Lionel's "Immortal" Darkburst #0054

[Elizabeth]

Here is Lionel's top...
http://www.schroederguitars.com/photos/Wood/Flame_Tops_6-2008/Flame32.JPG

This guitar will feature an inlay on the back that was designed by Lionel himself. It is a symbolic flower that he calls "Symbiosis".

Maybe Lionel can be enticed to share?
;)

[r9player]

Cool not sure what color this will be, but I see a rim for binding and at first glance tortoise binding would look killer methinks with a light finish color ...
Of course go Chopper!

[Whitestrat]

This will be a 59' Teardrop Darkburst colour with Trapezoid Inlays... BRW fretboard and 1 piece mahogany back. I might go for the Pearly Gates colour instead, depending on whether I can find more information on that.

But it's not a Chopper. It's a Shorty...

[Elizabeth]

But it's not a Chopper. It's a Shorty...

Note to self: Make a cardboard cutout for the Shorty!

That was the photo that we used for the flamed maple site, and it was quick to grab the link. Sorry if that confused people. I think it will look great as a Shorty!

E

[Whitestrat]

Elizabeth has just informed me that my pickups of choice (Antiquities) are available in 4 conductors... YAY!!!!!!!

[Whitestrat]

Cool not sure what color this will be, but I see a rim for binding and at first glance tortoise binding would look killer methinks with a light finish color ...

I was wondering what this colour scheme you've described will look like. Then I stumbled across a Jim Soloway guitar with just that. It's nice... Not my thing though. I think this kind of top just begs for a drop top binding... I wanted to do natural at first, but then I decided to make it look as "vintage" as possible. Hence the 59 Darkburst. With Radiolane specs for the body width and headstock angle.

Oh, and a 25.5" scale just in case I need to down tune to D.:D

[Whitestrat]

Details:

Shorty Style 22 Stainless Steel Jumbo Frets
Quartersawn Flamed Top
Lightweight 1 piece Honduran Mahogany Body
Honduran Mahogany Neck
Brazilian Rosewood Fretboard
24.75” Scale
2 Humbuckers
2 Volume 2 tone (LP Layout)
3 way switch
Graphtech Resomax NVS Bridge with Aluminium Schroeder Tailpiece
Schaller Locking tuners with pearloid pegs
59' thickness, top carve and neck angle.
Lemon drop burst with cherry back.
Nitro Lacquer Finish
Ivoroid binding all around except headstock.
Custom MOP Inlays


Here are some pics of the initial stages:

Initial Top Layout
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27396-img-4580.jpg

Going thru the Thickness Planer
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27397-img-4586.jpg

Checking the center fit and alignment:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27400-img-4594.jpg

Gluing the top:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27402-img-4597.jpg

I'm so stoked! It's been a long wait, but now that it's begun, I've forgotten the agony! Knowing this is in the near future, it's sort of killed my GAS for a while until I get this... Nothing else is going to sate my appetite until I get this!!!

[Shadscbr]

Nice choices Lionel! Can't wait to see it come together :)

Shad

[r9player]

Very nice, can't wait to see how it all comes together (then again you are prolly more anxious)

[WinstaBull]

Nice.

Can't wait to see how the bridge/tailpiece is gonna work out. I don't recall seeing another Schroeder with those specs. Should be sweet. :)

[Whitestrat]

Can't wait to see how the bridge/tailpiece is gonna work out. I don't recall seeing another Schroeder with those specs. Should be sweet. :)

I haven't even seen this either myself. I know Jason was working on a tailpiece the same design as his stop tail bridge. I hope he slots it for the potential of topwrapping the strings. The Resomax Bridge is Nashville styled, which might not be too good for conventional stringing if the tailpiece is screwed all the way down. However, if Jason does the neck angle right, the bridge might not need to be that high, and top wrapping might not be necessary.

Oh well. Lets see how Jason does this. I'm stoked!

[Whitestrat]

Gluing Body to Top:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27435-img-4620.jpg

Preparing to cut: (wonder what all those guys standing there are doing... Hahaha...)
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27437-img-4632.jpg

Cutting the body shape:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27438-img-4635.jpg

The rough cut body: LOVE that top!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27434-img-4699.jpg

Jason, I'm curious. Now that you've already glued the body to the top, how are you going to route the cavities for the pickup wires to be pulled through to the control cavity?

