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[Spluff]

Real men have no need for such things. Real men use gravel.

[BaneAtvar]

Anyone got any good (or bad) references on Weeping Willow Lutherie?

I'm thinking about ordering one of them bad mother-effers.

[Bearer]

Ok, I was wrong again, turns out it's an ES-300 actually.  Still, behold what a 60 year old Gibson archtop looks like:









I have no more words for how godly this thing is.  The tone is angelic, the sustain goes on for miles, and it's roughly 60 fucking years old!  Vintage?  Only hell yeah!

My dad sent it out to get restored after his mom found it in her basement (shortly after her husband died).  It has a LOT of history.  It was given to my Grandfather by a friend where he didn't actually play it all that much.  After he got older, it was given to his two sons (he's actually my step grandfather).  Those sons abused the guitar in a horrible fashion, the neck cracked, the finish battered, the pickguard broken, pouring some sort of irremovable sealant on the pickups, etc...).  Then, it was given back to my grandfather where it was kept in the basement.  After he died, my Grandmother found it, and my Dad (with the help of my rocker Aunts) decided to have it restored.  It comes back to us now almost new!  It's like walking into a guitar shop in the 40's and seeing this thing with a "for sale" sign on it.  The only complaint is that the pickguard broke off during transit, so My dad's going to rip those guys a new one, but until then, this work of art is in my house!

[Ballard]

I was going to be the first one to say something.

.. but I don't really have anything to say.

(Can we kill him and take it, guys? He can't see if you type in parentheses)

EDIT: fuck yes new page

[valley_parade]

Holy FUCK. Nice.

(do we keep it or eBay it?)

[Cernunnos]

HAUGHLABLAUUUUUGH

[Patrick]

Whoa whoa whoa. What the FUCK. You see on the headstock veneer under the new logo? Look at the indented bit. That is fucking bullshit. They put the new Gibson logo over top of the original one.

I mean, damn, that is a beautiful restoration job, but what the fuck did they do to that headstock logo?

[Bearer]

Ya know, now that I see what you mean (I hadn't noticed it cause like I said, not a nerd (yet)), that is kind of disturbing.

Most of the hardware had to be replaced (Parts of the tail-piece, all the tuners, and one of the knobs), the neck had to be planed, and a lot of body work.  It also had to be refinished.  Even if the headstock logo is messed up, It's still pretty beautiful to behold.

[Ballard]

The question is, does this have any vintage value at all anymore? Or just mega cool points?

[Patrick]

I'd say it's mostly massive cool points, but if the wood is still the same (it appears to be, that maple don't look new...) and if the pickups and the electronics are the same (those pickups are the only things I'd have worried about, and they're pretty obviously the same ones) then I'd say you still get a good dose of vintage value. This is just me, though.

Do you have any "before" shots?

[Bearer]

Unfortunately no, I don't.  We didn't have a working digital camera when my dad first picked it up.  Looking back, I REALLY wish I did.  Also, yes, the pickups are the same.  They also gave us all the old replaced parts in a bag.  Also, the guitar was totally unplayable in it's before state.  Rusted and broken parts all over the place, it was a mess.

[Ballard]

They also gave us all the old replaced parts in a bag.

This is really important.

Keep those parts no mater what. If you ever decide to sell the guitar, it will be worth twice as much with the parts included.

I can't really explain this phenomenon, but hardcore collectors care far more about original parts than overall playability.

For example, an old Ampeg amp came into the shop I work at with a completely busted, torn in half leather handle on top. I was charged with taking off the old handle and brackets and putting on a new set. Once I was done, I signaled to my boss that the job was finished and innocently said "so, should I just throw these out?" referring to the original, busted shit.

The guy nearly DOVE at me before I could do it. He then explained that there are plenty of nuts who, if they were to be interested in the amp for it's vintage value, would only buy it with the original parts included.

Fuckin', you could collect the dust off a long untouched Marshall head and sell it on eBay as "vintage 60s dust"

[RipTatermen]

Man, that burst is gorgeous. It looks like a light in a dark room. Generally when I see a dark burst, I assume they fucked up one of the edges or the wood was bad, but that looks great.

[BaneAtvar]

One of the best looking archtops I've ever laid my eyes on.

