The ROCKET GUITAR Demo / Review - Feat. Michael Angelo Batio

Born from 80's hair metal insanity, and the minds of Michael Angelo Batio, Jim Gillette, and Wayne Charvel... the Rocket Guitar, both the Ritz branded originals and the Dean Guitars re-issues, are unbelievable. Is this the most insane production guitar every made? I think so. Let's take a closer look.
These guitars can still occasionally be found for sale used on Ebay, or Reverb!
MAB's KZbin channel: / michaelangelobatiooffi...
Amp used in demo (Fender GTX100): amzn.to/2PaHk4c
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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!

[@59thfsaviation79]

Cool story about MAB. He showed up to play a haunted house in Wythville VA. It was about 50 degrees that night. He was standing outside, short sleeve shirt, and just warming up. So I approach him just to say high and thank him for coming. He was so enthusiastic. He said "this is going to be great!". There was 23 people outside watching him. I got to stand right in front of him. He played his guts out. Told stories. He treated us like he was in Madison square garden. He just loves music and people.

[@thebaldshredder]

MAB is such an awesome dude. His enthusiasm for guitar is contagious! 🤘

[@mikeg.9238]

You ever see Dagan from PMTVUK , he's like Michael on roids with enthusiasm!

[@surfdigby]

$800!!! One thing I love about MAB is that whichever company he's working with, he's kept his signature models affordable.

[@markusantonio4866]

Yeah, I like the Sawtooth acoustics and electrics just under a grand.

[@preston2636]

800 dollars 30 years ago is like 1200 today. Js.

[@thischanneldoesnotexist.750]

@@preston2636 it was 749 8 years ago dude

[@enigma1247]

MAB is one of my inspirations. He doesnt get enough recognition. The dude is an absolute legend and absolutely one of the best players EVER to ever pick up a guitar. Hes in the same league with the van halens and rhoads and dimebags ect. Plus hes such a good guy. Hes funny and nice and a individual that doesnt try to be anything else but himself.

[@descendinguniverse666]

he did an awesome tribute to Pantera btw

[@jimwoodard64]

Love MAB. We interviewed him (and you as well, Max) on The Practical Guitarist. What a gregarious, genuine, and funny dude. He is truly someone you can go out, have a beer with, then get on stage and hammer the audience. Great interview, great video. Thanks.

[@RByrne]

On MAB, I can appreciate what he does, and I'm not a fan of his music, but he's a cool guy! Great storyteller, and I love how enthusiastic he is talking about all this stuff. I could listen to him tell stories all day.

[@RaisonBaby]

MAB seems like a hell of a good guy

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

He is! He is very casual, and he speaks with knowledge from the industry because he lived in it. I catch his live stream every week.

[@Atari2600Gamer]

If MAB were my guitar teacher, I'd have no choice but to call him Master Batio

[@doknox]

😂😂

[@wadeguidry6675]

As far as wankery goes: no one can top Master Batio!

[@reread2549]

I remember seeing Batio and Jim Gillette at the original thirsty whale in Illinois. Loud as all get out and way over the top. More outrageous than Spinal Tap could ever be 🤣

[@Gene_Cali]

This video had me smiling like a person standing in line before a Concert. Awesome to see Max on the "Aircraft" Rocket Guitar, playing some shred and Metal licks. Mabs is a inspiration to many musicians for good reason, his devotion to study and kindness to others is sincere. Thanks Max, for this demo and Interview. \m/. Keys to the Lambo begin here: Speed Kills by Michael Angelo Batio.

[@gunkyzip]

That video of MAB on HBB back in 1989, looks like those rivets are black, not silver. Seeing it now, I'd swap out the current screws on the reissue for black ones instead.

[@CrushingAxes]

Dude that's some very cool arppegios with tapping! This guitar is so cool! I've been studying the Batio instructional video, really cool stuff!

