Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Nolly on January 10, 2009, 08:35:30 PM
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First off, pics:
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0540.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0543.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0558.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0559.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0560.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0547.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0548.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0550.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0562.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0564.jpg)
Blackmachine is a the name under which Doug Campbell builds his guitars in a tiny spare room in his house in London, UK. Doug is the biggest perfectionist I know, and is absolutely 100% passionate about guitars, the two combined explain why his output has averaged 7 guitars a year since he started the brand.
The Blackmachine B6 is Doug's offering to those who want a cheaper, quicker but equally valid option to the custom instruments he builds. The plan is to have them in constant production starting sometime this year, available within an 8-week turnaround time. This is made possible by outsourcing to have the body and neck blanks made and prepped elsewhere, before they are finished by the man himself, as well as reducing the number of building processes by eliminating time-consuming aesthetic features (binding, special tops etc).
Spec's are as follows:
Swamp ash body (33mm thick)
3-piece maple neck (round C shape) with laminates (not sure what wood, though looks like ebony)
Indian rosewood fretboard (16" radius) and matching headstock overlay/truss rod cover
25.5" scale length
Dunlop 6100 fretwire
Bare Knuckle Cold Sweat pickups with distressed "camo" finish
Gotoh bridge
Locking Sperzel tuners
Jim Dunlop locking strap buttons (one recessed next to jack socket/usual strap pin, one ordinary flanged button on horn)
Ebony knobs
I love the look of the guitar. It is handsome and rugged, workman-like and purposeful. The unadorned woods used throughout are all extremely pleasant to look at. The body is actually two-piece, but it's literally impossible to notice until you look at the end of the body side-on.
The distressed pickups have a particularly cool look to them, and I feel that, aesthetically, they are the perfect match for the Blackmachine design.
Feel-wise, the guitar is very tactile, the woods are finished to the usual perfectionist standard, making it amazingly stroke-able.
The neck is instantly very homely and will suit a wide range of players (the custom instruments all have hand-shaped necks but generally have practically flat boards and thin necks. Extremely comfortable and silly fast, but definitely less conventional). Being unfinished, it will only get faster as it gets more playing time. The nut width is slightly narrower than on my B2, I'd say more similar to a MusicMan feel, though I've not had one to check that against.
The action is unspeakably low, if I didn't already own a Blackmachine I'd never believe it was possible to set a guitar up with such a low action without suffering from fret-buzz and choking the sound of the instrument. The nut slots are cut down to the point that you literally couldn't fit a Rizla between the string and the first fret on the higher strings, and the neck is set up with next to no relief, so that the action raises slightly near the upper registers so as to keep the highest notes from sounding constipated. (This is the way Doug sets up all the Blackmachines, it is amazing to be able to play legato right down at the nut end with such ease, and to hear your high notes come out sounding so full).
The intonation is set perfectly, as with all of Doug's instruments. It's amazingly satisfying to find just how beautifully in tune chords are all over the neck.
This is without doubt the most brutal sounding guitar I've ever played. It's so direct, punchy and tight. It sounds fatter than any Les Paul, but 100x clearer and more articulate, and has this incredible midrange snarl that's so aggressive and grin-worthy. The response across the board is awe-inspiring, it is so direct and so tight it really knocks you back for a moment at first. Back off the gain. and it can completely cop classic rock tones, and has a beautiful, pure, woody and deep clean that has an addictive spring to it and just keeps sustaining on and on. The guitar is very flattering to play, it seems to smooth out your playing and
Something that will no doubt amaze people upon trying it is how these sounds come from such a light guitar.
I bought this mainly to be a gigging guitar (the B2 is just too precious and irreplaceable to take on the road), and having played the prototype, I expected it to be good, but I'm completely blown away. I can't believe how awesome it is, certainly nothing I've played at more than double the price, comes even remotely close.
For anyone that's interested, I spent a short time AB'ing the B2 and B6 today. I started with the B6, and at first it was difficult to imagine any way that it be improved upon, but when I picked up the B2, the sound was just right there. The sustain and clarity are unmatchable, and the sound is so rich and pure.
It'd be extremely interesting to compare the B6 with a swamp-ash bodied B2 though, you'd really get to test the effects of the super-dense rosewood neck.
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:D Finally! Beautiful!
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Double post
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Sexy. I'd love to hear some clips, swamp ash and cold sweats, interesting.
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*cough*
Sexy. I'd love to hear some clips, swamp ash and cold sweats, interesting.
