#44 - Skip's Flamed 390 DoubleCut

[AK_NorPine]

I got some free time so thought I'd help the shop out by starting my own In Progress thread.
So this is serial #44 which I asked for cause its a cool number. Otherwise this would be #40,
which is not a bad number at all as far as numbers are concerned.

I've told J to use the Cu22 triple soap for the source spec for this build,
but I want him to do his interpretation of a triple soapbar guitar.

It was about a year ago now at Xmas time that I got my McCarty in for my deposit.
Shortly thereafter, Jason said why dont you check out the tops he had in the shop.
I thought I'd go with this one (its gonna be a doubleCut despite the cardboard singleCut):

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/Flame22.jpg

I recently was asked to pick out a neck from these 2 that Jason obtained last week, mine is the quartersawn one on top.
I want it to have a nice silky smooth satin finish maybe with some sort of vintage tint to it, or
I'm sure J can do something sweet with it and we'll see what his ideas are for finishign the neck.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/necks.jpg

These phots are from 9/11 update thread and the only ones I've seen of the body so far,
I hear that it has progessed but have no photographic evidence, hint hint.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/BodyGluedTop.jpg

heres the Limba for the body/back:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/BodyGluedBack.jpg


Looking forward to this build.
It should really start getting fun now and I look forward to
Jason GOING OFF on this one!

[AK_NorPine]

I only get to put 4 images in a single post, so where was I?

As far as the color of the top, I had another thread about finishes in
the questions forum. I am thinking about doing a "skyBurst".
Like a vintage yellow going to blue(Like on Bills lefty DC) on the edges.
Aint it crazy but I think it could be cool. Though people look at me funny whn I talk about it. We'll see what happens.

Oh yeah, I want J to think about how to incorporate something like this into the
Headstock and 12th fret "S" inlays. And it needs to be Blue against the
oh so sickly flamed maple fretboard.


http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiral.gif

I now defer to the Luthier & the membership for commentary. Thank you very much.

[goof1073]

Nice choices!!

Also love the serial number...4 is my favorite number as well.

[Schroeder]

A couple of quick pics!! Sorry about the lighting! Didn't realize how bad they were. Lots more to come.

http://www.schroederguitars.com/photos/Skip/skip.jpg
http://www.schroederguitars.com/photos/Skip/skip3.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Wow you've been a carving and a shaping Jason, looks great.

[vangit]

Looks awsom Skip!

[AK_NorPine]

Can I change that to a chopper body?
.
.
.
.
.
Simple Attempt at humor.

[danno_eleven]

I could bandsaw the upper horn off for ya, is that chopped enough? :D

[Schroeder]

LOL. The NO-horn!!

Hey Skip we should talk about your inlay. Getting close!!

[AK_NorPine]

maybe we should stick with the Double Cut boys and girls.....you didnt cut the Horn off? OHHHH NOOO&#$%%@


here is a quick sketch Athena did for my logo "S" spiral theme.
I think I like the Top Right one? Or bottom right?
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/AkSpiralSlogo2.jpg

[goof1073]

My vote is for the bottom right...is still gives the feel of J's S-Inlay, but breaks up the lines / is different.

[sxracer193]

I like the bottom left because it is making me crazy looking at it.

Dave

[Athena]

maybe we should stick with the Double Cut boys and girls.....you didnt cut the Horn off? OHHHH NOOO&#$%%@


here is a quick sketch Athena did for my logo "S" spiral theme.
I think I like the Top Right one? Or bottom right?
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/AkSpiralSlogo2.jpg
My fave is also the bottom right. I think that's the best looking overall. The bottom left is fun but I'd hate to be responsible for all the eye strain it will cause. ;-> Unless we could program it to deliver a subliminal message while it hypnotizes you... "Buy lots of Schroeder Guitars now!...LOL

...Ath

[Schroeder]

Unless we could program it to deliver a subliminal message while it hypnotizes you... "Buy lots of Schroeder Guitars now!...LOL

...Ath

Ath,
I like it! I think you are onto something!!! ;)
J

[AK_NorPine]

Hi Ath & J,
First off a UM Terrapin here has to say hi to Athena as I see you live in the Great state of Maryland!

I just did a quick search for "blue inlay material", do youhave such mat'ls available?My main goal is that the inlay be visible against the maple fretboard.
I do not like how PRS maple necked birds are NOT easy to see!

"Abalone Blue"
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/IM-Abalone-Blue.jpg

Malachite:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/IM-Lapis.jpg

New Zealnd Paua
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/nzpaua.jpg

Azurite Malachite:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/Azurite-Small-Malachite.jpg

[WinstaBull]

The New Zealand Paua is sick....

[r9player]

I like the bottom right as well ... a turquoise could be pretty cool

[Athena]

Hi Ath & J,
First off a UM Terrapin here has to say hi to Athena as I see you live in the Great state of Maryland!
That I do...for now anyway. I spent one semester at UM back in '80.


