Überguitar - your input needed (unless you're a tewl, of course) (2390 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.42 on 84 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by skrapmetal (View user info) at 2008-02-07 22:08:37 EST
Hola mis amigos.
Based on CT's guitar-molesting post http://www.ubersite.com/m/114829 I have decided to build another electric guitar. I have several home-builts in my arsenal, and I am more than happy to add one more. But i'm not afraid to farm out nthe difficult part. So, after speaking with them on three occasions and agreeing to hold them liability-free, I have convinced Carvin's custom shop to send me one of these thingamabobs... https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/single.php?product=NT6 but (get this!) it'll be built fretless. They have not done something like this before, so it will be Ünique.
Here's where you folk get involved to the extent I (being the arbiter of this little exercise) deem proper. This neck will form the basis for the Überguitar that you, you interested and yet not rediculous people of Über you, will spec/design/call out/cry for/express some mild interest in.
The givens: Solid body 6-string fretless electric guitar with standard 25.25" scale length, body to be glued/mechanically fastened to central neck unit, final size and weight should not be too heavy to carry/too small to function/too fucking stupid. No choices allowed here.
Choices allowed here. I am a) thinking this may be a horrible, horrible mistake and b) asking for your Überthoughts on the following:
a) Body material (wood type, metal alloy, whatever)
b) Pickup configuration (must fit in normal guitar geometery)
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix (pickup combinations, active/passive...)
d) Finish options (paint colors/graphics...)
e) Bridge setup (Floyd Rose, Steiner trem, Tune-o-Matic, String-Thru, other...)
If you have finish ideas that are best expressed graphically, link a pic in the replies or send them to me at skrapmetal.at.ratpackcycles.com for consideration. If I like them I'll post them on RPC and link them in the replies to this post, and of course if not then not. Know this: somewhere on the guitar will be the "Ü". Oh, yes, it will be there.
I will make this guitar to the spex submitted (and to which I agree, since I'm the one that has to/gets to play it). If no spex are submitted, well, then it's up to me ain't it?
Budget is normal, meaning I don't use cheap parts unless they sound good and I don't buy expensive parts just because they're expensive. I'll research your suggestions and decide.
Some of you may be saying to yourselves, "Selves", you may be saying, "This is about the gayest thing I've ever even heard of!". Well true or not, I don't care. This little exercise is for those who want to participate and not for those who don't. Like rugby or, yes, like being gay. You don't approve; don't participate.
So, think about it if you care to, and tell me what you think. I offer no time limit but I do promise to finish the project.
Ready? Bring the pain.
User Reviews
Submitted by Doodles (user info) at 2008-08-24 18:52:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Because I'm a giant fucking link whore.
That's why.
http://www.ubersite.com/m/118273
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-08-24 18:48:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Headstock veneer glued on. Pix once it's trimmed properly.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-08-03 12:58:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
There is no substitute for hand sanding.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-07-27 14:40:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Final carve, course sanding, and mid sanding done. No new pix as it doesn't appear any different to the camera.
Also have finished Zebra La Croix (body seen in http://www.ubersite.com/m/110823) as a fretless. After playing it for a few days I have even more respect for anyone who can play violin, viola, cello, string bass, or anyother stringed unfretted instrument. Zebra La Croix is for sale, by the way...
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-07-07 18:37:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Handpainted knobs received.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-07-04 18:43:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Mid carve done.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-29 20:41:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
rough routing front and rear done.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-21 15:58:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Just completed the rough cut and rough carve, now it's time for a cold beer and a refreshing dip in the pool.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-19 19:00:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
The glueup is done, and this weekend I'll start sanding and carving and routing and sanding.
Also: just got a Crate VTX200SH head and plugged it in to a couple of my 2x12 cabs. It's about nine kinds of awesome so far, but I haven't fully tested it for further awesomeness.
http://www.crateamps.com/products/pindex.php?prodID=24
Submitted by bob (user info) at 2008-06-09 22:34:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I want one!
