Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 09:40:45 AM

Title: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 09:40:45 AM
As the title says really!  Sounds Great have the guitar below in stock at the moment, and with neither of my McCarty Rosewoods selling I'm wondering whether to trade one in for it.  Something a bit different?

Opinions please  :D

http://www.fanoguitars.com/altdefactoJM6.html

(http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com/images/product_images_large/5010_2.jpg)

(http://www.soundsgreatmusic.com/images/product_images_large/5010_1.jpg)

(http://www.fanoguitars.com/photos/jm6lakeplacidblue.jpg)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Philly Q on July 02, 2009, 10:05:14 AM
I think they look awesome, and I would go for it!

I prefer the SP6 models myself, but JM6 would definitely be second choice.

http://www.fanoguitars.com/altdefactoSP6.html (http://www.fanoguitars.com/altdefactoSP6.html)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: MrBump on July 02, 2009, 10:28:48 AM
Look good.  Expensive, presumably..?
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Crazy_Joe on July 02, 2009, 10:41:27 AM
Is that relicing?

If it is that's the best relic finish i have seen on any guitars!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 10:45:07 AM
Yep, it's a relic and it's up for £1699.  Fralin pickups, compound radius fretboard, jumbo frets, relic Lake Placid Blue finish etc.

Pricey, but about the same as any other relic e.g. Nash, Fender, McGuire.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Ratrod on July 02, 2009, 10:48:01 AM
Very cool.

(http://www.fanoguitars.com/altdefactoTC6.html#)

Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Ian Price on July 02, 2009, 11:00:40 AM
I like them and they got a good review in guitarist recently.

The finish is great, it reminds me of one of my guitars!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Philly Q on July 02, 2009, 11:13:13 AM
I have a suspicion that they get their necks and bodies from Warmoth - mainly based on the LP style SP6 models.  They have the 10" to 16" compound radius, separate maple fingerboards (as opposed to 1-piece maple necks) and the scarf-jointing of the headstock looks identical.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: headtheball on July 02, 2009, 11:24:32 AM
The instrument shown is totally up my alley, now, and had I a PRS, I'd swap in a second. Your mileage, obviously, may vary.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: roland_rat on July 02, 2009, 12:08:33 PM
For me I would not change one of your PRS for it.  That said it  certainly is somthing different to what you got.


Good luck whatever you decide.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 12:33:52 PM
Cheers for the opinions folks  :)

I must admit I'm in two minds about whether to try and get a deal or not.  Sounds Great also have one of the Top Bound Esquire relics in stock like Ian Price's, which is tempting me.  Trouble is they want silly money for it (£2399!)

http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/limitededitions/9233000023.php
(http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/images/9233000023_md.jpg)
(http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/images/9233000023v3_detail.jpg)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Dazza1004 on July 02, 2009, 01:25:44 PM
Sounds Great also have one of the Top Bound Esquire relics in stock like Ian Price's, which is tempting me.  Trouble is they want silly money for it (£2399!)

I struggle with this a fair bit but have come to the conclusion that if you decide that’s what you want and that’s what it costs, so be it, it’s the same with houses, cars etc, if you want it, you got to pay for it.

I find I only worry about the money before I guy stuff, once I have it I don’t care how much it cost.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 01:44:10 PM
Well the black Esquire is a complete no-no as I have something similar-ish in the works anyway, and I'm trying to move away from having doubles of everything!

The Fano is certainly growing on me.  I think I'll have to call in at Sounds great and check it out.....
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: nfe on July 02, 2009, 02:00:54 PM
We have a Fender CS Esquire Relic in the shop for £1199, well over a grand under what it was on the wall for originally.

It's a great guitar and a pretty subtle relic, just cracked laquer and some neck wear. I fight with myself about it on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 02:05:27 PM
Sounds tasty!  Where's that?
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: nfe on July 02, 2009, 02:13:11 PM
Reverb Glasgow.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Adam.M on July 02, 2009, 02:15:13 PM
Maybe its because im on my laptop but when i first saw that i thought it was some cheap cr@ppy chinese copy guitar from the 70's going for about 50 quid. Or with that headstock, i thought it was a £200 LAG guitar

It looks like utter shitee.

I've now got tea all over my keyboard after reading you want to swap a PRS for it.