[Vinni Smith]

"Preparing to cut: (wonder what all those guys standing there are doing... Hahaha...)"

Yeah, really! Talk about pressure...... "OOOOOPs"

; ^ )



GREAT looking wood!

[Whitestrat]

Here's an inkling of what the Inlay might look like. We're still finalising the design though. That main pattern is something I came up with 17 years ago. I'm very happy to be able to use it as an Inlay for one of my guitars!

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27444-inlay1.jpg

Which would you guys choose?

[Vinni Smith]

Cool!!!

That is wonderful that it has been with you for so long and now you get to use it.

[Whitestrat]

Yeah... In the future, ANY guitar I get from Jason will have the exact same Inlay... Something like my signature feature.:D

[Vinni Smith]

I wonder if your DNA looks like that....

[r9player]

I think I like the 3rd on from the top the best personally, although I like the added color in the bottom ones ...

[Athena]

They're just sketches. Don't take the colors too literally. I can do anything colorwise that Lionel wants. I can also transplant features between some sketches... at least where it makes sense.

...Athena

[Whitestrat]

I personally like the last one (bottom right) the best. Enough extras to spice things up a bit, yet keeping the main pattern in the spotlight.

[L3stat]

This is a really important update given I'm #55!

[Whitestrat]

Hahaha... Yeah. I can totally relate to the anxiety!

[sparky_8]

This is a really important update given I'm #55!

Um... #55 is mine. :) I found a thread that shows you as #59...
http://schroederguitars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1301

[Whitestrat]

Cutting the neck pocket:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27578-getattachment.jpg
The routing jig for pickup cavities:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27579-img-4770.jpg
Pickup cavities and neck pocket routed:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture27580-img-4773.jpg

[Whitestrat]

I was thinking of a name for the guitar, since it's no longer a darkburst.

Athena's inlay design has given me the perfect name for it.
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture28018-lionel-flower-plus.jpg

This is the confirmed inlay I will be using for the guitar. For some reason, when I look at it, the name "Lillith" comes to mind.

So "Lillith" it will be!

[WinstaBull]

Thats gonna look awesome.

[vangit]

Cool inlay. No doubt it will look amazing....Athena's work is insane!

[L3stat]

Um... #55 is mine. :) I found a thread that shows you as #59...
http://schroederguitars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1301
Mine's serial #59 (just for kicks since mine's a 59 build), but I'm #55 in the build queue. Sorry I messed things up a little.

[sparky_8]

Mine's serial #59 (just for kicks since mine's a 59 build), but I'm #55 in the build queue. Sorry I messed things up a little.

Ah, you getting a '59 spec? :)

[L3stat]

Yes sir that is the plan!

[Elizabeth]

Jason carving the top
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5219861313_488eb9b933_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5219861187_38da559a31_z.jpg

Belly carve
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5220454942_5dc9aedb6f_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/5220455022_97dd65ce18_z.jpg

[Elizabeth]

Binding
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5245/5219861331_7f99c9eec6_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5003/5219861263_dfa8ae63fc_z.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Cool!!! It's taking shape! Can't wait to see the inlay!

[jmckenzie]

Awesome Top!! Love The Flame!

[Whitestrat]

More pics!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33507-5220454960-a43acbcf45-o.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33506-5219861187-c787358a23-o.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33505-5219861171-251ed0d9e9-o.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33510-5222410216-d14f09dbf7-o.jpg

[Whitestrat]

More pics!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33508-5221817221-30d62699c3-o.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33509-5221811385-ef81fa4dc7-o.jpg

[Benster]

very nice, Lionel. looks like we can organize a Schroeder-fest in Singapore soon :)

[Whitestrat]

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture33979-inlay-started.jpg

[sxracer193]

The inlay is awesome. Love that you guys chose to go with the colored wood. The whole guitar is looking great. :D

[Whitestrat]

Oh My eff'in GAWD!!!!!!!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture34931-img-1973.jpg

BRW board with neck:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture34930-img-1972.jpg

[sparky_8]

Oh My eff'in GAWD!!!!!!!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture34931-img-1973.jpg

BRW board with neck:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture34930-img-1972.jpg

Incredible!

