The Stars Have Aligned!

Steinmetzify · 02-27-2012, 11:38 PM

After joining here and doing much homework, I decided (after long deliberation) to go the custom route instead of buying a Gibson.

Reason being that I couldn't find exactly what I wanted......I played probably a hundred guitars in 5 different cities. I know it sounds picky, but I'm most likely gonna have this guitar forever and I gotta love it....some looked great and sounded ok.....some sounded great but I couldn't get past the looks.....and there weren't any that made me forget either when I leaned back, closed my eyes and just played.

I've got friends on other forums, and one of them started building guitars recently, and it turns out? He's pretty friggin good at it.

Check it:
Shorty's 1st Build - Les Paul

Anyway, long story short.....deposit sent tonight.....it starts now.

Specs:

Goldtop
3 piece neck
Black binding on body AND neck
Fret nibs
Ebony board
GOLD MOP trap inlays

Black hardware-locking bridge and tuners

Bare Knuckle Pickups Holydivers----sent an email to Tim at BKP and told him I needed a bridge that could hold down Pantera riffs if it needed to, and a neck that would do Gilmour/Pink Floyd type leads (I'm a sensitive metalhead over here) in a HEAVY LP, and this is what he suggested...7k neck, 17k bridge...checked his clips, and I'm enthralled.

Gonna be a bit of a wait, but should have by end of summer.....now I just have to rein in my legendary impatience and let my man do his thing. This is gonna be stellar.

Had to tell someone, and where could I get more love for this from a better group of guys than here?

Wish us luck.

Thumpalumpacus · 02-27-2012, 11:52 PM

Sweet, congrats.

Matt_21 · 02-27-2012, 11:55 PM

sounds cool!

GammyBird · 02-27-2012, 11:59 PM

Well done!

bassbo530 · 02-28-2012, 12:03 AM

Please keep us posted !!!

Steinmetzify · 02-28-2012, 01:15 AM

Thanks guys.......I'm pretty hyped. I get exactly what I always wanted in a LP, and get to have a brother do it for me. Nothing but win here.

Watch this space for updates.

Steinmetzify · 03-20-2012, 10:32 PM

UPDATED: The wood is IN.......one piece African mahogany body, quilted maple top......the back is gonna be SICK......really 3D, almost has a flame to it......the top is going to be striking as well.....almost a shame to cover it up with gold, but at least it's under there if I want to refinish in a few years....super stoked!

Pics:

GammyBird · 03-20-2012, 10:40 PM

Very nice!!!

Is that the face of Jesus I see there

Steinmetzify · 03-20-2012, 11:24 PM

Of course it is....where else would he be?!

Barman · 03-21-2012, 01:36 AM

Congrats!

however,

Quote:

but I'm most likely gonna have this guitar forever

I gave up on that idea many years ago, which is why I personnally would never go the custom route.

Zack · 03-21-2012, 03:03 AM

you think its hard finding a guitar. try being left handed

twchua · 03-21-2012, 05:12 AM

R u sure you wanna cover that up in gold?
I say go for a nice burst, then cover in gold when you're sick of the burst... which is probably never...

Anyway, very nice...
Keep us posted.

Steinmetzify · 04-03-2012, 11:51 AM

UPDATED: Inlays have arrived......gold MOP, guys.

Here:

JamesT · 04-03-2012, 11:54 AM

I love a good goldtop as much as the next guy but I think it is almost criminal to cover that top in gold paint! That wood is gorgeous, don't do it man! I'm sure you can find some nice tone wood that isn't as pretty and save that for something we can see. But it's your build my friend so more power to you!

Steinmetzify · 04-03-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesT

I love a good goldtop as much as the next guy but I think it is almost criminal to cover that top in gold paint! That wood is gorgeous, don't do it man! I'm sure you can find some nice tone wood that isn't as pretty and save that for something we can see. But it's your build my friend so more power to you!

I know brother.......but I can't help it. The GT urge has taken over and I can't stop it. I've been jonesing for this guitar for over ten years, and I actually have no control over what top wood my guy gets.....it'll be there if I get sick of the GT......and as far as I know, there were a BUNCH from the 50s and 60s that all had flame tops under there, so I'm not doing anything historically wrong. I hope.

JamesT · 04-03-2012, 12:10 PM

You are totally right. Usually goldtops got the multipiece tops that weren't as attractive but I have seen some really cool goldtop to burst three piece conversions that had some awesome flame to them. At least you know what it looks like and you can save the photos of the guitar right before it is painted in case you ever want to change it up. The mahogany is looking great too. What color stain are you doing for the back and neck?