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-09 21:44:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Brdn_Nkd's mosaic post prompted me to work on this a bit today. Got the body panels cut, drilled, and glued up.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Any good suggestions on body shape? LP/SG/Strat/Longhorn/Warlock/other? I'm leaning toward the Yamaha/Ibanez modded Strat shape for playability as it's a fretless guitar, but I'm open for good advice.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-04-14 09:35:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Bizdorph (user info) at 2008-04-13 23:29:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I want a guitar made of a single piece of wood.
Bird's eye maple, maybe?
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I've already got the 3D model and CNC mill map for a solid aluminum guitar. I will make it one day once I can find a chunk of aluminum 16"x36"x1.5" for cheap at Metal Supermarkets.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-04-14 05:16:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Bizdorph (user info) at 2008-04-13 23:29:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I want a guitar made of a single piece of wood.
Bird's eye maple, maybe?
=======================================================
buy a Parker Fly if you can afford one.
Submitted by EmissionImpossible (user info) at 2008-04-14 04:04:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Well I think its su..
oh im a tewl
sorry i'll get out of your way
Submitted by Val (user info) at 2008-04-14 00:28:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
what a neat idea, you crafty little fox, you.
Submitted by Bizdorph (user info) at 2008-04-13 23:29:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I want a guitar made of a single piece of wood.
Bird's eye maple, maybe?
Submitted by spyder882001 (user info) at 2008-04-07 21:00:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
a) Body material (wood type, metal alloy, whatever)
*Poplar with Red spruce top
b) Pickup configuration (must fit in normal guitar geometery)
* Gibson 500T Humbucker pickup and Seymour Duncan SH1 59 Humbucker Pickup
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix (pickup combinations, active/passive...)
put in a switch to change between pickups.
d) Finish options (paint colors/graphics...)
* D'Angelico teardrop new yorker
e) Bridge setup (Floyd Rose, Steiner trem, Tune-o-Matic, String-Thru, other...)
* WVCR vibrato system
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-04-07 19:49:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I am not luthier enough to try a semi-hollowbody yet. I wish you'd rated earlier - I might have gone with the triple humbucker option if someone would have mentioned it. Ah, well. I've already got the parts so it'll be solid tiger maple with a tiger maple veneer on the headstock. It'll have three pickups but they'll be two humbuckers in the standard locations plus a piezo in the bridge. Switching will be the usual dual humbucker setup with coil switching, plus an onboard inductive/capacitive pickup mixer. Gold hardware to top it all off.
Submitted by Bizdorph (user info) at 2008-04-07 19:34:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Choices allowed here. I am a) thinking this may be a horrible, horrible mistake and b) asking for your Überthoughts on the following:
a) Body material: semi hollowbody aspen
b) Pickup configuration: triple humbuckers (i have seen it done on an SG)
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix: i have no idea what any of this means. make it loud and able to switch between all possible combinations of pickups and i do not give a fuck
d) Finish options: Natural wood with a clear or white pickguard. all metal hardware should be chrome or whatever the hell you call it (i.e. NOT GOLD)
e) Bridge setup: Bigsby
greatest guitar ever, probably.
i will expect one at my doorstep within a fortnight.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-04-07 19:02:25 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Received the Carvin neck today. I'll start the project this week.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-03-14 20:08:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-03-14 03:55:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i just bought a Parker Nitefly M today. it's going to look good sitting next to my Les Paul.
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH......
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Pictures, please. Not that I doubt you, 'cos I don't; I just like to see cool guitars, especially in groups. skrapmetal.at.ratpackcycles.com
Also: Carvin relates that they're shipping the neck next week. Canna wait!
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-03-14 03:55:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
i just bought a Parker Nitefly M today. it's going to look good sitting next to my Les Paul.
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHH......
