Chapin Guitars

[Aardvark]

they had them in both brass and aluminum. I think they stopped making the brass ones (I had a good stock of both before the shop blew up.) Very different sound between the two, the choice was based on the the tone we were going for on the given instrument and the rest of the design elements.
Hi Bill,

You are so kind to respond again. As you know, there is so much debate here on TGP about bridge materials and the impact on tone. Since you have experience with the identical bridge manufactured from aluminum and brass, I would be grateful for any thoughts you could share on the difference. Thanks in advance!

[Shades]

Hi Bill,

You are so kind to respond again. As you know, there is so much debate here on TGP about bridge materials and the impact on tone. Since you have experience with the identical bridge manufactured from aluminum and brass, I would be grateful for any thoughts you could share on the difference. Thanks in advance!Just generally, Aluminum has an open ring to it, lively top, certain type of bite to it. Brass is more attenuated, smoother, a lowered peak, not as loud but sometimes the right choice for a certain liquid type sound given certain responses with the instrument itself.
of course on a instrument that wants the brass one Aluminum is bright, attacky, too snappy etc and on the instrument that wants aluminum the Brass is dead, slow, subdued, etc. it really is a part of the bigger picture.

[Aardvark]

Just generally, Aluminum has an open ring to it, lively top, certain type of bite to it. Brass is more attenuated, smoother, a lowered peak, not as loud but sometimes the right choice for a certain liquid type sound given certain responses with the instrument itself.
of course on a instrument that wants the brass one Aluminum is bright, attacky, too snappy etc and on the instrument that wants aluminum the Brass is dead, slow, subdued, etc. it really is a part of the bigger picture.
Bill,

This is so helpful and important to hear from someone with your experience. I think I need to put a Chapin on my must-have list. Thanks again for your comments.

[madscientist]

Hi Bill,
Just wondering if you still make Hula's, for us mortals at least..;)? I'm not quite in a position to order anything yet, but later this year is a distinct possibility and your stuff is on the top of my list.

[flyingvees]

He sure does...You should talk to him now to get your wood selections done. He has some super nice old wood buried deep in the shop.:AOK

[madscientist]

He sure does...You should talk to him now to get your wood selections done. He has some super nice old wood buried deep in the shop.:AOK




Just a few financial hurdles to get over in the next few months, then, I'll be in a better position to seriously step up to the table.

Plus, my wife is actually starting to buckle under the "don't you want me to have the best" argument. Just a bit more negotiating.

[flyingvees]

My rational was that if I get this one Tbrid I wont need anything else...That was 3 Chapins ago...She hates it when he calls...:)

[madscientist]

My rational was that if I get this one Tbrid I wont need anything else...That was 3 Chapins ago...She hates it when he calls...:)


I've definitely sung the "if I get x, i won't need anything" song a lot the last couple of years. I think the pipes can handle a few verses...;)

[flyingvees]

But I really do keep telling people to get in touch now because not long down the road your not gonna be able to get custom orders and we all know what that does to availability and pricing...Get in while you still can....:AOK

[decay-o-caster]

...She hates it when he calls...:)

A word to you young 'uns just starting out on the road to Chapin ruin - Bill's pretty much used to conversations suddenly turning to "...okay, you'll be late coming into the office tomorrow? Great, we'll move the meeting til later in the day. Thanks for calling, Jim" when the Significant Other walks into the room unexpectedly while you're on the phone with him. Another one that works is "no, I don't think we want to contribute anything right now, thanks". Then you hang up and call him back when she leaves. :AOK

[trisonic]

Yeah, baby!
The best ones though are when Bill calls you up and says "Do you wanna hear your guitar?" and then rips it through his Two Rocks........

He be the finest.
Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

And the worst ones are when he calls up to chat, mentions he's making something, then says "but you really don't want me to tell you about this one. You REALLY don't want me to tell you..." ;)

[TDJMB]

UPS stole my Chapin - twice!!

I’m posting this both under General Guitars and to the Chapinistas.

Last August, UPS “failed” to deliver my Chapin Stratahoula. It was scanned into their facility within a couple miles of my office and out to the truck for delivery and then just disappeared. The claims process involved many lies and misdirection, much frustration, and many hours of phone calls and documenting. 4 months later, after attempting to pay Bill Chapin only for the materials (sorta like paying DaVinci for the oil paint), UPS paid the insurance claim.

On March 24, Patty of Destroy All Guitars called me to tell me the guitar was on Ebay. Item #380008611836 was being sold by an auction house called Cargo Largo. Unfortunately, we were unable to get a bid in and it was sold out from under us.

We assume UPS found the guitar and gave it to Cargo Largo without bothering to contact either Bill Chapin or myself. While this was legal, it wasn’t right. It’s not like it would have been a huge effort to link this very unique guitar back to Bill or myself. It shows a complete lack of effort to find the item and return it to its rightful owner.

If Cargo Largo got the guitar from an individual, then that proves theft. A former UPS employee told me boxes rarely are lost. And this was a big box! She also told me she regularly saw employees keep pre-printed labels in their pockets. When they saw something they liked, they’d put their label on it and “redirect” it to their location.

Regardless, we’ve been ripped off not once but twice by UPS.

[Stringmaster]

I was going to bid on that guitar, and tried to contact Bill to ask about it. After some time passed and I didn't hear anything, I decided to search TGP to see if there were any pics or more info on the guitar. That's when I realized that it was likely the lost Chapin--so, I tried to get ahold of Bill again, and then called Tone Gurus, and finally DAG to report that it was on Ebay--unfortunately time was getting away, and the auction was getting ready to close. I hope some resolution can be found in all of this mess.

[flyingvees]

Ups will probably smash it this time....

[hank57]

Hello TDJMB. I live in Oakland CA and I am the winning bidder of what is probably your guitar. I sent an email to Chapin Guitars asking about the guitar telling him a medium long story about having stuff stolen from me in the past and wanting to find out if this was indeed the guitar and that I would not want to steal. I also said I would return the guitar to him(he's in Santa Cruz or something?). It will need a look over before you get it I'm sure. Bill has my phone number in that email and he can contact me about how to get the guitar back. $620.50 for a Chapin? My bubble is burst and it is time soon to order one.

[Dana Olsen]

Hey Hank57 -

Welcome to TGP. That's a pretty 'freakin cool first post.

Welcome aboard, Dana O.

[Jerrod]

Hello TDJMB. I live in Oakland CA and I am the winning bidder of what is probably your guitar. I sent an email to Chapin Guitars asking about the guitar telling him a medium long story about having stuff stolen from me in the past and wanting to find out if this was indeed the guitar and that I would not want to steal. I also said I would return the guitar to him(he's in Santa Cruz or something?). It will need a look over before you get it I'm sure. Bill has my phone number in that email and he can contact me about how to get the guitar back. $620.50 for a Chapin? My bubble is burst and it is time soon to order one.

Very cool.

[Ogre]

Way to go, Hank. :AOK

[Stringmaster]

Good onya Hank!

[Mike]

Hello TDJMB. I live in Oakland CA and I am the winning bidder of what is probably your guitar. I sent an email to Chapin Guitars asking about the guitar telling him a medium long story about having stuff stolen from me in the past and wanting to find out if this was indeed the guitar and that I would not want to steal. I also said I would return the guitar to him(he's in Santa Cruz or something?). It will need a look over before you get it I'm sure. Bill has my phone number in that email and he can contact me about how to get the guitar back. $620.50 for a Chapin? My bubble is burst and it is time soon to order one.Hank! Very good of you to extend yourself here. If I can assist in any way, please email me from the website. I am in Capitola and can meet you personally. AFAIK, nobody contacted me in regards to this guitar - which I had originally sold to Joan. I'm happy to do whatever I can to facilitate getting it back to her if that's the desired outcome.

