A few issues had to be fixed..but everything is now bolted together, soldered and the toothpicks filling the gaps of the 3 bolt in place...
Very very different to anything else I have which was the point, I will get some pics up as soon as I have time with sunlight...
what started as a cheap JVSQ 3 bolt body is now a great working guitar.And I already have somebody whose interested in buying it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
pups arrived...
...the long wait is over..the left staggered middle RW pup has arrived and on its way to a pickguard...so within a few days I should have the project up , running and playing...can't wait!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
tutorial on "no loading" your pots
So now , with two 500k CTS pots sitting around and doing nothing, I decided to follow this tutorial.Still awaiting a pup before I can wire up the guitar, but otherwise everything is in. I'm going with a Mastertone pot which Ive attacked with nail polish.We shall see how things pan out.The 5 way switch is in, the shielding tape is mounted and the 5 way switch and 2 pups fitted..can't wait!
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/pots.htm
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Just get on with it...
Having been away a few days with work I was happy to return to loads of parts that had finally arrived from the states.An eric johnson neck pup, fatboy guitar parts and of course the neck and neck plate.
As I measured up the 4 bolt neck plate to the 3 hole body,I wondered if I should dare to do this myself.I made a quick call to the local luthier who mentioned he was busy but may have a look at the project...next week..
Stuff that, can't wait..only waiting for a piclup to arrive and I need some wire and a pot...although I havent decided on 500k or 250 k.And to make matters worst, I'm thinking of setting up a master tone pot as Rory Gallagher had and SRV..I could still use a tone pot as a neck pup blender..then there is a question of taking apart the CTS pots and making them "no load " pots..I have a CRL 5 way switch and 2 500k pots with a cap already soldered on.500k pots brighten up single coils...This may be worth an experiment anyway, after all I already have Sami with 250ks and scatterwounds..
So anyway, after work I went past the local harware store and bought three drill bits, 4,5 and 6mm bits.Got home ,made a template out of paper,outlined the bottom of the neck and starting drilling..what the hell I thought, just do it.
Within 60 minutes I had an aged neckplate holding the neck in place without any issues..just saved myself some cash and time..Guitar looks awesome and weighs very little..
So, decision is probably to go with the 500k pots with a master tone and a dummy pot.
My ear is too bad to seriously notice and I always play with the tone wide open..so question is if I make it a no load pot..
This guitar should be interesting anyway, and thats the point with this specific project.
The pups are alnico 5 in the tail and a vintage Dimarzio FS-1
The middle pup is a Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro II Reverse Single Coil Pickup with staggered poles for a left hander..
neck pup an alnico 3 Eric Johnson Fender Custom shop
Making the tone pot a "no load" should get more character outta the pups when increasing the volume apparently...But I'm not 100% yet if I'm going down this road..
But Master Tone will be on the cards and of course a 5 way switch.
I'll get some pics for posting when its up and running..
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday nite workshop
Finally got round to fixing some of the details that needed fixing..
First the 77 fender strat relic had the neck off as I tried to mate it with the JV body.I thought this would be the best time to remove the vintage Dimarzio FS-1 sandwiched between the 78 Dimarzio sds-1s in the bridge and neck position.Didn't think it ever really worked in the middle, could be that its not a ceramic.I'd been donated another sds-1 so that went into the middle and now the hardtail spoils 2 inline sds-1s.After the bolt on I plugged and played...awesome sound!Pics to follow!
Then "The Paul" needed its bridge pup readjusted as one of the bolts had run out of threads. Looking in the pile, I found a genuine M69 pup ring and used that instead of the item fitted.This seemed to be slightly lower and better for the springs and screws.
What an under estimated guitar this is, I thought.Original first year with ebony neck and walnut body what really makes it work are the pups.
In the neck, a setmour duncan 59 putting out some serious juice..
In the bridge, a one of.Started life as a Gibson 57 classic with 2 conductor wire.The previous owner wanted 4 conducter, so the pup was rewound for 4 wire.i bought ot intending to use it in a Jimmy page wiring set up and I really wanted something unpotted.So I bought the pup as nobody else seemed remotely interested in a classic 57 rewound for 4 conductor.Its a strong bridge pup with a great sound.