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2008-03-14 03:16:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-02-17 09:33:48 PST (#)
Ranking: 0
d) Finish options: Devastating Uppercut
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Yeah, I didn't know the button combinations for any of the fatalities either.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-28 22:33:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
http://www.bluestarmusic.com kindly sent me two LR Baggs X-Bridge and Ctrl-X mixers when I had ordered one set. I sent one set back as I hadn't ordered it or paid for it and I am an Eagle Scout (and therefore required to be honest). They reponded by saying I was real nice and providing, unasked, a stereo output cable, some guitar strings, some picks, and a guitar tuner/tone generator. See: It pays to be nice.
Submitted by jimilovw (user info) at 2008-02-26 15:25:56 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Agan wit d bitchin o typoz. Eye amm deliberately mispeling alll wordz inn hopess you're hed wil esplode.
Smel mye Facee fagitt
Submitted by jimilovw (user info) at 2008-02-26 14:53:36 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Hey lets make comments about typos.. not the content.
Try this: put your head in the toilet and breath in..
You owe the world a favor
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-22 18:39:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Tiger Maple in hand 2/22.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-21 18:18:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Tiger maple veneer received today. 10 sheets, 32" x 6-8" x 3/32". Most is tiger (sawn one way so it's striped) but some is birdseye (sawn 90 degrees off of tiger). I may use some as accents on a case for the guitar.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-20 07:39:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Update - LR Baggs transducer pickup in hand.
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-17 22:20:17 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-02-17 12:33:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
a) Body material: MDF
b) Pickup configuration: Nice dress, it would look better on my floor though
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix: Dude, Im like, totally Johnothan Harker, hya!
d) Finish options: Devastating Uppercut
e) Bridge setup: Taye Rail
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Bagpipes. That's all, just "bagpipes".
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-02-17 12:33:48 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
a) Body material: MDF
b) Pickup configuration: Nice dress, it would look better on my floor though
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix: Dude, Im like, totally Johnothan Harker, hya!
d) Finish options: Devastating Uppercut
e) Bridge setup: Taye Rail
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-17 12:27:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Updates to the project available at
http://www.ratpackcycles.com/Ubermusic/UberGuitar/UberGuitar%20Project.htm
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-16 14:27:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You do plan to post a shitload of pictures of it after you're done, don't you? It sounds like it will be awesome.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-16 13:48:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Also got some tiger maple veneer for the headstock. Except the fingerboard, it'll all be tung oiled and unsealed.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-15 19:39:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I have decided upon solid tiger maple for the body of this guitar, and a very light gold/clear finish over that. It will look great with the gold hardware.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2008-02-14 19:48:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-08 12:18:27 PST (#)
Ranking: 0
haikumikoo - I have a 1969 ES335. Tobacco/chrome. It is an excellent jazz guitar.
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Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 12:00:00 PST (#)
Ranking: 2
haikumikoo- actually, a '68 Gibson 12 string ES-335 that is in good shape can go for much more than 3K, depending on the hardware that's on it. we're talking over 20 grand here in some cases if it's got the Varitone tone filter circuitry and stereo output with a Bigsby tremolo. but without all the original hardware, i'm afraid, it's worth nothing.
i see a lot of bluesmen in Chicago play either those (6 string) or LP's. they're classic.
========
I dated this girl I really, really hated who was really, really ugly and a really, really huge bitch for an extra two weeks because she let me keep her Father's (who claimed he invented distortion in the early 60's) 58 LP at my house for...well, two weeks.
I don't know why I have skrap quoted, whatever, go us for having cool shit.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-14 15:42:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Received the Hardware yesterday.