I'll drive to you if need be - no sweat. Very cool of you to let us all know about this - the Chapinistas are a pretty small family.

Mike

[Mike]

Hank! Very good of you to extend yourself here. If I can assist in any way, please email me from the website. I am in Capitola and can meet you personally. AFAIK, nobody contacted me in regards to this guitar - which I had originally sold to Joan. I'm happy to do whatever I can to facilitate getting it back to her if that's the desired outcome.

I'll drive to you if need be - no sweat. Very cool of you to let us all know about this - the Chapinistas are a pretty small family.

Mike
Ah, so! Hank called me and I have returned his call. We'll git 'er done!

Mike

[57special]

You've made a few friends on here Hank.

[cnardone]

way to go hank.

Bill, sent you an email checking.

cmn

[hawkeyeinexile]

:dude


:cool:

[decay-o-caster]

Bill called me that night after the auction - we were both spitting mad at UPS and their incredibly shoddy business practices (even forgetting the way they destroy stuff in shipment, of course).

Hank - I know losing a great deal on a magic instrument has to hurt you like crazy, but you are a person of rare integrity and have earned much respect from the Sibling-hood of the Chapin-folk.

[Mike]

DOH, I know Hank! He's a great guy. We're going to do right by him.

Mike

[El Kabong]

Hank57, your a class act. It ranks up with the member who bought a gorgeous Suhr, learned that it was originally stolen from Ed Degenero and returned the guitar to the the man.

[trisonic]

+1 as they say.

Is the trail known yet backwards from auction? I guess not.

Best, Pete.

[TDJMB]

+1 hank57 - you are a class act. I'm going to decline your very generous offer for two reasons. First, the replacement's almost done and, emotionally, I committed to it awhile ago. Second, you won the guitar fair and square. My complaint is with UPS, certainly not you or Cargo Largo. So I wish you many toneful hours with a great Chapin with a very unique history. The upside of all of this is you've been in contact with Mike Roberto who, along with Bill Chapin and Cliff Cultrieri, is one of the good guys. Thanks again for the offer.

[flyingvees]

Has anyone heard from Bill? Tried to email him a couple of times recently and havent heard back....Hope all is well...:confused:

[decay-o-caster]

He's good, just up to his ears, as always.

[hawkeyeinexile]

+1 hank57 - you are a class act. I'm going to decline your very generous offer for two reasons. ... So I wish you many toneful hours with a great Chapin with a very unique history. The upside of all of this is you've been in contact with Mike Roberto who, along with Bill Chapin and Cliff Cultrieri, is one of the good guys. Thanks again for the offer.

ah, these chapinisti - wudda classy bunch :dude:AOK

many hors de joie to you, too, T.,

:cool:

[hank57]

I am stunned....

Okay, I am stunned...

I met Mike Roberto a few years ago after having stuff stolen from me:

Suhr Sea Foam Classic hardtail #4487
Martin D-18 1970
Vibroverb I built
Twim I converted from the BMR,
Fender Jazz Bass 3 bolt from 1977(owned it since since early 80s)
Princeton Reverb export model
Others??
Tools...aahhhuumm

With Mike I looked at some amps and tried some Chapin guitars there...WOW!

I have had many talks with Cliff at DAG and bought a Warren(sold it later) and then I bought a Koll Duo Glide Avocado Green with TV Jones Filtertrons which I changed to P90s from Lollar.

Recently my Suhr appeared on the radar up in Northern Cal but it slipped away again.

I have some other cool stuff right now and will list it later when I get into the signoff thingy.

Now I have been informed that the guitar is mine...woooowwwowowowow and Mike has told me that I can exchange as a down-payment or credit for another Chapin. I'll wait and see if as Mike says I do or don't bond with it. I would like to findout the specs of the guitar. TDJMB or Bill can you tell about the build?


I have read lots of old post here and look forward to more communications,
Hank57

[TDJMB]

hank57 - So you know about getting stolen from - so sorry. I've got notes on the guitar that I'll dig up and email to you. Half the fun of owning a Chapin is great conversations with Bill. Welcome to the fold!

[Shades]

Has anyone heard from Bill? Tried to email him a couple of times recently and haven't heard back....Hope all is well...:confused:
Sorry I've been out of touch lately. I've been buried in a lot of things, not the least of which is this legal prep for the very rapidly approaching mediation to try to recover what we lost in last year's explosion. I'll be back in touch very soon.

[Shades]

I would like to findout the specs of the guitar. TDJMB or Bill can you tell about the build?


I have read lots of old post here and look forward to more communications,
Hank57 Hey Hank,
first off ,congrats....score.... Yowza! that houla is one piece lightweight swamp ash, straight grain eastern maple neck with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, 24.625" scale, medium thickness C shape neck (very slightly thicker on the bass side), 3 of our own Black dog single coil pickups with the bridge position in a reverse slant ala hendrix. coil activation switch allows all three and neck bridge settings in addition to the traditional pickup settings. the tone controls are for the bridge and the neck pickups. I'm trying to remember whether I did the half and half titanium saddles on this one or not. ther tuners are gotoh's locking vintage (kluson) style.

[hank57]

First of all thanks for making me feel very welcome Joan and Bill. It's like dating someone that your ex is best friends with and hoping that you're not hated.

This guitar is way fine!:cool:

So Joan described the push/pull: pulling up on the bridge tone knob has no effect on the bridge & mid-bridge settings, takes some of the beef out of the neck & mid-neck settings, and mid up is the same as mid-bridge down. I think it also affects the middle pickup giving it a little quack all its own while taking some beef out of it. Joan also said "I called it the Angelic 'Houla because it had such a sweet sound and Bill called it the Baby's Breath 'Houla"

The color is a burst but the edges are almost a dark chocolate rarther than black. Beautiful. I thought I would have a problem with only edge markers but we look at the edge anyway, right?

I may be selling three guitars because this one is so nice. Ash Strat, Alder Strat and Ash Tele all built by me out of great parts but Bill I see this covering tons of tone. Also maybe I could sell them and put money towards a T-Bird Keef style or something. You have many clients that have work promissed but I could get in line. I have a Jr. Glide coming from Saul in July I think so I'll be wanting next a real Tele style guitar and Cliff says that if you want Tele, Bill you are the man.

I have been making amps,some kits and some parts and the next kit is the Metropoulos 50 watt Bass Plexi.

[decay-o-caster]

Bill's Keef-style TBirds are mighty fine, mighty fine! I've got about 5 Number Ones, and different Chapins move in and out of the list, but my Keef has never been off the list. :)

[markom89]

Chapin's are, in my opinion, some of the nicest looking, and more imporantly, sounding (based on clips/videos I've seen/heard) instruments being built today. I've e-mailed w/ Bill once or twice a few months ago, and he was great! While I don't plan on getting one anytime soon, due to my saving up for another guitar, I *KNOW* that I'll have one within the next two years. Yeah, sounds like a long time, but IMO, it's worth the wait, based on what I've heard so far. These really are special! Can't wait.

Fiesta Red 'houla w/braz rosewood board... OMG :D

[flyingvees]

Speaking of fiesta red.....Seems like I got a t bird heading my in that color....Cant wait...

[Guitarzan]

Whats up out there in Chapin land? Anyone got incoming? Lets see some new pics!!

[flyingvees]

I just didnt want to hurt your feelings bro...Got two on the way and my old one he is fixing up....Oh wait that was alot of fun....:crazyguy

Houla - Natural body, C neck, Custom Pu's including a velvet hammer and super secret switching

Tbird - Fiesta Red with custom maple neck specs, Charlie Christian neck pu, middle and bridge singles with secret switching.

Cant wait, the Houla should be here in a week or so.

[Guitarzan]

Cool Man!

