The official DeTemple thread

[alanbass1]

Lot's of official threads going around, so why not one for DeTemple guitars.

Here's mine, a Spirit '56 from 2003. It is, quite simply, the best Strat I have ever owned or played.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple048.jpg

[Barrie]

I have DeTemple twins in two tone burst, they play absolutley wonderfully the necks are really something to be hold the workmanship is second to none

Barrie

[AJ Love]

Looks great! I don't own a DeTemple but I definitely admire his work....

I am surprised DeTemple instruments are not mentioned more often here.

I would imagine that price, availability and small production numbers keep the number of DeTemple guitars owned by Gear Pagers down a little. I definitely do not see 'em for sale used very often, which tells me something...

[Leucadian]

...beautiful guitar!:AOK I played Jeff Snider's (Snider Amplification) DeTemple strat once and it was superb. BTW, there have been quite a few DeTemple threads on TGP in the last few years as I remember...

[J Purcell]

I've never played one but they certainly look like a fine instrument. The 52 T-style looks killer.
Expensive and as he says in his ads "The wait is long".

According to my wife I need instant gratification. Wonder what she means by that?:confused::D

[KarlH]

detepmples KILL De Pergos:Devil

[Leucadian]

detepmples KILL De Pergos:Devil

...hey Karl...how's it going? With all the fine Strat type guitars out there...Lentz, Tyler, DeTemple, Suhr, Grosh, D'Pergo, Fender Custom Shop and others...it's apples and oranges...take your pick. I know you're kidding, but these are all wonderful instruments built by luthiers who truly love what they are doing. I spoke to D'Pergo the other day and I found him to be a really nice guy...we had a very interesting conversation about his new bridge...I've also heard he's a pretty big guy that could probably squash you like a bug...so, anyway...it's the player, not the guitar that kills.:crazy
:D

[KarlH]

Haha... im sure most people could squash me like a bug....

yea, the d'pergos are gaining a good rep... from what i understand, they are made from scratch in the truest sense... gotta check one out one of these days....

[Leucadian]

Haha... im sure most people could squash me like a bug....

yea, the depergos are gaining a good rep... from what i understand, they are made from scratch in the truest sense... gotta check one out one of these days....

...well, I know you have a sense of humor:D I know I couldn't squash you! You and I have played all these guitars...we're pretty lucky I'd say!

[emjee]

DANG! Yep, lucky is right! I would give up one of my kidneys for one like that, though the D'Pergo would be a very close second. I cant get over the beauty of the one pictured! Any more pics of that bad boy? GOTTA love that bridge and saddle work on the DeTemple though I know D'Pergo makes his own and are BADA&& in their own right. Also that Mary Kaye finish, the flame on the neck, one ply gaurd-GAWGEOUS, just GAWGEOUS.:AOK :AOK Is that an Alder or Ash body?

Matt

[ricoh]

I have a 56 model sunburst. I took possesion 3 1/2 years ago. Great guitar for sure!!!!!!!!!!! Mike offered to let me pay lay away style on a 52 model at the time. Man I wish I had done that!!!!!!!!!!!:NUTS :jo

Rico

[alanbass1]

Haha... im sure most people could squash me like a bug....

yea, the depergos are gaining a good rep... from what i understand, they are made from scratch in the truest sense... gotta check one out one of these days....

Talking about making guitars from scratch, here's an early picture of my DeTemple's neck:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple001.jpg

[alanbass1]

DANG! Yep, lucky is right! I would give up one of my kidneys for that DeTemple, though the D'Pergo would be a very close second. I cant get over the beauty of the one pictured! Any more pics of that bad boy? GOTTA love that bridge and saddle work on the DeTemple though I know D'Pergo makes his own and are BADA&& in their own right. Also that Mary Kaye finish, the flame on the neck, one ply gaurd-GAWGEOUS, just GAWGEOUS.:AOK :AOK Is that an Alder or Ash body?

Matt

It's a one piece swamp ash body that weighs in under 2lb! The whole guitar weighs a little over 6lb with the titanium block. Michael takes photo's of the guitar through every stage of construction which is downloaded on a CD ROM which comes with the guitar. That's why the guitar looks prestine as I'm using the photo's off this. Heres a few more:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple024.jpg[/URL]


http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple047.jpg



http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple008.jpg[URL="http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple008.jpg"] (http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple024.jpg)


http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple025.jpg


http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple014.jpg

[Leucadian]

...that's such a beautiful guitar...it's dated 9/29/03:eek:
...well worth the wait...good for you!

[T2tele]

Funny, I've never heard of detepmple or De Pergo... must be some historic German and Greek conflict I missed in school? Ironically though, there are two current day guitar makers named Detemple and D'Pergo whom both make fine guitars.

Open thy mind :AOK

T2

[FredW]

What kind of cap is that? It's huge!!

[leofenderbender]

What kind of cap is that? It's huge!!

It's an orange drop - he ships them with his pickups too.

[KarlH]

It's a one piece swamp ash body that weighs in under 2lb! The whole guitar weighs a little over 6lb with the titanium block. Michael takes photo's of the guitar through every stage of construction which is downloaded on a CD ROM which comes with the guitar. That's why the guitar looks prestine as I'm using the photo's off this. Heres a few more:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DeTemple/DeTemple024.jpg



thats what i call figured!!!

[FredW]

It's an orange drop - he ships them with his pickups too.