Stopping by the exotic hardwood shop today.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-11 12:07:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Parts ordered so far:
Carvin Fretless NT6 neck with rosewood fingerboard and no inlay
Carvin M22T-1 and M22N-1 22-pole humbuckers with coil taps
Carvin gold hardware (tuners, knobs, switches, jack)
LR Baggs X-Bridge piezo bridge w/ Ctrl-X preamp/mixer (reviews indicate a better sound with solid body guitars than the Fishman)
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-11 09:03:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-08 16:17:11 CST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:14:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I just got an ESP Ltd EC-1000 not too long ago, looks and plays like a Les Paul but a hell of a lot lighter body, which is nice on my back. :)
=============
Many moons ago I started out with cheap-shit electrics. When I picked up my first Strat, I bitched about how heavy it was. Then I tried a Les Paul, and got my first hernia. . .
--------------------
Les Paul has been responsible for many hernias over the decades, indeed... :)
This particular ESP model is no cheap shit electric...Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield actually play them live as backups to their custom ESPs, among other metal/hard rock guitarists... MSRP $1200, I picked it up for around $800. Action is awesome and the pickups SCREAM...the light body is an added bonus. :D
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-10 17:13:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by littledan (user info) at 2008-02-08 21:58:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
...The only thing I wish I had in this guitar was some way to have the neck and bridge on at the same time.
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Easy. Next time you're changing strings, bust out the soldering iron and your little Phillips screwdriver. On the 5-way switch, swap the wires from the neck and middle pickups. Then you'll have (forward to aft switch knob position) middle, middle/neck, neck, neck/bridge, bridge.
Submitted by littledan (user info) at 2008-02-08 21:58:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
LittleDan - I've built a few guitars too. This will be my 23rd. Sold most of them, even paid for a couple semesters of college that way. Carvin offers a good wiring/shielding kit that I use on every one.
I was looking through www.1728.com/guitar.htm trying to decide on a switching setup. D'ju know you can get 94 tone variations out of three single coil pickups? No shit. 72 out of a couple humbuckers. Decisions, decisions.
=======================
94 Variatons? Jeez, that would be some big selector, hahaha. In phase, out of phase, all that. The only thing I wish I had in this guitar was some way to have the neck and bridge on at the same time. I'm not big on the in-between settings, i mainly use them to clean things up a bit, but I hear neck-and-bridge on a Strat is pretty useful.
As well, I'm in the process of building a Tele right now. Not really, but I picked up a Japanese Fender neck from the 80s, and i want to put it on an Ash body... mmmmm.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-08 21:46:19 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
LittleDan - I've built a few guitars too. This will be my 23rd. Sold most of them, even paid for a couple semesters of college that way. Carvin offers a good wiring/shielding kit that I use on every one.
I was looking through www.1728.com/guitar.htm trying to decide on a switching setup. D'ju know you can get 94 tone variations out of three single coil pickups? No shit. 72 out of a couple humbuckers. Decisions, decisions.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2008-02-08 20:35:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
.
Submitted by TheUniter (user info) at 2008-02-08 20:35:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-08 20:05:39 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by littledan (user info) at 2008-02-08 19:25:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
So I have no idea what kind of music you play, but the last guitar I built was like this:
Alder body, Natural finish (it's ridiculously thin too, like 4 or 5 coats of nitro... really resonant, but marks incredibly easy.)
Maple Neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 21 frets, big Fender "early CBS" headstock (I built a Strat).
3 pickups, 5 way switching, set to my liking. I take the tone control off of the neck pickup, and wire it to the bridge. The lack of resistor between the neck PU and controls makes it a little brighter, which is great for me. The middle pickup still has a tone control, but its position has been switched to where the neck tone usually is on the pickguard.
Pickups are GFS Overwound AlNiCo 5's. They were pretty cheap, but I'm more than impressed with the sound they put out. The "I wish I sounded like SRV and David Gilmour" Spanky and chimey tones are there. These Pickups are seriously great, and they're an incredible deal.
Other than that, make sure you shield the inside of your cavities, and dont skimp on the wire you use inside. I put cheaply shielded wire in it the first time, and it took hours and hours to realize that there was nothing wrong with any part of the cicuit; what actually got rid of most of the humming was putting a piece of coaxial TV cable in from the volume pot to the jack.