[TDJMB]

The replacement 'Houla will have a natural finish, naked fretboard, and angelic-sounding pickups. Bill says "soon" but you know how that goes. The redwood-topped Fatline should also be soon. And both should have the enhanced switching. In the meantime, I console myself with the MahogaHoula and the Autumn Hawk. I bought the MahogaHoula 6 months after I sent the first 'Houla back to Bill because I couldn't stand being without a Chapin. What a lifesaver it's turned out to be.

When it comes time for shipping, I may have to be sedated.

[cnardone]

Hybrid hollow Spanish Cedar back, carved Western Red Cedar Top. Mahogany neck with black wood board. Short Scale, P-90s not sure exactly what yet though.

We originally thought of a Alnico 90 in the neck and a TV Jones Prototype in the bridge (but that was 2 years ago. i don't know if the proto is still a proto). We have spoken about possible swapping out the Alnico for a a different TV Jones but I don't remember which. It was shipped to the finisher the week of Namm so I am hoping to get an update soon (fingers crossed). The finish is going to be a dark cherry burst I found on the Ribbecke site that I am stoked about.

Lets hope it Bill calls me today telling me he has it.

cmn

[Guitarzan]

Hybrid hollow Spanish Cedar back, carved Western Red Cedar Top. Mahogany neck with black wood board. Short Scale, P-90s not sure exactly what yet though.

We originally thought of a Alnico 90 in the neck and a TV Jones Prototype in the bridge (but that was 2 years ago. i don't know if the proto is still a proto). We have spoken about possible swapping out the Alnico for a a different TV Jones but I don't remember which. It was shipped to the finisher the week of Namm so I am hoping to get an update soon (fingers crossed). The finish is going to be a dark cherry burst I found on the Ribbecke site that I am stoked about.

Lets hope it Bill calls me today telling me he has it.

cmn

That sounds really cool!!

[57special]

Houla with no middle pup. Early 60's appointments.
Bill said, "Like the Blackmore strats?"
I said, "What?"
Here i was thinking i was so original.
No sign of any delivery date. The explosion seems to have thrown everything way off.

[decay-o-caster]

Bill dropped a hint about 5 guitars shipping to me in the next couple of weeks! :eek:

Of course, 4 I already owned - just sent them back to be refactored with the mojo wiring. The Baconfat-o-caster should just about KILL!!! :)

[trisonic]

Bill dropped a hint about 5 guitars shipping to me in the next couple of weeks! :eek:

Of course, 4 I already owned - just sent them back to be refactored with the mojo wiring. The Baconfat-o-caster should just about KILL!!! :)

Oh, man....I've got to call Bill.
Then I'm beginning to itch for another one too (or another one three).

David - I think we need a photo update of your collection once you get them back.

Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Pete - laughing! I'll get a wide-angle lens! :D

[TDJMB]

Bill sent a photo (note the cocobolo fretboard). Waiting on a reverse slant guard. Soon, my precious:http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/TDJMB/ReplaceHoula.jpg

[Guitarzan]

Cool Man!!!

[trisonic]

Tasty, JB!!!
If I was you I'd be planning a major road trip.........


Best, Pete.

[trisonic]

Pete - laughing! I'll get a wide-angle lens! :D

D. Well, at least when your pieces are shipped anywhere they'll have their own 'plane (too).

Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Oh me oh my - just plugged the Lola-houla into the Conrad this evening at Casa Chez Ranchito Hawkeye, got a chance to really make them scream after playing at oh-so-polite volumes for an hour or two. Oh my. I need a moment alone. Oh my... ;)

I get seduced by the mojo wiring (which is way cool) but just plugging a simple perfect guitar into a world class amp reminds you what it's all about.

Oh my....

[hawkeyeinexile]

... but just plugging a simple perfect guitar into a world class amp reminds you what it's all about.

Oh my....


and in an otherwise imperfect world, too...'magine that...,

:cool:

[decay-o-caster]

Well, it IS an imperfect world. I mean, remember, I hate Strats. Just think how much more perfect that guitar could be if only it weren't Strat-ish! But still somehow looked, played, and sounded exactly like the Lola. Yeah. Then it'd be REALLY perfect! :)

[big mike]

I suddenly feel...so...so...alone...on planet 'I hate strats' since Dave took the lifeboat.

It's a dark day....for all anti-stratdom.

:warning:mob

[big mike]

Of course i did foul up and play his at NAMM.

[decay-o-caster]

And you haven't played the Lowell... :D

[trisonic]

David, Come on get the camera out!


Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Bill called...

When it rains, it pours. Forecast calls for rain in the next coupla weeks...

Oh my...

:)

[hawkeyeinexile]

Bill called...

When it rains, it pours. Forecast calls for rain in the next coupla weeks...

Oh my...

:)

i prefer to think of it as forecast calls for sun, too:
http://tinyurl.com/6eccaa ;)

all a matter of perspective, y'see...:phones

:cool:

[flyingvees]

Well, according to Bill my new babies are shipping out wed...I just bought a new camera too so I will promise you guys some shots...C'mon Friday:D

[decay-o-caster]

OK, like all right thinking people I HATE Str@ts. So why can't I stop playing my Lowell George tribute 'Houla???

Because it sounds so freakin' unreal, I guess. Played it last night at a jam, and I just couldn't stop smiling. The neck pup is the best in the universe, so's the middle, and of course the Tele bridge is crazy. The Stratoblaster makes the whole thing a soloist's wet dream. Makes even me sound good on slide. I just love this guitar. Aside from the fact that Str@ts suck, I mean. Right. They do. Except this one. :D

And because - :worthless -

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LolaHoulaPF002.jpg

[Guitarzan]

Pretty cool man! Where's the jack?

[decay-o-caster]

Josh - it's not obvious from the picture due to the glare, but the Stratoblaster unit replaces the angled jack. The lower black spot on the sort of oval-ish plate (closest to the curve of the guitar body) is a straight-in jack, and the on-off switch is up by the bridge. The tiny spot between the jack and the switch is where you can reach in with a jeweler's screwdriver to tweak the amount of gain. I've got mine set so the volume is the same with the guitar's volume knob on 6-7 with the unit on as it is dimed with the unit off. Great solo boost but also cool to change the tone, add hair. Love the Wilkinson trem too.

Even though I don't like Str@ts, of course....

[trisonic]

David,
Have I seen that body before somewhere??

Not sure about that "new" input socket gizmo-thing-a-mabob. Looks a bit cockeyed to me (may the Maestro forgive me.....:)). Does it have to be in that location? What does the Stratoblaster do - is it like the Demeter??

Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Pete - I'm the second owner of the guitar, so you might've seen it before. The Stratoblaster is a roughly +12 dB boost (can be adjusted) that sits in the hole for the std Strat input jack. The Tele bridge pup and the 'Blaster are a thing to behold when used together!

Lowell George had one that looked a little different - sort of a black boxy looking thing, but now they look like this one, with the metal plate. Definitely takes some getting used to, but since I hate Strats anyway, it offends me less than it might offend the more pure amongst you! :)

[trisonic]

David,
For someone who doesn't like Strats you're doing pretty well, so far....
Have you got pics of the others yet (or am I being lazy not to go back and actually look)?

Best, Pete.

[hawkeyeinexile]

OK, like all right thinking people I HATE Str@ts. ...


custom-made thread for ya's (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=390373&highlight=hate+strats), spud...i mean, bud :D

:cool:

[artandink]

I'm a Chapin newbie.

Just received this Pine Tele last week. It has a Black Dog bridge pickup and a Don Mare Buchanan model neck.

The workmanship is top shelf, up there with my Grosh, Lentz and past Suhrs. Neck carve and frets are spot on to my liking. Does Chapin make his own necks? They're great!

Love the staggered locking tuners.

I peeked under the control plate and the electrical work is neat and tidy with a quality capacitor.