I just did a quick search for "blue inlay material", do youhave such mat'ls available? My main goal is that the inlay be visible against the maple fretboard.
I do not like how PRS maple necked birds are NOT easy to see!
I have all those materials and more. Paua is pretty, but even "blue" paua isn't usually very dark and is mixed with other colors. There is dyed paua used in jewelry, etc. but it's a surface treatment and will sand right off. When you look at any shell at the angle it's "flash" is on, it will be very bright and reflect a lot of light. This will decrease it's contrast with the light fretboard. Here's some raw paua blanks reflecting light:
http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/Paua.jpg

Here's a shot of 3 kinds of recon stone - azurite/malachite, azurite/chrysocolla and clear lapis:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/ReconStone.jpg

This will look dark from all angles and can be a uniform color if your prefer. Another option is dyed, stabilized wood. This is a really nice natural material - usually maple or box elder burl which is impregnated with dye and stabilizer in a vacuum chamber. It's just like the dyed wood guitar tops... except you won't sand throught it - the dye and the "finish" go all the way through the wood. I've got several varieties of blue. Here are just a few:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/StabWood.jpg

...Ath (material junkie)

http://www.schroederguitars.com/forums/home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/Paua.jpg

[Athena]

Click on the small image below to bring up a larger one:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/SpiraLogoMaterials-T.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/SpiraLogoMaterials.jpg)

I quickly cut the bottom left design out of some materials I had scanned a while ago for another purpose. The lapis recon is a uniform color and not smooth enough to scan properly, so I just used a solid color. All the rest are dyed stabilized wood.

...Ath

[AK_NorPine]

Very cool Ath, thanx so much for the mock ups!

I think I like the azurite/malachite. The dyed wood is pretty psychedlic/trippy which is also very interesting as I like tie dye art. But the inlay at the 12th fret and on the headstock is so small that the cool effects might be lost if using the dyed wood option?

[Athena]

Very cool Ath, thanx so much for the mock ups!

I think I like the azurite/malachite. The dyed wood is pretty psychedlic/trippy which is also very interesting as I like tie dye art. But the inlay at the 12th fret and on the headstock is so small that the cool effects might be lost if using the dyed wood option? I use the dyed wood for even tiny pieces. You might not see all the details unless you look closely, but the overall effect from a distance still looks good. You can use a synthetic uniform solid color material that might look similar from a far distance, but when you look closely you don't get any extra interesting details.

The details on the azurite/malachite aren't subtle, like the real thing. You're going to have decent-sized random green blobs. Here's examples from the piece I have here:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/SpiraLogoAzMal.jpg

Recon stone is stone dust in an acrylic resin. Real solid stone is heavy and hard to cut and sand. Every once in a while you see someone using some small pieces of real turquoise, but all the other "stone" inlay (PRS included) you see is "recon". It's also very fragile and cracks if you look at it wrong.

...Ath

[Athena]

BTW another reason I like the abbreviated spiral is that it has a little more of the feel of a native petroglyph. The outer rings of the larger design are too regular. But maybe that's the look you're going for?

Let me know if you're utterly set on that spiral, or if you might like something a little more stylized/funky/native/etc. Here are some quick stock examples...

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/SpiralsOther.jpg

None quite what I'd use, but it gives you a little example. I can draw you a slightly looser spiral if you like.

...Ath

[AK_NorPine]

Funky is good in my book. So is psychedelic/trippy stuff. SO if we can merge the 2 that could be pretty cool. Thanx so much for all you've shown to get me thinking. I'll bring in my wife Liz who is kind of crafty/artsy. It was her idea to use the spirals as the main symbol at our wedding.

[AK_NorPine]

Just got a progress shot of my neck from Jason, looking good. Probably time to finalize my Inlay plans I bet?

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/neckProgress.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

I was thinking of something like this for the color of my neck, I assume that the Flame will JUMP out when done, eh Jason? Anybody have any other pics of vintage neck examples?

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/vintageNeck.jpg

[goof1073]

Nice neck...wonder if your's came from the same blank as mine?

http://www.schroederguitars.com/photos/Chris%20G/Chris%20neck%20blank.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Nice neck...wonder if your's came from the same blank as mine?

I think Jason just purchased the blanks last month for Hiroki's # 2 as well as mine, from his crack dealer.

[AK_NorPine]

Well its been below zero here in AK for a week (which hasnt happened for 10 yrs) and I'm a bit bored at work, so nothing better to do but entertain you ForumHeads with some pretty pics and mindless drivel.

So I was thinking of getting some sort of weird burst, something going from Yellow in the center to blue at the edges. For lack of a name, I was gonna call it a "SkyBurst". There's a thread over in the Questions part of this site called "Finishes" where I got some opinions on color schemes. Using the USACG Virtual Designer it would of looked something like this:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/usacgskyburst2.jpg


Most people asked what I'd been smoking and why would you want to do that to a perfectly good piece of Maple? I guess that thinking has rubbed off on me and I'm leaning towards doing a solid blue. Something more along the lines of these 2 JZS colors.........
exhibit A - Bryans DC:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/jzs_blue.jpg

or (exhibit B) - Bills DC which I think is a bit more intense (good)

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/jzs_bill_topfinishBlue.jpg



Now these will look cool with vintage yellow tinted control knobs, p90 covers and pup selector switch cover, thus matching my neck color. And I'd kind of be getting my SkyBurst effect of yellow against blue. So nobody will end up being offended by a hideous burst of yellow to blue and no small animals will be harmed, injured nor maimed testing those colors. My weekend starts tonite so you all take er easy now and enjoy the buildS. Here endeth todays post.

[buickrob]

I figure if you want a yellow to blue burst then go for it. Bryan and Bills guitars are sweet but it's your custom build, if you like yellow to blue do it. Don't worry about others opinion when you are having a guitar built for you from scratch!

[Athena]

Well its been below zero here in AK for a week (which hasnt happened for 10 yrs) and I'm a bit bored at work, so nothing better to do but entertain you ForumHeads with some pretty pics and mindless drivel.

So I was thinking of getting some sort of weird burst, something going from Yellow in the center to blue at the edges. For lack of a name, I was gonna call it a "SkyBurst". There's a thread over in the Questions part of this site called "Finishes" where I got some opinions on color schemes. Using the USACG Virtual Designer it would of looked something like this:
{snip}
The general idea isn't all that wacky... though most I've seen are blue to natural or blue to green. Like most things, it all depends on how it's done.