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

MAB is such a good dude. I think he is one of the best electric guitarists of our time. He not only understands the heart of rock n roll, but also understands the soul behind classical music. As someone who grew up in classical music, I can tell you that everytime MAB talks about classical music, he has been on point and has a good perspective. He knows his shit and doesn't talk out of his ass. It's a rarity to have someone who knows classical music, but also knows the ins and outs of the heavy metal industry from back then. He's literally the best of both worlds. I'm really lucky to learn from him, and I own all of his line from Sawtooth. They're excellent guitars.

[@chelizard2516]

I got the ET. Hybrid. Man it blew my mind how many tones you can get out of that. That's the weirdest guitar I own.

[@triggerwarning5762]

Nice guy. Spent the entire interview praising other people and giving them credit. Refreshing, these days.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

Mike is right up there at the top/ pinnacle of guitar players, and always a super nice guy.

[@destinyreturns4885]

Another nice video, and it was especially fitting that you had Michael on to tell the actual story behind the guitar's inception...

[@timbrokkoli7386]

Someone has found the keys to the Lamborghini ..and Michael is a Super Cool Guy

[@danoconnell3026]

MAB is a really cool guy he signed an Ibanez I bought back in 2009 I just happened to be in the same music shop as him, he played there that evening before his show at the shop we talked for a while he’s the real deal

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Liked at the first 2 second mark 🤘🤘 Maxx you're the ultimate electric guitar vlogger of all time

[@carmineredd1198]

it is Maxxxwell very odd that he has 3 X's in his name

[@miyannaable]

This interview is incredible!! I love how enthusiastic he is here, talking about everything that went into building this guitar!! I just dropped a new, inexpensive Floyd Rose into my Ibanez RG 7620 (late 90's), and it made my heart leap to hear MAB bring up 7-string guitars.

[@miyannaable]

After watching this, I checked out a lesson with MAB - I LOVE this guy!! I mean, I was aware of the fact that he is such an incredible guitarist. It's his teaching personality that I'm talking about - what a trip!!

[@formula73]

MAB is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He’s a little…off the beaten path…but he loves playing and is absolutely a quality human being.

[@bczarrockbeast6264]

Man ....MAB seems like a pretty cool guy.

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

Check out his channel. He's one of the coolest music teachers.

[@quintonsims9929]

Man I don’t know how you don’t have 5 million subscribers you are my favorite KZbin guitarist, as always totally awesome video man!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you!

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

@@GuitarMAXMusic I agree. You're one of my favorites because of how I can relate to you. I feel like if you weren't making videos, you'd be hanging out in your living room playing guitars and scoping out the industry like I do. I can tell your passion doesn't end when the camera goes off.

[@bassist718]

I remember being a teen and searching the video stores for cool flix to watch and came upon a beaten up, squashed copy of a movie called "Shock'em Dead"! Needless to say, I rented it and MAB did all the guitar wizardry in it and I've been a fan ever since!!!!

[@brandonjackson5865]

Dean made good affordable guitars 10 to 15 years ago. MAB has always seemed very humble especially considering his insane chops. I remember seeing ads for his instructional videos in guitar magazines in the 90s . I never got into the instrumental guitar gods Vai, Satch, type players . They are amazing just not my thing. I need to check out Nitro every interview I’ve seen with MAB he is enthusiastic and friendly. I saw a project he did with a guy designing a camera mount to capture his picking technique. Like most of the legendary players Batio when asked how do you play so fast said “like this” and scorched the neck . The guy said what technique? MAB said that he didn’t know he just did it. The guy put a camera on the neck and slowed down the footage to break down his picking motion. Pick slanting, escape, and economic motion of the right hand. Pretty incredible to watch in slow motion the fluid accuracy of his picking technique. No wasted motion in the man’s right hand.

[@arborinfelix]

MAB is such a down to earth nice guy.

[@marikomatsumoto4511]

The way Michael speak just like 80's teenager conversation with the millenial one. Quiet time travel. Lol. Gotta love MAB 🤘

[@activese]

Hi Max, Thank you very much indeed. MAB - Speed Kills, he is such a nice person, inspiring, and a wise shredder guitarist, with no injuries, to learn tons from, that likes to share and teach. Made my day, Take care.

