THe Utility Guitar

[Killcrop]

What is your utility gig guitar? The workingmans axe? The one guitar that can handle the task no matter the genre?

[matte]

No Brainer (http://www.jgguitars.com/eng/html/signature/seven.html)

[big mike]

For everything I do, my Custom 22 PRS fills the bill. McSwitching, so with the coil tap, I can even get semi convincing chicken picken tone.

But before this guitar, my Tele was never to far away.

[matte]

Originally posted by splatt
my koll burnt tornado:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/1684866/4342207/54207322.jpg

dt / spltrcl Not that's onebighairybeast!:dude

[Jack Walker]

My American Deluxe strat with an SD twangbanger in the rear and vintage Fralins in the front. The twangbanger can be dialed in to be so Tele-like it's almost funny, yet positon four quack still sounds authentic. The front pickup will probably be replaced later on for a Fralin SP 42 so the old standards and jazz sound a little more authentic. However, taking the tone down to three makes for a nice round front pickup sound. This is the one guitar I own that can do everything I need it to do.

[Jim Soloway]

This one is easy. I only own one guitar at the moment.

My attitude towards guitars over the years has been one of serial monogomy. It doesn't really matter how many guitars I own at any given time, I only ever seem to play one of them for long stretches of time, periodically moving from one to the next and selling the previous be-all and end-all.

For the record, this is currently "the one" (although it will probably be replaced in a few months by one that is now under way).

http://www.jimsoloway.com/BurstKnobs2.JPG

[mattmccloskey]

Honestly, any guitar that is comfortable weight, stays in tune, plays comfortably, and has a couple pickups will work fine for me. Sure I like variety, new toys, etc. but almost any of my recent guitars can pretty much cover anything. Right now I am playing a suhr classic T, with standard tele set up. I can really cover any rock, surf, country, blues, funk and jazz I need to with this guitar, a nice amp and a pedal. Between pickup selection, volume and tone tweaks, tweaks to the amp, and playing touch, I really don't need anything else. Of course I like having other stuff too:D

[loudboy]

I have a G&L Legacy w/Duncan Vintage Stacks in the N/M position and a 'Lil 59 in the bridge. Not much mojo, but it will get me thru just about any gig, plays great and stays in tune.

It's usually sitting on a stand, in case my #1 for that particular gig breaks a string.

Loudboy

[Pedro58]

I think that Rick Nielsen's Hamer with, like, SIX necks would have to be my answer. :D

[The Eristic]

http://community.webshots.com/photo/112416336/121834050NAJaNv

[Mark C]

#1 - ES335

#2 - Tele with mini-humbucker in the neck.

[Redmaz]

+1 on the G&L Legacy

Mine is stock w/ 3 single coils and a reverse headstock. My band plays country, blues, classic, alternative and modern rock. I might get smacked down for this, but overall there are many things I like better about my G&L than the Lentz ash S I used to have.
:eek:

[rwe333]

Another G&L Legacy player here - DiMarzio VirtuAL 2 pickups, stock otherwise (rosewood board, sunburst).

'Course splatt now has me thinking Koll too... ;)

[jbright44]

My modified G&L ASAT classic is it for me. Little '59 in the bridge duncan '59 in the neck with coil tap on the bridge pickup and a graphtech F.A.A.S. piezo pickup system (now they call it the ghost). It gets it done just about every way it can be got done.

[Lifewithoutpain]

Originally posted by John Phillips
PRS Standard 22 with trem, McCarty switching, SD '59 & Custom Custom.

Mine's rather similar; PRS SantanaSE w/ trem, McCarty switching, SD Jazz & Custom Custom.

I chose that one as my 'all arounder' as my STD22 is fitted with EMG's and is a definate metal master.

[aarondavis]

My McCarty Rosewood, I use it for jazz gigs, split the coils for James Brown, kick on my Tonebone for rock. Feels and sounds perfect to me! The rosewood neck is soooooo cool, sustains 20% longer than my Custom 22.

I have to make myself play my other guitars, or else I’d be getting a fret job on this one every year…

http://img14.exs.cx/img14/777/ba-20McCartyJam.jpg

[Joe]

I have Steve Stevens that can do 17 pick-up possibilities via coil taps, etc...

[CHyde]

Right now my #1 for all things is my Yamaha RGX-TT Ty Tabor model. It has a JB in the bridge & cool rails in the middle & neck positions. A great playing guitar & very versatile. Soon it will be replaced by a PRS goldtop McCarty with maple top.