Steinmetzify · 04-03-2012, 12:16 PM

LMAO.....gonna be cleared. Don't want to cover up that flame! Weird, that I'll cover that top but not the back, huh?
BUT, I think it'll look awesome with a natural back and the black binding, should make the gold pop really well....I've always loved the look of natural back guitars with black binding, and it was actually my luthiers idea.....dude has some great ideas, so I gave him an outline and he's running with it.

swampblues · 04-03-2012, 05:06 PM

Aaaa+

Steinmetzify · 04-03-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swampblues

Aaaa+

Right? Hope you dig it man.......you consistently have some of the best guitars on this forum.

Steinmetzify · 04-28-2012, 07:04 PM

UPDATE:

Pups are in.....BKP Holydivers with black battle worn covers.....excited to try these out, can't wait for this to be done. Shipping to the luthier on Monday. I love it when a plan starts coming together.

tonebone · 04-28-2012, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GammyBird

Very nice!!!

Is that the face of Jesus I see there

I see an atomic bomb explosion, the Boston album cover and Yessongs album cover. Amazing!

What the estimated birth date of this wonder?

Steinmetzify · 04-29-2012, 05:13 PM

Tonebone, we're estimating late July/early August, just because the nitro has to be done outside. Gotta wait for nicer weather.

Steinmetzify · 04-29-2012, 05:14 PM

And I saw the bomb and the Boston cover too.

Northwinds · 05-01-2012, 01:25 PM

Holy crap that is going to be nice Scott. I agree with the majority about that top though, it's very striking

Tangerine · 05-04-2012, 09:58 PM

Can't wait to see this when it's done!

Steinmetzify · 05-05-2012, 06:34 PM

LOL.....me neither! Been thinking about this guitar for over 10 years......the Bonamassa got close, but still wasn't there.

Steinmetzify · 06-15-2012, 01:06 PM

New shots from the man.....electronics routes done, top glued and starting the top carve this weekend:

Top:

Starting to get excited over here.

GammyBird · 06-15-2012, 01:12 PM

Nice to be able to watch your guitar being built!

Steinmetzify · 06-15-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GammyBird

Nice to be able to watch your guitar being built!

I agree! He's actually taking a metric ton of pics, and when he done he's going to load them all up onto a USB stick and throw it in the case so I can see it from beginning to end. I thought that was a cool idea.

kingedb · 06-15-2012, 02:07 PM

Awesome!!

No laws against covering that top in your parts? I'm writing my congressman!

Subscribed!

02-27-2012, 11:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	The Stars Have Aligned! After joining here and doing much homework, I decided (after long deliberation) to go the custom route instead of buying a Gibson. Reason being that I couldn't find exactly what I wanted......I played probably a hundred guitars in 5 different cities. I know it sounds picky, but I'm most likely gonna have this guitar forever and I gotta love it....some looked great and sounded ok.....some sounded great but I couldn't get past the looks.....and there weren't any that made me forget either when I leaned back, closed my eyes and just played. I've got friends on other forums, and one of them started building guitars recently, and it turns out? He's pretty friggin good at it. Check it: Shorty's 1st Build - Les Paul Anyway, long story short.....deposit sent tonight.....it starts now. Specs: Goldtop 3 piece neck Black binding on body AND neck Fret nibs Ebony board GOLD MOP trap inlays Black hardware-locking bridge and tuners Bare Knuckle Pickups Holydivers----sent an email to Tim at BKP and told him I needed a bridge that could hold down Pantera riffs if it needed to, and a neck that would do Gilmour/Pink Floyd type leads (I'm a sensitive metalhead over here) in a HEAVY LP, and this is what he suggested...7k neck, 17k bridge...checked his clips, and I'm enthralled. Gonna be a bit of a wait, but should have by end of summer.....now I just have to rein in my legendary impatience and let my man do his thing. This is gonna be stellar. Had to tell someone, and where could I get more love for this from a better group of guys than here? Wish us luck. kingedb, Barman, GERRYGTR62 and 2 others like this.

02-27-2012, 11:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Thumpalumpacus Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Hill Country Posts: 54,242 Thanks: 1,199 Thanked 687 Times in 79 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Sweet, congrats. __________________ _____________________________________________ My Soundcloud

02-27-2012, 11:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
Matt_21 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,644 Thanks: 76 Thanked 18 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! sounds cool!

02-27-2012, 11:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
GammyBird Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16,623 Thanks: 378 Thanked 175 Times in 82 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Well done!

02-28-2012, 12:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
bassbo530 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chico CA Posts: 1,047 Thanks: 13 Thanked 20 Times in 10 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Please keep us posted !!! __________________ VASCHENKO GUITARS ...PLAY THE PASSION http://www.facebook.com/VaschenkoCustomBuiltGuitars http://www.facebook.com/pages/Japane...56361357731098 http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...mrbobo555&aq=f

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02-28-2012, 01:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Thanks guys.......I'm pretty hyped. I get exactly what I always wanted in a LP, and get to have a brother do it for me. Nothing but win here. Watch this space for updates.