You are one lucky dude, I'll tell you that.

[imapiratearg]

UUUHHHHNNNN MMMHMMN NUHHHH....

Oh god.  I need a new pair of boxers... 

[Just One More...]

Okay, so I'm not exactly the rich kind of person. To me, five hundred dollars is a lot to spend, even on a guitar. But I'll be getting a job, and money shouldn't be a problem. Here's what I'm thinking about. It's gonna be the ultimate setup for me.

•Ibanez S5470
•DS1(or DS2) Distortion Pedal
•Seymour Duncan SH-PG1 Pearly Gates Pickup
•Fender Vintage Noiseless Strat Pickup
•DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Pickup
•Monster Cable S-100(21')
•Raven RG100 amp (100watts)
•Gator Deluxe Electric Case
And, considering the music I play, either
•Polyweb1050 strings
•Super Bullets 3250 LR strings
or
•Nanoweb12052 strings

I want a guitar I can shred with on high distortion, yet also do some thick rhythm work and also some stuff on clean, just for fun. This is the setup I came up with, but it's $2101.82, and I was wondering if anybody can help me out a bit to improve the list or improve the price without taking a drastic step down in quality. Any help? You can find the guitar I'm talking about at http://ibanez.com/images/finalzoom/S5470TKS.jpg and I'm pretty sure that the pickups I described are pretty self explanatory.

[valley_parade]

They also gave us all the old replaced parts in a bag.

I can't really explain this phenomenon, but hardcore collectors care far more about original parts than overall playability.

I saw the volume and tone knobs from a '61 Strat on eBay once with a BIN of $200. Seriously.


Also, Just One More..., why would you put three different brands of pickups into one guitar? Doesn't make sense to me.

[imapiratearg]

Okay, so I'm not exactly the rich kind of person. To me, five hundred dollars is a lot to spend, even on a guitar. But I'll be getting a job, and money shouldn't be a problem. Here's what I'm thinking about. It's gonna be the ultimate setup for me.

[Stuffs.]

I want a guitar I can shred with on high distortion, yet also do some thick rhythm work and also some stuff on clean, just for fun. This is the setup I came up with, but it's $2101.82, and I was wondering if anybody can help me out a bit to improve the list or improve the price without taking a drastic step down in quality. Any help? You can find the guitar I'm talking about at http://ibanez.com/images/finalzoom/S5470TKS.jpg and I'm pretty sure that the pickups I described are pretty self explanatory.

Schecter Stilettos seem to be like the guitar you want for significantly cheaper and a single coil pickup in the neck instead of a humbucker.  I'd look into getting a different distortion pedal, too.  ProCo RATs are kind of hard to find, but they're cheaper and give you crazy amounts of distortion and a good range of tones.  About those pickups, the ones in that Schecter guitar appear to be EMG pickups.  I don't have a lot of experience with them, but they appear to be pretty okay.  For an amp, you might want to check out the Vox Valvetronix series, but that Raven amp appears to be pretty nice.  I mean, the Vox amps come with a bunch of built-in effects, but you're getting pedals anyways, and I don't think you really feel like laying down some extra cash on a tube amp.  However, if you do want to do that, check out Fender Hot Rod Deluxes and Vox AC15s.  Get whatever case you want.  Something with an arched top will be really sturdy.  Strings don't really matter to me, so I just play D'Addario, and they're alright.

[Just One More...]

Okay, so I'm not exactly the rich kind of person. To me, five hundred dollars is a lot to spend, even on a guitar. But I'll be getting a job, and money shouldn't be a problem. Here's what I'm thinking about. It's gonna be the ultimate setup for me.

[Stuffs.]

I want a guitar I can shred with on high distortion, yet also do some thick rhythm work and also some stuff on clean, just for fun. This is the setup I came up with, but it's $2101.82, and I was wondering if anybody can help me out a bit to improve the list or improve the price without taking a drastic step down in quality. Any help? You can find the guitar I'm talking about at http://ibanez.com/images/finalzoom/S5470TKS.jpg and I'm pretty sure that the pickups I described are pretty self explanatory.