I'm playing out on Wednesday, so I'll have a chance to audition it at stage volume.

Here are some pics provided by the seller.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10027/guitar_002.jpg


http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10027/normal_guitar_003.jpg

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10027/normal_guitar_005.jpg

[flyingvees]

You got a killer there...That guitar was made for Guitarzan who donated it to Bob Sweet to help with medical bills. Josh never got to play it but I am sure its a hoss...Good luck with it man. And yes Bill makes his own necks and they are the best.

[Guitarzan]

I'm pretty positive that guitar is amazing!! Congrats! Welcome to the Chapin club. Bill indeed makes everything on his guitars by hand. He's the best.

[decay-o-caster]

David,
For someone who doesn't like Strats you're doing pretty well, so far....
Have you got pics of the others yet (or am I being lazy not to go back and actually look)?

Best, Pete.

Hi Pete - sorry, didn't see this post. So these are the existing 'Houlas -
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LipstickPF0002small.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LolaHoulaPF002.jpg

And this one passed through my hands briefly, before being seen/played by someone who made me an offer I couldn't refuse:
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/HawkahoulaPF0008_small.jpg

But THAT'S IT!! NO MORE!! Because I HATE Str@ts. I DO!!! :o

[flyingvees]

Would that be a short guy with voltage running through him??? :band

[trisonic]

Bill called me last night. My God what that family has been through in the past year - I mean I knew the big things but the details are really scary....he's a better man than me.
Still he managed to make me crack up with his John Lee Hooker tales!
How does he do it?

By the way I'll tell you guys what I told Bill - I'm not going to get Patrick refinished because now it's my number 1. The guitar and I rebonded in a strange way after it was damaged (not brutally but it wiped the smile from its face) I had an epiphany and treat it just like I would any other piece like slinging it in the back of the car sans case etc., I'm in effect relicing it the old way and I lost the awful "precious" feeling I had about it! The sucker plays and sounds like a dream - sounded cool thru a (real) Dumble last week.

By the way do you realize I started this thread in Nov 2003???????? A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then....

Best, Pete.

[big mike]

Good call Pete. Just grip it and rip it!

[decay-o-caster]

Would that be a short guy with voltage running through him??? :band

It would indeed!

Pete - there is something incredibly liberating about the first ding - you no longer have to live in fear of the first ding! :)

I don't abuse or relic my guitars, but they're meant to be played, and playing them puts wear on them and subjects them to the laws of physics with respect to everyday objects around them. So I'm okay with less than pristine, even though I know in the unlikely event I ever sell any I'll take a hit. My first Chapin - the Baconfat-o-caster - has a spruce top that has developed the most interesting rough spot near the strings behind the pickguard where I rest my picking hand pinky finger - and I love that spot. No relic-er in a million years would think to relic it that way there, but it's my wear spot and I enjoy seeing it and feeling it.

Now, if Bill would just ship me the guitar back with the mojo wiring... :p

As you say, a lot of water under the bridge since Nov 2003 - much of it flood water in Bill's case... :(

[TDJMB]

And a lot of my money. Damn you!

[flyingvees]

Rumor from HQ is that I have three big boxes coming in this week....:D Help me Jeebus I dont think I can wait....

[trisonic]

Rumor from HQ is that I have three big boxes coming in this week....:D Help me Jeebus I dont think I can wait....

Warm up the camera!

Best, Pete.

[flyingvees]

For sure...Im really excited about all the new switching and pickup ideas on these three...Its gonna be christmas in May I hope...

[decay-o-caster]

Boy oh boy oh boy...

Intergalactic HQ also casually dropped word that my old rosewood Chiro-caster and my new fretless will be arriving on Friday!

Boy oh boy oh boy!!! :p

[flyingvees]

I think he's getting tired of stepping over all these guitars so he cleaning house....

[TNJ]

Hi guys,
I have done a deal for a Stratahoula, incoming next week probably.
It's the red beauty that was in the emporium.
Anybody got info on the history/specs/tones?
The owner is a nice guy, and said he was the 3rd owner.
Cant wait...I played my first 'houla at a restaurant in Anaheim with Bill looking on, and never forgot the feel and acoustic tones.

:cool:

S.
j

[flyingvees]

Was that at Namm this year? Bill was my roommate and magically my Tbird got completely redone when I woke up each day....:cool:

[TNJ]

No,
This was either '01 or '02.
I was sitting at a table with Scott Heatley, Ron Thorn, and Bill Chapin.
Like Einstein, Newton and Crick were in the same room. :D

S.
j

[trisonic]

No,
This was either '01 or '02.
I was sitting at a table with Scott Heatley, Ron Thorn, and Bill Chapin.
Like Einstein, Newton and Crick were in the same room. :D

S.
j

But which one was which?????
Nice guitar you've just acquired, I was eyeing that seriously.
Best Pete.

[flyingvees]

@ 2800.00 you got a deal...If you paid any less please dont tell...:mob :rotflmao:rotflmao:rotflmao:rotflmao

Congrats!

[TNJ]

@ 2800.00 you got a deal...If you paid any less please dont tell...:mob :rotflmao:rotflmao:rotflmao:rotflmao

Congrats!


Let's say we are both satisfied. ;)

S.
j

[decay-o-caster]

Steve - I thought I had pics of you at that table at breakfast, but sadly, I couldn't find them. Glad you finally got a chance to get on board with that most excellent looking Stratahoula. You have been assimilated... ;)

[cnardone]

Hi guys,
I have done a deal for a Stratahoula, incoming next week probably.
It's the red beauty that was in the emporium.
Anybody got info on the history/specs/tones?
The owner is a nice guy, and said he was the 3rd owner.
Cant wait...I played my first 'houla at a restaurant in Anaheim with Bill looking on, and never forgot the feel and acoustic tones.

:cool:

S.
j

The Gibby scale one?

cmn

[TNJ]

Steve - I thought I had pics of you at that table at breakfast, but sadly, I couldn't find them. Glad you finally got a chance to get on board with that most excellent looking Stratahoula. You have been assimilated... ;)

I may have a copy of it on my home computer.

I'll check tonite.

:cool:


To answer you, cmn, I dont think so...not sure though.

S.
j

[flyingvees]

Just thought I would update you guys on the new Chapin's adjustment to its new home...Any guitar I have ever had I always wanted something else be it minor or major but felt that I wouldnt be satisfied...Well this one will NOT be going back for any changes and even if someone tried to put Stevie's mojo in it I would chop off their hands...This will be with me till I am old and grey or until Bill builds me another instant number one classic....The most awesome instument of destruction I have ever touched....Half wood / Half steel All Evil.....

[decay-o-caster]

Damn - Bill sure does get lucky with what he builds sometimes, don't he?!? ;) :D

I think he's just F'ing with my head now because he has a couple for me (one new, one mojo-rewire) that HE KEEPS NOT PUTTING IN THE MAIL TO ME!!! :mad:

C'mon, Bill... Please....? I'm a broken man... I need my fix.... Please....???

[flyingvees]

I think thats the problem...What the old saying...Dont get high on your own supply....:rotflmao

[TNJ]

Yeah,
Got the Chapin a couple of days ago.
Main problem... .11's! I thought the guitar had .10's and felt stiff. Not so... Getting that fixed tomorrow.
This guitar is sweet...and sounds so phat it's ridiculous.
Lotsa chime and clarity.

Just the ticket...gigging her out this saturday night.