03-20-2012, 10:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! UPDATED: The wood is IN.......one piece African mahogany body, quilted maple top......the back is gonna be SICK......really 3D, almost has a flame to it......the top is going to be striking as well.....almost a shame to cover it up with gold, but at least it's under there if I want to refinish in a few years....super stoked! Pics: GammyBird, Angelloveguitars and matmont1305 like this.

03-20-2012, 10:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
GammyBird Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16,623 Thanks: 378 Thanked 175 Times in 82 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Very nice!!! Is that the face of Jesus I see there

03-20-2012, 11:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Of course it is....where else would he be?! Stonesy, GammyBird, bassbo530 and 1 others like this.

03-21-2012, 03:03 AM	#11 (permalink)
Zack Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Melbourne australia Posts: 3,725 Thanks: 454 Thanked 52 Times in 20 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! you think its hard finding a guitar. try being left handed __________________ Everybody knows valves are better.

03-21-2012, 05:12 AM	#12 (permalink)
twchua Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South East Asia Posts: 782 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! R u sure you wanna cover that up in gold? I say go for a nice burst, then cover in gold when you're sick of the burst... which is probably never... Anyway, very nice... Keep us posted. UITA, purevilpleasure, Udonitron and 2 others like this. __________________

04-03-2012, 11:51 AM	#13 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! UPDATED: Inlays have arrived......gold MOP, guys. Here:

04-03-2012, 11:54 AM	#14 (permalink)
JamesT Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 2,015 Thanks: 8 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! I love a good goldtop as much as the next guy but I think it is almost criminal to cover that top in gold paint! That wood is gorgeous, don't do it man! I'm sure you can find some nice tone wood that isn't as pretty and save that for something we can see. But it's your build my friend so more power to you! decoy205 likes this.

04-03-2012, 12:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
JamesT Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 2,015 Thanks: 8 Thanked 12 Times in 3 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! You are totally right. Usually goldtops got the multipiece tops that weren't as attractive but I have seen some really cool goldtop to burst three piece conversions that had some awesome flame to them. At least you know what it looks like and you can save the photos of the guitar right before it is painted in case you ever want to change it up. The mahogany is looking great too. What color stain are you doing for the back and neck?

04-03-2012, 12:16 PM	#17 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! LMAO.....gonna be cleared. Don't want to cover up that flame! Weird, that I'll cover that top but not the back, huh? BUT, I think it'll look awesome with a natural back and the black binding, should make the gold pop really well....I've always loved the look of natural back guitars with black binding, and it was actually my luthiers idea.....dude has some great ideas, so I gave him an outline and he's running with it. JamesT likes this.

04-03-2012, 05:06 PM	#18 (permalink)
swampblues Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 2,020 Thanks: 0 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Aaaa+

04-28-2012, 07:04 PM	#20 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! UPDATE: Pups are in.....BKP Holydivers with black battle worn covers.....excited to try these out, can't wait for this to be done. Shipping to the luthier on Monday. I love it when a plan starts coming together. Deed J likes this.

04-29-2012, 05:13 PM	#22 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Tonebone, we're estimating late July/early August, just because the nitro has to be done outside. Gotta wait for nicer weather.

04-29-2012, 05:14 PM	#23 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! And I saw the bomb and the Boston cover too.

05-04-2012, 09:58 PM	#25 (permalink)
Tangerine Guitaraholic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 1,011 Thanks: 21 Thanked 19 Times in 5 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Can't wait to see this when it's done!

05-05-2012, 06:34 PM	#26 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! LOL.....me neither! Been thinking about this guitar for over 10 years......the Bonamassa got close, but still wasn't there.

06-15-2012, 01:06 PM	#27 (permalink)
Steinmetzify The only PURPLE Ginger Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrounded by Mormons Posts: 894 Thanks: 16 Thanked 33 Times in 9 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! New shots from the man.....electronics routes done, top glued and starting the top carve this weekend: Top: Starting to get excited over here. GammyBird likes this.

06-15-2012, 01:12 PM	#28 (permalink)
GammyBird Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 16,623 Thanks: 378 Thanked 175 Times in 82 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Nice to be able to watch your guitar being built! Steinmetzify likes this.

06-15-2012, 02:07 PM	#30 (permalink)
kingedb Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lansdale, PA Posts: 8,034 Thanks: 327 Thanked 49 Times in 14 Posts	Re: The Stars Have Aligned! Awesome!! No laws against covering that top in your parts? I'm writing my congressman! Subscribed! Steinmetzify likes this.

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