What value? That has to be at least 1000v

[tonedaddy]

Anyone used/swapped in DeTemple parts like pickups/trem systems/saddles/etc?
Can anyone comment on the tonal effects of the titanium parts vs. steel? Pickup tone report? Any info is appreciated, thanks!

[lchyi]

He gets the most insane pieces of flame maple for his necks. I gotta get me one of those! He's actually a very nice guy to people that are even his non-customers. I asked him about his Zsa-Zsa black finish and gave me the story on it. Pretty neat considering I told him I was trying to emulate it on my own guitar project and not because I was buying one of his.

[tradarama]

Best strat I've played.

I have a Zsa Zsa black coming by the end of the year. Titanium trem block, titanium truss rod, titanium saddles, titanuim neck plate (yup)...can not wait! Michael is a class guy and his guitars, while very expensive (this one is like $7400 when completed) are the best in class.

I'll post pics soon.

[alanbass1]

Regarding the effect of titanium, I put a set of DeTemple saddles on my CS Strat and they really open up the sound over the standard steel saddles. When I replaced the steel saddles the guitar sounded 'dull' in comparison, and also seemed to lack depth in the lower notes.

[Barrie]

I have the full Titanium works on both 56 & 52 that I have and they sound way way better than anthing else that I have, they arrived June this year just waiting for the Manual to come

[alanbass1]

Barrie, Any pictures?

[Barrie]

Pics on the way

[artandink]

Anyone used/swapped in DeTemple parts like pickups/trem systems/saddles/etc?
Can anyone comment on the tonal effects of the titanium parts vs. steel? Pickup tone report? Any info is appreciated, thanks!

I put a set of DeTemple/Lollar pickups in my Fender Chambered Spruce on Ash Tele. They are nothing short of spectacular. Mind you, I also have a set of GVCG/Lollars in a solid Ash Tele and they are excellent, but different from the DeTemple version. I believe the DeTemples are Alnico 2s while the GVCGs are Alnico 3s.

[KarlH]

I put a set of DeTemple/Lollar pickups in my Fender Chambered Spruce on Ash Tele. They are nothing short of spectacular. Mind you, I also have a set of GVCG/Lollars in a solid Ash Tele and they are excellent, but different from the DeTemple version. I believe the DeTemples are Alnico 2s while the GVCGs are Alnico 3s.
OR, you could slap some alan hamel pickups in there (my personal fav). there are a few signs over at tdpri.com that the wait time has gone way down. I have his strat pickups and a detemple block/bridge assembly in a tokai strat, and I love it. IMO, the Ti block takes out the "plinky" sound of the attack and replaces it with a "thump." Almost EJ-like with gain.

[AaeCee]

Anyone used/swapped in DeTemple parts like pickups/trem systems/saddles/etc?
Can anyone comment on the tonal effects of the titanium parts vs. steel? Pickup tone report? Any info is appreciated, thanks!I tried one of his titanium trem blocks in a strat, and his description is fairly accurate...enhanced definition in the highs and high mids, tighter bottom perhaps. But guess what, I liked the overall sound with the original steel block better. The titanium robbed a bit of that bottom end thump which I think is such an important element in the sound of a strat. I switched back...want a good deal on a titanium block? http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon10.gif

[T2tele]

OR, you could slap some alan hamel pickups in there (my personal fav). there are a few signs over at tdpri.com that the wait time has gone way down. I have his strat pickups and a detemple block/bridge assembly in a tokai strat, and I love it.
Hmmm,

I would be very hesitant in dealing with Alan Hamel? Two good buddies of mine gave Hamel cash up front (paid in full) for their custom made Hamel/F style guitars… that was over 3 1/2 years ago. These honest and stand up kind of guys have tried over and over to contact Alan and come to some kind of reasonable resolution with him, to either get their guitars delivered promptly or their money returned. But Alan has completely turned his back on them and refused any kind of contact. He won’t return any emails or phone calls at all, the entire story is long, ugly and ridiculous.

He may be making and even possibly delivering pickups here and there, but potential customers need to know how he can take your money up front and then just easily disappear?? There are a lot of great pickup makers out there that will pick up the phone when you call, take your order and then deliver a great product as advertised… support these guys!

T2

[alanbass1]

I have DeTemple twins in two tone burst, they play absolutley wonderfully the necks are really something to be hold the workmanship is second to none

Barrie

And here they are:


http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m187/alanbass1/DSCF0001.jpg

[Leucadian]

...much more desirable than the Olsen twins...:crazy

[KarlH]

Hmmm,

I would be very hesitant in dealing with Alan Hamel? Two good buddies of mine gave Hamel cash up front (paid in full) for their custom made Hamel/F style guitars… that was over 3 1/2 years ago. These honest and stand up kind of guys have tried over and over to contact Alan and come to some kind of reasonable resolution with him, to either get their guitars delivered promptly or their money returned. But Alan has completely turned his back on them and refused any kind of contact. He won’t return any emails or phone calls at all, the entire story is long, ugly and ridiculous.

T2

well thanks for looking out for all of us here! :RoCkIn

[Barrie]

Thanks Alan for posting the pics, the celuloid guards have copper sheilding behind them and they reflect the light wonderfully.

Barrie

[geoffreysnow]

alan,

those sure are nice!

[Barrie]

They are dated 1-5-2006

Barrie

[T2tele]

well thanks for looking out for all of us here! :RoCkIn

You know it's my pleasure Karl....