 :shock:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 02:22:32 PM
:lol:

I bet it plays and sounds great, which you can't argue with......
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: indysmith on July 02, 2009, 02:25:09 PM
Fanos are just my sort of guitar! GET ONE!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Plexi Ken on July 02, 2009, 04:22:50 PM
I think the Fano look great  :D

There's a double bound relic Esquire (Surf Green) in Peter Cook's at £2099
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: WezV on July 02, 2009, 04:40:05 PM
as far as style goes i love the fano stuff - but i have not played one to say any more than that
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dheim on July 02, 2009, 04:53:27 PM
Maybe its because im on my laptop but when i first saw that i thought it was some cheap cr@ppy chinese copy guitar from the 70's going for about 50 quid. Or with that headstock, i thought it was a £200 LAG guitar

It looks like utter shiteee.

I've now got tea all over my keyboard after reading you want to swap a PRS for it.

 :shock:


+1!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dheim on July 02, 2009, 04:54:38 PM
Cheers for the opinions folks  :)

I must admit I'm in two minds about whether to try and get a deal or not.  Sounds Great also have one of the Top Bound Esquire relics in stock like Ian Price's, which is tempting me.  Trouble is they want silly money for it (£2399!)

http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/limitededitions/9233000023.php
(http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/images/9233000023_md.jpg)
(http://www.fendercustomshop.com.au/images/9233000023v3_detail.jpg)

this one looks really tasty...
looks like you're slowly converting me to tele appreciation (love is too big a word)... :)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dave_mc on July 02, 2009, 08:04:05 PM
looks nice (apart from the relicing, i don't like relics, but it'll be your guitar so that's your call :) ), haven't tried them, though. Not too sure of the logic of swapping one guitar you can't sell for another you probably won't be able to either, though... ;)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 02, 2009, 08:22:19 PM
That's the point Davey boy - swap it for something else that's interesting and something I haven't got (P90s).  I do miss my old LP Special sometimes...
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dave_mc on July 02, 2009, 10:17:46 PM
oh ok, i didn't realise that, i forgot you'd sold all your p90 guitars. go for it, then (assuming you try it and like it). p90s are nice. :)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 03, 2009, 10:31:08 AM
I didn't get chance to call in last night and try the Fano out, but I've got my McCarty Rosewood with birds in the boot of the car to call in on the way back tonight and try and strike a deal.

The more I look at it, and think about it, the more the GAS builds......
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dheim on July 03, 2009, 11:21:24 AM
I didn't get chance to call in last night and try the Fano out, but I've got my McCarty Rosewood with birds in the boot of the car to call in on the way back tonight and try and strike a deal.

The more I look at it, and think about it, the more the GAS builds......

if i hadn't just bought my 13th guitar i'd have solved your problem very happily!
if you miss the p90s have you considered the possibility of fitting a couple of MQs to the mccarty?
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 03, 2009, 11:37:34 AM
I had thought about putting MQs or similar in the McCarty, yes.  If Sounds Great can't do a good deal on the Fano then that's what I'll do.

I just fancied having something a bit different......
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Tellboy on July 03, 2009, 04:22:31 PM
That's the point Davey boy - swap it for something else that's interesting and something I haven't got (P90s).  I do miss my old LP Special sometimes...

Quote
I've tried P90s, but I just can't get on with them.  Too fat in the bass for my playing style, I just accentuate their character  :(  The TV Classics are similar in that they're clear and zingy, but they don't have the flubby bass  :)

The guitar doesn't sound that humbucker-y, I'm getting some really good SRV tones out of it  :o

I used to be indecisive..but now I'm not so sure...... :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: gwEm on July 03, 2009, 04:31:15 PM
WANT!!!!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 03, 2009, 05:24:51 PM
Good spot Tellboy - the extra scale length of the Fano clears up the bass end though  ;)

The guitar is nice, very nice.  I like it a lot  :)

I tried to get a deal on it with my McCarty Rosewood with birds as a trade in.  They wanted my guitar plus £525  :o  :o  :o

No deal.  However...

I've left my McCarty in for a commission sale and the Fano is on hold for me.  Fingers crossed someone pops into the shop and buys my McCarty......
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: dheim on July 03, 2009, 06:04:18 PM
if only i could spend 1400 £ at the moment i would buy me a PRS and free you from the temptation to trade it for that THING...  :P
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: 38thBeatle on July 03, 2009, 07:14:24 PM
I like the look of it too Dave- go and buy two.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: nfe on July 03, 2009, 07:23:39 PM
Good spot Tellboy - the extra scale length of the Fano clears up the bass end though  ;)

The guitar is nice, very nice.  I like it a lot  :)

I tried to get a deal on it with my McCarty Rosewood with birds as a trade in.  They wanted my guitar plus £525  :o  :o  :o

No deal.  However...