The Paul is a fantastic guitar which can be had for a very cheap price.
First the 77 fender strat relic had the neck off as I tried to mate it with the JV body.I thought this would be the best time to remove the vintage Dimarzio FS-1 sandwiched between the 78 Dimarzio sds-1s in the bridge and neck position.Didn't think it ever really worked in the middle, could be that its not a ceramic.I'd been donated another sds-1 so that went into the middle and now the hardtail spoils 2 inline sds-1s.After the bolt on I plugged and played...awesome sound!Pics to follow!
Then "The Paul" needed its bridge pup readjusted as one of the bolts had run out of threads. Looking in the pile, I found a genuine M69 pup ring and used that instead of the item fitted.This seemed to be slightly lower and better for the springs and screws.
What an under estimated guitar this is, I thought.Original first year with ebony neck and walnut body what really makes it work are the pups.
In the neck, a setmour duncan 59 putting out some serious juice..
In the bridge, a one of.Started life as a Gibson 57 classic with 2 conductor wire.The previous owner wanted 4 conducter, so the pup was rewound for 4 wire.i bought ot intending to use it in a Jimmy page wiring set up and I really wanted something unpotted.So I bought the pup as nobody else seemed remotely interested in a classic 57 rewound for 4 conductor.Its a strong bridge pup with a great sound.
The Paul is a fantastic guitar which can be had for a very cheap price.
Anatomy of drum solos
Recently, and despite the raves about the guitar projects..as usual my focus always goes heavily on the rythm sections of the bands I enjoy the most.
Obvioulsy with Rush and The Police touring recently and releasing dvds, I have to just post some pics of these drummers that can memerise my cerebal for hours on end..
Different styles completely across the three of them, but similar in the sense that they all lead their instruments.Moon the Loon, a sloppy drummer, Neil Peart, the proffessor and of course , Stewart Copeland whose jazz style drumming and rim shots are amazing.But of course...you have to listen...an listen again..and want to hear what they're doing...RESPECT
Obvioulsy with Rush and The Police touring recently and releasing dvds, I have to just post some pics of these drummers that can memerise my cerebal for hours on end..
Different styles completely across the three of them, but similar in the sense that they all lead their instruments.Moon the Loon, a sloppy drummer, Neil Peart, the proffessor and of course , Stewart Copeland whose jazz style drumming and rim shots are amazing.But of course...you have to listen...an listen again..and want to hear what they're doing...RESPECT
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
...never heard of it....
...but apparently jimmy pages secret weapon in the studio, 2 x 10 changed to a 1 x 12,sounds like an old yanky car with the name of supro coronado...
or was it a Selmer Treble and Bass 50 or a Zodiac twin 30 that Jimbo used...
..The only amp in the Supro lineup in 1961 with a single 12" speaker was the 1624T Dual Tone..and this was the year he apparently purchased the supro, the coronado came out in 64..
or was it a Selmer Treble and Bass 50 or a Zodiac twin 30 that Jimbo used...
..The only amp in the Supro lineup in 1961 with a single 12" speaker was the 1624T Dual Tone..and this was the year he apparently purchased the supro, the coronado came out in 64..
83 MIJ JVSQ ..the gutz..
...of Project Rat. Well, malsteen calls his the Duck, so in chinese traditional ways I'll keep with the animals and call it a rat.
I don't usually get stuck into MIJ stuff, but the Golden years when Fender were at Fullerton and moving to Corona and you get the idea that the quality was better than in the states..so I took the gamble and bought a relativly cheap body of sen ash, apparently,not sure if its basswood but its light, but not too light.I reckon around the 4LBs area.
Its a poly finish which doesnt really bother me, although the music media is really stuffing the concept of nitro C being the dogs bollox and nothing else matters.
To be honest I dont think i'd know the difference...
Anyway, everything is currently packed and being shipped, so everyday is x-mas.
