LukeR

hi, thats one great guitar! What if you finished the top in a nice, deep translucent honey finish, and paint the underside of your pickgaurd (the surface that faces the guitar- not you) a metallic gold colour (ie, the pickguard will no longer be see-through). I hope this scheme doesnt sound tacky; You am I's Tim Rogers 'Crockenbacker' is finished in this fashion, and it is an unbelievably beautiful instrument kind regards, luke

Hi, Exactly what I hoped to hear Thanks again, Setch. Luke

Hi Setch, I was wondering... did the Rustins plastic coat react at all with the binding? May I ask what sort of binding you used? (I was just wondering, because apparently Rustins can react with different finishes, and with most binding being cellulose....) Anyway, congratulations again, Luke

Hi everyone, how are you all? My name is Luke, and I have already met some great people here, and i think that it is a really great forum. Obviously, as i am so new around here, i dont have any 'clout' or anything like that, but please, lets all calm down a little bit- this is such an informative forum, and it would be a real shame to see it go down hill- I mean, I am only fairly new here, but i can see that you are all VERY pashionate about this place. I thought that Guitarfrenzy's strat tutrial was a great read, and I thought the results were superb. I think that Anthony's les Paul is the greatest sunburst i have seen, and Litchfield, I have found many of your posts highly informative, and straight to the point. I think that one of the great things about the 'better' forums is that 1. The people are knowlegeble about the particular subject matter, and 2. The people are genuinely interested in HELPING OTHER PEOPLE to achieve a similar outcome. At this forum, both of the above are satisfied. I guess much bandspace is taken up with compliments on tasks well executed, but on the flipside, perhaps many of the main contributors would not be interested in helping people and share ideas if they were shown no gratitude for their efforts. Forwhat it is worth, I would say that I personally would rather see many pages of accolades, as opposed to a 'rant section' filled with nonsense. Anyway, i guess that what i am trying to say is that I highly respect all of the main contributors at this site, and i hope that an amicable resolution can be reached for you all. Take care, Luke Ps Drak- that thing looks cool! It isnt real...is it?

Hi man, I DOUBT that you have burnt out the transitor- the 2N2222 is silicon, and they can really take a battering, in most circumstances. I would try to make it without the pot from the positive nine volt first- it is much easier to follow the schematic, get it working, and then mod. Its pretty late at night here (and I have had a night out) so i wont try and trouble shoot it now, but ill try and have a look in the morning (if I get the time). Actually, I would ask Ansil (he is a member here). He could tell you, I am sure. Actually, to be completely honest, I doubt that this would be a very good sounding circuit (no offence). There is heaps of great fuzz schematics online. (it is possible that this circuit is a dud [i doubt it ] but I would try and make something like a silicon Fuzzface- the schematics are everywhere- it is easy to build- and easy to find help if you get stuck) Anyway, take care all. Luke

I saw Metallica back in 98 (in Brisbane) and also again last January (at the entertainment area, not the BDO) In 98, we lined up at 2pm to get inside- I think the doors opened at 7, and they came on at about 9. It was worth it- we were front row for the first hour (then lost strgnth, and ended up about 4 or so people in) at the last concert, we had the seats in the mosh area, and were again lucky enoughh to be front row. It was erally cool how the front section is set up in concerts now (a girl was crushed to death at the BDO in Sydney a couple of years back) so there is so much concern for safety. I was able to leave and make a quick phonecall, and STILL be back in the front row (right near where they hand out water to the peoples who crowd surf over the barrier thing). I think they limit how many tickets are sold for that area at the front -maybe 2-300 (?) it really wasnt that many people. I actually got a pick from James (they throw out handfulls and handfulls of picks at the end)- the Pick has a cartoon of Lars on it. A cool momento, and a great gig. The Rolling Stones is a really great gig to catch, if you can, but I didnt like Dylan when I saw him (it was a real letdown) well, take care, luke

Hi, um... you could try http://www.firebottle.com/fireforum/fireBB...m=pmgd&enter=go It is a pickupmakers forum, and they are really helpful and nice. Hope this helps, Luke

Exelent work, man! cool cat too! I would love to get one, but an allergic (and no are pets allowed here ) May your black cat bring you great luck with the v! Cheers, Luke

hahaha! . But really man, that is a really great looking guitar. That finish is like a mirror! Cant wait for no 3! Take care man, Luke

Excellent work man! really cool! and i like the blue mucsle shirt your wearing too (reflected in the second photo) Keep up the good work man! Luke

Hi guys, go to http://www.geofex.com/ and then press 'Ctrl' and 'f' (in-text search) for the name Maarten . He has written a great article on making an enclsure or a wah. However, I just bought a dead crybaby off ebay ($15 US), and then re-built it, to my specs. Its the easist (and cheapest) way to go. (and it sounds how YOU want it to). Sorry- i stand by my origional position- The Hot Potz REALLY is a waste of money. If you make your own pedal, and can justify spending $20 on a $2 part, fair enough, but In my experience, it is not worth it. Honestly, if you have a wah and some time up your sleeve, change the stock pot for one from radio shack- its near impossible to tell the differencetake care all, Luke