There are several blue burst jazz boxes. I'd have to dig a bit to find pix. But those are mostly spruce tops. Here's a nice Veillette with a gradual, suble burst and just a little natural/yellow in the very center:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Eath3na/Veillette.jpg

I think that looks quite nice, but that's just me. As others have said, it's your guitar. Do whatever makes up happy.

...Ath

[Athena]

Here are a couple Brian Moores with a somewhat similar finish called "Coral Reef". Once again, not as intense yellow in the center:

http://www.synergyguitars.com/Brian-Moore-Guitars/coral%20reef.jpg
http://www.synergyguitars.com/Brian-Moore-Guitars/coral%20reef2.jpg

[snoopy]

Here are some of my burst that went through my hands.

http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e177/mcnaughtkoa/mcnaughts/?start=all

[AK_NorPine]

Thanx for the pics and the advice you all! I'll talk it over with Jason when I am down at the shop towards the end of the month.

[RedRider]

Just my humble opinion, but of all the bursts I have seen going natural to a type of blue I like hte ones with a small amount of natural in the center and more blue, vice the ones with a fingernail blue burst and the whole center of the guitar being natural. Seems like hte more color change you get across the surface of the guitar the better it looks. I think Ron Thorn did an OUTSTANDING job on Snoopy's (Mikes) parrot guitar as copmpared to the McNaughts that Mike and I both had. They had a lot more natural color surface whichI think detracted from teh blue a lot more.

[snoopy]

Well put Bill. I couldn't say it any better.

[RedRider]

Hells Yeah Shad!! Should have the Waters Edge soon AND Ron Thorn has started work on the inlay for 137AM which should hopefully be done in time for East Coast Thornfest!! Its long time in the making and its coming to a close!! I am so stoked its unbeleivable!!! Hopefully I can tqalk Mike into coming out this time, cuz I dont want him shipping me that damn guitar again...I was scared to drop it off at fedEx last time.

Here is a pretty decent picture I took of it when I had it....its nice and all but not quite as nice as my Huber...LOLOLOL

http://niersbach.org/pbodyfront.jpg

[RedRider]

Here is the the Huber....

http://niersbach.org/huber1.jpg

[RedRider]

LOL... maybe i'll bring a few more this year :)

Tell Mike i'll pick him up and bring him to Jamies :D

Shad

PA to MD via OH!! SWEET!!! one word...ROADTRIP!!!

But you will be crapping yourself the whole time praying that you dont get rearended!! I know i was on our trip!! Remeber I left early and took the Hammer to the mall...talk about worrying about your car being stolen in Patomic Mills parking lot!! I had the Huber and Mikes Parrot in the trunk of the mustang!!

[RedRider]

Took this to PM....sorry for the thread hijack!! LOL!!!!

[AK_NorPine]

Took this to PM....sorry for the thread hijack!! LOL!!!!
Thread Back
ON TRACK .................

So I'm heading down to lovely Weed, California on Weds to visit my brother and his wife to do some skiing on the stratoVolcano that is across the way. In case you don't know what it looks like, here's a stock photo:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/86995020pgmJMqtP200710091561.jpg

Of course it's 14,179 foot Mt Shasta! Unfortunately they've hardly had any snow there this season so I don't know how the skiing is gonna be. I will get to hear my bro play some drums as he has started playing again after taking about 30 yrs off. His wife is a pretty good blues singer too and I've never heard their band play before. So that will be much fun. There is also a benefit party for the local Shasta Avalanche Center with an electric bluegrass outfit playing. In my spare time when I should be practicing guitar, I help to run the Chugach Avalanche Center up here in Alaska.

The good news is that Radio Ln, Redding, CA is about an hour to the south, so you guessed it, Shop Visit !!!!!
Really looking forward to meeting team JZS and taking some photos and seeing how the shop works and reporting back to this here forum. Will also get to work out final details on Custom #44.

[Schroeder]

Hey Skip,
We are really looking forward to your visit! It is not common for a client to stop by, being so far out the way. I was thinking I could do your neck carve while you are here so you have no surprises!
J

[AK_NorPine]

That sounds awesome, Would love to watch and feel the neck carve.
I figured a visit to my bro would be timely now. I was hoping I might get to see some live action on my guitar. See ya on Friday. I am so psyched to be getting out of Anchorage cause the weather has been shit, 2 weeks of below zero, which is rare, followed by a week now of above 32F which has screwed up our nice dry snow leaving us with ice.

[AK_NorPine]

Just got another option for my "S" inlay from Athena, this would be a simpler
way of doing a spiral S:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/SkipSpiralsInterlocked.jpg

[sxracer193]

I dig the top right. Cool whichever one you pick.

Dave

[WinstaBull]

more comments from the peanut gallery....

I like the 3rd down on the left. I think of a breaking ocean wave when I see that one rather than a spiral.

[vangit]

I have an opinion.....but after knowing J and Ath for a few years....I'v learned to leave it to them :D

[guitarnyc]

I do like the new designs in post 43 the best...the ying yang look is cool
________
BMW M535I (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_M535i)

[AK_NorPine]

So after lunch we, I mean J, walked me thru the process of my neck carve. The starting point was a square neck with the fretboard glued to the neck blank, wings on the already angled headstock. J described each step of the process and then proceeded to jump from machine to machine to accomplish a particular task. Lets get started.

