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Post by geoff738 on May 26, 2014 20:21:22 GMT -6
Well, the non custom shop stuff. Do you think the custom shop stuff is worth it?
I'll admit to mixed feelings. Not all the of the custom shop stuff I've tried have been gems. But, the Les Paul's that have turned me on the most were from the custom shop. Bit of a mixed bag for the Gibby acoustics I've tried, and same for the 335s. I've loved some of the Nocasters out of the Fender shop, but a couple of my humble little partscasters would give them a run for the money.
Cheers,
Geoff
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2014 8:43:05 GMT -6
For every pricey custom shop guitar I've played there's always been two or three squires, MIM or lesser known brands version that hang with it.
I'm currently using a custom Nyguitars.co build but there's a squire in my shop right now that plays as nice, if you have patience there is a very good guitar for a very good price. If you don't your best bet is to spend the money.
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Post by jimwilliams on May 27, 2014 9:40:36 GMT -6
I never got the "custom shop" stuff. It was the same instrument, supposed to be built by 'craftsmen' or some other bs.
Wood, parts, paint are all pretty much the same.
The question to ask yourself is this:
Do I want my Fender guitar built by Mexicans in Ensenada, BC or do you want your Fender guitar built by Mexicans in Corona, CA? Usually I pick Ensenada, BC. Labor rates are less, quality seems a bit better as I believe those guys really like having that job in Mexico. They work harder as they don't have unemployment insurance nor welfare to fall back on.
I do have a "custom 'sweat' shop" Epi Les Paul. They have those shops in PRC too.
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Post by Deleted on May 27, 2014 15:26:42 GMT -6
I never got the "custom shop" stuff. It was the same instrument, supposed to be built by 'craftsmen' or some other bs. Wood, parts, paint are all pretty much the same. The question to ask yourself is this: Do I want my Fender guitar built by Mexicans in Ensenada, BC or do you want your Fender guitar built by Mexicans in Corona, CA? Usually I pick Ensenada, BC. Labor rates are less, quality seems a bit better as I believe those guys really like having that job in Mexico. They work harder as they don't have unemployment insurance nor welfare to fall back on. I do have a "custom 'sweat' shop" Epi Les Paul. They have those shops in PRC too. Hey Jim, Parts are pretty much the same coming from a guy like you? come on. Not to pimp wares but check this out, I think you might enjoy this guys stuff. www.nyguitars.co/wiring/Obviously not Fender but this guy does great work. |
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Post by Johnkenn on May 28, 2014 7:18:05 GMT -6
The Custom Shop stuff is definitely overpriced...but most of the ones I've played were pretty damn awesome.
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Post by tonycamphd on May 28, 2014 9:24:33 GMT -6
i'd agree that metal hardware is metal hardware, the only difference should be plating and fine tuning(fitment, chamfering edges, saddle sizing bla bla), but the electronics, and wood/grain selection, assembly precision is/should be huge factors in determining the quality of the outcome imv.
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Post by jimwilliams on May 28, 2014 9:44:22 GMT -6
My Mexican built Telecaster is top notch. Ash body, maple and rosewood neck, the guts are there. It's a Muddy Waters "areest" model I paid $550 for new. The bridge is the same as the made in 'vintage style' US version with brass saddles too. Tuners are kluson knockoffs made in Japan, just fine, actually, better than USA klusons. The pickups are #42 wire, alnico 5 magnets and properly wound. The machining seems tighter than the USA models, overall.
Even custom shop Fenders use unshielded wiring and don't properly screen the guitars. Slopping on some conductive paint inside isn't the same as faraday shielding with copper foil. Factory guitars are always a starting point for me. You just need the important basic parts done right, wood, hardware, paint.
Mine is fully screened inside with quality Mogami wire used off the pickups. I added one of my preamp/booster pcb's between the volume and tone controls. Gain is set to 10 db and it will drive long cables without losses and even headphones for practice. The volume pot is a Bourns model 50 10k ohm conductive plastic, very smooth like a fader and no tone changes when attenuated. The pickups are shock mounted with rubber surgical hose and that metal plate under the lead pickup is gone, replaced with lock nuts. Yes, you can play this Tele on "11", it will not squeal nor feedback unless strings are let go. Hendrix controlled feedback is easy and fun, like a well controlled Strat.
I also added a .022 250V film cap in series with the string ground under the bridge. That is important if you want to avoid electrocution or stage shocks from poorly grounded vocal mics.
As you can see there are many things to be done with a factory guitar, no matter if it's a 500 buck Mexican special or a $5000 'custom shop' bank breaker.
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