Schecter Stilettos seem to be like the guitar you want for significantly cheaper and a single coil pickup in the neck instead of a humbucker.  I'd look into getting a different distortion pedal, too.  ProCo RATs are kind of hard to find, but they're cheaper and give you crazy amounts of distortion and a good range of tones.  About those pickups, the ones in that Schecter guitar appear to be EMG pickups.  I don't have a lot of experience with them, but they appear to be pretty okay.  For an amp, you might want to check out the Vox Valvetronix series, but that Raven amp appears to be pretty nice.  I mean, the Vox amps come with a bunch of built-in effects, but you're getting pedals anyways, and I don't think you really feel like laying down some extra cash on a tube amp.  However, if you do want to do that, check out Fender Hot Rod Deluxes and Vox AC15s.  Get whatever case you want.  Something with an arched top will be really sturdy.  Strings don't really matter to me, so I just play D'Addario, and they're alright.

Thanks. Also, the pickups were... *looks for info* HGD1 humbucker, ST1 singlecoil, and HGD2 humbucker.
But The thing is that I kinda like it when the single coil is set in between the two humbuckers. Eh. Either way, I'll keep what you said in mind. Thanks!

[pica_tainhas]

Anyone got any good (or bad) references on Weeping Willow Lutherie?

I'm thinking about ordering one of them bad mother-effers.

I bought a Red Fiesta Surf Rod and i have no words to describe my happiness!!!!

You can see a pic of it here http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img7947ct3.jpg

My advice is send a mail to them cause Rich (WWL owner) is a gentleman and he'll drive you thru the buying process just to be sure that you are going to get what you want.
I'm not even from US and the final package has fulfill my highest expectations!

And the axe is wonderful!!!! Full of tone. I'm glad that i didn't bought a mass production guitar cause the difference is huge!

[valley_parade]

Archtop acoustics are awesome, man.

[Lummer]

Those archtops just OOOOZE class. I love it.

[valley_parade]

Have you seen the new one Godin has out? $520 at Musician's Friend, god DAMN.

[Tehz]

My God that is gorgeous.

[diablo_man]

not to rock the boat here, but i would like to see some more archtops without the traditional f-hole shape. they could probably do a lot of equally classy and just as functional work with other shapes and locations.

[Patrick]

I dunno dude, I'd an archtop with a single central round hole would look pretty stupid. And it'd probably be a bitch to brace the top, too.

[squawk]

And only Rics look good with that slashy thing

[Tehz]

Speaking of Rickenbackers, I've been dying to get my hands on one, preferably a 620/6 solid body. As soon as I have the money, that shit is mine.



Mmmmm.....

[Caspian]

Have you seen the new one Godin has out? $520 at Musician's Friend, god DAMN.

I'd hit it.

[diablo_man]

I dunno dude, I'd an archtop with a single central round hole would look pretty stupid. And it'd probably be a bitch to brace the top, too.

well i wasnt thinking about a single central hole like an acoustic, but maybe something more creative like on the ovation acoustic guitars

maybe not that design, but you see what i mean about a possible different configuration

[Ballard]

ProCo RATs are kind of hard to find

They are? They're as common as you get around here, second to Big Muffs.

In fact I bought one today at Sam Ash of all places (trash store but someone gave me a $200 gift card there for my birthday and I couldn't resist bombing it on pedals).

[imapiratearg]

Well, 'round these parts, I had to ask for one to be ordered.  I've never seen one in any of the guitar shops I've been to up here.

[valley_parade]

Yeah, but you live in Vermont. They make all their pedals out of maple syrup up there.

[doombilly]

Never been a fan of the Ovations. But I can see what you mean about the sound holes. Maybe if the back of the guitar wasn't tupperware .

[imapiratearg]

Yeah, but you live in Vermont. They make all their pedals out of maple syrup up there.

That, or granite.

WE PUT THE "ROCK" IN "ROCK 'N' ROLL"

[jeph]

YOU GUYS

CRESTON FUCKING GUITARS

http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?id=1161&gid=14
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?gid=14&id=1036
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?gid=14&id=799


!!!!!!!!! http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?gid=14&id=1160 !!!!!!!

[Ballard]

DO WANT DO WANT.

But at $1500-2000 I think I'd choose a standard American Tele and a decent tube amp (my current best case scenario wishlist) over these.