Hi All, Sorry for the History lesson... In Australia (where I live), we had a gold rush in the 1800s. alot of perople came from all over the world. Anyway, the people who came here made things, and sold them, etc, etc. Anyway, a law was passed that said anything made by a 'Chinaman' had to be labbled so. These things made by the Chinese, for instance, were considerably cheaper to buy (because only white people can make good stuff) (apparently). It was considered that the quality was less, becuase a 'Chinaman' could not have the skill level and craftmanship that a Caucasian had. Anyway, obviosly this law has long since been repealed, but it does explain one 'psychological' aspect of why 'Asian made' (excluding Japan, because of thier technological advancements) is considered (in many eyes)as being of inferior quality. (I believe most countries had similar laws around this time) Also, the price of labour is much cheaper in these Asian countries. Award rates are minimal at best, and with no unions, it pretty much stays at a low level. Therfore, low cost, passed on to consumer = large profit-high output, as opposed to large profit-low output. Cheap labour makes this possible; you can make 100 floyd rose copies in Korea for the cost of 5 in the US, for example. I personally have found that the quality is more varied in 'generic' parts (because of the high output) but if you inspect what you are buying (and choose carefully) bargins are to be had. That said, it would be impractical for, say, PRS to inspect EVERY cheap tune o matic that it would need (due to sheer volume), so they would purchase large quanties of product where the quality is VERY consitant. Therefore, the non generic parts are purchased. But if, like me, you are just making a guitar or two for yourself or a friend (not looking to get into huge manufacture) then i would suggest buying cheaper parts, but make sure that you thoughorly inspect them before purchase. Take care all, Luke

Hi man i woundlnt be concerned about that. Hot Pots is a custom pot that has an extenmded sweep. If you want a replacement, I would just try a radioshack pot, in the same value. I would try an audio pot- I think that is what I put in my crybaby - although it could be a linear. either way, whilst the Hotpot is good, I dont really think its sworth the price. Hope this helps, Luke

For me, Brian hit the nail on the head. (Claypool and McCartney).

Hi guys, With EVH, i think it was a 335, and the band said "You aint Roy Orbison. Either get some dark glasses, or loose the guitar". oh, and for me, 'Playablity'. (Dont mean to thread-hack, but I have noticed so many guitar players[myself included] when asked this question always say 'plability' or sound over looks). But it never counts with women, does it? I mean, we will go to hell and back to get an attractive woman, but avoid the friendly ugly ones like the plauge. So for women, looks, but guitars, playability. (I think maybe i have my priorities wrong ) Anyway, take care guys, Luke

Hi, i have a customised marshall JCM 900 (originally came with 5881 valves, changed to el34s). It is a surprisingly underrated amp. It has a great clean channel (its no fender, but still and all) and the crunch channel is really great. I use heaps of effects (well, i have heaps of effects)- Generally, boutique or heavily modified. My main overdrive pedal is a Hotcake, as well as Klon Cenataur. My wah is a Jim dunolp Wah, that has been heavily modified. However, i only like cheap time-based effects (Like danelectro, some Dod, ect). (All modified for true bipass, though). I have made myself germanium Fuzz face clones, Ts808 Tubescreamer clones and a Tychobrahe Octavia (to name a few) My main guitar is a 71 SG. Oh- i also make my one cables- (honestly, it is cheaper than buying good leads, and is quite easy, and the results can be truely amazing). Take care all, Luke

hi, yes... that has definately been hit on the ground- like an axe. the edge facing the camera is flattened- indicating that this was the impact surface. I dont think its water damage- I would think there would be more residual damage if it was. Cheers, Luke

Excellent guitar man! I was wondering, though, maybe you could put the pup selector in the same position as the Les Paul? It would take alot of buggering around, but I think it would look REALLY cool- and add a bit extra 'gibson' vibe to the guitar (as well as the fender vibe). Just a thought- great work once agin man! Luke

yeah, zvex pedals are great.... Z ach Vex himself hangs out alot at Aron's DIY stompbox forum. He wont give away schematics, but he is fairly happy to discuss his ideas and how he gets them. Nice fellow, too. Luke

Hey Ultime, the Mp3 sounds really cool! I wouldnt mind getting one of those myself now! cool playing to! Luke

Well, I am willing to BET that it is a zvex (www.zvex.com). I know for a fact that JF uses them. listen to the samples at the site, and you will find what you are looking for. Luke

Hi, When you say Rustins, what product do you mean? Your results look great- i would love to use the same on my guitar. By the way, its looking brilliant. Luke

Here is some photos of what I think the instrument should look like...is this is, Ultimate? Luke http://www.woodsong.com/sold/gtr4_mart_t28.htm

hahaha Yes, it has worked for me, its probably worth trying. But dont hold me responsible take care all, luke

Hi man, i dont want to be responsible for ruining your dad's guitar, so please ask others opinions, but i have had great results using graphite powder. http://www.firebottle.com/ampage is a great forum- i am sure they will point you in the right direction. Cheers, Luke