Wylde Audio Warhammer

A Beast of an Axe Built for Heavy Metal

The Wylde Audio Warhammer is the ultimate metal machine, a ferocious electric guitar designed by legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde. This mighty axe packs some serious firepower for unleashing face-melting solos and bombastic riffage. Let’s dive into what makes the Warhammer a go-to choice for the heaviest music on the planet.

Wylde Audio burst onto the scene in 2015, founded by Black Label Society shredder Zakk Wylde. Known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Pride & Glory, Wylde wanted to create his own line of guitars built for high-gain hijinks. The Warhammer is the flagship model of the Wylde Audio lineup, engineered for crushing modern metal tones.

This beast of an electric guitar will set you back around $2,000 to $2,500 depending on the specific model. The price tag may induce some sticker shock, but you’re paying for top-tier components and serious rock ‘n roll firepower. For metalheads, the tone and playability justify the cost.

When it comes to heavy music, the Warhammer excels. The secret weapon is the Wylde Audio-designed Odin humbuckers, packing ceramic magnets and major output. These pickups produce thick, saturated crunch and searing leads. The mahogany body and maple neck provide dense, resonant sustain, while the ebony fretboard facilitates lightning-fast riffing.

Let’s look under the hood at the Warhammer’s specs:

• Mahogany Body
• Maple Neck with Ebony Fingerboard
• 24.75″ Scale Length
• 22 Jumbo Frets
• Locking Tuners
• TonePros Locking Tune-o-matic Bridge & Tailpiece
• Wylde Audio Odin Humbuckers
• 3-Way Pickup Selector Toggle Switch
• 1 Volume, 1 Tone Control

The designer of this metal monster is none other than Zakk Wylde himself. As principal of Wylde Audio, he crafted the Warhammer from the ground up for face-melting sonics. The bullseye graphic is a nod to his iconic polka-dot guitars.

Under the hood, the Warhammer packs a pair of barnstorming Odin humbuckers. These pickups are built with ceramic magnets for super hot output, translating to loads of gain when you pile on the distortion. The bridge pickup pumps out powerful crunch, while the neck pickup delivers thick, singing leads.

When engaging the Warhammer’s amp-eating pickups, this guitar sounds mega-aggressive. Chords ring out with tremendous thickness and gain. Sustaining solo notes scream with rich harmonic overtones. Chugging palm-muted riffs cut through the mix like a battleaxe. This is a sonic war machine, built for dominating on the metal battlefield.

Availability of the Warhammer can vary, as Wylde Audio produces their guitars in limited runs. The best bet is to check their official website or look for authorized Wylde Audio dealers online. Big box guitar stores may carry a few models. Be prepared to hunt around a bit for certain finishes or special editions.

The Warhammer is reasonably accessible for beginners thanks to its slim, fast neck profile and medium jumbo frets. The strings don’t feel too tight or floppy, promoting comfortable riffing. However, newbies should be prepared to handle the 24.75″ scale length and high gain pickup output. This guitar demands a firm picking hand.

Compared to Wylde Audio’s other guitars like the Odin and Berserker, the Warhammer has the highest headroom and output. It’s built for searing leads and thick rhythm work. The Odin offers a bit more tonal versatility with its coil-splitting feature, while the Berserker is ideal for classic rock and blues. The Warhammer rules the metal domain.

With its 24.75″ scale length, the Warhammer navigates the sweet spot between Fender and Gibson scale lengths. This makes string tension very manageable while still providing punchy low end and singing treble notes. Shredders will appreciate the comfortable fretboard spacing.

For players wanting to make the Warhammer their own, customization is certainly an option. Aftermarket pickup makers like EMG and Seymour Duncan offer direct replacements for the stock Odin pickups. Swapping in jumbo stainless steel frets can enhance note articulation as well. Graph Tech also makes Warhammer-specific TUSQ nuts to improve resonance.

Compared to the Gibson Explorer and ESP Eclipse, the Warhammer more than holds its own. With hotter pickups and improved upper fret access, it outpaces the Explorer for metal. And against the ESP Eclipse, the Warhammer provides thicker low-end punch and stellar playability for the price.

The build quality lives up to the Wylde Audio hype. Attention to detail is evident, from the smooth fretwork to proper neck joint alignment. The plating is consistent and hardware feels solid. The neck carve and body contours are comfortable. Expect a high level of craftsmanship.

For that classic humbucker sound, the Warhammer utilizes mahogany for the body wood. This provides a dense, thick resonance to complement the searing Odin pickups. The maple neck adds snappiness and definition when ripping through chords and runs.

Tipping the scales at just under 8 pounds, the Warhammer packs substantial heft. The weight helps provide rock-solid stability and sustain when leaned on hard. However, smaller players may find it a bit heavy on the shoulder after prolonged playing. The relief contour helps offset the weight.

The Warhammer comes protected in a form-fitting padded gig bag. Some retailers may include a hardshell case for an upcharge. Though well-padded, the included bag won’t protect against major impacts. Aftermarket SKB or Gator cases are great for maximum protection during transport.

Finish options for the Warhammer include classic black, various metallic colors like blue, red, purple, silver, and eye-catching graphic finishes. The tribal Warhammer graphic model is especially slick. Left-handed models are available too, so southpaws can wield this metal machine. The finishes may vary by model year.

Though designed as his ultimate shred machine, Zakk loans Warhammers to guest guitarists touring with Black Label Society. Dario Lorina has also been seen wielding Warhammers during shows.essional guitarists who appreciate its ferocious metal tones.

The Wylde Audio Warhammer lives up to its name as a heavy metal warrior. Built expertly to Zakk Wylde’s specs, it delivers face-melting tone and cutting playability. This mighty electric guitar inspires intense riffage and phenomenal solos thanks to its resonant construction and savage pickups. For players who dare to brave the metal battlefield, the Warhammer is an essential weapon.