[RedRider]

WOW!!! That inlay looks killer!! Way better on the guitar than on the paper! VERY NICE!!!!

[sxracer193]

Great Job. Love the design

[sparky_8]

Makes me excited for my own inlay... it's a koa branch for my koa topped chopper.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d39/sparky_8/untitled-3.jpg

[guitarnyc]

wow that is a beautiful inlay !

[Whitestrat]

Gluing the fretboard to the neck:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35117-img-2135.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35118-img-2143.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Binding the fretboard!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35121-img-2183.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35122-img-2186.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Fretted!!! Stainless Steel Frets.
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35151-img-2323.jpg

[AK_NorPine]

Of all the fabulous fretboards Jason has made, this one, this one. I cant say its the best, cause what is the best? Just the wood itself, the design and execution of the inlay - wow. I'll just say Great Work Everybody.

[Whitestrat]

The finished top carve. That top is really popping out!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35175-img-2348.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35174-img-2336.jpg

[vangit]

Fretted!!! Stainless Steel Frets.
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35151-img-2323.jpg
Man....I had no idea J did fretwork and binding before he even carves the neck.. That's wild. (looks amazing btw)

[Schroeder]

Man....I had no idea J did fretwork and binding before he even carves the neck.. That's wild. (looks amazing btw)

Always have. Since I do all of my neck carves by hand, that allows me to get the overall feel of the neck as I am carving. It might be a psychological thing. But frets completely change the feel of a neck carve. And I am constantly checking with my own hand how a neck feels. If I could have the guitar strung when I was carving a neck, I would!!! Even strings and individual setups effect how a neck feels in your hand. I have noticed that a lot of beginning builders carve massive necks. It feels ok until they get fretted and strung and then the neck feels HUGE.

Some guys who CNC necks will have the necks carved before they glue the fingerboard. Totally depends on the process and tools of a particular shop.

As for binding, I used to bind the fretboard before I glued it to the neck but after re-watching Bob Benedetto's videos and book a few years ago (then visiting his shop), I saw that he glued the fingerboard sans-binding, then glued the purfling and binding to the fingerboard/neck after the fingerboard was glued. Works much better as long as you clean off any glue squeeze-out while you are clamping the fingeboard. The binding then fits perfectly and has a bottom surface and a side surface to mate with.

[Whitestrat]

Always have. Since I do all of my neck carves by hand, that allows me to get the overall feel of the neck as I am carving. It might be a psychological thing. But frets completely change the feel of a neck carve. And I am constantly checking with my own hand how a neck feels. If I could have the guitar strung when I was carving a neck, I would!!! Even strings and individual setups effect how a neck feels in your hand. I have noticed that a lot of beginning builders carve massive necks. It feels ok until they get fretted and strung and then the neck feels HUGE.

Some guys who CNC necks will have the necks carved before they glue the fingerboard. Totally depends on the process and tools of a particular shop.

As for binding, I used to bind the fretboard before I glued it to the neck but after re-watching Bob Benedetto's videos and book a few years ago (then visiting his shop), I saw that he glued the fingerboard sans-binding, then glued the purfling and binding to the fingerboard/neck after the fingerboard was glued. Works much better as long as you clean off any glue squeeze-out while you are clamping the fingeboard. The binding then fits perfectly and has a bottom surface and a side surface to mate with.

Hey Jason, you must've built around 100 guitars so far since you first began, right? How do you feel you've evolved as a luthier and a craftsman?

[Schroeder]

Hey Jason, you must've built around 100 guitars so far since you first began, right? How do you feel you've evolved as a luthier and a craftsman?

I have no idea how many I have built!! The book Elizabeth put together has 52 and that was as of about May 2009. It didn't include the pre-company guitars at all nor did it include the guitars built for NAMM so there are easily more than 100.

