Like many guitar enthusiasts, I’ve spent countless hours exploring forums, diving into discussions about various instruments. Online forums are often filled with opinions on everything from boutique builds to budget-friendly options. Recently, I stumbled upon a deal that led me to an unexpected discovery: the OLP Silhouette guitar. For those deeply familiar with Ernie Ball Music Man instruments, especially the Silhouette model, this might seem like well-trodden ground. However, for those seeking quality on a budget, or simply curious about alternative takes on classic designs, my experience with this guitar is worth sharing.
Last week, I acquired an OLP Silhouette from an online marketplace for a mere $150, including a gig bag and shipping. The guitar was advertised as virtually unplayed, and upon arrival, it was clear this was no exaggeration. The protective plastic film was still clinging to the pickguard, backplate, and even the tuners. It was missing the tremolo arm, but when I inquired with the seller, she seemed unaware of its existence. While I attempted to negotiate a small refund due to the missing part, I didn’t receive a response. Despite this minor hiccup, the overall value seemed undeniable.
To be honest, my expectations were low. I’d encountered mixed reviews regarding OLP guitars – some praising their value, others critical of their quality compared to genuine Music Man instruments. My primary motivation was to obtain an inexpensive guitar equipped with single-coil pickups in the middle and neck positions. My goal was to use it for recording guitar parts where that classic Stratocaster-esque tone is desired. In the past, I owned both a USA Stratocaster Deluxe and an early 1990s Japanese Squier Strat. Interestingly, the Japanese Squier, a guitar I deeply regret selling, consistently outperformed the American Deluxe in terms of tone and playability. My initial plan was to potentially swap out the pickups in the OLP with some vintage-voiced single coils, hoping to capture some of that magic I remembered from my Squier.
Upon unboxing the OLP Silhouette, my initial skepticism began to dissipate. The moment I picked it up, the surprising sense of quality was immediately apparent. The neck felt fantastic in my hand, boasting smoothly finished fret ends that belied its budget price point. The weight was also noteworthy – not too light, not too heavy, achieving that elusive “just right” balance. It’s worth noting that my experience with high-end instruments like a $2000 Music Man or any Ernie Ball Music Man guitars is limited. However, I do own a vintage 1977 Music Man Stingray II bass, a phenomenal instrument in its own right, although it requires a bit of a learning curve to master its complex controls.
Eager to see how it sounded, I plugged the OLP Silhouette into my amplifier, tuned it up, and began to play. I was genuinely stunned by what I heard. The single-coil pickups delivered a bright, articulate, and surprisingly full tone. It possessed all the qualities I had admired in my old Japanese Squier, but with an added dimension of richness and clarity.
Following my usual routine with Fender-style guitars, I addressed a minor comfort issue by shortening the saddle screws so they sat flush within the saddles. I then replaced the factory strings with my preferred gauge, .011s, and adjusted the setup to my personal preferences. Playing it again after these tweaks, the OLP Silhouette truly came alive. It effortlessly delivered those classic Strat tones I was seeking, and with an unexpected intensity. In fact, dare I say, it even rivaled the sound of one of my prized guitars, a Fender Jazzmaster. This budget guitar was seriously impressive. The neck profile, slightly chunkier than a typical Stratocaster neck, felt absolutely perfect for my hands. This experience left me wondering: what must a genuine $2000 Music Man Silhouette feel and sound like? Perhaps it’s better I don’t know, at least not yet!
However, my experience wasn’t entirely without minor drawbacks. The humbucker in the bridge position, in my opinion, was the guitar’s weakest point. The pole screws felt loose and somewhat flimsy, easily pushed in and out, suggesting they might be undersized for the threads in the backplate. For my playing style, the stock humbucker simply didn’t measure up. Researching the Music Man Silhouette specifications online, I discovered that the original guitars are equipped with DiMarzio DP197 Virtual PAF pickups. Interestingly, these pickups are no longer in production. DiMarzio recommends the DP223 PAF 36th Anniversary as the closest current alternative. Curious to explore this upgrade, and since I rarely utilize the bridge pickup on most of my guitars except when venturing into rock or metal genres, I decided to order a DiMarzio DP223. At $75, it seemed a worthwhile experiment, especially as DiMarzio was the only major humbucker brand I hadn’t yet tried. I was eager to hear how it would perform in the OLP.
Now, for the most significant issue: tuning stability. The OLP Silhouette, in its stock configuration, was the least stable guitar I’ve ever owned in terms of staying in tune. This was perplexing, especially since I wasn’t even using the tremolo system due to the missing arm. I meticulously lubricated the nut slots and loosened the tremolo bridge screws, applying all the same adjustments that had worked flawlessly on my old Squier, which had impeccable tuning stability. Since a standard Fender tremolo arm isn’t compatible with the OLP, and wanting to address the tuning issues and potentially utilize the tremolo in the future, I ordered a Wilkinson WV6 SB Tremolo with Stainless Steel Saddles for $48. This model is designed as a universal Stratocaster upgrade, featuring a two-point floating design intended to fit a range of string spacings from 53mm to 62mm. Installation would require slightly enlarging the two outer post holes and setting the new anchor studs. The Wilkinson also includes a tension-adjustable push-in tremolo arm, addressing the missing part issue as well. Hopefully, this upgrade will resolve the tuning instability. I always employ a locking loop stringing technique, which has proven consistently reliable for me, so I doubt the issue lies at the tuner end of the guitar. Time will tell if these modifications prove successful.
I plan to provide updates on the humbucker and tremolo upgrades, should anyone be interested in following along with this budget guitar journey. The OLP Silhouette, despite its initial flaws, has already proven to be a surprisingly capable and inspiring instrument, especially considering its incredibly affordable price. It’s a testament to the fact that great guitar experiences aren’t always confined to high-end price tags.