+1
*cough*
Pure awesomeness!
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Cheers guys, I'm going to do a video to show it off sometime soon, unfortunately clips aren't doable right now.
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badass :)
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looks niiiiiiiiiiiiiice :)
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i like them a lot... glad to hear i am not the only one working from a spare bedroom.
its nice that blackmachines might be a little more available and i suppose the outsourcing of production is ok as long as it is still dougs vision and perfectionism at the helm. I have certainly outgrown my spare bedroom and luckily have enough of a garden to give myself another workshop to expand into, whilst i outsource finishing now i am not ready to give up the grunt work!!
i suppose i am kinda interested in who is doing the bodies and necks
anyway, enough about that... i want one!!!
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Very sweet! Definately worth the wait.
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Looks a bit like notes and harmonics would jump out once you touch the strings. Is it as responsive and lively as I think it is?
Very nice. Especially that it has a hard tail instead of a Floyd ... I'm sure it rips with CSs ...
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That's a cool slab of Swamp Ash there Nolly.
Spoke to Doug recently and he mentioned he had built a couple of B6's amongst other things. Lo and behold one is yours this dam guitar world is getting smaller.
The B6 is exceptional value for money considering how awesome they are to play, the way they sound, choice of pickups and control configuration.
Martin
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Looks a bit like notes and harmonics would jump out once you touch the strings. Is it as responsive and lively as I think it is?
Very nice. Especially that it has a hard tail instead of a Floyd ... I'm sure it rips with CSs ...
Absolutely. It's the most responsive guitar I've played (except for my B2, I'd say it's on a par). The swamp ash is beautifully midrangey, so it's nice to have a pickup in there that isn't midrange-heavy so that the rest of the frequencies can breathe. That said, apparently the Painkiller works brilliantly in there too so go figure I guess.
That's a cool slab of Swamp Ash there Nolly.
Spoke to Doug recently and he mentioned he had built a couple of B6's amongst other things. Lo and behold one is yours this dam guitar world is getting smaller.
The B6 is exceptional value for money considering how awesome they are to play, the way they sound, choice of pickups and control configuration.
Martin
Yeah it is beautiful thanks, I'm very happy indeed.
In fact, both guitars were to do with me, though one left my possession a day later ;)
Doug spoke quite alot about you when I last saw him, he confirmed that your guitar will be built asap :)
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i like them a lot... glad to hear i am not the only one working from a spare bedroom.
its nice that blackmachines might be a little more available and i suppose the outsourcing of production is ok as long as it is still dougs vision and perfectionism at the helm. I have certainly outgrown my spare bedroom and luckily have enough of a garden to give myself another workshop to expand into, whilst i outsource finishing now i am not ready to give up the grunt work!!
i suppose i am kinda interested in who is doing the bodies and necks
anyway, enough about that... i want one!!!
Yeah, Doug seems very content working in his room, he has everything set out around him, and from his chair, he can swivel and reach any thing he needs. Must get serious cabin-fever putting himself through the insane building schedule he maintains though.
I did ask him who the luthier is, and he did tell me, but I'd never heard of him, and forgot the name. I don't think it's necessarily a name anyone would recognise at all. At first, I did worry about the dilution of Doug's perfectionism, but having got the guitar in my hands, I'm completely at ease. The join between the two halves of the body is simply incredible, in the pics here it looks like the join line is visible, but if you're seeing what I'm seeing, that's not actually the join at all!
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Sweet Baby Jesus! Thats beautiful!
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Sweet Baby Jesus! Thats beautiful!
You can play it tomorrow! We're still on I take it?
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That is a stunner. I too like the workman like approach. Congratulations on getting it.
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I don't actually know of prices, how much is a B2?
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£2100
Like I said in the other thread, I love the simple, workhorse feel of this guitar,whilst still looking classy and of real quality.
I can't wait for...My guitar that may or may not be from a luthier in London.
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You can play it tomorrow! We're still on I take it?
You bet!
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You can play it tomorrow! We're still on I take it?
You bet!
Wicked, I'll see you tomorrow then!
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Amazing guitar Nolly. I like it's simple yet awesome approach.
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Lots of pics added :)
Hopefully the details that were wanted, let me know if you want pics of specific parts
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0558.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0559.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0560.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0547.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0548.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0550.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0562.jpg)
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh76/Nollythegreat/B6/HPIM0564.jpg)
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Beautiful!
Lovely to see the B6 closer to being a generically available guitar, too :)
Roo
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Urgh, GAS... flaring... If a B2 is 2100gbp, how much is a B6?