Here is what the neck looked like at the start:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09026Large.jpg

Here is some reference data J has on the necks........
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09012Large.jpg

First stop is the flat belt sander to take some wood off the bottom of the neck.
All these photos show the process of removing wood from the neck to get to the point where J can use his trusty old mill bastard file to do the final hand carve down to customer specification. I got to feel a bunch of his necks and each was described to me by J. I decided to go with what he calls the standard Schroeder carve, which is similar to PRS WF.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09028Large.jpg

One more of those shots:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09027Large.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Off to the bandsaw to remove wood from the neck sides in prep for the side sander:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09032Large.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09030Large.jpg

After taking some wood off the sides of the neck with the bandsaw, it was then off to this side sander to take wood off one side of the neck. The way the machine is oriented J can only work on one side of the neck:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09033Large.jpg

Jason is thinking of doing a mod to the above machine so he can work on the other side of it, but that's not happening now, so, to do the other side of the neck it was back to this circular sander:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09034Large.jpg

Moving right along....

[r9player]

man that bandsaw stuff is the scariest! You (and all those bandsaw workers) are very very brave!
Although I think Jason maybe a rig for this kind of work could save you a finger in the future!

[AK_NorPine]

Hopefully I'm getting all these steps correct, but forgive me if my mind is still foggy from all the great beer I drank while I was in N. California.

The next step was done at this machine, not sure what its official name is, but I'll call it a post sander, the center sanding post moves up and down in a phallic sort of way. The goal of this step is to make 4 notches, 2 on either side of the neck(one near the nut and one nr the body) that will be final guides. The notches make the neck flush with the fretboard and assist in the final carve. Feel free to jump in if I botch up these descriptions, jason!
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09037Large.jpg

About this time Jason pencils in a straight line down the back of the neck which is critical to the getting the correct carve, he calls it the "Do not touch line" when removing wood. Then it was off to the band saw to take off the bottom corners of the neck, making for less wood to remove in the final hand carve:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09040Large.jpg

OK. Neck gets clamped into the jig and we're ready to start the final carve by hand with mill file:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09041Large.jpg
ACTION.
Note the piece of wood behind J's left elbow, that's his standard neck carve reference checker. It has 3 diff carves on it, one each for, nut, middle and neck joint part of the neck.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09042Large.jpg

This is where Jasons experience kicks in and he becomes master luthier or is it artist?

[AK_NorPine]

Now the bummer, my brother had a gig up in Weed, yes Weed, California, so we had to bail at this point which sucked as I could of stayed and watched for a while longer. It was cool to hear J describe each step, each of which he had stored away in his brain. Danno is lucky to be the apprentice in this shop as he gets to take the brain dump from Jason, and theres a lot to learn. It was nice to hear J tell me he had been thinking about this guitar for a while and already had it built in his head. Like some of you other guys, I've given J some of my vision for the guitar, but will let him have builders discretion to do what he sees fit to add his own touch to make #44 functional yet also a work of art. This is what makes a JZS Custom unique and why it is so cool to have somebody make a guitar for you. This one aint even done and I want another.

Luthier and customer:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09044Large.jpg

Cheers,
Skip

[RedRider]

Very Sweet Skip!! Thanks for all the pictures!! I love seeing workshop pics like that and would kill to have a job where I got to work with my hands!! (at least when the weather is nice....come winter I kinda enjoy my cozy desk in front of a computer!! LOL)

So you didnt sneek pics of all the guitars in progress?? WTF dude?? LOL WOOOPS...just saw the other post!!! LOL

[vangit]

Thanks a ton for shareing Skip. Great stuff

[Shadscbr]

Great pics Skip! The actual in-progress shots are cool :)

Shad

[danno_eleven]

100% agreed skip. I'm proud to be a part of Schroeder guitars and couldn't ask for a cooler job. It was cool to get to meet you and show you around. Have fun back up there in the arctic circle.

[AK_NorPine]

Just when I was gonna do a bump for no reason whatsoever, Ath, Eliz, Jas come thru with some new stuff.

Ok, I got some more mockups of my spiral inlay thing-a-ma-jig. I'm sure you all are sick of it by now, but hey its some eye candy and my thread desperately needed some activity. I'm sure J has been busy with the Fleetwood Mac crue, but I bet he's working on Our guitars again!

Heres the first of 3 pics from Athena. Being the cheap bastid that I am and wanting to keep costs under 10k we came up with a way of doing my inlay for relatively cheap. The neck will not be sent out to Maryland for Ath to work on. J will do all the routing for the "S" and E will insert the pieces into the route. All Athena has to do is cut the 2 pieces of my choice and ship to Redding JZS world headquarters.

When the time comes, ELiz will have to be VERY VERY VERY careful not break the oh so fragile inlays as she places then into my fretboard. OK enough bs & hype, on to the inlay porn:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiral3Medium.jpg


Next: Getting overwhelmed yet? I am
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiral2Medium.jpg

I am gonna have to make a choice soon%^&*%$#@#@!!!!!!!!!!
and finally:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiralMedium.jpg

[lookslikemeband]

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09042Large.jpg

This is where Jasons experience kicks in and he becomes master luthier or is it artist?


Very cool shot. I know in my conversations with Jason, this step is BY FAR the hardest thing I've ever tried to do, and to do it WELL takes a LOT of skill (more than I have at this point for sure).

Can't wait to see this one rockin'.....

[lookslikemeband]

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiral3Medium.jpg






The one in the Top left corner is my favorite. I'm into the symmetry and natural grace of the material.

Just my .02 cents...

[goof1073]

The one in the Top left corner is my favorite. I'm into the symmetry and natural grace of the material.

Just my .02 cents...I'm with Lance on this one!


Oh and why would E have to be so careful with the inlay...Ath should have the two pieces glued together prior to shipping them out the Schroeder land, at least that's how my Koi were done.

