Author Topic: Warmoth (Read 12591 times)

willo · « **on:** November 06, 2005, 06:31:20 PM »

"Discuss"... :)

Ok, what I mean to say, is that I have been checking out the Warmoth site a few times of late, and I have to say I'm pretty impressed, I like the whole look of the thing. But what do you guys think of them?
How good is the quality of wood, for instance? And how easy is it to get the parts shipped over to the UK? Long waiting times, any other inconveniences?

One thing that also worries me is actually putting the whole thing together...I have no experience of doing that kind of thing before. Is it hard? If it is really really hard then I might hand it over to a luthier to finish off. Or is there some kind of book I could get that would show me how to assemble the project?

I'm asking cos I have an itch for a P90 equipped guitar, and Warmoth looks good value and interesting. Anyone got any general opinions on Warmoth?

Bainzy · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2005, 08:35:26 PM »

Fantastic quality of stuff, I built a guitar with their Jackson neck and Strat body. The waiting was a bit quicker than they estimated, something like 4 weeks for the neck and 2 for the body IIRC. The only real drawback is the cost you get lumbered with for importing into the UK, but that's nothing to do with Warmoth - just something to keep in mind when working out how much it will be, as you're gonna have to pay 17.5% VAT when customs get hold of it.

As for setting it up, you will need a luthier to do that anyway - I still need to get a nut cut and setup on mine, as although Warmoth installed the precut nut and frets, you still need it done to your taste by a luthier or yourself.

For painting, it's not that hard really to get a professional finish, there's the ebook we've got on Shredaholic (the Paint Your Own Guitar ad on the main page on the top right) that shows you how to get a factory finish pretty well, but there are free resources available on it too. You could go down this route with spray cans, or you could get it Warmoth finished. I did mine with cans as the finish is acrylic so doesn't stop the wood from ageing like poly does.

The amazing Phil · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2005, 10:14:33 PM »

Well, even with getting screwed by HM customs it still works out at awesome value for money. I'd put the tele I made up against anything with "Fender" on the headstock, even their custom shop stuff, and I got *everything* exactly how I wanted.

It's all generally very good but their necks really are a cut above. The profiles available, fret and inlay options, and compound radius combined with the double action trussrod with heel access make it very, very cool.

If you get one though it won't be long before you plan the next one though, so be careful.

willo · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2005, 11:38:10 AM »

Quote from: The amazing Phil

if you get one though it won't be long before you plan the next one though, so be careful.

you mean like you are?? lol!

I'm just getting a little bewildered with all the options on offer, i dont know where to begin...trying to work out if a Wilkinson trem would line up with a warmoth modified Mustang bridge and whether they could route a Jazzmaster body for it and so on. Hmmm *scratches head*

What is the packaging like when they send it over? Any chance of damages?

Bainzy · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2005, 02:33:43 PM »

I went with UPS and it took something like 2 working days to arrive, no damage at all (it was packed well, and even the box used to pack it had no scuffs or damage!), however this means I've no idea whether UPS have a good claims policy or not.

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2005, 04:01:09 PM »

I've only had one experience with Warmoth, and that was when I ordered by chrome OFR. For $180, they managed to get practically everything wrong! I'm probably in the minority, however, since most people rave about their quality and attention to detail. I would still get a neck or body from them if I were so inclined, however.

The amazing Phil · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2005, 07:12:00 PM »

Quote from: willo

Quote from: The amazing Phil
if you get one though it won't be long before you plan the next one though, so be careful.

you mean like you are?? lol!

I'm just getting a little bewildered with all the options on offer, i dont know where to begin...trying to work out if a Wilkinson trem would line up with a warmoth modified Mustang bridge and whether they could route a Jazzmaster body for it and so on. Hmmm *scratches head*

What is the packaging like when they send it over? Any chance of damages?

I'd say almost none unless something really amazing bad happened. They send it in bits which enhances it's chance of survival greatly, there was a lot of the pink styrofoam bits, and some bubble wrap inside industrialish cardboard. And for what is essentially lumps of metal and wood to get damaged inside that would take something really, really unlucky and unlikely.

I think guitar amps and hollow bodies are the things you have to worry about the most since they're fragile, especially valve amps. I'm waiting on a replacement output valve thanks to FedEx in fact.

38thBeatle · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2005, 11:40:45 PM »

I am planning a quick trip to the USA in February. I was thinking of maybe buying a few bits when I am there or at least having them sent to my Son and me collecting them to stick them in my case when I come home. Of course I will declare them at customs

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2005, 01:03:10 AM »

Where in the US will you be? If you're gonna be on the east coast, keep me posted!!!

wixomwhat · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2005, 03:43:41 AM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

I've only had one experience with Warmoth, and that was when I ordered by chrome OFR. For $180, they managed to get practically everything wrong! I'm probably in the minority, however, since most people rave about their quality and attention to detail. I would still get a neck or body from them if I were so inclined, however.

I've had even worse experiences with warmoth.

lost my order for a pickguard and a few misc. parts Twice!

then hasseled me when I canceled and order for a neck. they siad I owed them money for something that was never part of the agreement/order.
Good thing I know a few things about the law ;)

38thBeatle · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2005, 07:40:31 AM »

I am going to Ohio Ben- visiting my Son. He lives in Columbus. The flights I have looked at all involve a change but the change is either DC or Detroit- shame it can't be either JFK or Newark- but maybe it can- I will check it out.

Ratrod · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2005, 01:03:38 PM »

You could also get a kit guitar from StewMac. Dealt with them a couple of times, the customer service is good. There aren't as many choises in fancy woods and inlays though.

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #12 on:** November 10, 2005, 11:51:31 PM »

I'm thinking about getting an Iceman body with Matte black finish, white binding, 24 fret strat neck with custom peghead, and silver hardware.

Yeah. The solid color finishes aren't that much, and I'm getting a satin finish on the neck, it feels much better. It will probably ring up around $900. I'll probably put a Warpig or MM in the bridge and something pretty in the neck. Like a VH4.

The amazing Phil · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2005, 07:17:26 AM »

I'm totally with you on the satin necks, if I found a guitar with a gloss neck it'd have to sound pretty damn special, and it'd be brillo tome for the neck laquer too! :twisted:

andyaxis · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2005, 04:12:52 PM »

This is a Bare Knuckes loaded Warmoth I made a while ago now. It's got a Nailbomb at the bridge, Irish Tour Middle, and an Alnico Miracle Man neck. 95% of my new recording is this guitar. I'll get some sound clips on as soon as I get the mixes back. It's a great sounding piece of kit![/img]