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I really can't confirm the price of/available options for the B6 when/if they start production. When the price was set at £1050 for the initial run, it was based on using Idigbo as the body wood. Doug found a source of quality swamp ash for only a bit more, and by means of apology for their completion being delayed (Doug was out of action for two months after breaking a couple of ribs in a motorbike accident), used that instead as he considers it a higher-quality tonewood. In all likelihood, any further B6s will also be made from swamp ash, but the price will reflect the upgrade, plus the fact that Doug mainly sources his woods from the US, so may have to increase his prices if the exchange rate doesn't get any better for us (though obviously the guitar will become less affordable for Americans by the same token).
Also, remember that many of the standard options on the custom models are optional extras on the B6 (camo covers, locking tuners, straplocks, coil-splitting). Any model of Bare Knuckle, Hauessel, Lundgren, DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, or EMG is covered in the base cost though.
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That man know how to build a guitar... Hats off...
PS: has any finish on this body? oil, etc?
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I think we all should look for a house in Bath with a Blackmachine headstock poking out of the front second floor window and raid the building.
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has any finish on this body? oil, etc?
I actually have no idea! If there is a finish, then it's only a very light oil. The neck is definitely raw.
I think we all should look for a house in Bath with a Blackmachine headstock poking out of the front second floor window and raid the building.
Hahah, well, that's not the room it's kept in actually. I just like the natural light in there :)
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nice axe :)
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bit disappointing to see its string-through-back-of-bridge rather than string-through-body though.
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bit disappointing to see its string-through-back-of-bridge rather than string-through-body though.
I've spoken with Doug about the string-through argument, and he maintains there is absolutely no difference in tone or sustain. In this case, it's another building process that can be dropped in order to keep the build time as short as possible. He's even built a few of his custom instruments without string-through bridges:
(http://www.blackmachine.net/assets/F8Spalt4.jpg)
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bit disappointing to see its string-through-back-of-bridge rather than string-through-body though.
I've spoken with Doug about the string-through argument, and he maintains there is absolutely no difference in tone or sustain. In this case, it's another building process that can be dropped in order to keep the build time as short as possible. He's even built a few of his custom instruments without string-through bridges:
(http://www.blackmachine.net/assets/F8Spalt4.jpg)
and whats your personal opinion on the matter, comparing the B6 and B2? (and how much cheaper is the new version by the way?)
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and whats your personal opinion on the matter, comparing the B6 and B2? (and how much cheaper is the new version by the way?)
Put it this way, the only guitar I would choose over the B6 would be the B2. Both are fantastic, but there's something magical about the rosewood necked Blackmachines, they allow so much less dissipation of energy through neck-movement, and it's a very audible difference in sustain and richness of harmonics. The B6 slays every other humbucking guitar I've owned or played though, it's fat enough to make a Les Paul hang it's head in shame, yet keeps so much clarity and punch. The fact that you can have it made with any pickups is a huge consideration too, no upgrading needed, plus I bet that with lower output pickups it could be a classic rock beast, and with c-pigs, it'd probably kill you.
As far as price goes, the initial run was priced at £1050, which doesn't include certain upgrades like distressed covers, locking tuners, straplocks, coil-splitting etc. As for the price when it starts production proper, I'll just quote my previous post:
'I really can't confirm the price of/available options for the B6 when/if they start production. When the price was set at £1050 for the initial run, it was based on using Idigbo as the body wood. Doug found a source of quality swamp ash for only a bit more, and by means of apology for their completion being delayed (Doug was out of action for two months after breaking a couple of ribs in a motorbike accident), used that instead as he considers it a higher-quality tonewood. In all likelihood, any further B6s will also be made from swamp ash, but the price will reflect the upgrade, plus the fact that Doug mainly sources his woods from the US, so may have to increase his prices if the exchange rate doesn't get any better for us (though obviously the guitar will become less affordable for Americans by the same token).
Also, remember that many of the standard options on the custom models are optional extras on the B6 (camo covers, locking tuners, straplocks, coil-splitting). Any model of Bare Knuckle, Hauessel, Lundgren, DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, or EMG is covered in the base cost though.'
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it sounds like you are very happy with your blackmachine!
i don't think the look is my thing, but with all the recent interest here in blackmachines, and your glowing praise, i'd really like to try one and see what all the fuss is about
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Sweet guitar, I never understood the string through body is better for tone argument. Surely the break angle is what makes the difference?