If you're going with some kind of tremolo bridge, the bigger the bridge block, the better the sustain. I can't tell if theres any difference between metals, but some people say steel is better than brass...
Hope this helps, I think a neck-through strat would be sweet!
=============
Dan, I tried both, and Iwould still go with brass over steel. . .
Submitted by littledan (user info) at 2008-02-08 19:25:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
So I have no idea what kind of music you play, but the last guitar I built was like this:
Alder body, Natural finish (it's ridiculously thin too, like 4 or 5 coats of nitro... really resonant, but marks incredibly easy.)
Maple Neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 21 frets, big Fender "early CBS" headstock (I built a Strat).
3 pickups, 5 way switching, set to my liking. I take the tone control off of the neck pickup, and wire it to the bridge. The lack of resistor between the neck PU and controls makes it a little brighter, which is great for me. The middle pickup still has a tone control, but its position has been switched to where the neck tone usually is on the pickguard.
Pickups are GFS Overwound AlNiCo 5's. They were pretty cheap, but I'm more than impressed with the sound they put out. The "I wish I sounded like SRV and David Gilmour" Spanky and chimey tones are there. These Pickups are seriously great, and they're an incredible deal.
Other than that, make sure you shield the inside of your cavities, and dont skimp on the wire you use inside. I put cheaply shielded wire in it the first time, and it took hours and hours to realize that there was nothing wrong with any part of the cicuit; what actually got rid of most of the humming was putting a piece of coaxial TV cable in from the volume pot to the jack.
If you're going with some kind of tremolo bridge, the bigger the bridge block, the better the sustain. I can't tell if theres any difference between metals, but some people say steel is better than brass...
Hope this helps, I think a neck-through strat would be sweet!
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:17:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:14:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I just got an ESP Ltd EC-1000 not too long ago, looks and plays like a Les Paul but a hell of a lot lighter body, which is nice on my back. :)
=============
Many moons ago I started out with cheap-shit electrics. When I picked up my first Strat, I bitched about how heavy it was. Then I tried a Les Paul, and got my first hernia. . .
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:14:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I just got an ESP Ltd EC-1000 not too long ago, looks and plays like a Les Paul but a hell of a lot lighter body, which is nice on my back. :)
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:06:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Goddamnit!! Method is right! I'M AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!
My friend's guitar is NOT a Gibson, it's a fucking GUILD 12-string, one of the "jumbo" variety.
I had the first letter right. :)
And I've played guitar for a long time, and owned Gibsons, Guilds, Fenders, Washburns, and Martins.
Old age hurts. . .
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 17:04:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i work with a guy that plays an old 60's Strat and it's in great shape. i think he said he paid about 5 grand for it. it's a pretty cool guitar.
i remember i used to hate Les Pauls. i always wanted a Gibson SG. i like light, thin guitars like that. then i bought a LP and i really enjoy playing it. i'm still on the lookout for the perfect Parker Fly Deluxe and i think i found one last night, actually, for 2 grand. i really should snatch it up now.
Submitted by Beano312003 (user info) at 2008-02-08 16:52:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
auto show of hands +2
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 16:36:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Bubba - can't say for certain, but if it truly is in immaculate condition then I would guess at least $5K. I don't know a lot about 12 strings.
But I can tell you that the bass player from my church has a near-immaculate '64 Fender Strat 6 string that was appraised at about $30K. I nearly creamed myself when he asked me if I wanted to play it, and then actually DID cream myself when I picked it up and jammed with him on it.
Ah, happy thoughts...
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 16:16:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
not sure. i don't know a whole lot about Gibson acoustics. never really liked any of them. when it comes to acoustics, i like Martins.
he should just do some research because i'm sure it's worth at least a couple grand if it really is in immaculate condition.