More later,
S.
j

[Lance]

Well, I played my first Chapin strat over the weekend. All I can really say is that this guy known as Bill has pretty much ruined me for life, now!!! A friend of mine picked it up on eBay for a mere $900.00! Supposedly, this one didn't have a neck on it, and was at Bill's old place when it caught fire. But, it was ok, and then it had a neck put on it, and then something else happened to it. Stolen or something like that, and then it ended up in my friend's hands. Then, it happened across my little fingers, and now I have to figure out some kind of way to pay for one of my own! Never have a played a more resonant piece of Swamp Ash in my life. All of the Fenders & G&L's I've played don't even come anywhere near this thing. Yeah, I totally, get it, now. I was playing through a litte Marshall JCM combo, and was getting killer, controllable feedback, ON THE CLEAN CHANNEL! HELLO! I never, in my life, would've even thought this was possible. I really love my Fender strat, and as Fenders go, it's a very resonant body. But this is sort of like playing a...playing a...what I am guessing a chambered Koll or Soloway must feel like. I wouldn't know, because I haven't played either of them. After trying this Chapin, I am terribly afraid to, because I have a very addictive personality, but not the type of bank account to back it up. So hey Bill, nice work there, buddy! By hook or by crook, I will possess one of these guitars! OK, I'll calm down now.

Signed,
Ruined for Life

[flyingvees]

Bills guitars are very simply familiar feeling shapes with superior workmanship , fit and finish...Not reinventing the wheel just polishing it and making it go faster....:AOK

[TDJMB]

Is it a tobacco sunburst? If so, it was mine. UPS stole it and then put it on ebay. Your friend was kind enough to offer it back but the replacement was almost ready so I declined. Your friend got the bargain of a lifetime. It's nearly a year since it was stolen and I'm still waiting on the replacement.

[Lance]

Yeah, that's the one! Now I recall him mentioning the UPS thing. As well as offering it back to you. It sure seemed better than the couple of Suhrs or Andersons I've played. He did get quite the deal, and I told him that if he ever sells it, to get ahold of me. Sorry about all of the problems you had with UPS & whatnot, but I just had to gush about the incredible resonance of that body. If I hadn't held it, I wouldn't have believed it. It does look like you have some other really nice axes to keep your fingers busy. Let me get this straight, UPS stole it, and then THEY, themselves put it up for auction on eBay?! That just don't seem right, at all! I sure am glad I got a chance to play one of these very fine guitars, though.

[hank57]

Hi Lance! I'm glad you liked the Stratahloula. It is the sweetest thing aint she? I bet it sounds sweet through the Princeton! I had a great time playing and the vocal harmonies are getting somewhere. You've been learning something in those bands that practice. This Chapin is Sofa King good man!

[TDJMB]

Lance,

UPS's web site said the guitar was on the truck for delivery but it never showed up. Months later, it ended up in an auction house which put it on Ebay. So I'm calling it "stolen" and assume UPS sent it to the auction house. If UPS wants to correct me, that'd be great - because we were never able to get any information out of them. And "resonant" is a good description of all things Chapin. Enjoy!

[decay-o-caster]

"Stolen" is such an ugly word. Let's try "F'in' ripped off" instead, okay?

Anyway, glad it's found a good...

[decay-o-caster]

Oh, and by the way...

IT'S NGD at DECAY'S!!! Woo Hoooooo!!!

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/FretlessPF.jpg

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/FretlessHead.jpg

:)

[Guitarzan]

Dave,

Thats cool. Specs and scoop please!!

[decay-o-caster]

Josh - it's a fretless flattop Hawk, mesquite on mahogany body, blackwood on limba neck, mojo wiring, weighs 6 pounds. Yummy on slide, way cool with fingers, a very strong solid attack, and it sustains for days. Oh my... :)

[flyingvees]

Dave that looks awesome....I want to try that out at namm next year...I think Bill is starving the guitars at his shop, mine is about 6lbs too....

[Lance]

Hi Lance! I'm glad you liked the Stratahloula. It is the sweetest thing aint she? I bet it sounds sweet through the Princeton! I had a great time playing and the vocal harmonies are getting somewhere. You've been learning something in those bands that practice. This Chapin is Sofa King good man!

Hey, there he is. Sorry I couldn't reply until now. The board was down for a while, and I had to train someone this morning. I know I left my JCM @ David's, but I will definitely bring the Princeton to the next practice/jam. So, make sure you bring that Chapin, Buddy. I am dying to hear how those two will get along, as well. Yes, vocals. I just need to brush up on my David Gilmour a bit, and we can get on with Young Lust. I'm sure that Chapin will do a very fine approximation of the Gilmour tone. Geesh, next thing you know, I'll be shortening the whammy bar.

[TDJMB]

Decay - gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

[TDJMB]

Well, guys, a miracle has occurred. I bought the tobacco 'Houla Oct. 2005 and sent it back for a smaller neck Mar. 2006. Bill made a 2nd neck, wasn't happy with it, made a 3rd, and it blew up with the house in Apr. 2007. Bill sent the 'Houla with a 4th neck Aug. 10, 2007 but UPS stole it. Much paperwork and frustration ensued but today, 11 months to the day, the replacement arrived (sent by USPS)! I only had a few minutes with it on my lunch hour but it looks like Bill has done some amazing work, even for his standards. I'll post later with pictures & details.

Also, since some of us have a history of naming our Chapins: I picked up the guitar from the mailroom and put it in the car and, as I began the drive home, "I'm So Glad" came on the radio. It fit the moment and it was the theme song of my best friends' beloved dog, Beags, so that's the guitar's name.

Oh and the Fatline's due next week!

[trisonic]

Well, you deserve it, JB, after all the vicissitudes you've been through!
Apart from a photo howzabout a clip through one of your Alessandros?
Nevermind, enjoy your time with it - the name thing is interesting, would we do it if Bill numbered them? Probably. Many rare objects of desire have them...

Best, Pete.

PS I drove through Winslow, Arizona for the first time the other week - guess what was playing on Sirius...............

[decay-o-caster]

Yay!!! :)

[hank57]

Welcome home Beags...

Here's the original Skip James version of I'm So Glad

http://www.cloudsoup.com/weblog/2008/05/27/skip-james-im-so-glad/

Did my Stratahoula have a name before all chaos?

Hank57

[decay-o-caster]

BILL SHIPPED ME THE WRONG GUITAR!! :eek:

I'm in Austin for NGW but had to go early for bidness, so instead of shipping one of my guitars down here (not a big fan of watching airline guys toss them around), I had Bill ship me one of my guitars he's rewiring. Carefully chose a strap that would compliment my red Lipstick-a-houla (shame I hate Strats...), came down here, did my bidness, and got a call from Bill - "you know, it would sound EVEN COOLER if we attached the rugalator to the frangus on a double-half-harness with a fanbelt on the fan deck for those fandangos you're into..." And of course, he's right. I think. If I understand exactly what he said. But that would delay shipping by a day or so (which I didn't have), so he said he'd ship something else.

It arrived yesterday. It's something else! The Les Paul killer - dark burst flame maple top, flame mahogany back, Spanish cedar in the middle, blackwood on (mahogany?) neck carve-top Hawk. Oh. My. God. This thing is frightening! Huge rich neck pup, snarly twangy bridge, lovely both, and it sustains for days. Oh my...

And yeah, I know it's worthless w/o pics, and I'll get one up in the next day or so with whatever camera I can get to work, but Oh My... Just hadda say, it's really a mind-blowing guitar. Doesn't go with my strap though. But I think it'll be okay.

I took it up to a friend's house last night. He's gone nuts buying guitars in the last year or so, and he has some good ones (might have to kill him so I can steal his rosewood MIJ tele...). I had the pleasure of watching someone who's never felt one of Bill's necks experience it for the first time. Just had to laugh. The hook is dangling, nice tasty bait, mmm mmmmmm... yummy...

[trisonic]

BILL SHIPPED ME THE WRONG GUITAR!! :eek:

I had the pleasure of watching someone who's never felt one of Bill's necks experience it for the first time. Just had to laugh. The hook is dangling, nice tasty bait, mmm mmmmmm... yummy...