[@picksalot1]

The guitar sounds as cool as it looks! Awesome having MAB on your Channel, and his love for all things guitar.

[@smoothpicker]

I saw nitro at a small club in houston and was 3 feet from the stage in front of mike and to see him play was just phenomenal and the notes jim gillette could reach with his voice just blew me away. There was only about 50 people in the crowd but they still gave 100% and made a fan out of me!

[@JupiterFerrari]

I don't know how you do it, but I've only ever seen 1 of your videos that I didn't like. But it wasn't your fault, it was about the increase in the price of guitars. Great video again, Max!! Thanks for posting!

[@lostreb]

And the Hits Just Keep Coming!!! Yet another Fantastic Video, Max!! Please keep them coming!!!

[@jamesbossingham9694]

AWSOME Was waiting for a video for this since i got my Rocket Guitar Thanks Max

[@BelmontGaming]

MAB is one of the coolest dudes in the guitar world

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Totally.

[@RustyNail920]

Dig that guitar. I seen MAB at a workshop not long before he left Dean. He's definitely an awesome guitarist and all around cool guy to listen to.

[@HandOfMetal]

That guitar is definitely unique and it sounds amazing. Michael is also as happy and exited as ever, what a legend.

[@jimmygrant3151]

OK, this is the stuff of legends...this guitar has always been one of my favorites.

[@ibanezleftyclub]

MAB really is like the nicest dude ever, I don’t think I’ve ever not seen him with a smile on his face. 🤘🤘

[@matthewguarna2975]

I wonder why it took you so long to put this video out, you've been teasing it in the background for ages! Nice to see you've got the keys to the Lamborghini

[@Ian44_92]

I had the opportunity to play one of the Dean Rocket guitars at a small guitar shop when I was stationed in Hawaii. I feel very lucky 😊

[@ZitherBeast]

Had zero idea that this guitar existed. Way cool. Also, 29 Frets would be a killer band name.

[@MichaelDouglasSkewes]

So Jim helped design the guitar in between beating up Lita Ford? I played some shows with Michael Angelo at the Troubadour in 1987, I was the guitarist in my band Trick Or Treat, and I played as fast as I could , and Charvel built my first custom guitar . Michael is actually a nice guy, but Nitro.....that to me was the end of the 80s ,it took everything too far! Oh well , it was cool, the scene in Hollywood and what came out of it, still was cool.

[@samuraidjinn]

Max was definitely having a fanboy moment! I am sure Max was thinking " stop drooling! Keep it together! Need to make this awesome video!" That was super cool! The rocket guitar is finally in the spotlight

[@bodhisattwachanda3436]

MAB is so much down to earth person... He is my inspiration...

[@thedanksavatron7782]

Nissssssssssssssssssce 🍻 Love that guitar! Been waiting for a vid on it for a long time!

[@APK-pn4qh]

So cool. Love MAB. And Max. platonically of course! 😉

[@MetalThrashingMan13]

Got to meet MAB twice and the first time I met him I asked for a guitar pick and he went to his equipment and got me 3 picks, such a cool fucking dude 🤘

[@HankJNewman]

One of the coolest guitars ever made.

[@RyanJarnaginPulseGuitar]

One of my greatest inspirations growing up. When’s that next Guitar Max contest my dude?!?

[@pjstamm2112]

I just bought Speed Kills 1991 two days ago. Perfect timing for me for you to upload anything MAB-related!