[Barrie]

Hi tafkar

I am waiting for the pics to come with the manual should be here any day now so I will then get somthing sorted out then, the colour is also somthing unique chosen to make them even more special and eye catching every available addition was used Titanium everything and the celuloid guards are incredible It is amazing that they were started painting one year before completion in June the following year it just goes to show the amount of work that goes into one of these guiutars

Barrie

[gassyndrome]

Wow, definitely some amazing axes in this thread :AOK

[thunderbroom]

i tried to order some pickups over a year ago never got a response. That was when alan was using a "middle man" at least no money changed hands. i feel for your friends. 3 years is a long time. from reading posts at the tele page, people seem to be getting their pickups in a timely manner. that being said why risk it when i can get some lollars or bare knuckels without the drama.

Hmmm,

I would be very hesitant in dealing with Alan Hamel? Two good buddies of mine gave Hamel cash up front (paid in full) for their custom made Hamel/F style guitars… that was over 3 1/2 years ago. These honest and stand up kind of guys have tried over and over to contact Alan and come to some kind of reasonable resolution with him, to either get their guitars delivered promptly or their money returned. But Alan has completely turned his back on them and refused any kind of contact. He won’t return any emails or phone calls at all, the entire story is long, ugly and ridiculous.

He may be making and even possibly delivering pickups here and there, but potential customers need to know how he can take your money up front and then just easily disappear?? There are a lot of great pickup makers out there that will pick up the phone when you call, take your order and then deliver a great product as advertised… support these guys!

T2

[rgsss14]

They are dated 1-5-2006

Barrie

Hope I'm not asking the forbidden question, but when did you place your order?

thanks Barrie.

[ricoh]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/Rico52/DeTemple.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/Rico52/DeTemple-2.jpg

Here are a couple of pics of my 56..............


Rico

[Droptop]

Hmmm,

I would be very hesitant in dealing with Alan Hamel? Two good buddies of mine gave Hamel cash up front (paid in full) for their custom made Hamel/F style guitars… that was over 3 1/2 years ago. These honest and stand up kind of guys have tried over and over to contact Alan and come to some kind of reasonable resolution with him, to either get their guitars delivered promptly or their money returned. But Alan has completely turned his back on them and refused any kind of contact. He won’t return any emails or phone calls at all, the entire story is long, ugly and ridiculous.

He may be making and even possibly delivering pickups here and there, but potential customers need to know how he can take your money up front and then just easily disappear?? There are a lot of great pickup makers out there that will pick up the phone when you call, take your order and then deliver a great product as advertised… support these guys!

T2

I had a very good transaction with Alan not two months ago. He responded to all of my emails and sent me my pickups in 3 weeks. I would order from him again.

Beautiful axe by the way. Congrats!

[lchyi]

Wow, please more DeTemple pics!

[T2tele]

I had a very good transaction with Alan not two months ago. He responded to all of my emails and sent me my pickups in 3 weeks. I would order from him again.

Beautiful axe by the way. Congrats!
I’m really glad your experience with Alan Hamel turned out to be a positive one, apparently you and a few others have recently received your pickups as ordered and that’s great for you guys!

I’m just relaying what I believe potential customers need to know about how Alan Hamel is conducting business and treating some people behind the scenes. There are 3 really nice guys who have been waiting almost 4 years for their promised guitars, Hamel received/took over $6k of their money up front and then completely turned his back on them. Sure, he continues to selectively take $$$ up front for pickup orders, but he refuses any response to the guys he took thousands of dollars from… I guess he figures why respond to anything that doesn’t have $$$ attached to it? These guys have no other choice, they have to haul hiss ass to court and that’s a shame for everyone involved. I feel somewhat responsible, because I turned these guys on to Hamel. Would you support someone who had done this to you and people you know?

If potential customers aren’t informed of Alan Hamel’s unethical and dishonest business traits, then they too could be easily smoothed over, taken from and then ultimately left in the dark? If Alan wants to continue to run a small pickup and guitar business, then he needs to step up to the plate, come clean, get his act together and deliver 3 guitars that he promised these guys almost 4 years ago??

There are a number of pickup makers around today who produce really great and consistent sounding Tele and Strat pickups. These guys are in their shops every day, they pick up the phone when you call, they deliver consistently on time and they are trustworthy… these are the guys that work hard and deserve your business.

I used to be a big supporter of Hamel pickups, I had them in all my guitars, but no longer, I have since replaced them with another brand that will soon be released. None of the people I associate with will continue to support or use Hamel pickups, not because of the lack of tone, but due to Hamel’s lack of respect and BS way of conducting business… what goes around, comes around!

Apologies to Mr. Detemple for this “Hamel” info popping up on the “The official Detemple thread”. I have heard some of Detemple’s Strat pickups and I thought that they were really great sounding! Hamel pickups shouldn’t even have been mentioned within the context of Detemple guitars or pickups?

T2

[Droptop]

Hopefully he's turned a corner. Again, my experience was good. They are great pickups.

As for Detemple, the man is an artist. I've only seen them and would love to someday play one...but which one the Tele or the Strat. Glad to see he is getting the much deserved praise.

[Barrie]

Hope I'm not asking the forbidden question, but when did you place your order?

thanks Barrie.