You know the weird thing about building is that when you know something works in terms of the final guitar, you continue to build the same way, in basically the same order. Probably for fear that changing too much will negatively impact the final product!! But you are always looking for faster ways to remove the wood or more accurate tools to do certain operations. That is really the key on the wood side of the build. Getting rid of the excess wood quickly and making more accurate cuts. If you look at PRS guitars and the way they are built now, there are still remnants of the hand building procedures that Paul used in the old shop. Its just that bigger machines are doing it!

I used to chisel my carve tops!!! Took me about 4 hours for one top. Now I can use a grinder and cut a top in about 45 minutes. The next logical step will be to get a CNC to do what my grinder does now. I tried a dupli carver for a couple of tops and it was so tedious. Harder on my body and took longer than my grinder technique. I used to use rasps and files to rough in my neck carves from a square block of wood. Now I dimension the neck blank (front to back) to final spec, then bandsaw long skinny wedges off of the shoulders of the neck blank, then take it to the belt sander to get it down to about 90% of the final shape. Then I do the last 10% just as I always have with rasps, files, scrapers, etc. Again the next logical tool would be to use a CNC to get me 97% there!!

I realize every day that there are better/faster ways to do things. And I work those out as I can to make guitars that are cleaner, better, and hopfeully I can build them faster. A good friend and advisor taught me though that if you can take a few hours and make the right jig that will save you hundreds of hours over the next few hundred guitars, stop what you are doing and DO IT. So I have been better about giving myself permission to do that which has increased efficiency in the last couple of months! With the variances in the guitars that I build though it is very difficult to batch and jig because every one is so different. But that is what i love doing. I am not a guy who would enjoy building the same guitar over and over and over and over. I love the variety of custom guitars.

Electronics on my more current guitars is infinitely better than it used to be too. It is something that was not as natural to me in the beginning (I was a wood guy!). I actually love seeing older guitars I have built. There are variances in carves that is cool to see. I think my tops are slightly thinner now in general than they used to be. I used to like a thicker maple cap (the Tour Guitar's top is about 1" thick at the bridge!!) and thinner backs. While this does sound good and that guitar is particularly nice tonally, I find that for a Gibson type guitar a thicker back and thinner top work much better for that tone. Thinner backs with thicker tops will not have as much bottom end thump but may sustain longer and have a bit brighter tone (on a maple topped guitar).

Thanks for the question! I think it is cool to still own several of my own guitars! Here are a few that I have in my possession (among other early examples that are in various states!!). The later models are definitely more consistent and have a "Schroeder Tone" that I have been trying to achieve for a long time!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5012/5410486561_a90f7de0f8_o.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Working on the headstock!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35380-img-2712.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35381-img-2716.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture35382-img-2719.jpg

[Schroeder]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5472442133_2b0253d93d_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5257/5472442165_d64f0029db_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5292/5472442219_015b664b47_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5472442193_9ab3774d0d_o.jpg

[Schroeder]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5472442283_61714c52b2_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5473035348_74580d9643_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5472442361_fdf5007286_o.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5472442309_ac8c5093bd_o.jpg

[Elizabeth]

]
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5472442309_ac8c5093bd_o.jpg

Lionel-
Your neck is not glued here, but I will be sure to get a picture tomorrow of Jason holding it horizontally by the neck... you enjoyed that, right? ;)
E

[sparky_8]

Lionel-
Your neck is not glued here, but I will be sure to get a picture tomorrow of Jason holding it horizontally by the neck... you enjoyed that, right? ;)
E
Ha! That's so cool.

[Whitestrat]

Lionel-
Your neck is not glued here, but I will be sure to get a picture tomorrow of Jason holding it horizontally by the neck... you enjoyed that, right? ;)
E

The Pizza shot? Hahaha... That kinda scared me. Still does, but it's great knowing the joint is that tight. I'm going to go put these up on you-know-where. Hope it garners more interest!

How come the heel looks bigger than normal?

P.S., yeah. That last shot is great! Can I get a more frontal shot?

[Whitestrat]

I took a long time to digest this post. Thanks for sharing Jason.