[VaughnC]

For utility, once you find the "right" Strat, it's pretty hard to beat.

[Scott Peterson]

Here is my do it all guitar:

04 Melancon Custom Artist

http://128.121.187.118/170347719.jpg

My backup live guitar for any gig is the Line 6 Variax 700 in sophisticated black. It is a utility guitar by design.

[muddy]

i'll have to go with splattie's burnt naugahyde! KOOL AXE!!! :dude :dude :dude


ml

[matte]

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/75532118.jpg

[JingleJungle]

http://www.jjm.ch/images/guits/3.jpg

Nik Huber Dolphin II

Ok... it's really not your "workingman" 'tar, but in this moment it's the one I'm playing most.
Followed by my 74 Telly Thinline (I finally got over the "small neck factor") and by a Hamer Daytona (strat) with Lollar blondes.

...My Mileage Usually Varies...

JingleJungle

[serial]

'85 Schecter PT or '03 Hamer mahogany Vector. Gotta have a double hum guitar to do it all-IMHO, single coils aren't versatile enough. The Schecter has coil splitting which gets part of the way there and it's a rock, but no whammy.

[Leonc]

Thorn #009
http://www.musicianMatcher.com/leonsgear/thorn/latest.jpg

It's been used at every gig I've done since I got it in May 2002. It does about everything I truly need. I love P90s too and that's what Thorn #012 and the Driskill Diabolo LC are for.

[spikeRI]

JBright44, Did you have to route that classic for the humbucker to fit or is it already routed?

[jjhboots]

Originally posted by Matte
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/75532118.jpg
Matte:
That's a beautiful guitar. I have spoken to Steve at Wildwood and I have a Bluesmaster on order (only 6 strings however). I take it you have been happy with the Gustavsson. Finish/sound/feel all to your liking? I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks. John

[matte]

Originally posted by jjhboots
Matte:
That's a beautiful guitar. I have spoken to Steve at Wildwood and I have a Bluesmaster on order (only 6 strings however). I take it you have been happy with the Gustavsson. Finish/sound/feel all to your liking? I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks. John Hi John,
My JG Guitars have exceeded my every possible expectation. I check out other guitars from time to time but they don't stay here for very long. I have never owned a guitar that has covered so much ground tonally, stylistically etc, while remaining utterly transparent in the service of music. My buddy Doc has played eevery guitar I've owned for the past 15 years. He ordered a JG Guitar last year(his first 7). He is so comfortable with the guitar that he used it for all of Mos Def's TV appearences this year(Leno, Letterman, Kimmel, etc)as well as his recent work with Ice Cube and Lil John. I have 3 guitars on order with Johan right now. Materials, construction, playability, sounds, vibe? To me, Johan is THE guy. You are in for a treat. http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/41354426.jpg

[lhallam]

Matte, what's the gauge on the 7th string? It looks like bridge cable. :)

Here's my utility gtr, with 11 different pickup combinations it pretty much covers the gamute:

http://www.ernieball.com/mmonline/specs/inst_stevemorse.gif

[T.Wesley]

My new utility guitar is the ChibaCaster - my Tele that I turned into a Tele Custom.

Humbucker, splittable, in the neck gives me thick woman-y tone. When split it's nice & edgy, and the Five-Two in the bridge is (vol on 10) aggressive or (vol rolled back) nicely brash. With a Hipshot tuner for the low E, I can instantly go to Drop D or back to Standard.

It sounds great.

--chiba

[matte]

Originally posted by lhallam
Matte, what's the gauge on the 7th string? It looks like bridge cable. :)
80 http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/50013078.jpg

[robmarch]

Originally posted by JingleJungle
http://www.jjm.ch/images/guits/3.jpg

Nik Huber Dolphin II


that's a nice looking guitar. the one I'm building right now is similar (though my tiger eye turned into more of a vintage amber), and I hope it turns out a fraction as nice as that one. With coil tapping, I'm hoping it can be a versatile guitar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/robmarch/elephant%20guitar/sideshot.jpg

...and, you guys are surely tired of me commenting on how sweet Matte's JG 7 string is.