Hi Raj

They were ordered March 2003
so 3 years and 3months

Barrie

[tooter007]

Regarding Detemple pickups....I tried the Sweetspots in a few guitars, found them to be very nice for clean tones, but somewhat disappointing for overdrive applications. Even just the mild overdrive, bluesy TS-9 type of stuff. Kind of a bit "snarky" if you will. One thing I should add, I wired it exactly as the instructions said to do, vintage clothe wire, good quality everything per the instructions. I wonder if that huge orange drop capacitor is the problem? I've never changed it. Alot of people like them, but alot of people DON'T like them as well. As you all know, the tone cap does have some bearing on tone, even with pots wide open. Has anyone here ordered the sweetspot pickups and tried different caps?

[larrylover]

I have. Person who helped install had a trove of caps that we auditioned with the guit cavity open -- just alligator clipped different caps in to see which sounded better. ended up not using the cap that came with the pickups -- too dark and muddy sounding when the pickups were pushed. I would think individual preferences would reign supreme in such an exercise.

[SGFan]

larrylover, how exactly do you alligator different caps in? I have thought of trying different caps out for my strat. What tools do you need to do something like this and how is it done? Thanks.

[Mike Duncan]

Pix of the '56....DROOL!!!

[chewynodoubt]

so how does he get the Zsa Zsa black finish?

[Zamm]

so how does he get the Zsa Zsa black finish?

What does the Zsa Zsa black finish look like? I can't find it on his site

[KarlH]

the zsa zsa black is an upcharge from sunburst and blonde, but it looks damn good!. Plus, i think he prefers to use ash, and from what i understand, opaque colors are alot harder to get looking "deep" on ash. So im sure he spends a whole helluvahlotta more time on this color.

looks awesome!

[emjee]

Stop! CEASE! You're killin me!!!!! I'M DYIN' HERE:eek: :eek: :drool !

[tradarama]

if I'm not mistaken....nuts but wtf..the guitar is already an insane amt why not go for it all.

[Leucadian]

the zsa zsa black is an upcharge from sunburst and blonde, but it looks damn good!. Plus, i think he prefers to use ash, and from what i understand, opaque colors are alot harder to get looking "deep" on ash. So im sure he spends a whole helluvahlotta more time on this color.

looks awesome!

Hey Karl...is Jeff Snider's DeTemple ash? Just wondering...Jeff probably had the shortest wait time in DeTemple history!:dude

[chewynodoubt]

so its like a metallic black

[lchyi]

Mike said it's based upon his cat Zsa Zsa who apparently is black but changes color in the sunlight to a dark red-ish color. It looks like to me from the pics that it's a black with a slight color tinge.

[KarlH]

No its alder.... jeff likes that focused alder snappy midrange thing... it sounds great. I can only imagine how deep and piano-like the wound strings would be on an ash detemple strat!

Hey Karl...is Jeff Snider's DeTemple ash? Just wondering...

[Zamm]

Mike said it's based upon his cat Zsa Zsa who apparently is black but changes color in the sunlight to a dark red-ish color. It looks like to me from the pics that it's a black with a slight color tinge.

I had a feeling it would be light that, I know that color combination very well

[Mutley]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d183/MutleyII/DeTemple.jpg

Not a very intimate shot, but another that has been around for some time now. Ordered in '02, arrived about 14 months later. Big neck on this one, very big. Definitely copper shielding under the guard. Looks great under the lights and is a joy. Much less dinero back then. Mucho less.

[gassyndrome]

That pickguard seems to just glow - beautiful axe :AOK

[57special]

if I'm not mistaken....nuts but wtf..the guitar is already an insane amt why not go for it all.

get it yet?

[tradarama]

get it yet?


Mike is very upset that I purchased a spot off of a customer in need who was 2yrs into the wait (person had a family emergency) and has been taking it out on my ever since (even though I am paying the NOW current price and not the $2500 lower price the orig slot owner had). FYI Michael said it was ok.

Every time I call I get a different story. I was supposedly 2-3 months away in August. I was "about to have my neck made" two months ago when he asked for more money. NOW it's the old "we must have a misunderstanding....you got pushed down the queue" "I'm doing you a favor here" "I never said I was starting your neck (editorial: I dream this stuff up)" "I don't know when you'll be done" "it is somewhere better than it would have been if you ordered in Aug '06".

I am within an inch of telling him to keep the money and "F" the guitar. It is tainted and you all know how that ends. Too bad that what is supposed to be a great experience is turning into a sour one.

Fortunately I am having a FANTASTIC experience with Michael Stevens. Boy he is a great guy.

[57special]

Mike is very upset that I purchased a spot off of a customer in need who was 2yrs into the wait (person had a family emergency) and has been taking it out on my ever since (even though I am paying the NOW current price and not the $2500 lower price the orig slot owner had). FYI Michael said it was ok.

Every time I call I get a different story. I was supposedly 2-3 months away in August. I was "about to have my neck made" two months ago when he asked for more money. NOW it's the old "we must have a misunderstanding....you got pushed down the queue" "I'm doing you a favor here" "I never said I was starting your neck (editorial: I dream this stuff up)" "I don't know when you'll be done" "it is somewhere better than it would have been if you ordered in Aug '06".

I am within an inch of telling him to keep the money and "F" the guitar. It is tainted and you all know how that ends. Too bad that what is supposed to be a great experience is turning into a sour one.

Fortunately I am having a FANTASTIC experience with Michael Stevens. Boy he is a great guy.