The neck should turn up at anytime and once that has arrived I will deem if its gonna be me or a luthier turning the #3 bolt to a #4.
Once again you read a lot about plus and minuses of the warmoth pro necks with a truss adjuster on the side.Once again I'm confinced it will do the job.beautiful neck as can be seen in the pics.
The aged look of the body and trem block ensured I could keep the aged look, so we're talking aged guard, knobs, tips,bolts,screws,backplate.
And thats it..basically, except for the details which makes the full picture..
I'll have to modify the pup cover for the fs-1 as its dimarzio..but thats the pup in the bridge, the Edge,Knopfler and Johnny Ramone also used the fs-1 and since its beginnings its still a popular pup, that was back in 74..The mid pup is gonna be the seymour duncan alnico II pro with staggered poles and up in the neck, an old friend returns which Ive previously had but sold as a set, an Eric Johnson alnico III from the custom shop.Great sounding pickup! So its gonna be interesting how they match up, the fs-1 is 25% stronger than a standard pup and alnico 5 rods, so its 5/2/3 with a counter wound in the middle.Both middle and neck have similar outputs and offer more of a spongy bass sound..I'm hoping the guitar will be round 7LBs, we shall see!
I don't usually get stuck into MIJ stuff, but the Golden years when Fender were at Fullerton and moving to Corona and you get the idea that the quality was better than in the states..so I took the gamble and bought a relativly cheap body of sen ash, apparently,not sure if its basswood but its light, but not too light.I reckon around the 4LBs area.
Its a poly finish which doesnt really bother me, although the music media is really stuffing the concept of nitro C being the dogs bollox and nothing else matters.
To be honest I dont think i'd know the difference...
Anyway, everything is currently packed and being shipped, so everyday is x-mas.
The neck should turn up at anytime and once that has arrived I will deem if its gonna be me or a luthier turning the #3 bolt to a #4.
Once again you read a lot about plus and minuses of the warmoth pro necks with a truss adjuster on the side.Once again I'm confinced it will do the job.beautiful neck as can be seen in the pics.
The aged look of the body and trem block ensured I could keep the aged look, so we're talking aged guard, knobs, tips,bolts,screws,backplate.
And thats it..basically, except for the details which makes the full picture..
I'll have to modify the pup cover for the fs-1 as its dimarzio..but thats the pup in the bridge, the Edge,Knopfler and Johnny Ramone also used the fs-1 and since its beginnings its still a popular pup, that was back in 74..The mid pup is gonna be the seymour duncan alnico II pro with staggered poles and up in the neck, an old friend returns which Ive previously had but sold as a set, an Eric Johnson alnico III from the custom shop.Great sounding pickup! So its gonna be interesting how they match up, the fs-1 is 25% stronger than a standard pup and alnico 5 rods, so its 5/2/3 with a counter wound in the middle.Both middle and neck have similar outputs and offer more of a spongy bass sound..I'm hoping the guitar will be round 7LBs, we shall see!
alnico 5, 2 and 3?
project RAT
white body
ivory aged pickguard and covers
JV trem
Warmoth neck
electrics a mix n match from the used and offer box, 5 way cts switch and 3 pots
So, pups.Given slider a mail but went ahead and bought a rw middle pup in alnico 2, gonna use an original fs-1 in the tail which is alnico 5 and finally possibly go for an ej alnico 3 in the neck..we shall see..
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
musical chairs...
So now the projects are set up for the up and coming grey skys.
The 78 telecaster is currently carrying a set of Rio Grande Vintage Tallboys which as advertised are the ultimate chicky chick chick.
However, I may set in the Sliders hand scatterwound set that I have currently split up, with the Alnico 5 sitting unused.The bridge Rio Grande will make its way back in to the oddball telecaster from whence it came.Still undecided, but it has to be said the Sliders scatterwound are recommended.
The 77 strat is currently carrying 2 vintage Dimarzio sd1's and an FS-1, also vintage.I have another sd1, but I may instead look to try and get a set of 77 fender originals to make her 100% original.That leaves me with 3 Dimarzio sd1s and an fs 1 which may end up in the telecaster mentioned above which has 2 strat pups and a tele bridge.