[AK_NorPine]

Does anybody else feel that these 8 are just too busy and my spiral thingy is being lost???




http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/spiralMedium.jpg

[admin]

The neck will not be sent out to Maryland for Ath to work on. J will do all the routing for the "S" and E will insert the pieces into the route. All Athena has to do is cut the 2 pieces of my choice and ship to Redding JZS world headquarters.

That is very close!! Actually, after Athena sends the inlay to us, Elizabeth is in charge of the inlay until the board is ready for the radius block. She does any minor adjustments that need to be made to the inlay piece, then she routes the cavity, checks the piece to make sure that it is a tight fit, then glues the piece after it is ready to go.


When the time comes, ELiz will have to be VERY VERY VERY careful not break the oh so fragile inlays as she places then into my fretboard.

When the pieces are glued together (like Chris' koi fish), the inlay is much sturdier than if it were two separate spirals that must be routed separately. Even though it is stronger, Elizabeth still has to be very careful- inlay is fragile and with the time Athena spends cutting shell, we would never want to break a piece and ruin an inlay because we were not careful enough.

Thanks for posting, Skip!

[sxracer193]

The one in the Top left corner is my favorite. I'm into the symmetry and natural grace of the material.

Just my .02 cents...

My thoughts as well. Love the figure in both colors.

Dave

[Athena]

Does anybody else feel that these 8 are just too busy and my spiral thingy is being lost???
I do. It was suggested by someone to try two kinds of paua and I thought I'd mock it up, but felt the end result would not have the most visible spiral. I pretty much did it to try to talk you out of it. ;->

...Ath

[Athena]

The one in the Top left corner is my favorite. I'm into the symmetry and natural grace of the material.

Just my .02 cents...
That's a good choice and one of my faves. I like the clean look of the blue with the silver/white of the MOP. I know paua was mentioned, but I think the dark vein lines don't work as well with a spiral design.

...Ath

[AK_NorPine]

I do. It was suggested by someone to try two kinds of paua and I thought I'd mock it up, but felt the end result would not have the most visible spiral. I pretty much did it to try to talk you out of it. ;->

...Ath
Well, mission accomplished there, Ath!

Seems like the beauty will be in the simplicity of the design and I am coming into agreement with you in that top left one that you all like is the way to go. Is that azurite/malachite on one side and mother of pearl on the other?

[Athena]

Well, mission accomplished there, Ath!

Seems like the beauty will be in the simplicity of the design and I am coming into agreement with you in that top left one that you all like is the way to go. Is that azurite/malachite on one side and mother of pearl on the other?
Very close... it's azurite/chrysocolla and very tightly figured white mother of pearl. I have well over a pound of white MOP here and only a few pieces have that really tight frothy figure. I don't think I still have that particular one I scanned a long time ago for mockups, but I checked and I do have another piece that's very similar.

...Ath

[Schroeder]

I will do my best to not be too far off from the inlay color when I stay the top too. That is a pet peeve of mine when I see stain colors on a top that don't match the inlays! Happens a lot with reds and blues. The top looks royal blue and the inlays look turquoise.

"You got to coordinate!!" Anyone who has seen Boomerang will understand that quote...

Video:You got to coordinate!!! (http://video.aol.com/video-detail/you-gotta-coordinate/2501518162)

[AK_NorPine]

Very close... it's . I have well over a pound of white MOP here and only a few pieces have that really tight frothy figure. I don't think I still have that particular one I scanned a long time ago for mockups, but I checked and I do have another piece that's very similar.

...Ath

Well, I think we should go ahead with that top left design using the combo of azurite/chrysocolla and very tightly figured white mother of pearl.

Make it so.

[WinstaBull]

Make it so.

http://www.scifig.com/picar1.gif


Sorry, the uber dork in me couldnt help it. Inlay is gonna look great BTW.

[Elizabeth]

Great choice, Skip. This is going to look very classy!
E

[AK_NorPine]

http://www.scifig.com/picar1.gif


Sorry, the uber dork in me couldnt help it. Inlay is gonna look great BTW.

ENGAGE!

its hard to resist Picard quotes

[Athena]

ENGAGE!
Aye sir, warp factor nine.

...Lt Cmdr Ath

[Schroeder]

Pickup cavities cut...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3367619313_460eaac373_o.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Been off line for a day or so as to let the ash settle a bit. Mt Redoubt, about 100 miles SW of Anchorage as been erupting for about a week now. The winds shifted yesterday and we got our first dusting of ash. Ash is bad for electronic stuff, critters and humans alike. Check out more info, movies and images here if you are bored: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

Ash cloud on the Kenai Peninsula starting its way towards the city:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/redoubt.jpg

Moose in my front yard is still standing during the dusting:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/march015Large.jpg



Got some photos from J the other day as he received my 2 inlays from Athena and Elizabeth did the routing. Heres the headstock inlay:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/hs_inlay.jpg

and one more:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/hs_inlay2.jpg

[Roscoe]

Skip saw your inlay atop the fretboard on the Flickr stream today. Looks fantastic already. That is the 1st Schroeder maple board I have seen here. Are there others?

[lookslikemeband]

Skip saw your inlay atop the fretboard on the Flickr stream today. Looks fantastic already. That is the 1st Schroeder maple board I have seen here. Are there others?

Oh Shad?

http://www.schroederguitars.com/photos/Shad%207%20string/shad_front.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Skip saw your inlay atop the fretboard on the Flickr stream today. Looks fantastic already. That is the 1st Schroeder maple board I have seen here. Are there others?
1st off, What the hell is a Flickr stream? Glad I didnt step in it.

Most of the dudes here are Rosewood sluts....gotta get those Brazzy necks while you still can. The braz attracts guitar dorks like flies on shit!