Sorry to hear that, but it doesn't surprise me. As you know, i almost got that spot. What does surprise me is how good his guitars are. Usually, crappy, shifty service usually means a bad guitar at the end of the day, but DT does make great stuff.

[tradarama]

I feel bad that the pressures and successes of his business may be leading Michael down a dangerous path.

A pal of mine (who I turned toward Mike) ordered FOUR at the same time (matching sets of 2 Teles, Strat and Bass). After a year and a huge downpayment Michael has suddenly imposed a $200 per guitar upcharge for "sets".

I think the ability to raise prices at will and maintain demand may be taken too far here.

[Catfish]

but maybe you're in the wrong on this one? How did you (or the seller, for that matter) determine that the spot in the line was transferable without Detemple's agreement? And, if he agreed to allow the transfer, why are you so surprised that he has placed conditions on the transfer (i.e. that he has perhaps shown preference to directly-placed orders)?

It's especially hard to understand folks complain about his prices when some are engaged in profiteering related to when he delivers guitars. If customers are scalping their spots, don't you think he's a) undercharging and b) has a right to be a little perturbed by this type of behavior?

[57special]

but maybe you're in the wrong on this one? How did you (or the seller, for that matter) determine that the spot in the line was transferable without Detemple's agreement? And, if he agreed to allow the transfer, why are you so surprised that he has placed conditions on the transfer (i.e. that he has perhaps shown preference to directly-placed orders)?

It's especially hard to understand folks complain about his prices when some are engaged in profiteering related to when he delivers guitars. If customers are scalping their spots, don't you think he's a) undercharging and b) has a right to be a little perturbed by this type of behavior?

You're WAY out of line on this one, believe me.

[sw686blue]

but maybe you're in the wrong on this one? How did you (or the seller, for that matter) determine that the spot in the line was transferable without Detemple's agreement? And, if he agreed to allow the transfer, why are you so surprised that he has placed conditions on the transfer (i.e. that he has perhaps shown preference to directly-placed orders)?

It's especially hard to understand folks complain about his prices when some are engaged in profiteering related to when he delivers guitars. If customers are scalping their spots, don't you think he's a) undercharging and b) has a right to be a little perturbed by this type of behavior?

Give me a break. What does this change for Detemple?

[tradarama]

but maybe you're in the wrong on this one? How did you (or the seller, for that matter) determine that the spot in the line was transferable without Detemple's agreement? And, if he agreed to allow the transfer, why are you so surprised that he has placed conditions on the transfer (i.e. that he has perhaps shown preference to directly-placed orders)?

It's especially hard to understand folks complain about his prices when some are engaged in profiteering related to when he delivers guitars. If customers are scalping their spots, don't you think he's a) undercharging and b) has a right to be a little perturbed by this type of behavior?

Michael does offer people the right to sell their place in line for their original deposit. Conditions are that the new guitar is at the THEN current price (not the original lower price). Further he imposes a 10% (of the orig guitar price) penalty for the time spent on the orig guitar. He also needs to consent to the transfer (to avoid someone buying all the spots and scalping them off).

Michael was consulted PRIOR to this transfer and agreed (the seller is a GP member and had a family emergency). I am an early customer of DT and a known quantity to Michael and he agreed. For your reference please not that my DeTemple (2002) was ordered and paid for upfront 100% BEFORE he had the fine reputation he enjoys today. It is THE single longest owned guitar on my wall. For those of you who know me I'm sure you'll agree that the life expectancy of one of my pieces of gear is 2 days. Lastly, I also paid Michael $800 to refret my guitar and waited 2 months. I am quoted on his website for my joy with his instrument and have spoken highly of them on this and other forums. I simply want another. PS I spoke w/ Michael and got the ok myself as well as the prior spotholder.

I am not planning to sell the guitar unless (like most things I go through) bonding w/ me. Like anything, that right/option is part of what you get when you buy something (most times you take a hit). I really doubt I will find anyone to pay me MORE than the $7500 I'll have into this. If anyone does, feel free to get on my "first right of refusal dream list".

Any more questions?

Jim

[Barrie]

Sound's like Mike can tell some Tall stories when it comes to completion dates, I have twins made by Mike with total top specs they are really like no other Strat and Tele guitars that I have ever played, but I do think that he should be more honest when giving delivery dates my order wen't from 14 months to 3 years and 3 month's

But still a top craftsman

[tradarama]

Sound's like Mike can tell some Tall stories when it comes to completion dates, I have twins made by Mike with total top specs they are really like no other Strat and Tele guitars that I have ever played, but I do think that he should be more honest when giving delivery dates my order wen't from 14 months to 3 years and 3 month's

But still a top craftsman

PS Did he hit you with the $200 charge for the "set"

[fifty9 335]

I will never wait 3 years for a guitar....sorry just aint gonna do it....its just not good business practice either ....waiting a year is long enough....14 months you were told than it went to 36 months!! Id really be pissed....they appear like nice guitars but he is not the only guy building bolt on strats...

[Catfish]

That makes the issue much more clear.

[57special]

Jim, so you're keeping things more than a day now?:D
Before, DT would quote a 14 month waiting time and deliver in 3 years, NOW he quotes a 3 year wait time.So that would mean seven years till completion?
There are actually luthiers in the flattop and classical area that have longer waiting lists than that.

[geoffreysnow]

3 years?? detemple doesn't look like a young fella and a lot can happen in 3 years...

