Guitar Deals: ESP. Squier, Palmer, and ProCo
Great savings this week at Thomann on Guitar Gear
This week’s Guitar Deals at Thomann include some great savings on products from ESP, Squier, Palmer, and ProCo.
Squier Affinity Strat
First up is this Squier Affinity Strat Laurel model in Surf Green. Currently, it has over 30% off * the normal price, which makes it a real bargain. If you are looking for an affordable Stratocaster in a nice ’60s colour, then this could be the one for you. This model has a poplar body paired with a C-shaped maple neck and a Laurel fretboard with 21 medium jumbo frets.
Single Coil
This guitar has the typical three single coil pickups of a Strat. These ceramic pickups are wired via a master volume, plus dual tone controls and a 5-way selector switch. It is also fitted with a two-point synchronized tremolo with block saddles.
![Squier Affinity Strat Laurel SG](gif/squier.gif)
![Squier Affinity Strat Laurel SG](jpg/567945.jpg)
Squier 40th Anniv. Strat
Next up is another well-priced Squier, and this time it is the 40th Anniversary. Strat model in a luxurious Sienna Sunburst finish. Again these are currently on a nice deal with over 40% off * their normal price at Thomann. It is a step up from the Affinity model above and visually a very nice looking Strat with a Nyatoh body and a maple neck, with an Indian Laurel fretboard.
Block Inlays
Visually the big block pearloid inlays make this Strat stand out from the crowd. Plus, it also has a gold anodized single-ply aluminium pickguard. This model also comes fitted with a set of Fender Designed AlNiCo single coil pickups, which are a nice upgrade tonally as well.
![Squier 40th Anniv. Strat SSB](gif/squier.gif)
![Squier 40th Anniv. Strat SSB](jpg/535999.jpg)
ESP LTD EC-1000FR Black Satin
Now for something a little more modern and rocking. These ESP LTD EC-1000FR Black Satin models are high-performance rock machines. Plus, this one comes with a locking Floyd Rose 1000SE trem system, so it can dive bomb with the best of them. Currently, there is a nice saving of over 20% off * on this particular model, so a great buy.
EMG loaded
This blacked-out, modern-day single cut also comes factory-fitted with an EMG 81 (bridge) and EMG 60 (neck) set of active pickups. Giving a clean precise tone perfect for heavy gain, and without any extra noise or hum. These will complement the mahogany body, and give you crushing tones if you need them, so plenty of sustain on offer here as well.
Plus, it looks ace in that Satin Black finish with subtle edge binding, and it has a Thin U-neck with 24 stainless steel X-Jumbo frets, so it shreds!
![ESP LTD EC-1000FR Black Satin](gif/esp.gif)
![ESP LTD EC-1000FR Black Satin](jpg/515137.jpg)
Palmer Pocket Amp MK2 Guitar Preamp
This Palmer Pocket Amp MK2 Guitar Preamp is currently at a great deal price with over 40% off * which makes it a bargain. This sturdy aluminium die-cast pedal preamp offers an extended range of all “official” tube amp sounds -from absolutely clean to extremely high gain. I love Palmer gear and at this price, this is a gig bag essential, as it offers a lot of versatility in a compact format.
Modes
Though compact, it offers a handy three-way switch for amplifier characteristics, plus a Gain Mode and Microphone Position. Along with a Ground Lift switch, and controls for Gain, Volume, Treble and Bass.
Connectivity is also very good and it offers a standard jack input, XLR DI out, headphone output and an AUX in.
![Palmer Pocket Amp MK2 Guitar Preamp](gif/palmer.gif)
![Palmer Pocket Amp MK2 Guitar Preamp](jpg/366078.jpg)
ProCo Rat 2 Distortion / Overdrive Pedal
This ProCo Rat 2 Distortion / Overdrive Pedal is a classic and at over 30% off * is well worth picking up if you haven’t yet sampled one of these rodents of tone. The trick is to use that Filter control to knock off the top end as you dial it up, and then dial in the Distortion and Volume as required. Plus, they stack beautifully with other drive pedals and also fuzz pedals.
Distortion or Fuzz?
The Rat 2 almost gets into fuzz territory at extreme settings. However, the drive tone is all silicon diode hard-clipping on the pre-amplified signal, creating symmetric distortion in a similar way to the MXR Distortion+ and the Boss DS-1.
Awesome pedals and I have been using them for well over 30 years now, as they are just so reliable. I’d suggest trying these settings; Distortion knob to around midnight, then set the Filter knob to around 10 o’clock, and the Volume to around 2 o’clock. Mmm, tasty!
![Proco Rat 2 Distortion](gif/proco.gif)
![Proco Rat 2 Distortion](jpg/185691.jpg)
*Percentage discount will vary based on your territory and conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are used for guidance only. This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
- Squier Affinity Strat Laurel SG: Thomann
- Squier 40th Anniv. Strat SSB: Thomann
- ESP LTD EC-1000FR Black Satin: Thomann
- Palmer Pocket Amp MK2 Guitar Preamp: Thomann
- ProCo Rat 2 Distortion : Overdrive Pedal: Thomann