That leaves me with 5 vintage dirty fingers , 2 of which have split coil options.
Maybe stick a set in The Paul from 78.
In the bag o bits I also have knobs, covers and a bunch a stuff including screws, aged or otherwise which I can use to build up the latest project.And thats the one that will be the most challenging and rewarding.
The JVSQ body is light and hopefully sen ash as opposed to basswood.Its a poly coat but its a keeper.Next step is to get the 4 bolt warmoth rosewood neck to fit onto the 3 bolt configuration.Haven't decided yet if I will leave this to a luthier or not.One thing for sure is that I wont ruin the neck bolt config.
Next will be an ivory green fatboys pickguard, 62ri.And then the question is whether to reuse the bakelite covers and knobs on sami mk1 and borrow the relic covers and knobs from there or simply get another set.
The pickups and electronics are of course another question mark, although I do have 2tone pots that I can use as well as a 5 way switch.All CTS.
Vintage wiring of course.
Right, next move for here will be pics of whats already done.Just have to get the pics snapped.
The 78 telecaster is currently carrying a set of Rio Grande Vintage Tallboys which as advertised are the ultimate chicky chick chick.
However, I may set in the Sliders hand scatterwound set that I have currently split up, with the Alnico 5 sitting unused.The bridge Rio Grande will make its way back in to the oddball telecaster from whence it came.Still undecided, but it has to be said the Sliders scatterwound are recommended.
The 77 strat is currently carrying 2 vintage Dimarzio sd1's and an FS-1, also vintage.I have another sd1, but I may instead look to try and get a set of 77 fender originals to make her 100% original.That leaves me with 3 Dimarzio sd1s and an fs 1 which may end up in the telecaster mentioned above which has 2 strat pups and a tele bridge.
That leaves me with 5 vintage dirty fingers , 2 of which have split coil options.
Maybe stick a set in The Paul from 78.
In the bag o bits I also have knobs, covers and a bunch a stuff including screws, aged or otherwise which I can use to build up the latest project.And thats the one that will be the most challenging and rewarding.
The JVSQ body is light and hopefully sen ash as opposed to basswood.Its a poly coat but its a keeper.Next step is to get the 4 bolt warmoth rosewood neck to fit onto the 3 bolt configuration.Haven't decided yet if I will leave this to a luthier or not.One thing for sure is that I wont ruin the neck bolt config.
Next will be an ivory green fatboys pickguard, 62ri.And then the question is whether to reuse the bakelite covers and knobs on sami mk1 and borrow the relic covers and knobs from there or simply get another set.
The pickups and electronics are of course another question mark, although I do have 2tone pots that I can use as well as a 5 way switch.All CTS.
Vintage wiring of course.
Right, next move for here will be pics of whats already done.Just have to get the pics snapped.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Real McCoy...
For a mere $69 000 you can go out and buy yourself an original 1960's Olympic white strat..Or, get a project going to build something that you'll probably enjoy as much..ok, so it will never be as good but on the other hand you save 68,400 dollars..
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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plus ca change
So, the day the 78 telecaster was put together and plugged in, the 83 fender japan sqjv body arrived.Olympic white and very lightweight, I started looking for a neck.
Initially I tried to fit the 77 fender neck but that wouldnt line up.
So, after looking, reading, investigating at just about every neck available, I finally found a warmoth that I felt would do the trick with the right size dimensions.
Birdseye maple AAA and Brazilian Rosewood fretboard with a thinner neck than the SRV neck, I'll have to get the JVSQ body routed for a four bolt which I feel is much better.
Plan is to get an ivory green reliced pickguard and another set of sliders pickups.
Can't wait!
pics of the 78 telecaster will be posted.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
3 bolt 70s Project
So I have a 77 natural finish (once a sunburst) and rather strat sitting in a guitar case which I wanted to change the body on. For a start I felt the weight, despite a great tone, was going the other way to where I wanted to go.
Looking at prices versus quality , I decided early days that I would look at some MIJ strat bodies.
