Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: AndyR on July 18, 2008, 07:25:47 PM
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Anyone got one of these?
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/news_story/a/news_id/e/1802 (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/news_story/a/news_id/e/1802)
I nearly bought one today but just wasn't sure...
They're much cheaper than I was expecting which is why I tried them. I tried two, one had difficulties with strings snagging in the (metal) nut. The other had a severe buzzing problem on the frets below 5 (action wasn't that low either). Both seemed to have a much higher neck output than bridge. The tape edging is seriously lifting in the top cutaway on all of them, it's shrunk and has pulled away from the body - but it is only adhesive tape, it could be replaced (my missus said "but you'd take that off anyway wouldn't you?" bless 'er...)
By theory most of that lot a set-up should sort, but I fear it might be difficult setting it up...
So, if anyone's got one:
- Doesn't look to me as if there's any truss-rod adjustment. Was I missing something?
- The bridge is adjustable for height, and individual saddles for intonation, but it all looks a bit like it's relying on screws tightening into stuff (the body for height, the bridge assembly to hold a saddle in place). Has this proved enough for you?
- Are the pickup heights adjustable? (Er, how? :lol:)
I am tempted. A spot of "In My Time Of Dying" or "Kashmir" wouldn't go amiss here... (not prepared to put the time in to unravel White Summer though!!) ... but I am worried that it might prove a bit of a beast to get playable and keep playable.
BTW Those worried about heavy guitars - that's one thing this beast is NOT!! :lol:
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sorry to hear they are not up to scratch... been very tempted by a dano for a while now - i think i would rather have an old one anyway
it will have truss rod adjustment but it might be on the heel rather than the headstock
the pickups screw in from the back so should have enough adjustment - i presume they have enough screw thead to sort that out
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i badly want to try one of those, but can't find them anywhere... what you found about them, though, isn't exactly encouraging... :(
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I think they're cool because of the Page connection, but never felt the slightest temptation to try/buy one, I have to say.
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infact i was speaking to philking and he mentioned a silvertone/danelectro the other day that he wanted to sell...... very tempting stuff for me!!!! as was the national map he mentioned but the dano would always come first.
did i mention i like trashy guitars!!! why cant i build them like that
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That's exactly how I felt Dave! (Badly wanted to try one)
I'm still slightly interested, it does seem to have this tone all of its own, that I wasn't able to explore too far. But what I think I didn't realise was that it always was a "cheap" guitar and that fact took me by surprise.
Assuming it's adjustable enough, my only real gripe was the vinyl strip lifting away. I can see me having to make another trip... :roll: (turns out missus was expecting me to do it today!! - am I that transparent?)
The thing is though, much as I like the idea of this guitar, it did not produce that "got to have this" feeling that you get when you try your next guitar. It didn't keep me in the shop, in fact I handed it back quite quickly (I did buy the little headstock tuner gizmo they let me use for tuning it though - never come across one before, it's brilliant!) - and according to my usual rules, that's not a guitar for me to buy.
I think I'm going to save my pennies for the moment - especially as I'm waiting to hear what Blackguards do to a Baja tele :lol: (on another thread)...
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did i mention i like trashy guitars!!! why cant i build them like that
I think I know how you feel.
I haven't done any for a long time, but I dabble in painting and drawing. I'm not bad at it, even accidentally sold a few a while back... but it's time consuming and I'm more interested in guitars at the moment. Anyway, I'd love to be able paint certain more "modern" styles - but whenever I've tried it, I look at it and think "it's RUBBISH, looks like a five year old did it!"
I suspect creating trashy guitars is the same. When we were all looking at those Fanos the other day, I was thinking that it's all fine and dandy, but if any us put one together we'd probably feel slightly embarrassed. There'll be one or two with no shame, and the minute they post a pic of their creation we'll all drool over it saying "wish i could do that!"... I get the feeling we're all missing something somewhere :roll:
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The thing is though, much as I like the idea of this guitar, it did not produce that "got to have this" feeling that you get when you try your next guitar.
I don't know about you, but for me that's a definite warning sign. Most guitars I buy, I'm ecstatic about when I first get them - then the shortcomings start to become apparent over time and eventually I sell it (or not, as the case may be). The ones that don't produce a buzz on first acquaintance are definitely not keepers, and I've learned to make snap decisions, even if I've already actually bought it by mail order - "right, that one's going". Sometimes it means getting rid of it after only a couple of weeks and taking a loss on it, but why delay the process. :roll:
I suspect creating trashy guitars is the same. When we were all looking at those Fanos the other day, I was thinking that it's all fine and dandy, but if any us put one together we'd probably feel slightly embarrassed.