Me thinks There are what, 1 or 2 completed customs with Maple neck/board?
Shad's is a way cool composite neck, check it out its gorgeous. ...I think mine might be the first Custom that is just maple - neck and board. Hiroki's (in progress) might have a maple board too but I dont know his specs?? Mine may also be the 1st triple soapbar too? I think every JZS guitar is a 1st in some respect.

Standing by for corrections to above comments.

[r9player]

LOL ... I just tend to think Maple neck plus board can be a tat bright and sharp sounding.
I like Mahogany or IRW so far. Or like those fancy smancy sandwiches! (My Charis and John Page have multi sandwiched wood necks and are fantastic although I am not sure how much it adds to the sound to be honest)

[AK_NorPine]

OK, here are some shots of my 12th Fret inlay that Ath & Eliz are conspiring to put on my flamed fretboard.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/fret12.jpg



http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/fret12d.jpg
I think J and Elizabeth are cutting my side and top marker dots from the same blue azurite used in this inlay.
I am going to have them do this "Sine wave" pattern that looks like this, except the dots will be slightly larger:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS_ShopJan09/Shasta_redding1_09019Large.jpg

I think the neck will now be turned over to J to execute the final carve, re-radius, sand and fret install.
Not necessarily in that order. That's all for now.

[goof1073]

Most of the dudes here are Rosewood sluts....gotta get those Brazzy necks while you still can. The braz attracts guitar dorks like flies on shit!

Me thinks There are what, 1 or 2 completed customs with Maple neck/board First off there is nothing wrong with being a Rosewood slut...I probably would've had J build me a rosewood neck'd Schroeder for my custom if I didn't already have a couple at home, heck I still might!

Secondly my JZ SC has a full Maple neck, just not the fretboard. I wanted to add to the attack, just didn't want it to be overly bright. I think the same thing *could* happen with putting an Ebony board on a maple neck too.

[Schroeder]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3450922843_f98d55ee29_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3451741232_6114ed2336_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3450923009_e1f8f263a2_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3450923121_f682c1f05f_o.jpg

[Schroeder]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3451741854_a700ee2d82_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3450923335_2e49b6d246_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3450923167_9e23a63fdd_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3450923219_b177a7e312_o.jpg

[Schroeder]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3451741270_bc1a808b6b_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3353/3451741728_2e66b357de_o.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3450923497_2dd67239a5_o.jpg

[WinstaBull]

Si eso es sehr gut!!!!

[AK_NorPine]

Si eso es sehr gut!!!! Help me out with that one brother?


Thanx for the action carve pics Jason and for the fretboard shots. Coming along great!

[Whitestrat]

ooo! 3x P90s?

[WinstaBull]

Help me out with that one brother?


Half spanish/Half German/100% Nerd unfortunately.

Guitar is looking good man!

[paintguy]

Saweeeeeet!

[AK_NorPine]

Just got some progress phots from J and thought I'd share with you all.
Looking good and cant wait too see that flame come out.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/neckRadiused.jpg

another
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/neckRadiused2.jpg
one more
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/neckRadiused3.jpg

[Shadscbr]

Looks sweet! Gotta love maple :)

Shad

[AK_NorPine]

So something really weird happened in the shop the other night while Jason and the family were sleeping. The following morning he went down to the shop and there was #44, neck attached to body, balanced on edge. He doesn't know how the guitar got into that position and he's concerned the shop is haunted. He did snap a couple of photos:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/guit2.jpg

He discussed the development with Elizabeth and decided that it was a message from the guitar gods to work on #44. In short order, it will be time to install the knob & switch recesses and after that time to start the staining process (very exciting indeed). I believe a bunch of us in the queue are gonna see some real progress in the next couple of months. You betcha.

First shots of neck and body seemingly able to tolerate eachother
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/guit1.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/guit3.jpg

[JohnnyBoy]

Looks awesome!! Man the figuring on that neck is unbelievable. Can't wait to see the final phase on this one.

John

[vangit]

Wow, looking great Skip.

[Shadscbr]

Looking good Skip...that neck is sweet! :)

Shad

[WinstaBull]

The sky was yellow and the sun was blue....


Jerry B-day update :) Looking good man!!!

[sxracer193]

WOW. Looking good. Thanks for the update.

[AK_NorPine]

Hey folks,
Just wanted to share some photos of the staining process that has been started on my guitar. As usual I'll try and explain the process as Jason has described it to me. In case you've forgotten, #44 is gonna be blue. Inspirations for the color come from Bryan and Bills Customs. I also really dig this color I saw in an ad over at Birds & Moons. I have complete confidence J will create a blue that will be worthy!

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/blueBlue.jpg

Jason and I talked about how good the above guitar looked with a satin finish, but my gut told me to go Glossy. One thing my mama used to tell me, "Go with your gut feeling boy!". Here are some test colors with a base blue in the middle, I beleive the same blue with a touch of black added on the right and a watered down version on the left:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/StainTest2.jpg

Here is a shot of the body with control recesses cut, first time I've seen that work. It's gonna have a std 3 way with a mini toggle to engage the middle pup so it'll have 6 ways to make noise.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/FirstCoat.jpg

Cont'd next post......

[AK_NorPine]

OK here we go with the first coat with the darker stain that has a touch of black in it:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/FirstCoat2.jpg

Completed first coat. Note keyboard in the background to give customer near real time play by play via the World Wide Web ( also known as a "Series of Tubes" -ex US Sen from AK Ted Stevens))

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/FirstCoat3.jpg

How it looks outside:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/FirstCoat4.jpg

So, after first the coat dries, Jason dry sands it back and then applies the middle blue ( the one without any black). This should make the flame POP. In the following photo you can see some of that where the stain is still wet:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/F_2ndCoat.jpg

Not sure what the 3rd coat entails but I'm guessing more of the lighter stain. Thats all for now folks.