Submitted by Bubba2341 (user info) at 2008-02-08 15:20:06 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
A friend of mine has a 1958 Gibson acoustic twelve-string in immaculate condition. Word on the street is thatit is worth a bundle. What chu think, Hidden. Captain T.?
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-08 15:18:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
haikumikoo - I have a 1969 ES335. Tobacco/chrome. It is an excellent jazz guitar.
falafel - building electric guitars isn't difficult, especially if you do it the way I'm doing this one: Buy the neck aready done. Beyond that it's basic carpentry and soldering skills, plus some furniture-grade finishing skills and assembly. Anyone can do it.
Definitely going with the Fishman bridge in some configuration.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 15:00:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
haikumikoo- actually, a '68 Gibson 12 string ES-335 that is in good shape can go for much more than 3K, depending on the hardware that's on it. we're talking over 20 grand here in some cases if it's got the Varitone tone filter circuitry and stereo output with a Bigsby tremolo. but without all the original hardware, i'm afraid, it's worth nothing.
i see a lot of bluesmen in Chicago play either those (6 string) or LP's. they're classic.
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2008-02-08 14:21:25 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
One way or another, I will have the guitar I described, in some form or another.
Submitted by Falafel (user info) at 2008-02-08 14:03:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Because you really intend to build a custom guitar and surely to god, someone who can do that is more awesome than me.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2008-02-08 13:48:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 00:21:50 PST (#)
Ranking: 2
haikumikoo- suck my balls. what do you play, a Squire?
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Actually, the only electric I own is a Gibson E-series hollow body, 1968. It used to be a twelve string, but my poor, hippie Uncle converted it to a six string because he couldn't afford another guitar. My Father had it appraised, they said it would be worth 3K+ if it hadn't been converted, not that we would sell it anyway, he was just curious.
It's a really, really beautiful guitar, sounds nice too, just needs to be fixed up a bit. Something I was in the middle of doing before I moved to WA.
I need to get that bastard up here...
Heh, Squire, you so crazy, internet guy.
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2008-02-08 10:04:23 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
don't forget the sock covered guitar case...
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:50:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Skrap - I say do whatever the hell YOU want to do, in the end. As such, I shall keep my suggestions to a minimum.
But I do think a starburst pattern for the body would be nice. And, for the finishing touch, maybe an emu or a HA HA RABBIT inlay at the twelfth fret. You could also have Goatse logos around your volume and tone knobs.
OOH OOH OOH! You can even call it an "Electro" guitar when you're done!
"Guitar-molesting post"...I like that...rolls off the tongue nicely. :)
Submitted by orphelia (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:47:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
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Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 14:45:46 GMT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 03:21:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I DID IT! I FINALLY FUCKING DID IT! I GOT A FUCKING PERFECT SCORE ON GUITAR HERO FOR STRICKEN BY DISTURBED ON MEDIUM! THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT MOTHERFUCKERS!!!
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Wow, now ALL the ladies will want to sleep with you!
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We did anyway :)
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:45:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 03:21:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I DID IT! I FINALLY FUCKING DID IT! I GOT A FUCKING PERFECT SCORE ON GUITAR HERO FOR STRICKEN BY DISTURBED ON MEDIUM! THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT MOTHERFUCKERS!!!
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Wow, now ALL the ladies will want to sleep with you!
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:19:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 03:21:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I DID IT! I FINALLY FUCKING DID IT! I GOT A FUCKING PERFECT SCORE ON GUITAR HERO FOR STRICKEN BY DISTURBED ON MEDIUM! THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT MOTHERFUCKERS!!!
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OMG, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:16:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm not certain on all the details, but I think it should be all steel, with electrical wires attached directly to the fret board. This way you could save money on styling gel when you're rocking out, with the added bonus of putting on the most awesome show EVER.
Picture it!
Sparks flying, your hair standing on end! Smoke billowing out from your shoes! Bright lights and sirens illuminating your very presence!