At this point I started reading about the differences between the models, the history of Fender Japan and the whys and why nots of the 82,83,84 models.
The woods vary, but by all accounts the early squiers and fenders use sen ash which seems to be a very good wood and very light.Slightly heavier than alder but an improvement on basswood..
Whilst all this was going on I actually found a 74 damaged body which I thought of buying but lost the auction when my internet went down just as I was about to bid..and to make matters better or worst, depends on how you see these things...I managed to purchase a fender JV tremelo block plus all the trimmings..
So, I had everything except a body.
Then an '83 Olympic White JV 3 bolt appeared from the same seller as the Trem gear.
The 3 bolt set up isn't the same as USA fenders as it uses 3 wood bolts and no micro tilt, so at the moment its a gamble I suppose...(maybe make her a 4 bolt like Malsteen does,,)but the idea is to stick the parts that I have left over, lying around or on another G to build up a maple necked Olympic White.
As I have some bakelite covers, control knows and a switch...I'm thinking of sticking them on sami mk1 and using the fatboy relic gear on this project.
I'll obviously keep everything from the 77 as shes complete except pups which I'm not really interested in.
I have three Dimarzio SD1's which I could use or go for anotehr set of sliders 69 specials.
Body weighs in under 4...
Moving forwards....
Right then, the Telecaster body matched up perfectly with the same year '78 telecaster neck.Once this had been removed from its former body which was a mess to be honest, I noticed that non of the parts from the original project guitar would fit the genuine fender body.
Looking around at the options and prices decided to try and keep the guitar as original as possible (78 that is) with the exception of a rather cheap Mint Green telecaster pickguard which I thought may look the bizz on the black reliced body.
We shall see.
Despite the calls for a three brass saddle bridge on all telecasters I decided to use a genuine fender 6 saddle bridge ala '78.with everything else from 78 the main difference will be the pups which will be rio grande tallboys in neck and bridge position.
I'll get some pics up once the parts arrive and its plug n play time. I have to say it has one of my fav necks on the guitar.
Friday, August 14, 2009
New old body
Finally one of my projects which ended up a mess will recieve what it deserves.
The 78 telecaster neck which I purchased and which is an awesome neck will now be blessed with a 7Lb 78 original 78 Fender telecaster body.
Its gonna be a blackie..pics will follow.Pups most likely will be RIO Grande tallboys..
Les Paul dies aged 94
Okay, I wont lie and say I'm the biggest fan ever of Les Paul.
I haven't listened to very much and I suppose I'm not ready yet to listen , otherwise I would have.
A friend showed me some youtube today and it was very impressive, although not really the music I'd rush out and buy.So, as I said I'm probably not there yet and wont pretend to be.
But the guys inventions and designs are of course legendary.
Rest in Peace
Friday, July 10, 2009
marshall silver jubilee 2553
Hopefully by this time next week this 2553 50watt will be in my kitchen.Sure, I'd love the RR 100 watter and the price is good for what you'd normally pay for a full stack,and then the '73 50 watt tremelo in the local music shop is also a nice peice of kit but..
The silver jubilee has a bit of a reputation as being one of Jims best.His favorite amp by choice as it happens. Only built in 1987.
The 50 has the same as the 100watt but is smaller in size and made for a smaller 2 x 12 as shown.Apparently gives out a warmer sound than the 100.
To be honest the 100's would be okay if I was out and about on a regular basis and trying to cut through a mix, but I'm not, so to push the 50 (which is only 20% less loud as the 100) is enough.
As you can push two cabs out the back maybe a mesa added to boost the bass may be eventual.
Now I just have to hope the guy reads his mail and I can collect.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tempting..
been a long time since,,,etc...
plus ca change...or not as the case may be.
Heat wave in Sweden is great at the moment, shame then that I've had to lock the door and hide in the shade due to some chernoybl influensa thats knocked me out for the past three days..
Even playing the guitars is a struggle..
