tele neck luthiers

makepeace

Can anyone recommend anyone/an operation that builds custom tele necks? Locally or abroad. I know of the obvious Warmoth and Musikraft, but I would like to get more than a few options.

Cheers

AlanRatcliffe

If it's quality uber alles, then USA Custom Guitars. I've stopped even looking elsewhere.

Ray

Dont know if you'll find much locally that uses music grade maple. I've only been able to find furniture grade wood here. But maybe rare woods in Knysna.

Keithm

Try http://www.warmoth.com/

makepeace

Alan Ratcliffe wrote If it's quality uber alles, then USA Custom Guitars. I've stopped even looking elsewhere.

Thanks!

Ray wrote Dont know if you'll find much locally that uses music grade maple. I've only been able to find furniture grade wood here. But maybe rare woods in Knysna.

I was actually intending a 2pc of walnut and ebony fb. I don't mind outsourcing to a company that would also supply the wood.

Keithm wrote Try http://www.warmoth.com/

I take it that you just read the topic and not the actual post? ? Already know of Warmoth, but thanks anyway ?

Anyone else? Possibly small business luthiers?

Ray

http://www.glendaleguitars.com/necks.htm
http://www.allparts.com/

Also there is a guy up here who makes guitars. I dont know if he does necks specifically. Chapp called Pete Buckle. He has done some work for me way back and good dealings. phone (011) 9734831

Norman86

Ray wrote
Also there is a guy up here who makes guitars. I dont know if he does necks specifically. Chapp called Pete Buckle. He has done some work for me way back and good dealings. phone (011) 9734831

i think they do do necks on their own... give them a call!

AlanRatcliffe

If you're looking for walnut, then you would have to find your own blank for USACG. Tommy only sources the tried and tested tonewoods (he's very good at that though) and the best of the vintage construction methods.

Warmoth is an easy bet for the exotics, but if you want something pretty (or anything not quite their standard specs) you'll pay through the nose for it (they upcharge everything) and there is no guarantee it'll sound good. And claro walnut is a bit inconsistent from piece to piece.

You can also speak to Doug at Soulmate Guitars, who is excellent on the exotic woods and laminates necks as standard unless one piece are requested. While he specialises in set and through necks, he does bolt ons to order. Usually a queue of a month or so before he starts building it, but his quality is worth the wait.

Heartworx

Speak to Pete Buckle, he is a perfectionist. No one else works on my guitars (011) 9734831

MikeM

Or you can get back to me about that group buy ?

Gearhead

MikeM wrote Or you can get back to me about that group buy ?

Do I read "group buy"? Count me in ?

MikeM

Musikraft ?

makepeace

MikeM wrote Or you can get back to me about that group buy ?

I'm keen on the group buy ? Just thought I'd investigate other options you know.

MikeM

No problem man - was more giving confirmation that it's going through.

Manie

The US suppliers are ok, Warmoth is very expensive, especially if you want a custom profile. Also consider the cost of trying to communicate with a company who is geared for mass production, a one-off neck is a pain in the neck for them (no pun intended) . l have visited the Warmoth facility in Puyallup, so this is no B/S. As for "musical" grade wood, it is all and well if you are building a high end acoustic, but for a neck of a solid body electric, the standard can be relaxed. Just ensure that the wood is dried to at least 4-6%. Let the wood acclimatise to your workshop for at least two weeks before you square it up. Once you have done this, let the blank stand another two weeks to stabilise, this is to let any movement in the timber take place. Now you can start your neck construction, ie shaping etc. l use Hondouras mahogany or maple which l do three piece laminate on the quarter grain. This gives me a very stable neck with less chance of twisting of warping. If you need any more info, just yell. l know Pete Buckle well, he is a super chap and will also do a great job- he is worth a call. SA has some very good builders, you will be surprised at the quality that is available locally- the Yanks are no longer as hot as they were 30 years ago! ?
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