:oops: Embarrassment ahoy, because I was so taken with the Fanos (especially that Pelham Blue one) I'm seriously considering "Fano-ising" one of my LP Juniors. Which will basically mean two humbuckers, a new scratchplate and a Tele control plate.
I'm not planning to attempt a relic job though - I've read up on it and I'd feel reasonably confident about "ageing" the hardware, but I'm worried about the acid stuff getting in the tuners and trashing them, which would be a pointless waste of money.
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I always considered that Danos where one of those instruments that you have to acceept it's shortcomings and simply enjoy the noise that they make (there is nothing else quite like them.)
:oops: Embarrassment ahoy, because I was so taken with the Fanos (especially that Pelham Blue one) I'm seriously considering "Fano-ising" one of my LP Juniors. Which will basically mean two humbuckers, a new scratchplate and a Tele control plate.
I'm not planning to attempt a relic job though - I've read up on it and I'd feel reasonably confident about "ageing" the hardware, but I'm worried about the acid stuff getting in the tuners and trashing them, which would be a pointless waste of money.
Philly If you really want to fanoise you LP Jr then I'd suggest looking at putting some TV Jones pickups in as whats what he seems to prefer (when left to his own devices).
For the tuners why not get yourseld some cheap Wilkinsons to relic and leave the originals as normal.
BTW don't start me about Pelham Blue (I like it too much) as I found an SG style Melody Maker on that bloody colour yesterday (it was especially nice as it hadn't taken on that greenish tinge)
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Philly If you really want to fanoise you LP Jr then I'd suggest looking at putting some TV Jones pickups in as whats what he seems to prefer (when left to his own devices).
For the tuners why not get yourseld some cheap Wilkinsons to relic and leave the originals as normal.
Good suggestions Rob, I've thought about TV Jones pickups many times. I love the look, but soundwise I think they might have just a bit too much twang and "spank" for my tastes. I was thinking more along the lines of covered Mules or similar - a bit generic I know.
And for the tuners I really want to stick with my preferred vintage style locking Gotohs - but maybe it's worth getting some cheap ones for a bit of relic practice. They say that the tuners aren't in the acid solution long enough for it to penetrate the grease/lubricant inside, but I'm not 100% convinced.
Isn't Pelham Blue an awesome colour? Look at this (very much greenish, though):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-2001-Gibson-CUSTOM-SHOP-LES-PAUL-SG-PELHAM-BLUE_W0QQitemZ120282431296QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120282431296&_trksid=p3911.m14.l1318 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-2001-Gibson-CUSTOM-SHOP-LES-PAUL-SG-PELHAM-BLUE_W0QQitemZ120282431296QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120282431296&_trksid=p3911.m14.l1318)
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thats why i brought the wilkinson antiguity from axesrus for mine, although i still added a bit of extra age to the buttons.
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Good suggestions Rob, I've thought about TV Jones pickups many times. I love the look, but soundwise I think they might have just a bit too much twang and "spank" for my tastes. I was thinking more along the lines of covered Mules or similar - a bit generic I know.
And for the tuners I really want to stick with my preferred vintage style locking Gotohs - but maybe it's worth getting some cheap ones for a bit of relic practice. They say that the tuners aren't in the acid solution long enough for it to penetrate the grease/lubricant inside, but I'm not 100% convinced.
Isn't Pelham Blue an awesome colour? Look at this (very much greenish, though):
I have joined MDVs league of sulkers as I cant access EBay from work (what a way to spend a Saturday morning), as Pelham Blue is one of my favourite solid colours (along with Fenders Peuter (on the Celtic Esquired from a few years back), Candy Apple Red and also the Tangerine they sometimes use).
Personally I would have thought that the mahogany would tame the twang qyute a bit.
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Did anyone see the feature a couple of issues ago in Guitarist, where they pimped four Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs? Thinking about it, Dave Burrluck managed to age some locking Gotohs without (apparently) buggering them up. So maybe I should just bite the bullet and give it a go...
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Did anyone see the feature a couple of issues ago in Guitarist, where they pimped four Yamaha Pacifica 112Vs? Thinking about it, Dave Burrluck managed to age some locking Gotohs without (apparently) buggering them up. So maybe I should just bite the bullet and give it a go...
Yeah I read that issue - I thought the pimpin' Pacificas article was a really good idea, but apparently they got a lot of negative feedback mail about it. I wanna pimp my Pacifica!
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it sounds like a fun project!! which junior are you going to do it to?