Boyz are down for the summer, with one out sailing for a week and the other sharing his time between pc and guitar..hes come on great and managed to get purple haze nailed from tab on the strat..now hes moved on to the burning lamp and morley wah wah and tubescreamer..
they'll be no more guitars for a while.Now I'm looking at getting a 05 gasgas 450 fse to use the motor as a donater for the blown supermotard 450. Should be an interesting mix n match with the 05 engine with improved updates.Can't wait to get back on the road.
Then there was AC/DC at Ullevi. Sold out in around 30 minutes and they kinda went through the motions of expectation.Impresive for their age and the sound was as expected.
The fact that they flew in from copenhagen and out straight away kinda shows their status.
Worth watching of course, but you kinda miss the smaller venues from the 80s when sold out was 3500 people.
Friday night and its BBking at the local kids disco. Same place that Bonamassa played and who was simply awesome. I'll update once I've been down and watched one of the last King of the Blues.
Heat wave in Sweden is great at the moment, shame then that I've had to lock the door and hide in the shade due to some chernoybl influensa thats knocked me out for the past three days..
Even playing the guitars is a struggle..
Boyz are down for the summer, with one out sailing for a week and the other sharing his time between pc and guitar..hes come on great and managed to get purple haze nailed from tab on the strat..now hes moved on to the burning lamp and morley wah wah and tubescreamer..
they'll be no more guitars for a while.Now I'm looking at getting a 05 gasgas 450 fse to use the motor as a donater for the blown supermotard 450. Should be an interesting mix n match with the 05 engine with improved updates.Can't wait to get back on the road.
Then there was AC/DC at Ullevi. Sold out in around 30 minutes and they kinda went through the motions of expectation.Impresive for their age and the sound was as expected.
The fact that they flew in from copenhagen and out straight away kinda shows their status.
Worth watching of course, but you kinda miss the smaller venues from the 80s when sold out was 3500 people.
Friday night and its BBking at the local kids disco. Same place that Bonamassa played and who was simply awesome. I'll update once I've been down and watched one of the last King of the Blues.
Friday, May 15, 2009
theres a bita luck.......
........now that the 69 pups are in the Les Paul Custom I have to say she sounds awesome!
I didn't actually think the Dirty Fingers could be bettered but I was wrong.
As the guitar is an early early 70s fretless wonder I started worrying about the frets and if I ever needed to get a refret. They don't make these frets anymore and I don't mind the fretless wonders, so I had a look around and to my astonishment I found an ad on craigslist from plainsville, OHIO, that somebody was selling Gibson fretless wonder new oldstock, 6 feets worth.
Suffice to say they're on the way to be put in the cupboard for the day she needs a wee bit help!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Miss pearly gates...
Now I'm going through a ZZ top phase I just had to find a pic of Billy Gibbons infamous 59 Gibson les paul. And what a great guitar this is!Wednesday, April 29, 2009
On their way....
Vintage 1960's-70's Gibson "T-Top" PAT Number Humbuckers.
My early 70s Gibson les Paul Custom is about to recieve a change in pups.
The dirty fingers has done great work in the tail and the one off in the neck is also an awesome pup which is a rewired gibson 57 classic which has been turned into a 4 conductor and puts out 8,5.
However, when these pups came up for sale with worn off gold etcc. I simply had to get them and make her original again.
Pics will be posted once they're in.
My early 70s Gibson les Paul Custom is about to recieve a change in pups.
The dirty fingers has done great work in the tail and the one off in the neck is also an awesome pup which is a rewired gibson 57 classic which has been turned into a 4 conductor and puts out 8,5.
However, when these pups came up for sale with worn off gold etcc. I simply had to get them and make her original again.
Pics will be posted once they're in.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Heres a Find from Oz
Rightiho, when I was looking around the Web for any info at all about the headless Bantam I came across a forum where somebody was asking questions for more info about the guitar.
followed this up and here is a pic of Songirls White Washburn Bantam which was previously owned by the lead singer of Simple Minds and sold off locally after a tour collapsed.
Danny Gatton
Ok, you've probably already heard of DG and I'm the last on the block to have heard him.
Well, the telemaster certainly deserved his name.