You know the weird thing about building is that when you know something works in terms of the final guitar, you continue to build the same way, in basically the same order. Probably for fear that changing too much will negatively impact the final product!! But you are always looking for faster ways to remove the wood or more accurate tools to do certain operations. That is really the key on the wood side of the build. Getting rid of the excess wood quickly and making more accurate cuts. If you look at PRS guitars and the way they are built now, there are still remnants of the hand building procedures that Paul used in the old shop. Its just that bigger machines are doing it!

I used to chisel my carve tops!!! Took me about 4 hours for one top. Now I can use a grinder and cut a top in about 45 minutes. The next logical step will be to get a CNC to do what my grinder does now. I tried a dupli carver for a couple of tops and it was so tedious. Harder on my body and took longer than my grinder technique. I used to use rasps and files to rough in my neck carves from a square block of wood. Now I dimension the neck blank (front to back) to final spec, then bandsaw long skinny wedges off of the shoulders of the neck blank, then take it to the belt sander to get it down to about 90% of the final shape. Then I do the last 10% just as I always have with rasps, files, scrapers, etc. Again the next logical tool would be to use a CNC to get me 97% there!!

I realize every day that there are better/faster ways to do things. And I work those out as I can to make guitars that are cleaner, better, and hopfeully I can build them faster. A good friend and advisor taught me though that if you can take a few hours and make the right jig that will save you hundreds of hours over the next few hundred guitars, stop what you are doing and DO IT. So I have been better about giving myself permission to do that which has increased efficiency in the last couple of months! With the variances in the guitars that I build though it is very difficult to batch and jig because every one is so different. But that is what i love doing. I am not a guy who would enjoy building the same guitar over and over and over and over. I love the variety of custom guitars.

Thats the thing Jason, the whole world is going on about using CNCs as a drawback, and that hand made is still superior. At the end of the day, it doesn't detract from the fact that the luthier's input to the build isn't just about the cut, but also the selection of woods, and so many other factors. If the cutting off the body by machine makes it less stressful a process, so the builder can concentrate on the finer things like inlays, bindings, purflings etc etc, then it's for the best. It's a nice touch that you do it completely by hand now, but I think at the end of the day, the methodology and build philosophy is what matters more. i've seen beautifully carved guitars where the builder, simply forgot basics like string alignment. That destroys the entire guitar, or rather, the builder's reputation. if you can't even get it to play right, what's the point of making it look great?

Electronics on my more current guitars is infinitely better than it used to be too. It is something that was not as natural to me in the beginning (I was a wood guy!).

That's the beauty of having a guitar "Masterbuilt". You sort of find out where the builder's attributes and flaws are. Everyone has them. You're only human. The reason I asked for a transparent backplate, is precisely because I wanted to show off some beautiful wiring, that many take forgranted. I've seen so many builds coming into my local shop for rework, where the wiring is simply like crap. It's poorly done, and that sort of also reflects on the builder's attitude to the whole thing. That same guitar wans't built right. The strings wouldn't stay in tune for obvious reasons etc etc. I'm really looking forward to your work on that (no pressure intended). The solder joints, the wiring tidyness, etc etc. Basically the attention to detail. I remember seeing some beautiful wiring on TGP, (I think it was McInturff's stuff) and that was simply beautiful.

I actually love seeing older guitars I have built. There are variances in carves that is cool to see. I think my tops are slightly thinner now in general than they used to be. I used to like a thicker maple cap (the Tour Guitar's top is about 1" thick at the bridge!!) and thinner backs. While this does sound good and that guitar is particularly nice tonally, I find that for a Gibson type guitar a thicker back and thinner top work much better for that tone. Thinner backs with thicker tops will not have as much bottom end thump but may sustain longer and have a bit brighter tone (on a maple topped guitar).

Thanks for the question! I think it is cool to still own several of my own guitars! Here are a few that I have in my possession (among other early examples that are in various states!!). The later models are definitely more consistent and have a "Schroeder Tone" that I have been trying to achieve for a long time!


I was about to ask about a "Schroeder Tone" identity. What and how would you describe it?

[sparky_8]

Lionel,

I'm not sure how you did it, but you said exactly what I was thinking when I first read the post you quoted. I like the idea of transparent backplates. That's very cool.