[imapiratearg]

That second to last one looks gorgeous.  Barnwood?

[Christophe]

Oh God, are those beautiful. I want those two Teles right now or I'm killing everyone in this thread.

[jeph]

Barnwood = wood from an actual barn.

Fucking badass.

[Tehz]

The barnwood custom is absolutely stunning.

[greenMonkey]

That brown tele is pretty much my ultimate solid-body.

[DMart]

For an added challenge I'd like to see him find a tree whose stump profile would sit comfortably on your lap, cut off a bit thick enough for a guitar body (sorta like the top of these), and...well the rest is fairly obvious.

These ones are also particularly awesome...
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?gid=29&id=478
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail.php?gid=48
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail.php?gid=65
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail.php?gid=81
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail.php?gid=96
http://www.crestonguitars.com/gallery/detail_full.php?gid=68&id=1210

okay, i think i have a thing for rustic-looking metal-scratchplated guitars.

EDIT: Haha I just realised this probably stems from my banjo having rusted metal bits and a thoroughly stained skin.

[imapiratearg]

Barnwood = wood from an actual barn.

Fucking badass.

Yes I realized that.  But barnwood?  Isn't that like, solid oak?

[Caspian]

Those teles don't look all that great. But then again I can't say I've ever found the tele shape particularly appealing- or indeed tele's in general. The clean tone w/the neck pickup is quality, but that's it, really. that dark brown one looks cool, though.

[DMart]

Yes I realized that.  But barnwood?  Isn't that like, solid oak?

150-yr old pine front and back, curly maple core

[Shreazla]

I'm in the same situation as imapiratearg, being a professional pianist, but am looking to pick up the guitar soon, so I thought I would ask a couple questions here, this being "the guitar thread.

First, I'm looking to teach myself - I already have a shit-ton of music theory behind me, so I don't need to worry about learning the basics like string names, and what chords are versus notes, or how to read music - I do however need to learn all of the chords, how to read tabs, different strum rhythms, and the like - also a bit of the guitar literature for the different levels

So what would be the best way for me to do this?  is there a method I should follow, or should I just pick up a random chord chart sheet, and try playing as many songs as I can with those chords, adding new chords/songs as I go?  Should I try to learn a mix of classical guitar and rock at the same time, or should I start with one or the other?

Also, I need to get a guitar - I'm going to buy one, but have no idea what a quality guitar for a beginer would be like - I don't need anything to terribley amazing, but just want something solid and dependable, and relatively affordable if possible.

So, any advice?

[Patrick]

I dunno dude, I'd an archtop with a single central round hole would look pretty stupid. And it'd probably be a bitch to brace the top, too.

well i wasnt thinking about a single central hole like an acoustic, but maybe something more creative like on the ovation acoustic guitars
(ugly)
maybe not that design, but you see what i mean about a possible different configuration

I've always thought that Ovations both looked and sounded really 'meh' to me.

Also, guys, using wood that was previously used to make something else = old trick. Look at Brian May's Red Special. Fucker was made out of an oak mantle and the tremolo spring was taken off of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle kickstand.

Should I try to learn a mix of classical guitar and rock at the same time, or should I start with one or the other?

Play the few good songs off of Billy Talent II, it'll give you plenty of both.

[FireAarro]

YOU GUYS

CRESTON FUCKING GUITARS

CR-9 pretty coool

[Chad K.]

So, my band has asked me to start playing guitar on some of our songs, which are largely jazz-ish rock stuff, so I went on a hunt for a cheap-ish hollowbody or semi-hollow.  I tried out a ton of guitars and ultimately settled on a used natural Epiphone Dot.  I wasn't really expecting to like it at all, especially given the chunky neck, but the string action is amazing and the sound couldn't be beat in the price range.  It doesn't quite have the pop of a 335, but that extra high and mid response isn't near noticeable enough to justify a $1600- $2000 difference.  I am assuming a change in pickups may go light years toward correcting this problem. 

Anybody else have experience with Epi semi and hollow guitars?  My guitar player currently uses a goldtop 295 that is freakin' unbelievable.  I really think they are making some of the best jazz guitars in their price raneg right now.