tuners, premium stuff and for this price. I would love a p90 version of it.

[@speedypete07gnarly]

Pretty slick guitar 😎🤘🏻

[@tatialo37]

Wow! Gibson scale sold me! If it comes in a sandblast sunburst, I'm in! Have to sneak it past the wife!

[@oldguy5381]

Ok Max, it’s Christmas time. Wouldn’t it be a cool idea to have a Christmas giveaway? This the season Marry Christmas Max. Yep no better stocking stuffer then a new guitar.

[@joebloggs8636]

Took the words right outta my mouth!

[@stevejarred6484]

Hey Max! Your demos were great but it didn't seem like you played the SL55 in the "middle" position (AKA: both pickups on). Did I miss something? What does the middle position sound like?

[@donaldharris8826]

I really like the woodgrain you can feel through the finish. I like the ash wood body that is complimented by the walnut fretboard. I got a playing buddy who made an all walnut body. Man that thing is Heavy Brother but sounds great and killer sustain ! ! ! Flight School Updates ? ? ? & Happy Holidays, Be Safe & Healthy & Prosperous & Joyful Noise MAX ! ! ! Peace & Play 🎸 On FretBro . . . 👍🤘🎸😎🎄⛄🙏 DDH 12-18-2020.