[Whitestrat]

Lionel,

I'm not sure how you did it, but you said exactly what I was thinking when I first read the post you quoted. I like the idea of transparent backplates. That's very cool.

Yes, but while Gibsons (where I first got the idea) disguise a PCB, I wanted to showcase old school styled electronics, in a guitar that's built based on old school methods and reflecting a modern method of visualising an old school model. I think that's what Jason is building me, I hope. Heheh...

[Whitestrat]

Actual Staining begins!

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36297-img-3570.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36298-img-3572.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36299-img-3578.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36300-img-3582.jpg
I love how much the flame pops out at the end! It's looking great! The colour was meant to be a lemon drop at first, but I realised that all the lemon drops in BOTB had aged lacquer which made them more amber than anything else. So Jason tried to recreate that vintage appeal in the colour. I think he did it well. What' even more amazing, is that there's a very subtle burst to be added. So subtle that it's almost imperceptible in normal light conditions. Can't wait to see how he does that!

[Whitestrat]

The burst is done!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36318-img-1168.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36319-img-1167.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36320-img-1166.jpg

That is seriously a really nice burst. This is turning out nicer than I expected!

[vangit]

WOW....that's perfect!

[r9player]

that looks great!

[Whitestrat]

Jason: did you sand down the top a bit after the first stain? It looks a lot brighter and alive now after the burst! It even looks like it's on fire!

[sparky_8]

That looks amazing. I love the coloring and the subtle burst.

[Whitestrat]

That looks amazing. I love the coloring and the subtle burst.

Wait till the back is done. There's another surprise coming.

[paintguy]

That is outstanding Jason!

[sparky_8]

Wait till the back is done. There's another surprise coming.

So do I. :) Probably not the same surprise, but a surprise none the less. Looking forward to seeing what yours becomes.

[francric]

Spectacular color...............

[jmckenzie]

Killer Looking guitar... That flame seemed to POP even more when the clear and burst was applied.. Awesome job J!

[Whitestrat]

I'm so stoked. Jason went off the colour I initially asked for for the top and the back, but the concepts were preserved. Looking at the results, I'm actually quite glad he did. heheh...

I guess trusting the guy who builds your guitar is a good thing!

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36833-img-1538.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36834-img-1539.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36836-img-1542.jpg

[Whitestrat]

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36839-img-1545.jpg
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36838-img-1544.jpg

And finally:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture36837-img-1543.jpg

I think that smokeburst back turned out GREAT! nicer than I expected! Thanks Jason!

[JohnnyBoy]

Love it, just beautiful!

[jmckenzie]

WOW... Love the burst... and the flame has just popped since stain. Can't wait to see the finished product

[Whitestrat]

Lookit the burst on the back!!!!! LOVE the way the neck looks!

[AK_NorPine]

Lookit the burst on the back!!!!! LOVE the way the neck looks!

The front is awesome but that Back is really, really sweet.

[Whitestrat]

Jason uploaded this to Facebook today.

"Here's the guitar, ready for hardware."
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37502-ready-hardware.jpg

Then he uploaded this shot, which made me do a double take:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37503-almost-done.jpg

The reason this caught me, is something pretty odd. Let me tell you a little story.

When I was younger, around 13 to 14 years old, (abt 1988? 89?) I had just started guitar. The main brands around then were Fender, Aria Pro, Yamaha, Jackson, Gibson (though less prominent), and of course, Ibanez. Back then, we ALL began on Ibanezes, and those of us who couldn't afford it, like me, dreamed about owning one. Fender was for old country farts. Gibson was relatively unknown in this part of the world. No. It was Ibanez for us.

Yet, while my friends went nuts over the RGs and the Sabres, I went off on a tangent, and really liked the Radius Series, and the Artist Series. I remember taking the bus to school, sitting with friends, drooling over the free Ibanez catalogues. There was one particular model that had always caught my attention. This was before I had even seen a Les Paul Custom, much less know what it was. That LPC was another dream I had, which I eventually realised. It was a matter of those "when I grow up, and can afford it..." scenarios. I also got the Radius Series in the end, but I never owned an Artist.