[Vinni Smith]

Gotta be one of prettiest blue guitars I have seen yet....

[AK_NorPine]

Gotta be one of prettiest blue guitars I have seen yet....

Let's hope it's the prettiest blue guitar ever!

[edgarallanpoe]

Oh....HELL YEAH!!! That guitar is fantastic!

[vangit]

Looks amazing Skip!

[AK_NorPine]

Here's my first look at the neck tint, and how it looks against the blue that Jason worked up for this guit:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/NeckStain.jpg

The cool thing about Having JZS make you a guitar is that he's always full of good suggestions about how to make your build better. Though just a cosmetic issue, he thought, and I agreed, that the natural maple binding between the blue and the limba back would look better if he gave it the same color as the neck. That should give it a l'il more bling as well as improve the tone by about 14 to 16%. We all know how important the relationship is between color and Tone.

[Athena]

We all know how important the relationship is between color and Tone. Of course. If the guitar looks beautiful to you, you feel great when you're playing it. It's even more special when it's not just great looking, it's exactly what you want in a guitar. Looks, specs, dimensions - everything. Not what Fibson or Gender say you should want. It's YOUR guitar. This makes you feel even better.

When you feel better, you play better. If you don't like the way it looks, something's off about it... it might start to bug you and distract you when you play.

-Ath

[Shadscbr]

Looks great Skip!! :)

Shad

[vangit]

Fantastic skip.

[AK_NorPine]

Here's a shot of the back of the headstock, signed, personalized and Numbered:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/NeckStain2-1.jpg

Nice Flame.

[goof1073]

Nice headstock shot...

...Still wonder if your neck is from the same log as mine?

[Schroeder]

Nice headstock shot...

...Still wonder if your neck is from the same log as mine?

Hey Chris,
Similar piece but different tree!
J

[AK_NorPine]

Here are some shots with the binding color changed to match the neck color:
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/NewBindingColor2.jpg

Looking good baby! Love that BLUE against my neck color, WOW.

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/NewBindingColor3.jpg


I've been discussing shipping with Elizabeth so I'rm thinking that my guitar is gonna be strung up soon and in my hands. Its kind of wierd that the build will be coming to an end. I'm going to have to watch other guitars being built. But thats ok as #44 will be home with me.

[AK_NorPine]

Here is what she looks like as of last weekend. All buffed out and looking good.
I'll be returning to Alaska tomorrow, and theres a rumor she may be ready to ship this coming week!

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/allpolishedUp.jpg

[guitarnyc]

beautiful guitar ! What is the control layout ? Volume, Tone, PUP Switch and some sort of mini toggle ?
________
Volcano Vaporizer Easy Valve Or Solid Valve (http://vaporizer.org/reviews)

[vangit]

Man.....now I officially NEED a maple board Schroeder!!!! That's beautiful!

[AK_NorPine]

beautiful guitar ! What is the control layout ? Volume, Tone, PUP Switch and some sort of mini toggle ?

It's gonna have a standard 3 way toggle and the mini tog will engage the middle pup.

[AK_NorPine]

Here are a couple of outside pics in different lighting:

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/gloss5.jpg

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/gloss4.jpg

[WinstaBull]

Looks awesome!

[sparky_8]

Wow. That's killer. seeing the guitar as a whole makes me like the inlay even more!

[Sevenstringer]

Awesome!!
Looks stunning!!

[Shadscbr]

Looks sweet! Blue Schroeders with maple boards are awesome:)

Shad

[Schroeder]

Almost there... Really happy with how this one is turning out. Gonna be a screamer!!!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/3993661969_565be29c52.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3994424832_b1199df59a_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3993658169_9c0eef52e5_b.jpg

[JohnnyBoy]

That's just awesome. Love the knobs!

[AK_NorPine]

WoW.

MaN.

First glimpse of some of the wood appointments, stoptail, tuners. Looks killer.

Can't wait to hear how it sounds.

[Whitestrat]

Any reason why there seems to be a strong love for 3x P90s on this board?:D

[r9player]

Love those pick up covers, are you going to stain them to match the knobs and board?

[francric]

Looking real nice.........................

[AK_NorPine]

Love those pick up covers, are you going to stain them to match the knobs and board?
Yeah Pai, they'll all match in the end. I hear they are a real pain in the ass to make...It will also have a matching wooden tip on the pup selector. I wonder what J has in store for the control cover & truss cover? I think we talked about doing flamed maple for the control cover.

[WinstaBull]

so close you can almost hear the first open E chord.

[vangit]

Sa-weet!!!!!!

[AK_NorPine]

Any reason why there seems to be a strong love for 3x P90s on this board?:D

A lot of love but, I think this is the first Custom Jason has made with 3 - P90s. One of his first guitars he ever made had a Santana-esque body with 3 x P90 on it.


Love those pick up covers, are you going to stain them to match the knobs and board?
OK, the pup cover color seems to better match the color of the neck after one more iteration. The pup switch tip and I assume the truss cover will also be the same colored maple, though I have not seen them yet. I'm guessing J is gonna be wrapping this up soon......
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/newPupColor.jpg

Just got a shot of the TRC

http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/partsMaple.jpg



PS - I just saw the review of "Hazel" in Premiere Guitar. Great article.

[Whitestrat]

A lot of love but, I think this is the first Custom Jason has made with 3 - P90s. One of his first guitars he ever made had a Santana-esque body with 3 x P90 on it.

