PALM BAY MODEL ARCHIVE
TIDALWAVE
THE ICON
The Palm Bay Tidalwave became one of the brand's most recognisable models. With its bold styling and unmistakable attitude, it remains a cult favourite among collectors and players alike.
1998 • TIDALWAVE EXP • GREEN HAZE • 1993 • TIDALWAVE • BLACK
MODEL NOTES
ABOUT THIS MODEL
The Tidalwave was probably Palm Bay's best selling guitar in the 90's and early 2000's. This guitar had many variants through the years to include the Tidalwave 1, 2, 3 and Custom. Then there was the Tidalwave EXP destined for the Japanese market. Lastly the Tidalwave S arrived late 1999 to 2001.
KNOWN DETAILS
SPECS
BODY
Mahogany
TOP
Quilted maple
NECK
Maple neck with mahogany and Maple scarfed headstock
FINGERBOARD
Ebony with abalone dots
18 inch radius
PICKUPS
Dimarzio PAF Neck Pickup
Dimarzio Blue Velvet Middle Pickup
Dimarzio Tone Zone Bridge Pickup
BRIDGE
Gotoh 1996T Locking Tremolo
TUNERS
Gotoh
CONTROLS
Master volume and tone
3 way selector switch
VARIATIONS
1, 2, 3, Custom, EXP, S
PHOTO EVIDENCE
GALLERY
Click image to enlarge.
THE COMMUNITY ARCHIVE
THE OWNERS
Behind every Palm Bay is a story. First gigs, years of searching, unexpected discoveries and instruments that became lifelong companions. These memories are just as important as the specifications and serial numbers. Together, they help tell the story of Palm Bay through the people who played them.
OWNER STORY #001
"I'd wanted a Palm Bay since seeing the adverts in guitar magazines as a teenager. After nearly two years of checking Facebook Marketplace, eBay and Reverb every single day, a black Tidalwave finally appeared. It's now my number one guitar and the one I reach for more than any other."
— Simon, UK
1993 • Tidalwave • Black • Acquired 2024
OWNER'S GUITAR
BUILD THE ARCHIVE
REGISTER YOUR GUITAR
The Palm Bay Archive relies on contributions from owners around the world. By registering your guitar, you can help document serial numbers, finishes, specifications and the stories behind these remarkable instruments.
4
KNOWN TIDALWAVES
3
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
1991–1997
YEARS DOCUMENTED
KEEP THE STORY ALIVE
JOIN THE ARCHIVE
Own a Palm Bay? Help preserve the history of one of Britain’s most distinctive guitar brands by sharing photographs, serial numbers and stories.
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