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I have this Silvertone U-3 at my house at the moment, which is an original Daneletro, but branded for Sears.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898)
It sounds great (I can see why SRV had a strat with 3 lipstick tube pickups), and isn't bad to play. I could see why you might set one up as a slide guitar, since the tone lends itself to that. I have a couple of solid body Silvertones with the lipstick tube pickups too. They are good for a sound, but not really something for playing a full gig. Howver they are much better than the price would have you believe (I am talking about old guitars, I paid $200 for mine) . I haven't tried the new reissues, so I don't know how they differ from the originals.
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it sounds like a fun project!! which junior are you going to do it to?
It would be the cherry one:
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p216/phillyq/IMGP1852b.jpg)
The sunburst is already pimped with a BKP-91, locking tuners, upgraded electronics, TonePros studs and aluminium bridge. That's my Leslie West guitar. :)
The biggest problem will be relocating the controls - if I put a Tele control plate where they are now, it would be too far down the body and too close to the bridge, so I'll need to move it as far up and across as possible whilst still covering the holes. I think it should just about work. Of course I'll end up with a control cavity that goes all the way through the body, but that's not a big deal.
I'll also end up with a couple of screw holes to hide - wonder if I can get a cherry stain or timted lacquer to do that?
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I have this Silvertone U-3 at my house at the moment, which is an original Daneletro, but branded for Sears.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898)
It's funny looking at the shot of the control cavity and seeing the hardboard! :) Amazing that they've lasted so long really.
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I have this Silvertone U-3 at my house at the moment, which is an original Daneletro, but branded for Sears.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&item=190233268898)
that really is great phil!!
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Cheers for that PhilKing - it kind of confirms what I was thinking about over the sound.
I nearly asked them for a slide while I was trying it, but I'd already accidentally got them to unwrap a tuner for me, and I already knew I wasn't buying...
I think if I was going to get one, it would be as a dedicated slide guitar. I have issues with that though: a) I don't play as much slide as I used to, b) I like too many different slide tones - it would set a wallet-worrying precedent!
EDIT: And a big problem for me - I've only realised it with playing my own guitars this morning - one of the reasons I didn't feel at home with the dano is because it's so light... I do seem to like heavy guitars.
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That's exactly how I felt Dave! (Badly wanted to try one)
I'm still slightly interested, it does seem to have this tone all of its own, that I wasn't able to explore too far. But what I think I didn't realise was that it always was a "cheap" guitar and that fact took me by surprise.
The thing is though, much as I like the idea of this guitar, it did not produce that "got to have this" feeling that you get when you try your next guitar. It didn't keep me in the shop, in fact I handed it back quite quickly
yeah, i'm well acquainted with that feeling, often I see a guitar in a magazine or wherever which looks great on paper, then you try it and the GAS kinda evaporates... handy way of saving money, though.
:lol:
Yeah I read that issue - I thought the pimpin' Pacificas article was a really good idea, but apparently they got a lot of negative feedback mail about it. I wanna pimp my Pacifica!
yeah, that article was one of the best ones in ages, yet there were a few very negative letters? strange. :lol:
I always considered that Danos where one of those instruments that you have to acceept it's shortcomings and simply enjoy the noise that they make (there is nothing else quite like them.)
yeah, that's kinda why i want to try one, just in case the sound is good/unique enough that it's worth buying anyway... but obviously if it's going to fall apart, i'm not interested... :lol:
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Isn't Pelham Blue an awesome colour? Look at this (very much greenish, though):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-2001-Gibson-CUSTOM-SHOP-LES-PAUL-SG-PELHAM-BLUE_W0QQitemZ120282431296QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120282431296&_trksid=p3911.m14.l1318 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-2001-Gibson-CUSTOM-SHOP-LES-PAUL-SG-PELHAM-BLUE_W0QQitemZ120282431296QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120282431296&_trksid=p3911.m14.l1318)
Now that I'm back home I can look at that, all I can say thats the first discoloured Pelham Blue that I have really liked, infact it's almost gold on sceen here.
Damn I want that SG
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Truss rod is adjustable, it's even double action (at least on mine) but you have to take off the neck for it.
I like mine, it has a special sound and the lipsticks are real cool pickups, especially for dirt tones. On the other hand, there are MANY cool guitars in that price range, so you gotta be sure you want that tone for your collection.
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Cheers for that Hunter - I knew someone had got one recently but couldn't remember who (and couldn't find the thread either...)
Found your thread now, and the pic makes me want one again! :roll:
Looks like yours doesn't have any trouble with the vinyl edge tape either.