This was what was yanking my chain all those times:
http://s93105080.onlinehome.us/Ibanez-Catalogs/catalog/1991add/36.jpg

Especially this old old model (though this one's a reissue):
http://www.matguitars.com/imagenes/guitarra_electrica_ar_5000_re-5869.jpg

I fell in love with that look, that design, the symmetry, etc etc. There wals a Japanese Guitarist in the old catalogue (can't recall his name), bare-chested, slung super low (mind you, this was before Slash even appeared!), slinging one of these, and that was the epitome of cool for me.

Thing is, I had forgotten how much I liked those models. Even today, when I walk into a guitar shop, be it in Japan, Thailand, or Singapore, and I see one, I will always pick it up, play it a bit, fail to bond with it, and end up putting it down. ALWAYS. That's why I've never owned one, and why I never hunt for one either. I simply gave up in time.

And yet, when I saw how Jason had done up the guitar, That same old model immediately spring to mind. The paintwork and the hardware installed had this really old 70's Ibanez Artist vibe. I love it!!! I can't wait to get this one. It's almost done, and should be here in acouple of weeks time!

It's funny how the subconscious creeps up on you sometimes though...

[Whitestrat]

Strings!!!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37542-strings.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Ok... FINAL stretch!
Some pics of the man himself buffing it away!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37869-img-4638.jpg
See the difference bwetten the buffed (body) and unbuffed (neck) bits?
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37870-img-4657.jpg
The back of the headstock:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37873-img-4803.jpg
The rear shot!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37874-img-4800.jpg

[Whitestrat]

The key shot for me: (showing not only the beautiful inlay, but the nice CLEAN neck joint!)
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37875-img-4779.jpg
The body closeup! Lookit that flame! There was supposed to be a neat little pickguard made for this, but I thought it looked GREAT without. So, I changed the order. Heh...
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37876-img-4768.jpg
Here's the money shot!
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/members/goldtop75-albums-schroeder-custom-build-picture37877-img-4761.jpg
This baby is now on it's way HOME to me!!! I should receive it next Tuesday at the latest!
I really can't wait!!!!

[r9player]

Awesome that came out awesome!

[francric]

Congrats and enjoy!!!

[AK_NorPine]

Sweet, Lionel.

[Whitestrat]

Alright. Having spent a few days with this guitar, I think it's time for me to write a simple review.

The guitar arrived early. (for once FedEx gets it right? Heh...) It was well wrapped, and beautifully cased. The Ameritage case is seriously a fine piece of work. You know usually how that inner compartment in most cases has a flimsy flap? Like it's not too well mounted or something? This one was not. It was sturdy, well fitted, tight, and felt very strong. The whole case felt very well made. A fitting testimony to the instrument it held inside. The corners of the case were cushioned.

The guitar was heavily padded in bubble wrap. Secure and well contained. Little damage could come to this guitar. I work in ground handling (yes, the airport kind) so I know how much damage this could have suffered if not packed well. A word of advice guys, ALWAYS send your instruments by insured couriers as cargo (yes, there's a reason for this), and make sure the guitar is well padded. NEVER check them in on a flight. Trust me. I know first hand. Heh...

This guitar had one little problem out of the case. Probably because of the shifting around during shipping, there was an annoying overtone at certain notes, especially on an open G string. Basically sympathetic oscillation. I checked everything and found all the components to be well screwed down, so this means the rattling would come from somewhere else. The main suspect: the truss rod. So, seeking Jason's advice, I turned the rod about a quarter turn, to loosen the rod (the neck was too straight anyways). The rattling and overtones were gone. The guitar came set up a bit low for my liking, so I raised the action myself to my own preferences.

The frets were stainless steel, and the fretwork was well done. The frets were very tall, as that was what I had asked for. Nice, silky smooth feel. Didn't sound much different from the usual nickel ones though, but I know these will last much longer, and that's a relief! The neck profile came quite nicely, a little rounder than what I really liked, but not being there to try the carve is a little tricky for Jason to deliver what I need. Thankfully, he came very close, so I'm not bothered by that.

The inlay... Wow... Athena hit this one out of the ballpark. I designed this inlay 18 years ago, and Athena spiced it up for me. The entire thing looks so good up close, it was not shown in clear detail before. No pics can ever do this justice, but I will try for one later in the thread.