Yep, that'll do it.

Btw that guitar is mine, please forward it immediately..............:D

Best, Pete.

[flyingvees]

He sent the snakehead didnt he....Oh the humanity...

[decay-o-caster]

Yep, he sent the snakehead, Jason. :) You've had your hands on that one, haven't you?

I wonder whether he really has any silly notion that I'll ship it back to him when the class is over.

[flyingvees]

No I havent....He offered to send it to me and I refused...I told him that everything he has sent has stayed and I couldnt afford to pay him for it and I knew that he wouldnt be cool with a hostage situation...

[Mike]

I sent him my Bloomy for the 3-year tune up. First he calls me and says, "Did you EVER change the strings on this thing??". I told him that I would occasionally scrape them down with Endust.

Then he calls a couple od days later and says, "My God, I didn't even recognize the board it was so filthy."

To which I replied, "Hey - has it been played or not?" :D

He couldn't argue with that. Not to mention filth is sort of a Tele tradition, right?

Then he calls and says, "I forgot about this guitar. It's a really, really good one."

Well, duh!

Mike

[decay-o-caster]

No I havent....He offered to send it to me and I refused...I told him that everything he has sent has stayed and I couldnt afford to pay him for it and I knew that he wouldnt be cool with a hostage situation...

Couldn't decide whether to respond to this with a "Thanks!" or a "YOUR LOSS!!!" :roll

Mike - Bill was cracking up on the phone with me talking about the state of your strings! I think he was worried about getting an infection... ;)

[TNJ]

Congrats on the new Chapin, D.
Here's a photo you may remember:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w186/jato07/PlayingaStratahoulainAnaheim.jpg


Good times!
Digging the heck outta my new Stratahoula (obviously not the one above)!!!!
Just TOO sweet!

S.
j

[hawkeyeinexile]

Congrats on the new Chapin, D.
Here's a photo you may remember:
...

Good times!
Digging the heck outta my new Stratahoula (obviously not the one above)!!!!
Just TOO sweet!

S.
j

nope, there was only one like that :D and it was the first to bear the monicker...

anyway, got back from trip to Orygun last week. had a luvly lunch with the Chapins. Spencer's a big boy now & sat next to me. Bill and Liz looking well. We talked about all the important things in life: music, musicians, instruments, the local scene - much to Liz's eye-rolling and Spence's insouciance.

later, having copped tips on where-tos, my little brother, his wife, his band (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=230052225)leader, my ex, and my daughter all convened @ Duff's Garage (http://www.duffsgarage.com/) for the weekly jam (Wed. nights) and were muchly entertained with jammeister Suburban Slim (Phil Wagner). excellent & original pickage. Bill arrived with Survivor Hawk (relic job courtesy of non-luthier utility & phone companies) and was in the first set of jammers, all good'uns, and acquitted himself admirably for several tunes, plugged directly into a Conrad Blues Jammer combo. i'd recognize his playing anywhere. but it was during the solos in the last tune, "Talk To Your Daughter" that he got *that* sound - it could only be a Chapin. all y'all know 'bout that.

if you're ever in Portland, definitely check out Duff's. if you get the chance, look for Kode Bluuz (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=230052225).

"yeah, man!"

must bike,
:cool:

[decay-o-caster]

Steve - in a modified form, that Chapin is in Ben Fargen's hands now. Don Mare Swing-o-tone pickups, no mirror on the pickguard anymore. What a fine guitar! But I'm especially glad you've got one of your own - you always seemed like a likely candidate for assimilation! :)

[TNJ]

Yes,
I have most definitely been assimilated...and loving it!

:cool:

S.
j

[Guitarzan]

Hope all is well out there with my fellow Chapin owners!! Any new aquisitions?

[decay-o-caster]

Gotta call out some more props to the Snakehead Hawk (which, um, is not going back to Oregon). I strummed a cowboy G chord on it yesterday, unplugged, with a fingernail, not even a pick, and was still feeling measurable resonance in the body 25 seconds later through my fingertips. Crazy!! :D

[Guitarzan]

Gotta call out some more props to the Snakehead Hawk (which, um, is not going back to Oregon). I strummed a cowboy G chord on it yesterday, unplugged, with a fingernail, not even a pick, and was still feeling measurable resonance in the body 25 seconds later through my fingertips. Crazy!! :D


I'm sure that thing is amazing. Now you have to send me your other hawk though, the one you had at NAMM!!

[decay-o-caster]

Long as you promise not to ruin it by putting those bridge cable strings you use on it! ;)

[Guitarzan]

Long as you promise not to ruin it by putting those bridge cable strings you use on it! ;)

I promise to keep respectable strings on it!!

[big mike]

He's a sissy. i could bend the strings on your 'bird Josh....







Then I sought medical attention. :p

[decay-o-caster]

Hey, I could bend 'em too. With a pair of vice grips, maybe... :)

Hey - you wanna check it out, I'll send it down for a few days. Just let me know!

[Guitarzan]

I would love too man, but then I would never send it back and you know how that goes!! So the snakehead is really awesome huh? After I get the houla that is coming soon my next thing is some sort of full on rock machine. Probably a flat top hawk.

[decay-o-caster]

Yeah, that'd be a problem! If I maybe find myself on a road trip south I'll bring some for you to check out, bro.

[flyingvees]

Sounds like Dave is bringing a bunch of guitars to NAMM again....

[decay-o-caster]

Might have to just drive down this year, fill up the car...

[TDJMB]

To answer Guitarzan's question: still figuring out the wiring on 'Houla Beags (huge changes in tone when the volume knob goes from 6 to 8 to 10) and waiting on the Fatline.
And where are those pictures of the Snakehead Hawk?

[flyingvees]

No.....Please I cant take any snakehead pics....My bank account and my wife are already mad at me so I dont need anymore encouragment...

[trisonic]

JB,
Sorry to go off topic but what was that fuzzbox you purchased at the NYCAmpShow and what made you buy it?

Best, Pete.

[cnardone]

No.....Please I cant take any snakehead pics....My bank account and my wife are already mad at me so I dont need anymore encouragment...

Is the snakehead for sale? What are the specs?

cmn

[decay-o-caster]

Is the snakehead for sale? What are the specs?

cmn

Nope! :)

It's Bill's Les Paul killer. Carvetop Hawk, maple/cedar/mahogany body, maple/blackwood neck, 3 on a side Steinberger gearless tuners, Lollar Low-wind / Moolon 'buckers. Deeper than a LP, but the cedar core being light, the guitar isn't too heavy. The clarity you'd expect from a Chapin, plus the thump and bigness of a LP.

There's a funny story associated with my having it - I've actually owned it for months, but never saw it or wanted to see it because I knew I wouldn't send it back and I planned to have Bill keep it or sell it and apply it towards something else. Bad things happened - I got my hands on it! :jo

Pics tomorrow, I hope.

[cnardone]

Nope! :)

It's Bill's Les Paul killer. Carvetop Hawk, maple/cedar/mahogany body, maple/blackwood neck, 3 on a side Steinberger gearless tuners, Lollar Low-wind / Moolon 'buckers. Deeper than a LP, but the cedar core being light, the guitar isn't too heavy. The clarity you'd expect from a Chapin, plus the thump and bigness of a LP.

There's a funny story associated with my having it - I've actually owned it for months, but never saw it or wanted to see it because I knew I wouldn't send it back and I planned to have Bill keep it or sell it and apply it towards something else. Bad things happened - I got my hands on it! :jo

Pics tomorrow, I hope.
So you wouldn't be interested in a soon to be finished Hybrid hollow Carve top hawk with p-90s of some kind would you?

[hawkeyeinexile]

So you wouldn't be interested in a soon to be finished Hybrid hollow Carve top hawk with p-90s of some kind would you?