I know the 915 was 3 P90s... But I think that was RTS. I wonder how it's gonna sound!

[guitarnyc]

I know the 915 was 3 P90s... But I think that was RTS. I wonder how it's gonna sound!

I think the 915 was 3 Seymour Duncan P Rails so I'm not sure if they would qualify as P90's. The P Rails is what gave the 915 all the options for the PUP Configurations :)
________
house wives Cam (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/webcam/housewives/)

[AK_NorPine]

I think the 915 was 3 Seymour Duncan P Rails so I'm not sure if they would qualify as P90's. The P Rails is what gave the 915 all the options for the PUP Configurations :)

I knew I'd use it some day, basic math comes into play on a guitar forum:

915 <> 390

[Whitestrat]

I think the 915 was 3 Seymour Duncan P Rails so I'm not sure if they would qualify as P90's. The P Rails is what gave the 915 all the options for the PUP Configurations :)

Ah... you're right... P Rails... i kept on thinking they were P90s!

[AK_NorPine]

Rumor has it that Jason was playing #44 (as he calls it -" the Alaskan Blue Flame") outside yesterday in the sunshine.
Video and photographic confirmation of these breaking stories?



I'm so excited I'm about to pee in my pants.

[admin]

Skip, you are officially complete my brotha... Soundclips coming soon! Really pleased with this guitar's tone. I was a little concerned about being too bright but it sounds very warm, clear and articulate. Excellent combo of woods and pickups. Also looking at the aesthetic of this completed guitar and what is custom... Pretty much EVERYTHING! Down to the 3-way switch tip. We are proud parents here at Schroeder Guitars but happy to see this "baby" go to a loving home! Hoping that the end result justifies ordering a custom guitar, and the wait! LOL.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4076774946_d2aa6c2c8e_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/4076775130_3d8b7f4264_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/4076775062_0f22cba33b_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4076021945_2bd654e84a_o.jpg

More pics on the flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23662702@N03/

[AK_NorPine]

It's been a long fun trip but I'm sure it'll be worth it in the long run. Looking forward to seeing your video playing her.

Thanx to team Schroeder for a job well done. Looking forward to getting the AK blue flame in my greasy hands.

[guitarnyc]

Beautiful combo there ! Congrats !
________
VERMONT MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY (http://vermont.dispensaries.org/)

[Shadscbr]

Wow...fantastic!! :)

Shad

[WinstaBull]

Very nice!!! Can't wait to hear clips

[Vinni Smith]

Unreal.....

Where else do you see this kind for quality and beauty in guitars?

NOWHERE !!!

That guitar is SWEET...

[AK_NorPine]

On the truck for delivery today......


Hey Jason, did you ever shoot a video playing my guitar?

[Schroeder]

On the truck for delivery today......


Hey Jason, did you ever shoot a video playing my guitar?
Yessir! Elizabeth introduces it and then I play a few things. I just need to edit it and upload it.

[AK_NorPine]

Redding base, the Eagle has landed. Repeat - the Eagle has landed (in frosty Anchorage).


Now, can I be a good boy and not open the box until tonite while we let the guitar return to room temperature. It was about 20 deg overnite here in town and I'm gonna assume she got cold overnite in the FedEx truck.

[Elizabeth]

Redding base, the Eagle has landed. Repeat - the Eagle has landed (in frosty Anchorage).


Excellent!

[r9player]

oh man ... that is very cold hope the guitar is ok!

[vangit]

Yessir! Elizabeth introduces it and then I play a few things. I just need to edit it and upload it.

I'm getting the popcorn ready! I love Schroeder movie night!!!

[sxracer193]

Report? Can't wait to hear how you like it.

[AK_NorPine]

Well well well. She is finally in my hands!

I waited 7 or 8 hrs after getting the box from FedEx on Thursday to let her warm up in the case/shipping box before opening it up as it was pretty cold that day. I dont know who was more excited me or my dogs. They get real excited when boxes get opened as they think its for them. But I pushed them aside and did the deed. After seeing pics of your guitar for a yr or so being built its a trip to have the finished product in your hands.
http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq204/Izzy1998/JZS44/JZS44arrives027Small.jpg

Visually, Jason nailed the aesthetic I was going for - Blue vs a golden yellow. My wife is away for the weekend with camera so I'll do some close ups of every thing later. Right down to the pup covers and the knobs the detail is amazing. The knobs are just killer, flamed and everything. As you move the guitar around in the light the flame just moves around on you, very trippy.

The first chord, an open G chord (btw - Winstabull) rang out nicely and sustained for quite some time. I savored the chord as it decayed, back of the guitar vibrating against my gut. Nice. Unplugged, she is amazingly loud for a solid bodied guitar. The standard JZS neck felt good & beefy in my hand, maybe slightly bigger than my old PRS widefat neck. The satin finish is slicker than shit. Frets nicely finished, great upper fret access.

I've been spending part of today plugged in to my Reverend Hellhound 1x12 combo experimenting with the amp settings and will report back later in the week. Thanx Jason and team for a great build, it was definetly worth the wait.

[WinstaBull]

Right on Man!!! Enjoy it!

[sxracer193]

Woo Hoo. Look who's videos are up :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbPERFesCSQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i_HITRWW5o

[AK_NorPine]

Thanx for the heads up. I just got into the office and I gotta wait till I get home to see the Vids cause youTube is blocked by the Man. Let me know how it looks and sounds....I think I have an idea.

PS- Thanx for slapping up the Vids J & E!

[francric]

That's pretty cool, can't wait to see my vid some day............

[AK_NorPine]

Review posted on the Gear Page:
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=7859284#post7859284