The guitar was acoustically loud. I don't know why that is. It's as loud as my chambered Les Paul. I have a feeling it's due to the woods Jason used. The guitar is also very light, so I sispect this mahogany has relatively larger pores, meaning more air. The guitar weighs 7.9lbs. That's light for a LP thickness full solid mahogany guitar. And this is with all the hardware installed!

The Ivoroid binding, tuner pegs and pickup rings are a great call! Thanks Jason!

The plug in tones are really sweet, thanks for 2 key factors. The guitar, being very well made, such that all the components work well together, and the Skatterbrane PAF-styled pickups that Rod Kinkade custom wound for me after some seriously long consultation. These pickups are sort of low output. They're very open, and not very compressed. The bridge is thick and creamy, while the neck is clear, open and bitey. I'll have to do some sound clips when I get the chance.

This guitar is really nice to play. It feels good, sustains well, and it sings beautifully. Because the guitar is so responsive, it is also extremely inspiring. It makes me want to keep playing, and to really work the dynamics and tones carefully. Play it right, and it rewards you with so much life and expression. I simply have not experienced this much playing pleasure from a guitar in my 22 years of playing.

My guitar configuration is a very simple one. 6 strings, 3 way switch, 1 volume, 2 tone knobs. No fancy wiring, no splits, taps, nothing. Everything you get from the guitar HAS to be worked from the player. Oddly, this is unlike my Les Pauls, which do work well, but for some reason, are not as responsive nor as expressive. I even have the same custom pickups in a R7BB. It's no where as sweet as this. The wood Jason has used is top notch, his construction is fantastic, and the guitar simply works VERY well. It really is very easy to control. No fights at all, and when it responds, it responds very nicely.

I am not kidding when I say that this guitar is simply the BEST instrument I have ever owned and played. I literally will be selling almost everything else (well, except a strat and a 7 string) because I have no need anymore for them.

Thank you Jason, Elizabeth, Athena and Rod for building me a seriously great instrument!

Here are some pics I took!
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/IMG_1774.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/IMG_1792.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/IMG_1750.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/IMG_1754.jpg

[Whitestrat]

Audio clip recorded today: Voices of Lilith (http://soundcloud.com/whitestrat/voices-of-lilith)
Gear used: MI Audio Crunchbox, TS808HW, PODXTLive, Lilith.

Or here: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10603884

[guitarnyc]

Guitar is beautiful and the soundclip sounds great Lionel !

[thejackel16]

That is pure sex - beautiful work and a great 12th Fret inlay design.

[Whitestrat]

A few months down the road, and this is STILL my favourite guitar. Everything about it works, though I have come across some realisations that I will definately amend the next time round. (I'll be back!!!!!)

Still, this is a seriously good guitar. I've really not played anything better made, better feeling, and better sounding to date.

[Schroeder]

Thanks Lionel!! Any more clips of you playing it?

[Whitestrat]

Thanks Lionel!! Any more clips of you playing it?

Yup... one more clip I recorded recently. Mainly clean, slow playing. I sort of overdid it at the end part, but I haven't had time to go back to redo it. :)

http://soundcloud.com/whitestrat/that-little-black-dress

[Whitestrat]

Here's some recent shots I took.
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010490.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010487.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/P4300483.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010500.jpg

[Whitestrat]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010497.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010496.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010494.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010498.jpg

[Whitestrat]

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010484.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/P4300482.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010501.jpg
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c363/Demioblue/Lilith/PA010488.jpg

[buickrob]

Absolutely stunning, love seeing J's Shorties. Love the control layout too, might steal something similar for my Shorty build;)

[Whitestrat]

Absolutely stunning, love seeing J's Shorties. Love the control layout too, might steal something similar for my Shorty build;)

Yeah. I thought that might work well, then when the guitar was done, I was amazed by how playable it was, and how nicely it still preserved that vintage look. I'll go 5 way next, but still keeping with the layout!

[Elizabeth]

Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing, Lionel.

[Whitestrat]

Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing, Lionel.

Thanks. Don't you just love the pic of the back? It's got one of the nicest looking backs I've ever seen!