[jjhboots]

Originally posted by Matte
Hi John,
My JG Guitars have exceeded my every possible expectation. I check out other guitars from time to time but they don't stay here for very long. I have never owned a guitar that has covered so much ground tonally, stylistically etc, while remaining utterly transparent in the service of music. My buddy Doc has played eevery guitar I've owned for the past 15 years. He ordered a JG Guitar last year(his first 7). He is so comfortable with the guitar that he used it for all of Mos Def's TV appearences this year(Leno, Letterman, Kimmel, etc)as well as his recent work with Ice Cube and Lil John. I have 3 guitars on order with Johan right now. Materials, construction, playability, sounds, vibe? To me, Johan is THE guy. You are in for a treat. http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/41354426.jpg
Matte:
Thanks so much for your reply. I am looking forward to getting the Gustavsson. If I may ask, what models do you have on order? John

[matte]

Originally posted by jjhboots
Matte:
Thanks so much for your reply. I am looking forward to getting the Gustavsson. If I may ask, what models do you have on order? John I have a Korina back and neck version of my signature guitar with a Seymour Duncan 7 string Alnico P 90(Thanks, MJ!)replacing the neck position humbucker, as well as a Slab Korina version of my signature guitar with 2 Hums. I also have a 6 string on order, but I'm going to keep the specs under wraps under the guitar is completed.http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/71875779.jpg

[Mark Kane]

Originally posted by Leonc
Thorn #009
http://www.musicianMatcher.com/leonsgear/thorn/latest.jpg

It's been used at every gig I've done since I got it in May 2002. It does about everything I truly need. I love P90s too and that's what Thorn #012 and the Driskill Diabolo LC are for.

Hey Leon, have you found a tie to go with that yet??:)

[JingleJungle]

Originally posted by robmarch
that's a nice looking guitar. the one I'm building right now is similar (though my tiger eye turned into more of a vintage amber), and I hope it turns out a fraction as nice as that one. With coil tapping, I'm hoping it can be a versatile guitar.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/robmarch/elephant%20guitar/sideshot.jpg


Rob, what are the specs on your new baby? Looks interesting...sorta reminds me of the BC Rich Eagle body...

JingleJungle

[eaeolian]

Originally posted by Matte
80 http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/2138857/50013078.jpg

I'm assuming that tuning peg was drilled? I don't know of a stock one that will take an 80. That's damn big!

Nice piece, though, and I'm sure the 80 makes for a nice tone out of the B...

[dave s]

Grosh RC with LF vintage blues at neck and middle and a steel pole 43 bridge pickup.

That guitar covers any and EVERYTHING that comes along.

dave

[eaeolian]

Oh, I forgot - drooling over seven strings will do that - my basic "rock" guitar:

'88 Jackson Dinky, maple/ebony raw neck, alder body, HSS with a Duncan JB at the bridge, Lil'59 at the neck, and the stock Jackson J200 (I think) middle. V/T, three way Gibby style, AND three mini switches that turn tap both hums and turn on the middle. Factory OFR (not a replaced JT6) w/D-Tuna.

Great for the cover band - lotsa tones, even can get twangy, and a great sounding guitar to begin with. I may have to change out the JB for something else, though, as it's a particularly "hot" one that's too "metal" for doing covers.

Mike

[shallbe]

1996 Gibson Historic '54 Goldtop with wraparound bridge and P90's. Completely stock. This guitar can cover anything I'm capable of playing, and sound great doing it. Plus, it feels like home when I put it on.

The only gigs I don't use it on are the ones where single coil noise is a problem-----and that is just one club we play.

[aleclee]

My Driskill (http://www.aleclee.com/guitars/driskill.html) gets the call over my IRW Cu24 (http://www.aleclee.com/guitars/curo.html) because of the piezo (though I rarely use it).

http://www.aleclee.com/guitars/Driskill_sm.jpg

[matte]

Originally posted by eaeolian
I'm assuming that tuning peg was drilled? I don't know of a stock one that will take an 80. That's damn big!

Nice piece, though, and I'm sure the 80 makes for a nice tone out of the B... The posts for the low A on all of my 7s are drilled out to accomodate an 80.

[lhallam]

Originally posted by Matte
The posts for the low A on all of my 7s are drilled out to accomodate an 80.

Something I've been meaning to ask you. Do you use standard tuning or the Fripp tuning?

[Leonc]

Originally posted by Mark Kane
Hey Leon, have you found a tie to go with that yet??:)

Yup, John L hipped me to one of those looking-glass ties back in about '68 :p

[matte]

Originally posted by lhallam
Something I've been meaning to ask you. Do you use standard tuning or the Fripp tuning? Standard.

[Riscchip]

Any of my old 80s Schecters.

[aquadog]

G&L comanche. Those odd little pickups just seem to do everything, and the guitar just stays in tune perfectly, along with playing beautifully. Not to bad for the price tag, either

[robmarch]

Originally posted by JingleJungle
Rob, what are the specs on your new baby? Looks interesting...sorta reminds me of the BC Rich Eagle body...