To top it all off, if you're playing Death Metal, the way your face melts as the electricity hits you would definately qualify as "shock rock."(no pun intended, though it certainly fits)
The only downside is that it's a one time gig, but if you look at the bright side, your wife and kids will love your memory forever for the insurance policy that will pay off.
Not to mention your name will live on in infamy as the most awesome show ever.
All the critics will say "Now THAT was a dedicated man, willing to give it his all to rocking out!"
So whaddya think?
Submitted by MudWhistle (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:16:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
now I know a lot about wood but not much about guitars so bear with me but I've always thought that Cocobolo would make a fine guitar. I have set of three squares that have handles made of it and I find that wood (insert snicker) to be very pleasing in my hand. It's pretty heavy and very dense and would require minimal finish...in fact the oils from your hands would finish over time....sounds very Eco-Effective.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2008-02-08 09:15:58 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
why have I not thought to build one? may have to try it some time. I really like a birds eye maple.... you could do a burn in of the ü. I'll give this some more thought and try to report back later.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-08 07:27:12 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Good ideas here indeed. I'm expecting the neck in 2-4 weeks. This is going to be a fun project.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 04:15:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
https://host175.ipowerweb.com/~onlinegu/catalog/images/Minarik%20Inferno%20Cherbu.jpg
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2008-02-08 03:56:30 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
aluminum neck (id like that but you hava neck, i see)
24 "frets", or so that you can get way up there.
single humbucker at bridge. P90, passive.
maple body? does it matter? anything which gives ample sustain. or 2 peace mahogany?
single volume control, no tone, what the fuck is it for anyway?
tremolo? i just use my palm for getting a little vibrato, but for dive bombers, maybe a floyd rose or whatever is popular would be good. for simplicities sake, id go with a solid bridge.
tuners; GT or burns (can u get those in the US, probably not) i dunno...
strings; GHS, theys seem to withstand my body oils
now the fun stuff;
paint; some cool looking nosepaint from a WWII bomber, with a solid brown background
dots; little bombs
knobs; grenade or rocket shaped
there ya go, the brown bomber
amp; a hywatt, gotta love hywatts. marshall? ok, i have a marshall copy, but that's too easy just to say marshall. no no, a SOVTEK, now thats an industrial grade amplifier. a 70's russian sovtek!
or a 66 blender bassman which has creamy clean and a built in vibrato (fuck i miss that thing now)
ahem*
beers on the way in cans
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 03:21:50 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I DID IT! I FINALLY FUCKING DID IT! I GOT A FUCKING PERFECT SCORE ON GUITAR HERO FOR STRICKEN BY DISTURBED ON MEDIUM! THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT MOTHERFUCKERS!!!
haikumikoo- suck my balls. what do you play, a Squire?
this is my next guitar- http://fsquillante.free.fr/Photos/parker%20fly%20deluxe.jpg
trust me, none of you losers can afford it, so don't even dream about owning that guitar unless you want to sell your car to buy it.
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2008-02-08 02:35:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/electric_guitar/esp_sword_guitar/
---------
Excalibuitar.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2008-02-08 02:17:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
http://blog.makezine.com/ggggtwo.jpg
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/electric_guitar/esp_sword_guitar/
========
Those were pretty bad ass, the rest...ghey.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-08 02:02:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
check this shit out-
http://www.haloguitars.com/raptor.html
http://www.haloguitars.com/gvkg.html
http://www.haloguitars.com/custom.html
http://blog.makezine.com/ggggtwo.jpg
http://home.att.net/~steven.licata/darkaxe1.jpg
http://www.kevinchilcott-luthier.co.uk/images/royal-electra-by-marshall-stack.JPG
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/electric_guitar/esp_sword_guitar/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rutyA12z3Ok
and the best for last-
http://www.panopticist.com/graphics/pot_leaf_guitar.jpg
now watch this fat kid rock out-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATub40Npxik&feature=related
these two dorks sold their soul to the devil to be able to do this-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gdjyA1kayE&feature=related
Submitted by lungfish (user info) at 2008-02-08 01:51:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Note to self: This is about the gayest thing I've ever heard of.