I've left my McCarty in for a commission sale and the Fano is on hold for me.  Fingers crossed someone pops into the shop and buys my McCarty......

Do you always deal with the same shop? With all these trade ins and stuff, I bet they hate you coming in, they're never getting to make any money, just rotating stock!  :lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them?
Post by: Twinfan on July 03, 2009, 08:14:24 PM
Or maybe I just caught them on a good day today, I don't think they could be bothered haggling any more  :lol:

I picked up the Fano JM6 in Lake Placid Blue on my home tonight, and I've just used it for rehearsal with Doppelganger.  It's a cracking guitar, a real all rounder and I love it.  It's now taken the #3 spot in my guitar list  :D

It's a really, really nice piece of kit.  Even Martin likes it and he hates most of my guiars!  :lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: roland_rat on August 11, 2009, 06:25:20 PM
Superb glad it all worked out for you Dave.  Enjoy :P
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: AndyR on August 11, 2009, 06:47:26 PM
How did I miss this??

You were saying something about Fano the other day, and I was thinking wtf?

Looks cute... nice one, finally getting you off those stock-broker geetars  :wink:

(Or have I missed something and, in fact, you've already moved on and got another PRS to replace it :lol:)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 11, 2009, 08:24:11 PM
:lol:

Nope, still got it.  It's a little cracker that's going nowhere.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: dave_mc on August 11, 2009, 09:33:08 PM
dunno how i missed this either (though i think you posted over at musicradar that you'd got it?)- sweet :D
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: ilÿti on August 11, 2009, 11:08:10 PM
I suppose it would burn nicely if you took all the metal and plastic parts off.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Ian Price on August 11, 2009, 11:30:55 PM
I suppose it would burn nicely if you took all the metal and plastic parts off.

Outrageous  :o. It's an outrage.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: AndyR on August 12, 2009, 12:47:42 AM
Seems to be divided opinions about this one :lol:

I personally wouldn't ask it out, but I can see a certain cuteness about it...
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 12, 2009, 08:50:35 AM
Well I knew the metal guys wouldn't like it.  You only need to look at the cr@p things they play to know that  :lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Plexi Ken on August 12, 2009, 09:48:36 AM
I love Fano  :P
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Brow on August 12, 2009, 12:49:59 PM
If I personally were looking for a guitar in that style, I'd build it from parts and save myself alot of money.

I do like the colour though, I have a Strat in a very similar colour :D
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 12, 2009, 02:23:11 PM
Weigh it up though mate:

Boutique P90s
Nitrocellulose neck finish
Nitrocellulose body finish
TonePros tune-o-matic
TonePros tailpiece
Unusual Jazzmaster hardtail body
Bone nut
Kluson tuners
Full relic treatment

That's soon going to add up the ££££££££££££££££s...
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Philly Q on August 12, 2009, 02:33:44 PM
Yeah, building a Fano-type to the same spec from, say, Warmoth parts would take you a long way towards that price.  Unless you did the finishing yourself, which could save a fair bit, but it's messy.  And then you've got the "to relic or not to relic" question... so far I'm not brave enough to try.  I think it was a pretty decent price, really!

How do you find the Jazzmaster body, Dave?  Does it feel big compared to a Strat or Tele?
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 12, 2009, 02:36:12 PM
Feels pretty similar to be honest Phil.  It's very comfy as it has all the contours etc.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: gwEm on August 12, 2009, 02:43:30 PM
heres my jazmaster build: http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15515.0

it wasn't close to the price of the fano, but the spec is obviously less high
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Philly Q on August 12, 2009, 02:54:25 PM
heres my jazmaster build: http://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=15515.0

Oh god, was that the start of January?  I still haven't finished any of my Warmoth projects....  :oops:

(I just keep buying more bits)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Brow on August 12, 2009, 07:22:39 PM
Weigh it up though mate:

Boutique P90s
Nitrocellulose neck finish
Nitrocellulose body finish
TonePros tune-o-matic
TonePros tailpiece
Unusual Jazzmaster hardtail body
Bone nut
Kluson tuners
Full relic treatment

That's soon going to add up the ££££££££££££££££s...