JingleJungle

it's a mahogany through body neck and chambered back with a 25" scale ebony fingerboard with no inlays. the back is 1" thick, and the flamed maple top is strategically lightened, and a little thicker than 3/4".

Pickups are zebra Dimarzio Air Norton in the neck and Tone zone in the bridge, and I'm still working on the wiring diagram, but the volume knob will be a push pull to tap the neck at least, with a 3 way toggle and a tone knob. I'd like to get Neck Humbucker, Bridge Humbucker, Outer or inner coils of both pickups (haven't decided which), and possibly Bridge Humbucker with neck single.

the bridge is a tom, strung through the body, and it's recessed. Rather than just rout a clean pocket around it to recess it, I tried to keep the "smoothed" theme to match the edges. Wood covers on the back, and the pickup rings will eventually be milled out of the same flamed maple from the top to match, but just clear coated, as will the knob for the selector switch. for now, it will be built with the plastic pickup rings and selector switch knob.

grover vintage style keystone tuners, spray can nitro finish, 10's, straplocks, chrome hardware, and amber knobs. I think that's about it. there are more specs and pictures in a thread in the small luthier's forum under my name with "project guitar" in the title.

[hawkeyeinexile]

for the past few months mine has been a http://www.rjsanders.com/pix/t-bird.JPG Chapin T-bird. chapin beelzebucker in the neck, seymour vintage tele hum-cancelling in the bridge, 3-way toggle amongst full 'bucker/strat-like coil/p90-like coil. single-piece alder, "pale ale" finish darkens over alder (ordinarily used for ash), love it.

notoriously tuff to photograph, cuz the pickguard is gold mirror, but credit to decay-o-caster & thanks for the pic.

:cool:

[hawkeyeinexile]

hmmm, sorry 'bout the size of that pic - it didn't come across like that when i tested :o

:cool:

[eaeolian]

Originally posted by Matte
The posts for the low A on all of my 7s are drilled out to accomodate an 80.

Well, that would certainly explain using an 80. Is that drop-A, or do you tune down a whole step?

(Sorry for all the questions, I'm new here, and surprised to see 7 strings discussed.)

Mike

[matte]

Originally posted by eaeolian
Well, that would certainly explain using an 80. Is that drop-A, or do you tune down a whole step?

(Sorry for all the questions, I'm new here, and surprised to see 7 strings discussed.)

Mike I play with a Low A. Makes more sense to me. Puts open position into A instead of E. There are at least a few 7 string guys here on the GP, so feel free to ask any questions you might have. I've been playing a 7 since 1989(my first 7 was one of the Maestro's Hamers, 24 frets, 3 SD Hot Rails, Anderson switching, Paul Ferro board, Western Curly Maple body).

[jbright44]

Originally posted by spikeRI
JBright44, Did you have to route that classic for the humbucker to fit or is it already routed?


I had to route out the pocket for the neck humbucker.

[melondaoust]

Hey Matte:

Just a question out of curiosity (if you don't mind me asking).

Where did the concept of using a 6-string trem on a 7-string guitar come from?

[matte]

Originally posted by melondaoust
Hey Matte:

Just a question out of curiosity (if you don't mind me asking).

Where did the concept of using a 6-string trem on a 7-string guitar come from? This guitar started it all:http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/5885947/75538135.jpg

[matte]

With no low A on the trem, the bar tension can be maintained with 2 springs. I can float the trem for upward pull of a 4th on the open G string. The Low A also has more ass to it, as it connects hardtail style with the body.
http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/5885947/75538106.jpghttp://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/5885947/75538143.jpg

[Scott Peterson]

Matte, that is freaking cool.

[matte]

Originally posted by Scott Peterson
Matte, that is freaking cool. Thanks, Scott. Dominick Ramos, who built that guitar, is a local legend. It was made for me in 1994. Totally handbuilt from the crudest tools, in his basement. He also made the pickups(check the neck and middle, they are 7 string P 90s with Strat magnets)and the bridge. The whole guitar is 3 pieces of wood.http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL314/463210/5885947/75538102.jpg

[melondaoust]

Originally posted by Matte
With no low A on the trem, the bar tension can be maintained with 2 springs. I can float the trem for upward pull of a 4th on the open G string. The Low A also has more ass to it, as it connects hardtail style with the body.


Definitely a very interesting concept!