[@Barnabus007]

I don't know your skill level, but that's gonna be a nice intense workout for you (assuming you're not an insane player) good stuff

[@pjstamm2112]

@@Barnabus007 I'm intermediate but if I can add even 10% more speed and precision, that'll be a victory. An intense workout is what I need! I started it the night I bought it and am having trouble convincing my brain to stop doing economy picking during the alternate picking lesson LOL

[@Barnabus007]

@@pjstamm2112 I'm sure it is possible. I don't want to sound like some expert or anything ( i am intermediate as well) , and I'm sure you know this, but take it slowish. I pretty much always alternate pick spent hundreds maybe thousands of hours doing it so for me it is the exact opposite issue. I jut bought a Dan Mumm course a couple weeks back..between that truefire, and my own little practice stuff it is about to get intimidating lol...not my playing ...the instruction.

[@pjstamm2112]

@@Barnabus007 Yep, I get it! I learned a lot of picking technique from Eric Johnson's videos and what MAB does is nothing like it. So it's really tough to unlearn what I've been doing for the past 20 years! 🤣 But, yes, start slow and gradually pick up the pace. Using a metronome is of paramount importance for every style but especially for this kind of stuff.

[@bodomchild7836]

Got one, I'm in Russia. Awesome guitar 🤟🏻 Thanks for the interview with Mr. BATIO. I want this video to be on top👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rev.j.chriswallace642]

"The keys to the Lamborghini" - Speed Kills was so amazing back in the day ... and still is!

[@guitar6664]

I had no idea that they only made 200 of these guitars and that it was a limited run. Good thing I kept my MAB Rocket guitar.

[@mattiasjp]

Can’t get more metal than this.

[@goodwill5756]

Speed kills!! That’s the demo that got me into shredding

[@paulmayon8821]

He has always pretched metal guitar. Since the 80's. Like Buckethead,never compromised. Now he's showing people how to be just as awesome.Rock on MAB. Side note..over your right shoulder.Is that am Esp, George Lynch tiger burst?

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Nice, first again to hear the outrageous jams. Interesting visually and devastating sonically.

[@resofactor]

MAB is an awesome guy and remarkable human being. It's not just about his playing either.

[@mikerudolph2419]

I love watching Max’s videos. Very informative, I always learn something new. I would love to see Max and Rick Beato do a collaboration video together. That would be over the top cool 😎

[@Ayyem93]

Weirdly enough I just went on a spree of finding viewing and downloading speed kills 1 2 and 3 trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can from them and upon first viewing speed kills 1 went looking for one of these Rockets but couldn't find one. I can't believe the Dean replica was less than $1,000 when they made it and wish I knew about it ten years ago when it was still in production

[@Ayyem93]

Correction, wish I was aware of this guitar so I could've been on alert for a production run. Then again in 2014 I was blowing every bit of money I touched on heroin so probably wouldn't have gotten one. Don't do drugs kids. Ever. Drugs are 1,000,000,000,000-0 against people.

[@AllanGildea]

Two absolute gentlemen. Love your enthusiasm, talent and , above all - hair. Jim takes the award for the biggest hair of all time.

[@TheAsianNerd]

Didn't know the rocket guitar was a production guitar. And at $800? Oh my god if I knew I would have purchased one myself. Hope there will be a Round 2.

[@joeljalif]

hi, i have a rocket. i didnt know that only 200 were made. but i am prety sure that i am the only guy in argentina who has one. the 2 bars in the body of the guitar , i cut them of, so i can fit the v on my right leg. its a crazy guitar and i love it. obiously i also love MAB's music.

[@ij_misir1965]

29 frets = ultimate shred. ultimate shred = MAB 🤘🤘

[@guitar6664]

I remember buying this guitar new from Amazon back in 2014. I still own it to this day. I love this guitar. I bought this guitar for a couple of reasons. The first reason why is because I am obviously a fan of Michael Angelo Batio. The other reason is I'm a big fan of his band Nitro, and I own both of the albums that Nitro made on CD.

[@sciencemansandera]

Nice job on the video and cool backstory I always wondered about that guitar sitting there in your lineup that was the first time I ever seen one.