:D

the snakehead is sweet indeed. i speak from first-hand (both-hands) experience.

;)

:cool:

[dbeeman]

Nope! :)

It's Bill's Les Paul killer. Carvetop Hawk, maple/cedar/mahogany body, maple/blackwood neck, 3 on a side Steinberger gearless tuners, Lollar Low-wind / Moolon 'buckers. Deeper than a LP, but the cedar core being light, the guitar isn't too heavy. The clarity you'd expect from a Chapin, plus the thump and bigness of a LP.

There's a funny story associated with my having it - I've actually owned it for months, but never saw it or wanted to see it because I knew I wouldn't send it back and I planned to have Bill keep it or sell it and apply it towards something else. Bad things happened - I got my hands on it! :jo

Pics tomorrow, I hope.

I saw this guitar and played it. Very nice feel and acoustic tone (didn' t hear it amp'ed)

DOC has an the inside track on Chapins. I'm jealous.

BUT, I have to say it:

:worthless

[flyingvees]

Snakehead is kind of like the Lochness Monster...We have seen pictures and some claim to have tamed her but until Dave sends her to me I wont believe it....:AOK

[decay-o-caster]

Nice try, Jason! :p

Pics coming today.

[TDJMB]

Pete - Analogman Sun Face NKT. I had no interested in a fuzz, tried all the pedals on the pedalboard from hell, and the Sun Face just grabbed me. It does a smooth, sustained thing and can get wild as well, all from the volume knob. Well, maybe not from the secret-Chapin-wiring volume knob ...
Damn that Snakehead description ...

[decay-o-caster]

So you wouldn't be interested in a soon to be finished Hybrid hollow Carve top hawk with p-90s of some kind would you?

Well, Chris, I'd never say 'no' to any Chapin, but right now I'm pretty knocked out by this one.

:worthless

Oh, right!

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakeFrontStock.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakePF01.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakePF02.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakeBack.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakeBackStock.jpg

[trisonic]

Oh, man! Beautiful piece, sublime 'burst on it...........

Best, Pete.

[TDJMB]

Did you notice how close the bookmatching is? What's the deal with the peghead & tuners?

[flyingvees]

A nod to the early Fender proto's I suspect...Those are the steinberger tuners that are very short ratio and very accurate from what I have read...Thats just plain dynamite...

[TNJ]

:eek:

:dude

S.
j

[hawkeyeinexile]

(i have the Steinbergers on my DebbilDawg (http://rjsanders.com/pix/ddog-front.jpg) and there are indeed accurate...)

and ya should oughta hear the Snakehead through a Top Hat Emplexador II/MatherCab w/Cele Gold :banana

evolution of Fender headstocks:

http://www.stratcollector.com/images/origin/sidebysideheadstocks.gif

:cool:

[TNJ]

Nice.
I dig the Fender headstock pic too!
That Bigsby headstock is WAY cool.
BTW, I gigged out with the 'houla last nite for the first time. Outdoor festival gig, Ecstasy/212 rig.
Performed like a champ...the overdriven bridge tones were just PHAT and punchy.
Cleans were a dream, as expected.
Love this guitar!

:cool:

S.
j

[Kalalau Hiker]

looking at this thread to see what some Chapins LOOK like .
:worthless


there's like .... 10 pages at a time with NO CHAPIN PORN! ..:confused:

maybe you lucky Chapin owners could all post some pix in a row cause

:worthless

so it's not so hard to scroll through 150 pages lookin for pix , cause

:worthless

:D

[cnardone]

Waiting on pics of my new body (unfinished carved top hawk, Red Cedar top Spanish Cedar body) but here is the "Coolest Chapin Ever". I little over 4 years old.


http://www.cnc-search.com/chris/silk2.jpg

[hawkeyeinexile]

looking at this thread to see what some Chapins LOOK like .
...
:D

http://destroyallguitars.com/chapin
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_t-birds_and_houlas.html
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_hawks___others.html

enjoy

:cool:

[flyingvees]

http://destroyallguitars.com/chapin
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_t-birds_and_houlas.html
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_hawks___others.html

enjoy

:cool:



Dont blame you, cause you hardly ever see them for sale...With the few that have sold recently for the price, I should have snapped them up...Lord what a couple of deals that got away...

[Kalalau Hiker]

Waiting on pics of my new body (unfinished carved top hawk, Red Cedar top Spanish Cedar body) but here is the "Coolest Chapin Ever". I little over 4 years old.


http://www.cnc-search.com/chris/silk2.jpg

WOW!!...thanks and congrats - beautiful


http://destroyallguitars.com/chapin
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_t-birds_and_houlas.html
http://tonegurus.com/html/body_hawks___others.html

enjoy

:cool:

THANKS

THIS
http://destroyallguitars.com/images/fatlinetv.jpg

is unreal
http://destroyallguitars.com/chapin/46-chapin/114-chapin-fatline-tv

I didn't know he had such diverse "modern" featutres :

The TV is a vaulted internal brace design semi-hollow with a tremolo. The TV is made from the most resonant and beautiful aged tonewoods. Vibrato with acoustic p.u. in saddles. Master grade + quilted or flamed maple top. Figured hardwood pickguard, headstock plate and back plates. Documented legal ivory nut.

Graphite reinforced glue-in flamed maple or quilted mahogany neck with no truss rod,

hand-carved and blended access heel and cutaway. Gold hardware. Gold shell inlayed knobs. Brazilian rosewood board, Acoustic controls for volume and blend off the control plate with ebony knobs. Ebony pickup rings. Thin "unburst" nitrocellulose finish standard. Megaswitch or push-pulls.

why no truss rod???

[trisonic]

enjoy

:cool:

Ol' Hank is on two websites now! He's due back with Bill for a 10K mile service.

Best, Pete.

[TDJMB]

Beags / the replacement 'Houla (the picture does not do the cocobolo fretboard justice):
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/TDJMB/ReplaceHoula.jpg
Autumn Hawk with Snakewood board:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/TDJMB/Hawk4.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f124/TDJMB/HawkFretboard.jpg

[decay-o-caster]

Rather than killing the bandwidth around here, I'll post some links to pics -

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/BFatTourNew.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakePF01.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/FretlessPF.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/HoneyCaster02.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LipstickPF0002small.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LolaHoulaPF002.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/RosieChirocasterPF.jpg

[Kalalau Hiker]

Rather than killing the bandwidth around here, I'll post some links to pics -

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/BFatTourNew.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/ChapinSnakePF01.jpg

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/HoneyCaster02.jpg
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LipstickPF0002small.jpg

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/RosieChirocasterPF.jpg


WOW!
thx!
THIS
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/BFatTourNew.jpg

is unREAL

if that had a Wilky trem on it - it might be my ultimate dream guitar!

[decay-o-caster]

WOW!
thx!
THIS
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/BFatTourNew.jpg

is unREAL

if that had a Wilky trem on it - it might be my ultimate dream guitar!

So talk to Bill... Such a thing might easily be arranged... :)

[Kalalau Hiker]

So talk to Bill... Such a thing might easily be arranged... :)

I just bought this Mel - Melancon coming in 2 days! all Rosewood neck.
http://i6.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/00/66/a2c5_12.JPG

http://i23.ebayimg.com/08/i/001/00/66/a6cb_12.JPGhttp://i23.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/00/66/a84a_12.JPG

but if I don't like it - Bill may be hearing form me ...I am getting that NO one knows selecting tone woods like him.

[decay-o-caster]

A rosewood neck is a thing of beauty and a joy forever - hope you enjoy the Melancon!

But you heard right! :)

[decay-o-caster]

Damn you, Chapin!