[eaeolian]

Originally posted by Matte
Thanks, Scott. Dominick Ramos, who built that guitar, is a local legend. It was made for me in 1994. Totally handbuilt from the crudest tools, in his basement. He also made the pickups(check the neck and middle, they are 7 string P 90s with Strat magnets)and the bridge. The whole guitar is 3 pieces of wood.

Is that Korina? Damn nice guitar, BTW.

That's a cool idea - my Jackson Soloist 7 is a TOM-String thru for the specific reason that B strings sound like ass with a trem. Never thought about splitting it up...

Mike

[matte]

Originally posted by eaeolian
Is that Korina? Damn nice guitar, BTW.

That's a cool idea - my Jackson Soloist 7 is a TOM-String thru for the specific reason that B strings sound like ass with a trem. Never thought about splitting it up...

Mike Sure is Korina. Here's another incredible builder who has made me some exceptional 7 strings. Turn on your speakers for the soundbyte. (http://stevensguitars.com/artists/artists-mattehenderson/mattehenderson.html)

[malabarmusic]

Originally posted by Matte
Here's another incredible builder who has made me some exceptional 7 strings. Turn on your speakers for the soundbyte. (http://stevensguitars.com/artists/artists-mattehenderson/mattehenderson.html) Wow, I just sprayed coffee on my monitor after seeing those guitars and ... Prices! Functional art indeed.

And Matte, that may be my favorite of the many clips I've heard from you. :AOK

- DB

[matte]

Originally posted by malabarmusic
Wow, I just sprayed coffee on my monitor after seeing those guitars and ... Prices! Functional art indeed.

And Matte, that may be my favorite of the many clips I've heard from you. :AOK

- DB Thanks for the good word. Michael Stevens is one of the most incredible builders in the history of life. He was tapped by Fender to head the original Fender Custom Shop. His first order of business was to build EC several replacements for Blackie, a job which he performed admirably. He is an absolute perfectionist and his degree of skill is astonishing from both aesthetic and functional perspectives. Considering what PRS charges for their Private Stock guitars, Michael's guitars are a bargain.

[melondaoust]

Originally posted by Matte
Sure is Korina. Here's another incredible builder who has made me some exceptional 7 strings. Turn on your speakers for the soundbyte. (http://stevensguitars.com/artists/artists-mattehenderson/mattehenderson.html)

Man, those are some exquisite guitars! Love the playing on the site also!

[bluesdoc]

Originally posted by malabarmusic


And Matte, that may be my favorite of the many clips I've heard from you. :AOK



Yes!!!

My utilitarian #1 these days is a Fender Am series neck on a Warmoth chambered strat body (gentle burst), wilkinson trem, Anderson splittable pups (SA1R, SA1, H2+) that give me tons of killer tones. Most importantly, this ax weighs only a bit over
6 1/4#!!! yeah.....

jon

[eaeolian]

Great tone, great playing, VERY nice instruments. Sadly, out of my price range at the moment, however...

[gls500]

A few months ago, a Fender "California Strat" came up on the local classifieds w/ a HSC and a mini Marshall amp for $250. I bought them, thinking I could resell them all and make a couple bucks, since California Strats go on ebay for $400+ alone.

I cleaned it up, restrung it, and set the action & bridge properly. I just could NOT put the thing down, and this was without plugging it in.

I plug it in, and it had *everything*. It's now my "grab & go" guitar for practice, writing, and for when I don't know what's coming next. I have some Van Zandt pickups around to put in it, but I'm not sure I want to bother right now, because it sounds so good as is.

I spent several years looking for the right Strat and went through many, and the one I was looking for fell into my lap at 1/8 the price I was willing to spend. It's not the prettiest thing, but it's always there and ready to go. I still develop "my tone" with other guitars, but it's a cool one to have.

[Dave Orban]

My Lentz Tele. For me, the ultimate "grab and go" guitar...!

[spikeRI]

Originally posted by spikeRI
JBright44, Did you have to route that classic for the humbucker to fit or is it already routed?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





I had to route out the pocket for the neck humbucker

I was afraid of that ........Thanks

[danel59]

My main utiltilty guitar would have to be my EBMM Steve Morse with 11 different pickup configurations. I also added the Ghost Acoustic Saddles and preamp as well so most of the bases are covered with that one guitar. I am also going to try the Stellartone system on it as well. Having said all that I still prefer my EBMM Rosewood Axis Super Sport. The feel of the Rosewood neck is amazing and plays the same. It is one of the lightest and resonant guitars that I have owned! And with the 5 way I can get some of the chicken picken tones as well.

Dan