[Barrie]

tradarama,

There was no up charge for the twins, just the long wait and yes I got very dispondant with the wait but they are quite remarkable guitars and to have 2 guitars that were cut from the same piece of wood is something special

[Jon Silberman]

3 years?? detemple doesn't look like a young fella and a lot can happen in 3 years...

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

[tradarama]

No endless nagging....well that's probably too far.

[e-z]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

And they have set necks!

[sw686blue]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

Thank you for providing some much needed perspective.

[tonefreak]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

Too funny! Me too, I have back-to-back kids!!

DT guitars are the ultimate in patience. They cost a lot and you have to wait soooo long.

I'm happy for the ones who have one and I feel sorry for the people who have to wait.

[Barefoot]

Don;t know if this is an appropriate question for the official Detemple thread....but how do these Detemple S types compare to Callaham strats.

Both are hand made with considerable waiting periods.

The Callaham here at the house is a fine S type. Fit, finish and materials are top knotch. It sounds plays great and sounds terrific. I will say the neck feels less "played in" than some but still a fantastic strat IMHO.

Anyone have experience with both Detemple and Callaham?

[larrylover]

larrylover, how exactly do you alligator different caps in? I have thought of trying different caps out for my strat. What tools do you need to do something like this and how is it done? Thanks.

sorry, just saw this. Very late. A wonderful tech/luthier here in Chicago -- Tim Schroeder did it. The cavity was open and he just connected the caps into the circuit with alligator clips.

[SGFan]

Thanks larry!

[tacorivers]

Silly if you ask me.

[larrylover]

Silly if you ask me.

If you are referring to the switching and testing of capicators for the tone control, good for you. I found it very helpful: I now have a tone control on my strat that is actually useful.

[45BLUESMAN]

Great pics of the twins there Barrie. I talked to MD about 3 weeks ago and my '52 neck is ready for the fret job so hopefully it won't be much longer now. I know you are enjoying every minute of playing them! Looks like it will be 3+ years for me as well but now it's down to only 3 more months (or less). I'll post pics as soon as I get it.
Regards,
Kenny

[surfshack]

I ordered a pair of blonde twins back in May '04 , the wait has been over 2 and a half years for me too.
I talked to one of Mike's helpers a couple of weeks ago and I was told I'm in the top twenty , and my necks are close to getting fretted. I'm (somewhat , ha-ha...) near completion , but I still figure I got about 6 months (maybe less) to wait.
It's been so long I really don't feel the strain anymore , but i'm at the point now where I'll be calling him once or twice a month just to check in and keep on him!
I'm sure they'll be excellent guitars , but I'm anxious to see if they are really as great as everybody says and have that extra special magic mojo.
I'm optimistic.

I'll post pics when they (finally) arrive?

[45BLUESMAN]

It'll be worth the wait dude, no doubt.

[geoffreysnow]

what happens if you get the guitar(s) and thy end up not sounding as good as you want or had in mind? does he have a satisfaction policy?

[57special]

what happens if you get the guitar(s) and thy end up not sounding as good as you want or had in mind? does he have a satisfaction policy?

You sell it at a store or privately for at least what you put into it.

[57special]

I ordered a pair of blonde twins back in May '04 , the wait has been over 2 and a half years for me too.
I talked to one of Mike's helpers a couple of weeks ago and I was told I'm in the top twenty , and my necks are close to getting fretted. I'm (somewhat , ha-ha...) near completion , but I still figure I got about 6 months (maybe less) to wait.
It's been so long I really don't feel the strain anymore , but i'm at the point now where I'll be calling him once or twice a month just to check in and keep on him!
I'm sure they'll be excellent guitars , but I'm anxious to see if they are really as great as everybody says and have that extra special magic mojo.
I'm optimistic.

I'll post pics when they (finally) arrive?

The only thing you can be sure of, if his past guitars are any guide, is that they will be superbly made and very playable. I'm sure that they will be at least very good sounding guitars, but to expect magic is to invite disappointment. Same with any guitar, really. Part of it is luck.

[landru64]

what happens if you get the guitar(s) and thy end up not sounding as good as you want or had in mind? does he have a satisfaction policy?

the only maker i know of that has a return policy like that is sadowsky, the understanding being that everyone has different concepts of satisfaction. one guitar that i would return might be the shizzle for someone else. you just can't order weird stuff like pink sparkle finishes and have the same return policy. but anything 'normal' he'll take back within 7 days, as long as it's in new condition

[surfshack]

The only thing you can be sure of, if his past guitars are any guide, is that they will be superbly made and very playable. I'm sure that they will be at least very good sounding guitars, but to expect magic is to invite disappointment. Same with any guitar, really. Part of it is luck.


I totally agree.

I'm not looking for total perfection , just guitars that I'll like and wanna play.
I have a '58 LP Historic that is just one of those guitars that you grab everytime without thinking 'cause you know it's got the right mojo. It's right on everytime I play it.

That's what i'm looking for with these Detemple's , they don't have to be perfectly intonated museum pieces , just an axe that is right on and one that I'll want to play 'cause it's got the right tone.
What I don't want is a guitar that is beautiful , but is so perfect that it's boring.
You know what I mean?

[sw686blue]

That's what i'm looking for with these Detemple's , they don't have to be perfectly intonated museum pieces , just an axe that is right on and one that I'll want to play 'cause it's got the right tone.
What I don't want is a guitar that is beautiful , but is so perfect that it's boring.
You know what I mean?