The way I found out about this guy was through the telecaster that I have now aquired which is basically brought that name up.
Listen to this guy play, watch him showing finger picking and admire his ability to fuse country, jazz and blues altogether.
Well, the telemaster certainly deserved his name.
The way I found out about this guy was through the telecaster that I have now aquired which is basically brought that name up.
Listen to this guy play, watch him showing finger picking and admire his ability to fuse country, jazz and blues altogether.
Unfortunatly Danny took his life at the age of 49 years old despite his breakthrough at 45 years old.
So she arrived...
...the washburn bantam that is.
Now then, I did have high expectations on this guitar and I have to say I'm not let down whatsoever! What a great piece of kit, great weight and finish and a fantastic neck with medium jumbo frets.
Even the pups are impressive.I've never had a Washburn.Great stuff! I haven't removed the back cover as yet but I believe these are passive pups and not active as I've read previously.
New DR strings are now installed (11's) and the fretboard was cleaned up and nut glued firmly into place.
I'll post some pics asap.
Now then, I did have high expectations on this guitar and I have to say I'm not let down whatsoever! What a great piece of kit, great weight and finish and a fantastic neck with medium jumbo frets.
Even the pups are impressive.I've never had a Washburn.Great stuff! I haven't removed the back cover as yet but I believe these are passive pups and not active as I've read previously.
New DR strings are now installed (11's) and the fretboard was cleaned up and nut glued firmly into place.
I'll post some pics asap.
Monday, April 6, 2009
5 oclock alarm call
One of the problems with ebay is having to set the alarm to get up for the last minute of bidding.Having lost a Hondo Lazer last week once the price went past $605 I decided to make sure I wouldn't lose this Washburn bantam.
This time I'd done my homework.
Now, back in the early 80s, a Hondo Lazer would set you back $399.
This Washburn would have set you back $999 ! Solid Alder body with a maple neck may be the answer, as well as active pickups and an altogether better made guitar I fancy! Three times the price, well there must be something in it. Of course, made in japan is always better than made in Korea, as the Hondo was.
I'm really happy I won the auction with a price that was under half of what I was bidding on the Hondo.
I mean to say, a brand new Hohner GT3 will set you back $699, and you can forget about the Steinberger Spirit which the Hohner out classes.
Not much written about these guitars on the net, I did find a price list from 84 and some information at a website.
I can't wait now, by all accounts this little beauty is gonna sing!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Project Heritage is finished
The Heritage has gone through some different stages and at the end I decided the best way to fit the empty shell of the HCM140 was to add some new Zakk Wylde EMG Active pickups and a booster switch (from Kerry Kings (slayer fame) setup adding 20dbs boost) and a coilsplit.The micro switches dont look so bad .
The flame on this solid mahogany and maple top is stunning and actually changes when looked at from different angles.words and even pictures cannot describe how nice the finish is.
The pickup covers are Gibson Historic as are the tone and volume dials.The tuners are spezials I think and are smaller than grovers which I think looks nicer than the std Heritages.
Pearl markers in a rosewood neck with medium frets and all this from an unused 88 body.
Behind the rear cover are 2 15V batteries to charge the active pups plus the booster switch.Enough wiring to light up Blackpool but it works.
The carve on the maple top is amazing.These guitars are so under rated.
Only one part missing and thats a trussrod cover.
Neck is so fast and is a medium size.
Great guitar.
The flame on this solid mahogany and maple top is stunning and actually changes when looked at from different angles.words and even pictures cannot describe how nice the finish is.
The pickup covers are Gibson Historic as are the tone and volume dials.The tuners are spezials I think and are smaller than grovers which I think looks nicer than the std Heritages.
Pearl markers in a rosewood neck with medium frets and all this from an unused 88 body.
Behind the rear cover are 2 15V batteries to charge the active pups plus the booster switch.Enough wiring to light up Blackpool but it works.
The carve on the maple top is amazing.These guitars are so under rated.
Only one part missing and thats a trussrod cover.
Neck is so fast and is a medium size.
Great guitar.
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