Just blew the dust of my ol' JBird - the Creme-sicle Orange Jazzmaster - for a Naughty Bits / Kid Fate Band rehearsal this afternoon. It's such a niche guitar, it's so easy to forget how great it sounds. But damn - it DOES! Playing in the R&B neighborhood of the blues, the biggest roundest almost horn-like cleans just jumped outta that guitar. Swart AST, Lovepedal Super6 for a little hair as needed, and that JBird just singing out - why on earth don't I play this guitar more often???

http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/JBirdPFGoodSmall.jpg

[trisonic]

Dunno, Dave. I'd forgotten about that one - it looks good enough to eat.
Is that the Mark Sampson doodad twixt trem and bridge?

Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Not sure who invented it. I called it the Buzz Kill for months before someone corrected me - it's the Buzz Stop, I believe. But I kinda like Buzz Kill... :)

[hawkeyeinexile]

Damn you, Chapin!...

and bless you, too :dude

...how great it sounds. But damn - it DOES! more often???...

yowzah :agree

:cool:

[decay-o-caster]

Hep me! HEP ME!! Bill just shipped me back my red Lipstick-ahoula drenched in about a gallon of secret sauce!!! :eek:

He rewired it with the Harmonic Accentuation Device wiring on steroids, every combination of pickups known to man in every permutation - and all on a 3-way switch! (Well, plus a pull-pot or two... :) ) Plus a new Wilkinson bridge, plus a heapin' spoonful of mojo-fairy dust, and damn, I hate Strats, but damn...!!! :(

What a neat guitar! I'm working on a clip to show what it can do w/o even touching the volume knob or the 3-way (or the amp) - it sounds like 4 different guitars on the track. I'll try to get it online tomorrow as soon as I edit out the more embarrassing clams.

[Lucidology]

Hep me! HEP ME!! Bill just shipped me back my red Lipstick-ahoula drenched in about a gallon of secret sauce!!! :eek:

He rewired it with the Harmonic Accentuation Device wiring on steroids, every combination of pickups known to man in every permutation - and all on a 3-way switch! (Well, plus a pull-pot or two... :) ) Plus a new Wilkinson bridge, plus a heapin' spoonful of mojo-fairy dust, and damn, I hate Strats, but damn...!!! :(

What a neat guitar! I'm working on a clip to show what it can do w/o even touching the volume knob or the 3-way (or the amp) - it sounds like 4 different guitars on the track. I'll try to get it online tomorrow as soon as I edit out the more embarrassing clams.

Now damn it all David ...
You could have shown that baby to me yesterday at the Market ...:-)

[decay-o-caster]

Joseph - that had actually been my plan, but it just arrived today, so short of bending the space-time continuum, which of course I'm willing to do but only in a good cause, not really possible! :)

We gotta get together again real soon now and do some show and tell. There's bunches of toys you should check out, and you got a bunch of stuff on that mini-travel-board of yours that I'd like to hear in a more controlled environment than the semi-truck parking lot!

[decay-o-caster]

So here's (http://tempusfugitives.articulateimages.com/GearClips/FonkRawkDano20080813.mp3) the clip I whipped up. The left channel rhythm config is the same throughout, but the lead on the right channel changes pickup configurations 3 times. All without touching the 3-way (in the all-the-way right position), no changes to the volume knob, just playing with the tone pots.

All into the Swart SST30, gain and tone at 1:00, volume dimed, 'verb and trem depth at 10:00, trem speed at zero. AxeTrak for a speaker/mic setup.

Welcome to the noodle shop!

[trisonic]

Thanks, David, very useful.
I was toying with the idea of having "Hank" converted when he goes back to Bill for his 10K mile service, frankly I may not now. It seems too bloody complicated for my head and one of the things I like about "Hank" is the purity of it's sound (it does already have the option of switching in the Neck pick up for Bridge/Neck or all three).
It also provides a nice alternative to the powerhouse which is inherent in "Patrick" with it's midboost. Can you still get Stratlike "quack"?

If I didn't already own "Patrick" then, yes, I get it.

Best, Pete.

[hawkeyeinexile]

heard, then played the lipstick-houla last night. stunning. :banana

:cool:

[stan p]

I have never seen any of his Novax-fretted guitars. I saw this option available on the old website.

[decay-o-caster]

Thanks, David, very useful.
I was toying with the idea of having "Hank" converted when he goes back to Bill for his 10K mile service, frankly I may not now. It seems too bloody complicated for my head and one of the things I like about "Hank" is the purity of it's sound (it does already have the option of switching in the Neck pick up for Bridge/Neck or all three).
It also provides a nice alternative to the powerhouse which is inherent in "Patrick" with it's midboost. Can you still get Stratlike "quack"?

If I didn't already own "Patrick" then, yes, I get it.

Best, Pete.

Hey Pete - it is complicated - I had to spend quite a while tapping pickups with a key to try to figure out what each setting did when it first arrived, and I was cracking up the whole time. Basically, I wouldn't use a lot of the sounds on it (not a Strat guy, but it does have some quack positions), but I can find them if I need them. I'm more likely to use it for the really beautiful and character-ful cleans in a couple of positions, and those are set up so they're easy to get to.

I'm just happy because I think Bill is really pushing the envelope of what can be done with the electric guitar and it's fun to share in that. And the feel and playability of the guitar are off the charts besides. :)

[trisonic]

I'm just happy because I think Bill is really pushing the envelope of what can be done with the electric guitar and it's fun to share in that. And the feel and playability of the guitar are off the charts besides. :)

Agreed. We're lucky to have the option.

Best, Pete.

[decay-o-caster]

Yikes! Bill passed through town, rewired the Lola-houla -
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/LolaHoulaPF002.jpg

- and dropped off the rewired Chiro-caster -
http://photo.articulateimages.com/PublicGearPics/RosieChirocasterPF.jpg

There are no words to describe just how freakin' BIG the Chiro-caster is. I mean, I mean, it's just freakin' BIG. I laugh every time I pick it up - guitars should not bend light or cause your clocks to run in reverse, but ol' Rosie is so massive she just does. But then you plug it in, and then you apologize to the neighbors for blowing the shingles off their house. :eek:

Seriously - when Bill showed me what he'd done to it, plugged it into the Swart, gave me the tour, I'm thinking, yeah, big and meaty. But today I plugged it into the same amp on the same settings as a bunch of other big chunky toned guitars, one right after the other, and the sheer size of the sound coming out of the Chiro was mind boggling. And strangest of all, totally clear sounding, not an ounce of mud, clearer than the Snakehead or the Lola with the boost engaged, and louder than both.

I'm about an inch shorter from playing it on a strap for a while (had to - I was losing feeling in my leg playing sitting down), but what comes out of that guitar is worth a fair amount of pain and disfigurement. ;)

The Lola-houla with the new Harmonic Accentuation Device wiring is just a smile generator too - all the sounds I loved before, plus the secret sauce to surprise and delight the unwary. I mean, I hate strats of course, always will, any right thinking person does. But that one might be sneaking into my number wuh - wuh - er, into a highly favored spot in the rotation. :)

[hawkeyeinexile]

Yikes! Bill passed through town, rewired the Lola-houla - ...Chiro-caster...[mindless rantulations blithely dele'd - Ed.] :)

so...it'll be interesting to see which one(s) you bring over tomorrow...:band

:cool:

[Brian Scherzer]

Our tech team has informed me that the slowness we have been experiencing on TGP appears to be caused by some of the huge threads we have on the site. We are closing the mega-threads and I am requesting that the thread starters begin a new thread....sort of a "xxxxx thread, Part II". Sorry to do this, but if the huge threads are the thing that is causing TGP to become so sluggish at times, we need to break the threads into Part I, Part II, etc. We'll see if this works. Again, our apologies. If it turns out that the mega-threads are not the cause, we'll unlock them and merge the other parts back together.

Thanks.........Brian