Wouldn't it be easier to visit 20 guitar stores and play every single Fender Strat until you find the one that speaks the most to you? Seems like a much faster process and much easier on the pocket book.

Also, there's no garantee that the DeTemple will turn your crank.

[tacorivers]

If you are referring to the switching and testing of capicators for the tone control, good for you. I found it very helpful: I now have a tone control on my strat that is actually useful.

No I was talking about the entire DeTemple farce. PT Barnum was right.

[surfshack]

I wouldn't say the Detemple thing is a farce.
The guy really does know what he's doing. He's into building fine crafted instruments , not trying to produce a mass market guitar.

[larrylover]

No I was talking about the entire DeTemple farce. PT Barnum was right.

I have been tempted to order a DeTemple. I had a conversation with the D man about it. He mentioned his payment plans: you place an order and either pay the purchase price at the time of order, or you pay a hefty amount at order -- 1/3 to 1/2 -- and the balance in quarterly or monthly installments and the installments are based upon the sales price divided by the anticipated wait time at the time of order. Since he appears to underestimate the wait time by a factor of 2 or 3, that means he is holding full purchase price amounts for 12-18 months before deliver. I am sure he makes great guitars, and he may be sincere. For better or worse, I could never tolerate that. I don't know if I think it the Barnum principle. There are, however, a lot of other strat and tele fish in the sea that would meet my needs and with which I would be a lot more comfortable.

[larrylover]

I wouldn't say the Detemple thing is a farce.
The guy really does know what he's doing. He's into building fine crafted instruments , not trying to produce a mass market guitar.

I think you are missing the point. The criticisms are being generated by business policies, perceptions arising from those policies, and what appears to be poor, if not misleading, communication.

[surfshack]

I think you are missing the point. The criticisms are being generated by business policies, perceptions arising from those policies, and what appears to be poor, if not misleading, communication.


Oh OK....well when you put it like that , well then yes I agree.
I mean if he would've told me I'd have to wait 3 years then i don't think I would've done it.
I was told a year and a half and I really thought that that was gonna happen.
3 years is a long time to wait.

Honestly , I don't see how people can order a guitar knowing the wait is 3 plus years.

[FredW]

I have been tempted to order a DeTemple. I had a conversation with the D man about it. He mentioned his payment plans: you place an order and either pay the purchase price at the time of order, or you pay a hefty amount at order -- 1/3 to 1/2 -- and the balance in quarterly or monthly installments and the installments are based upon the sales price divided by the anticipated wait time at the time of order. Since he appears to underestimate the wait time by a factor of 2 or 3, that means he is holding full purchase price amounts for 12-18 months before deliver. I am sure he makes great guitars, and he may be sincere. For better or worse, I could never tolerate that. I don't know if I think it the Barnum principle. There are, however, a lot of other strat and tele fish in the sea that would meet my needs and with which I would be a lot more comfortable.

+1000000

That is crazy! I could imagine paying a big deposit if it was due for completion in a reasonable amount of time, but 2-4 years?!! Come on. I just can't wait that long. It's like you would be better off just overpaying for a used one because it seems like he is raising his prices even after he has 100% of the purchase price upfront. There were a pair (52 and 56) for sale a couple of months ago at like 15k. I can't wait two years for a guitar. My tastes change and so does the mrkt and competition. I talked to Mike at a guitar show and he was very nice and showed me a 56. Looked spectaular. Then he told me it was a 2-3 year wait. No thanks. At this price level, you are much better off buying a vintage refin that sounds incredible.

[larrylover]

Oh OK....well when you put it like that , well then yes I agree.
I mean if he would've told me I'd have to wait 3 years then i don't think I would've done it.
I was told a year and a half and I really thought that that was gonna happen.
3 years is a long time to wait.

Honestly , I don't see how people can order a guitar knowing the wait is 3 plus years.

I hear you. When they come, people seem to really love the guitars.

[tacorivers]

I just think that there are seriously diminishing returns when you pay more than $2500 for a strat style guitar. Add on what I see as onerous business policies, and I think its ludicrous.

[Jon Silberman]

I have been tempted to order a DeTemple. I had a conversation with the D man about it. He mentioned his payment plans: you place an order and either pay the purchase price at the time of order, or you pay a hefty amount at order -- 1/3 to 1/2 -- and the balance in quarterly or monthly installments and the installments are based upon the sales price divided by the anticipated wait time at the time of order. Since he appears to underestimate the wait time by a factor of 2 or 3, that means he is holding full purchase price amounts for 12-18 months before deliver. I am sure he makes great guitars, and he may be sincere. For better or worse, I could never tolerate that. I don't know if I think it the Barnum principle. There are, however, a lot of other strat and tele fish in the sea that would meet my needs and with which I would be a lot more comfortable.

In the Old Country, this is what is called "keeping the float [interest] on the customers' dollar." Banking law is an example of government regulations to control the practice as, when abused, it's somewhere between rude and fraudulent.

[57special]

I just think that there are seriously diminishing returns when you pay more than $2500 for a strat style guitar. Add on what I see as onerous business policies, and I think its ludicrous.

I felt the same way as you, then i played one of his guitars. Really, really good. Would i order one? Probably not, as i believe the wait time now is probably closer to 5 years, and any improvement on that might imperil the quality. Nor am i crazy about what i've heard about the whole process of ordering from him
So if $50-60 G's for a mid 50's strat is too much , then?