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Sweet guitar, I never understood the string through body is better for tone argument. Surely the break angle is what makes the difference?
The break angle on a rear loading bridge is less than a string through bridge... so if you say break angle makes a difference then you would see that same differnce on a string through. I must admit i like the fact the strings are anchored all teh way through the body.
I am not sure about this string through having no tonal difference idea... to me it does, but also plays a role in tension as well.
I know it can make a big difference in basses and have A/B'd them since some bass bridges come with the option to rear load or string through. ok, it may be psychoacoustic but i think i do hear a difference. Its really noticeable on 5 string, 34" scale basses... lets assume average gauge strings. Rear loaded that low B can sound like wet fart, string it through the body and it starts to regain its clarity... thats definetly not psychoacoustic, the difference is too great to write it off as just hearing what i expected to hear
OK, thats basses so maybe not applicable in the same way. I have never really had a guitar i could A/B the two ways of stringing on, i know doug will have tried it thoroughly though... but that idea still might take me a while to get my head around. I suppose even if it was true for some guitars that it made a difference, there may be other features on Dougs that mean the difference is lessened.
just thinking out loud again really, i should just drill out a body/guitar bridge and see for myself!
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I must say, I've been fortunate enough to play 2 of the 3 F8's that are on Doug's site, and both had absolute, almost piano-like clarity on the F# and B strings. I hadn't even noticed that one wasn't string-thru til I looked at the pic Nolly posted, was just enjoying an amazing instrument. Had to go back to Doug's site to check it was one of those that I tried. Maybe it's more noticeable on a bass cos of the extremely low frequencies??
Never built a guitar so only guessing. Knowing Doug as I do tho, if he says there is no difference for his guitars I'm inclined to believe him :)
Wez, your stuff looks very interesting too, would love to try one.
Nolly, you're a very lucky man. Good luck with a singer so I can get to hear it live!!
BTW I tried the 884 first which was string-thru, and the stunning maple topped F8 which no picture can do justice to :D (Which isn't)
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Sweet guitar, I never understood the string through body is better for tone argument. Surely the break angle is what makes the difference?
The break angle on a rear loading bridge is less than a string through bridge... so if you say break angle makes a difference then you would see that same differnce on a string through. I must admit i like the fact the strings are anchored all teh way through the body.
I am not sure about this string through having no tonal difference idea... to me it does, but also plays a role in tension as well.
I know it can make a big difference in basses and have A/B'd them since some bass bridges come with the option to rear load or string through. ok, it may be psychoacoustic but i think i do hear a difference. Its really noticeable on 5 string, 34" scale basses... lets assume average gauge strings. Rear loaded that low B can sound like wet fart, string it through the body and it starts to regain its clarity... thats definetly not psychoacoustic, the difference is too great to write it off as just hearing what i expected to hear
OK, thats basses so maybe not applicable in the same way. I have never really had a guitar i could A/B the two ways of stringing on, i know doug will have tried it thoroughly though... but that idea still might take me a while to get my head around. I suppose even if it was true for some guitars that it made a difference, there may be other features on Dougs that mean the difference is lessened.
just thinking out loud again really, i should just drill out a body/guitar bridge and see for myself!
Exactly what I'm saying, people talk about it as if the string passing through the actual body wood makes for a better tone.
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its a whole complex argument though, people saying 'its the strings going through the body' is just as valid as saying 'its the extra break angle'... neither is usefull without proof
my own ideas and experiments tell me extra string length plays an important role, especially in the 5 string bass example i said above. I believe its the extra length provided by stringing through the body that helps the low B work better... i tested this by extending the string behind a top loading bridge with a short length of brass tubing and most of the effects of stringing through the body were there.
Like i say though, i havnt done it with guitars yet... i might try the brass tubing behind a top loader first.... now do i actually still have any top loading bridges around here still :?
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it sounds like you are very happy with your blackmachine!
i don't think the look is my thing, but with all the recent interest here in blackmachines, and your glowing praise, i'd really like to try one and see what all the fuss is about
Sure, I can understand that the superstrat-style body (though actually, it's half tele, half strat but hey) and aesthetics won't be to everyone's taste. Definitely worth trying though, even if you decide it isn't for you.
I'll stay out of the debate on string-through bridges, as I don't really have anything to add :)
Thanks for the support bobthemerciful, hopefully we'll find the right guy for the job soon!
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I think all of Dougs work is amazing from what i've seen/heard. The super strat style isn't really my thing, but it not all he does, it's just what's most popular from what i can tell