Submitted by haikumikoo (user info) at 2008-02-08 01:48:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I approve of you and your idea, that being said, your spelling of the word "rediculous" is utterly ridiculous.
I think that the coolest sounding guitar I've ever heard was a Danelectro, the body was made out of cardboard. At least, that's what the owner of said guitar said.
I'm running out of mead tonight, finally.
Submitted by zxcvvcxz (user info) at 2008-02-08 01:44:02 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
make it look exactly like a gibson black beauty then send it to my house.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-07 23:15:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Some good ideas already, Shlongy notwithstanding. This is going to be a cool project.
Submitted by hidden101 (user info) at 2008-02-07 23:09:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
a) solid body carved mahogany with a thin neck for those fast as lightning solos (although you may want to think of a way to reinforce the neck to prevent warping)
b) HSH pickup configuration
c) EMG-81 active pickups for the humbuckers with the ability to switch to a DiMarzio Evolution single coil and an active Fishman preamp
d) if you come up with something cooler than Ken Parker's snakeskin design, u r teh winnar!!!
http://www.parkerguitars.com/code/models/models_fly_mojosnakeskin_intro.asp
e) Floyd Rose bridge
ps- if you actually do this, you are AWESOME
Submitted by ilikesteak (user info) at 2008-02-07 22:51:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
a) Body material (wood type, metal alloy, whatever)
I've always wanted to try this, but have always lacked the tools. Have a metal (skeleton-esq) frame body, with slats of wood (I'd go with mahogany) hanging from the guitar's frame. It could be made to any shape, but I'd probably go with a strat style body, as I like the way it fits against you standing and sitting. I'd leave the metal the color it is, or just polish it a little.
b) Pickup configuration (must fit in normal guitar geometery)
I'd put in two humbuckers, and a fishman setup at the saddles. Put the actual pickups on a slight angle
c) Pickup switching/amping matrix (pickup combinations, active/passive...)
I'd go with "Burstbuckers" if you wanted an actual pickup choice. I'd stay away from P90's and the like, as you'd want an origional sound for the guitar, as opposed to sounding the same as everyone else. I'm going to say a five way switch system. For the best setup, it'd be neck, saddle, all, the dead line, and at the very end, the fishman. Sure, they're supposed to be for acoustics, but you can play it through an acoustic amp too. Putting in the dead line, so if you want to cut the sound out altogether quickly, you can.
d) Finish options (paint colors/graphics...)
If you're going with the body I mentioned, you'd just have to polish the wood, maybe add some kind of varnish to make it all the same color with out actually painting it, and apply a light clearcoat. You can put the umlaut on one of the hanging slats.
e) Bridge setup (Floyd Rose, Steiner trem, Tune-o-Matic, String-Thru, other...)
I'd go with the "PAF" Floyd Rose, if you can get one.
If I can figure how to make it seem decent in paint, I'll put up a picture as reference.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-02-07 22:49:16 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
PAINT IT PURPLE AND PUT SOME MINNESOTA VIKINGS STICKERS ON IT BECAUSE NO ONE EVER THINKS OF DOING SOMETHING LIKE THAT!
WHAT DO I GET FOR COMING UP WITH AN ORIGINAL IDEA???
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2008-02-07 22:33:46 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice umlauts.
Sweet attempt at hot collaborative vision.
Submitted by Unabonger (user info) at 2008-02-07 22:22:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
you should make it a giant umlauted 'U' made from the same stuff that Wolverine's claws are made from.
I wish I knew how to make stuff like guitars...I play them but I've never built one.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-02-07 22:10:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
So, how do you tink this will go over?