[tacorivers]

I have yet to hear a cogent explanation as to why these guitars are better than a $2,500 Suhr (or Tyler or Grosh). I've heard Detemple guitars, and they certainly do not sound any better than the Suhr guitars that I've heard. Feel? That's really only a function of getting the proper specs in line. What else is there? A feeling of exclusivity? A whole lot of questionable claims of "old wood" and tap tuning?

[tonefreak]

I have yet to hear a cogent explanation as to why these guitars are better than a $2,500 Suhr (or Tyler or Grosh). I've heard Detemple guitars, and they certainly do not sound any better than the Suhr guitars that I've heard. Feel? That's really only a function of getting the proper specs in line. What else is there? A feeling of exclusivity? A whole lot of questionable claims of "old wood" and tap tuning?

Because there isn't one. Suhr, Tyler, Grosh and Anderson are all masters at the craft. To say DeTemple is better than any other customer builder is just a matter of preference. To say it's something other than "preference" would not be true.

I like the way a Suhr feel more than a Tyler, but I would never say that a Tyler wasn't just as good as a Suhr.

If a person has the disposable income and the patience to wait for an Strat type guitar, then more power to them.

Personally, I have much better things to do with my time and money.

[57special]

I have yet to hear a cogent explanation as to why these guitars are better than a $2,500 Suhr (or Tyler or Grosh). I've heard Detemple guitars, and they certainly do not sound any better than the Suhr guitars that I've heard. Feel? That's really only a function of getting the proper specs in line. What else is there? A feeling of exclusivity? A whole lot of questionable claims of "old wood" and tap tuning?

Believe me, i was more of a scoffer than you. I detest his marketing. However, his guitars are a step up from anything i've played. The neck feel and fretwork are really nice. Anyway, i'm not going to try and convince anyone to go and buy one, especially at today's price and waiting time.

[tacorivers]

his guitars are a step up from anything i've played.

But how? Feel-wise? I would think that if one bought any boutique strat and had the proper neck/fret specs, one would be completely satisfied. How much better can a neck get? On this point, I have read for example that Tyler strats exhibit less string pull than other guitars. To me, this is a real tangible difference.

I don't doubt that he makes damn good guitars. But so do 7-8 other builders.

[tonefreak]

I don't doubt that he makes damn good guitars. But so do 7-8 other builders.

For less money and in less time.

[57special]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

Hold on! Half of 3 years is 18 months! :eek:

[alanbass1]

But how? Feel-wise? I would think that if one bought any boutique strat and had the proper neck/fret specs, one would be completely satisfied. How much better can a neck get? On this point, I have read for example that Tyler strats exhibit less string pull than other guitars. To me, this is a real tangible difference.

I don't doubt that he makes damn good guitars. But so do 7-8 other builders.

All I can comment on is the DeTemple that I have, which I ordered in 2002 and received 20 months later. It simply is the nicest strat that I have ever owned or played. There is something about it that just clicks with me; a combination of sound, feel, looks and I would admit kudos (for kudos read snobbery). My friend has a '57 strat and he really loves my DeTemple. Would he swap it for his '57, well no, but he has a DeTemple on order. Since I have had my DeTemple, I would go into shops pick up a strat and after 30 seconds promptly put it down again. I don't even look at strats anymore - wish I could say that for my other guitars which costs me a small fortune in churn.

Before my DeTemple arrived I had a Custom Shop Relic, one of the '82 Dan Smith strats and a Melancon strat - all of which were very nice guitars. Since my DeTemple arrived I had got rid of these guitars, not particularly a conscious get rid of all my other strat guitars type thing but more a consequence of my continued recycling. I still have two tele's with an Artefact on the way, several humbucker equipped guitars (PRS' and the like) with a CP Thornton on the way, but I have to say that I have no desire for another strat other than the DeTemple I have already. Now, if I could get a Tele and Humbucking type guitar which fills the shoes so well as my DeTemple does for strats, I can get on with my life.

[Jon Silberman]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.

Hold on! Half of 3 years is 18 months! :eek:

My daughter took 9 months and my son took 9 months = 18 months = 1/2 of 3 years.

Who's missing something here?! :p

[57special]

My wife insisted on a sizable rest period in between. I guess it's possible...

[tonedaddy]

I felt the same way as you, then i played one of his guitars. Really, really good. Would i order one? Probably not, as i believe the wait time now is probably closer to 5 years, and any improvement on that might imperil the quality.

To put things in perspective, I spoke with someone very close to DeTemple at least 18 months ago and was told his order list at that time was at approximately 100 guitars, and he was looking to add help back then (which he may or may not have done, I have no way of knowing).

So I would consider your perspective a reasonable/valid concern.

If that info was true (and I have no reason to believe it wasn't, as this person had nothing to gain by misinforming me, and I wasn't talking to him about ordering a DT), it certainly supports why DeTemple may feel confident in his pricing/ordering policies (as in, if you don't like them, there are likely many folks that will get in line instead of you). Usually rapid price increases and high deposits follow extremely high demand. In this case, I'm guessing DT legitimately has that kind of demand, and figures he can do both (increase prices and demand high deposits) without decreasing demand.

[Mowcheeba]

My wife produced a son and daughter for me in half that time and they're a lot more complex than a Strat and Tele.
:rotflmaoThis is the best comment I've read in a long time. Written a long time ago though.