I'm not having a dig or anything, just saying that's something I'd probably have a go at :)

Tbh, I've never spent anything near what this guitar (aswell as most of your others I'd bet) cost on anything myself, so I'm not really 1 to be able to say much on the cost Vs Quality thing.

Glad you're enjoying the guitar so far! :)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: dave_mc on August 12, 2009, 11:37:21 PM
Well I knew the metal guys wouldn't like it.  You only need to look at the cr@p things they play to know that  :lol:

hey, now, i play a little metal. though admittedly mainly of the 80s variety. I just like everything... :lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: dtbsayers on August 13, 2009, 03:17:26 AM
That honey blonde SP-6 with the leapord print pickguard is beautiful.

In fact, they all look stunning.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: _tom_ on August 13, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
hmm now you've got me interested in one of these! Sounds like a good guitar if its made it into your top 3 so quickly :)

My new guitar search is taking me further away from an SG haha

Currently its between a Vigier Excalibur Indus and one of these JM6 in aged white, quite a difference :? Narrow radius of the JM6 probably wouldnt do it for me though. Need to find somewhere to try both of them out!
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: WezV on August 13, 2009, 01:26:46 PM
i can say with some certainty that i like fano ;)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: badgermark on August 13, 2009, 01:30:47 PM
Same here Wez, but I love Jazzmasters a lot. The Fano is a very cool twist to the offset design, i likes.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: WezV on August 13, 2009, 01:37:21 PM
tbh i have gone off standard jazzmasters , all the switches and silly bridges put me off!

now the fano gets rid of those issues and makes a lot more sense as a modern, but vintage styled guitar (as does gwems project JM too)

anyway, just had a good nosey at TF's and its definately impressive
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: badgermark on August 13, 2009, 01:45:37 PM
tbh i have gone off standard jazzmasters , all the switches and silly bridges put me off!

now the fano gets rid of those issues and makes a lot more sense as a modern, but vintage styled guitar (as does gwems project JM too)

anyway, just had a good nosey at TF's and its definately impressive

the classic player jizzmaster fixes a lot of complaints, moved trem system and a proper bridge for one. Oh and the rhythm circuit is pretty cool sounding, and the jazz is much easier than the jaguars fiddily pickup switches. Though i think twinfan's bringing the fano to the london meet, i plan to give it a sound thrashing :D
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 13, 2009, 06:58:37 PM
Though i think twinfan's bringing the fano to the london meet, i plan to give it a sound thrashing :D

No you chuffing well won't!  You'll treat it with respect young man...
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: dave_mc on August 13, 2009, 10:02:57 PM
the classic player jizzmaster

o_O
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: ToneMonkey on August 13, 2009, 10:24:15 PM
I saw Dave's Fano today.  It was lovely.  I think we should all get one.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Twinfan on August 13, 2009, 11:12:07 PM
Cheers dude - we should all build cigar box guitars too  ;)
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Ian Price on August 13, 2009, 11:18:11 PM
I saw Dave's Fano today.  It was lovely.  I think we should all get one.

I'm thinking I need some more time with Dave's fano.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: gwEm on August 14, 2009, 08:45:08 AM
its top of my list to play at the meet too..
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Philly Q on August 14, 2009, 10:41:32 AM
its top of my list to play at the meet too..

I think we'll be forming a queue...
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: WezV on August 14, 2009, 10:43:15 AM
your gonna like it, it was giving me ideas!

Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Philly Q on August 14, 2009, 10:55:14 AM
your gonna like it, it was giving me ideas!

I already have an SP6 inspired Warmoth project in progress.  Not that I'll ever finish it, of course....
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: Ian Price on August 14, 2009, 11:07:52 AM
its top of my list to play at the meet too..

I think we'll be forming a queue...

We'll need a deli counter style ticket system.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: AndyR on August 14, 2009, 11:31:32 AM
So basically you're all planning on helping the relic-process on a bit in a natural way?

I hope someone will be making video clips for us to watch...

i plan to give it a sound thrashing :D

(I trust he'll be paying you chaps for this added service/value?)

:lol:
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: ilÿti on August 15, 2009, 01:01:29 AM
Well I knew the metal guys wouldn't like it.  You only need to look at the cr@p things they play to know that  :lol:
I'm not a metal guy and I play Les Pauls and semihollows.
Title: Re: Fano guitars - what do people think of them? (NGD update!)
Post by: WezV on August 15, 2009, 01:03:58 AM
so whats your point... your not metal and you play nice guitars ;) :)