Wylde Audio Barbarian Electric Guitar

Embrace Your Wild Side with This Savage Shred Machine

The Wylde Audio Barbarian is an electric guitar built for slinging some serious metal. Designed by guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde, this beastly axe packs some barbaric tones perfect for unleashing your inner Viking warrior. Let’s explore what makes the Barbarian such a savage shred machine.

At around $1,499, the Wylde Audio Barbarian brings boutique specs at a mid-tier price point. For the cost, you get USA-made craftsmanship coupled with cutting-edge modern appointments. This isn’t some cheap import knock-off – the Barbarian is a pro-grade instrument ready to pillage the stage.

When it comes to specs, the Barbarian offers flexibility for everything from chugging rhythm to blazing leads. The foundation is a mahogany body with a carved maple top and set maple neck. This yields focused mids, singing sustain, and organic resonance. The neck features an easy-playing flat 16″ radius with a C-shape profile.

EMG 81/85 active pickups provide the Barbarian’s vicious metallic crunch. These high-output humbuckers have become metal standards thanks to their crushing tones. Coil-splitting allows for single-coil snap when you need to cut through a mix. A 3-way toggle switch gives you flexibility between pickups.

The Barbarian’s mahogany/maple/EMG combination makes it fantastic for heavy metal. The active EMGs have that tightened, aggressive sound perfect for chugging rhythms. When soloing, you get singing leads and pinpoint articulation. The Barbarian covers all the sonic ground modern metal demands.

This axe comes loaded with premium components to enhance playability. Grover tuners keep you locked in tune even when abusive. The TonePros bridge and tailpiece transfer every ounce of resonance. Graph Tech nut and Buzz Feiten tuning system optimize intonation.

Attention to detail separates Wylde Audio guitars from most in this price range. Little touches like the glow-in-the-dark side dots show thoughtful design. The tribal graphic and Viking-inspired paint job seal the Barbarian’s savage vibe. This is a tool built for shredders by shredders.

The Barbarian shares DNA with Wylde’s higher-end Viking models like the Odin and Blood Eagle. Those offer more exotic woods and options like Evertune bridges. However, the Barbarian captures much of that vibe at a more attainable price point. This is an excellent point of entry into the Wylde Audio lineup.

For players on a budget, the Barbarian provides an affordable path to owning a Zakk Wylde signature guitar. His iconic Bullseye design is forever linked to high-dollar Gibsons. The EMG/mahogany tones deliver an authentic Ozzy-era Zakk shred experience without breaking the bank.

Online retailers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center offer the Barbarian for competitive prices. Buying directly from Wylde Audio nets extras like signed certificates of authenticity. The Barbarian also sees plenty of action on the used market, sometimes barely played by hopeful metalheads. Deals await those willing to hunt.

Every Barbarian ships with a padded gig bag to protect your investment. For serious road warriors, upgrading to a hardshell case is advised. Expect to budget an extra $100 or so for a fitted case with plush lining. Keep that axe battle-ready!

Three killer finishes are available: Deep Shadows Black, Nordic Ice, and Blood Moons Crimson. Each colorway has its own vibe, from stealthy to outright ornate. Barbarians dressed in Nordic Ice have silver ”battle scars” for a truly weathered look.

The 25.5″ scale length provides comfortable string tension for standard or lowered tunings. Fast, fluid riffing comes easy thanks to the medium jumbo stainless steel frets. The 16″ radius adds speed by reducing fretboard curvature. Choking up on those hammer-ons and pull-offs is no problem.

Southpaw warriors can join the action too. Wylde Audio thoughtfully offers left-handed versions of the Barbarian at no upcharge. Lefty models feature the same quality components in a flipped configuration. Now even the most sinister of riff lords can play this beast.

The Barbarian’s C-shaped neck has more meat than a shredder profile but still feels fast. You get substantial palm support for rugged rhythms with ample room for lead excursions. It’s a versatile modern profile suitable for various techniques. Expect serious comfort thanks to the smooth neck heel carve.

This guitar hangs right with others in the $1000-1500 segment. Compared to imports like Schecter, the Barbarian wins on boutique craftsmanship and attention to detail. It matches USA models from PRS and ESP on fit, finish, and quality components. The Barbarian punches above its class.

Weighing in at just 7.8 lbs, the Barbarian is a featherweight menace. The carved maple top keeps weight down while adding gorgeous aesthetics. Whether standing on stage or seated in the studio, you’ll appreciate the Barbarian’s comfortable balance. Hours of playing fly by thanks to the ergonomic body contours.

For amplification, high-gain tube amps help the EMG 81/85s sing. Modern metal amps from EVH, Peavey, and PRS drive the Barbarian without getting too compressed. Boost pedals like the Fortin Grind or MXR 5150 tighten up the bottom end for chugs. The Barbarian also excels with fuzz pedals when you want filth.

One of the coolest things about Wylde Audio is the ability to customize your instrument. Their build shop offers upgraded inlays, exotic woods, distressed finishes, and more. You can trick out your Barbarian with blood-dripping “Widow Maker” inlays or a hand-engraved Norse design. Personalize it for ultimate self-expression.

Zakk Wylde needs no introduction, having forged metal history with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society. His signature bullseye finish adorns some of the most iconic guitars in the genre. Other renowned Wylde Audio players include Dimebag Darrell and Mike Mushok. You’re in good company wielding this mighty axe.

The versatility of the Barbarian makes it suitable for students to seasoned shred lords. Beginners appreciate the comfortable C-shaped neck, mid-weight body, and accessible 25.5″ scale. The EMG pickups and quality hardware mean this guitar will grow with you for years. Intermediate players can explore new techniques on a pro-grade instrument.

For an even more brutally authentic Zakk Wylde tone, check out the Barbarian Nordic Ice. This variant comes in Wylde’s frosty, weathered bullseye finish straight from the man’s personal collection. Details like the mismatched volume knobs mirror Zakk’s number one guitar. Expect white-hot EMG tones when wielding this one.

When you’re ready to go berserk on the fretboard, plug into the Wylde Audio Barbarian. This metal machine delivers savage tones in an ergonomic, stage-ready package. At its core, it’s a no-frills shredder built to rock as hard as its namesake. Release your inner guitar barbarian today!