[@dantemazzarella4337]

Absolutely awesome video start to finish

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you 👍

[@jinx0192]

Ha, Wow I remember that episode of headbangers ball with MAB on it with that guitar! Yes I'm old but those days were a lot of fun. Cool to hear the story behind "The Rocket". Michael seems like a very down to earth guy. Great video!!

[@markcampbell7554]

Great episode, Max! It's always a treat hearing you play, and I really like that Rocket guitar! Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

[@hairnation68]

Would have been so cool if Michael could have been there with you. Such a super nice guy. Great video.

[@darrinj7908]

Wow. Love the look of this guitar!

[@ronpatterson5483]

Great review🤘🤘🤘

[@SIXX2772]

I WOULD SOOOO OWN ONE OF THOSE!!!!!

[@jimmya3794]

Michael's a really cool dude. He signed both of My Dean Mach 5s a few years back I've been looking for a rocket for a while now. Im sure It'll be harder to find one after this video too so thanks Max. Lol!

[@sanuloatheist6336]

When I first saw that guitar used by MAB I thought it will do a massive headstock dive.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

It's surprisingly well balanced!

[@josephhughes9490]

Max, You have genius guitar 🎸 player all over you. Just phenomenal metal guitarist from the 80s vibe. Huge fan.

[@monterreynuevoleon4009]

MAB what an awesome dude !!

[@deth.thiana]

Awesome! 🤘🎸🤘🚀

[@aaronmcnair1829]

Awesome video, sweet guitar, enjoy hearing the story behind the concept.

[@beanapalooza6614]

You've had this right? I can swear I've seen it in many many MAX videos.... or did I do way to much Acid back in the 80's?? Oh lol I just got to the part where you said you bought it used a few years back. haha it wasnt a BAD FLASH BACK!!!! LOVE YOUR VIDEOS°°°!!!! \m/(*.*)\m/ YOU ROCK

[@diabeticmonkey]

I’m still waiting to get the keys to the Lamborghini

[@ricopaxton]

You guys are awesome - as is the guitar

[@HardRockBullys]

I have one signed by Michael! Love it! 🤘 Thanks for doing the video! 👍

[@kevinmatthews9469]

About the closest I can think of is the Tin Top, I have a the Music Man version. Very cool looking and always great to see Michael.

[@geraldhartley]

Sorry to digress... but that photo of Jim at 3:06 is the REAL reason Grunge happened.

[@duncandistortion]

Jackson roswell rhoads is the ultimate space age guitar.

[@Vriel7]

i´d love to see you doin a Hondo death dagger review - pure freakin 80ies metal guitar design... damn hot 😍🔥

[@razzledingle]

BUT WAIT--------Who has the keys to the Lamborghini now?????

[@davidpavlich8939]

Now that was fun!!!

[@jimmya3794]

🤘 Finally Got Mine !!! 🤘

[@doombringer1505]

Holy rocketships, Batman!

[@jucarave]

wait, there are only 200? I bought one from Dean in amazon in 2018. I didn't know there were so few of them

[@zsaxeshed5743]

Yea I been seeing that in the back,I knew what it was ,I glad you finally played it

[@layol692k7]

M.A.B. is such a cool down to earh person and a insanely talented muscision

[@prakhar8]

Now that's why I subscribed this channel

[@dagster115]

You got the keys to the Lamborghini!

[@RustyGunn7]

This would be a nice headless guitar. Do away with the handles on it, too. Awesome sounding shredder. Charvel is "every where", isn't he? Thanks. Enjoyable video.

[@garyhundsrucker7771]

I started making a body of a skull guitar that has a similar shape to that rocket shape but I only got it half way done and stopped because I was at the point of trying to figure out how I was gonna drill out the holes for the electronics and it was getting complicated but I should finish it just to see if it will work!You got me inspired again!

[@sonofgunsonofagun2432]

Put in smoking pick up like kiss ace and then make it a flamethrower like a rocket then add some sparklers your playing is getting better it's okay to have a guitar like that in your collection good stuff

[@OurWorldinChaos]

ok im just blown away that guitar so bad ass