guitman32

So you think its worth the trouble of ordering one for my V project? Do any of you use them in your projects?

If there is one thing I know in my 8 years of playing, its that the EMG 81 is my absolute favorite...nothing screams quite like it, and it seems to me that if you are trying to emulate James' sound, then youd probably want to go EMG.

So it doesnt have any effect on the stability of the neck or resulting tone??? In other words, its purely an aesthetic deal...

Hey all, First I want to say thanks to everyone for being so helpful...I havent really been able to give alot of input because I am a beginner, but I really appreciate all your help. I was looking through the Warmoth site in their hardware section, and I came across a "Neck Plate Pad". It can be found here Warmoth Hardware Page "Classy isolator pad" -say what now??? Now is this a necessary piece of hardware, or if not, what would this thing be used for? Rob

The holes will already be drilled, so I will just hammer them in...thanks for the input. I am thinking instead of installing a classic TOM bridge and stoppiece, to get a TonePros replacement. Anyone have experience with the TonePros units???

Bingo, I am definetly planning on finishing it myself, and I know this is not a finishing forum but... I know its mahognay, and I want to maintain a natural finish, so I have already read through ReRanch's 101 article a couple of times, and have a few questions. First, when applying the grain filler, what is the process of staining it to match the mahogany color? So I plan to , fill in the grain with filler and sand between applications, then apply S&S until the finish is level and al the grain is filled...but, does the S&S dry clear, allowing me to simply add a satin clear cloat of nitro after that, or would I need to do something different if I wanted a natural mahogany finish? Finally, what do you guys think about just applying tung oil to the finish, then just going straight to the satin nitro? I understand that this will leave the grain of the wood, but I think that it might me nice that way. Is my thinking correct or would this not turn out well? Rob

When installing the studs for a TOM assembly, how do you install them? Do you simply hammer them in the holes, or do you screw them in somehow? Thanks, Rob

Well guys and gals, I have made a decision...Both body and neck from Warmoth Body...Mahogany V, set for TOM bridge, rear control cavity, 2xH config, 1V, 1T Neck...Mahogany Back, Ebony Fretboard, 1 11/16 nut, Std Thin Back, and Stainless 6105 frets I hope this meets all your exacting standards Please feel free to comment...

Well guys thanks for all your input. In my original post iI was referring to a kit guitar...possibly ordering the body and neck from Warmoth. I did check out the Carvin site, and was amazed at the $0 charge for lefty models... I did a few calculations, and an entire guitar, to my own specs, including all the parts minus the pickups would total roughly $475 (body and complete neck from warmoth). This is a mahogany V body, Mahogany neck/w ebony fretboard, tuneomatic bridge, and only high quality components. I have not included the price of pickups because even if I bought one new, I would replace them. So now, is this guitar, fully built and finished by me, of comprable quality to a Carvin SC90S? This would not be including any options, and dont forget that I would replace the pickups. I have thought about this question, and realized that a neck-through, production guitar from Carvin would most probably be better in most aspects, minus maybe the wood. However, I love the fact that I could customize the finish of my own V, and that I could have a body that I really love (those Carvin bodies are a bit funky lookin to me). And furthermore, I would have that "satisfaction" of having built my own guitar rush through me evey time I pick it up, as daddy ray pointed out. My main concern is, however, sound quality, so if you all have any comments on how each guitars tonal qualities would compare, or any other thoughts, please contribute.. Rob

Thanks, I am heading over to Carvin now... I realize that I may have sounded like a bit of a beginner, but Ive been playing for 8 years now (I am 22) and gone through only two guitars...my first was a cheap yamaha, and my second, which I currently still own is a Japanese Jackson. I am a student, so my budget is of top priority.

So I am in the market for a new guitar and affordability is key. I am considering either buying a set-neck mid range instrument (Schecter, or maybe an Epiphone), or buying a neck and body and bolting a custom creation together. Before this post starts sounds really lame, I shall say that I am a lefty, so my guitar choices are somewhat limited when buying factory direct. This is why I was so turned on to the idea of building a custom bodied guitar to my specs rather than buy a way-too-expensive V or explorer. My ideal "home made" guitar specs are as follows: Mahogany Body, Mahogany or maple neck with ebony board....Tonepros bridge...as far as shape goes, V or Explorer... What my question boils down to is can I expect similar quiality in a home built bolt-on guitar as I would from a store bought set neck $500-800 guitar. By quality I mean construction quality, as well as tone and sustain. One final note is that I am looking to upgrade, so I am not just looking for a second axe...I am looking for something that can take my current guitars place as my main instrument of choice. All your input is greatly appreciated, and thanks for your patience. -Rob