New guitar options for the Jerry Garcia-inclined

[Jon Silberman]

There are starting to be some real nice choices out there, here are a few, what do you think and does anyone know of other builders?

1. Minarik Goddess

http://www.minarikguitars.com/goddess/842.jpg

2. Alembic Tribute

http://www3.alembic.com/img/MODTLG6Cocobolo1.jpg

3. Warmoth WGD ("Warmoth Grateful Dead") body shape:

http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/bodies/m205A.jpg

4. Phiga Bolt

http://www.philgawen.com/images/Dcp_4044_copy.gif

5. Resurrection Guitars Lightnight Bolt

http://www.resurrectionguitars.com/images/BOLT.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

And introducing ... "Jerry Garcia meets Scott Peterson!" :D

http://www.minarikguitars.com/gotm/2004/2-04/G2.jpg

[bullfrogblues]

Jon, FYI, Resurrection Guitars is about 20 minutes from my house. Very nice bunch of guys. In fact, the son, Tim O'Donnell(sp) played in a band with my son for a while.
They do great work, but very slow. I made an appointment with him to do a setup on a guitar, and when I got there, he said he would have it done in 2 weeks. I said, that's why I made an appt.!!! He tweaked the truss rod and sent me on my way. Must have been a bad day.

Allan.

[dkaplowitz]

Those are really beautiful. I like the look. I like the crop circles inlays too. Kinda' cool touch. Very different in a cosmic way.

I'll try not to hold the Jerry Garcia thing against them. ;)

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by dkaplowitz
I'll try not to hold the Jerry Garcia thing against them. ;)

Hey hey hey - a little respect for the Dead, please.

:D

[weekapaugh]

http://www.roberto-venn.com/reuterguitars/mainsite/electrics.htm

http://www.moriartyguitars.com/

[lhallam]

Originally posted by Jon Silberman
Hey hey hey - a little respect for the Dead, please.

:D

Oooooo man. (can you hear me out your window?)

I guess you're taking over where Cutter left off? ;)

[Jon Silberman]

Lance, my friend, fortunately, I managed to miss that thread where Cutter left off and I don't want to be filled in, please and thank you. :)

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by weekapaugh
http://www.roberto-venn.com/reuterguitars/mainsite/electrics.htm

http://www.moriartyguitars.com/

Excellent additions!

Moriarty:

http://www.moriartyguitars.com/graphics/guitars.jpg

Roberto-Venn (this is a luthiery school where you can take a class and essentially build whatever you want, I pulled the image below from the students' gallery):

http://www.roberto-venn.com/images/Fall2004/Electrics/danielse.jpg

[Dave Orban]

Do you have to be short a finger, to play those...?

[lhallam]

Originally posted by Jon Silberman
Lance, my friend, fortunately, I managed to miss that thread where Cutter left off and I don't want to be filled in, please and thank you. :)

LOL

Nice gtrs. I wonder how well they sell.

BTW - I happen to know the guy who purchased "The Wolf". A good friend of mine got to play it. He said it was a fantastic moment.

[mlynn02]

Originally posted by lhallam
LOL

Nice gtrs. I wonder how well they sell.

BTW - I happen to know the guy who purchased "The Wolf". A good friend of mine got to play it. He said it was a fantastic moment.

so the guy who bought those guitars (for 3/4 million btw) actually plays them!!! i love it....

[PaulinNC]

I got quoted 6500 from Matt Moriarty for a an exact replica of "The Wolf" and I think a "Tiger" replica costs at least 10,000. Moriarty makes the best reproductions of the Doug Irwin guitars that I have seen yet. I like all of the others but his are the best.

[Ron Thorn]

Tom Lieber apprenticed under Irwin during the "Tiger" era. He currently has much of the original templates and tooling if you want a VERY accurate replica. He supplied me the original tattoo flash for the tiger and eagle inlay designs when I did the inlays for this one:

http://www.lieberguitars.com/images/garcia/guitar%20a.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Thanks for the post, Ron! Yes, Lieber is very accurate though as I understand it equivalently expensive.

Shweet inlay! :D

Hey, as long as you've resurrected the thread, I've got to add my own new Dark Star to the mix. Inlay by Craig Lavin, body and "plank headstock" neck by Warmoth, PUPs by Lindy Fralin, tailpiece by Brian Nalls (Jack of Roses), bridge by TonePros, assembly/headstock shaping & overlay/electronics & wiring/much more by Phil Jacoby, finishing by Chris Bavaria.

Looks are cool but I can't begin to tell you how well it sounds and plays. :D

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682310/8450308/130747576.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Yeah, it's as bad as people choosing LPs or Strats based on Pagey or Hendrix.

Why it was so important for you to add your negativity like that is beyond my ken. Give us a break. :rolleyes:

[esoteric pete]

:eek: that is SICK!!!!!! wow. just wow....


ill bet jerry in smiling right now...



Tom Lieber apprenticed under Irwin during the "Tiger" era. He currently has much of the original templates and tooling if you want a VERY accurate replica. He supplied me the original tattoo flash for the tiger and eagle inlay designs when I did the inlays for this one:

http://www.lieberguitars.com/images/garcia/guitar%20a.jpg

[Mike Duncan]

Building that guitar is just about one of the coolest things I've seen! Jon, I really want to see that beauty!

I had no idea there were so many different folks building Jerry-inspired axes....I love it!

[PaulinNC]

I just saw this new Warmoth WGD. Very pretty, they should make them like this all the time.

http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/bodies/large/M403A.jpg from http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/sc_guitar_bodies.cfm?type=guitar&start=1&itemNumber=M403&menuItem=13&subMenuItem=7&subMenuItem2=0

[Pa'ani]

Check out Scott Walker Guitars.

[larry1096]

Hmmm . . . would Jerry buy/play a clone of another player's custom guitar?


I think he'd look at someone playing a Wolf or a Tiger and smile, the same way Les Paul would grin seeing you pull an LP out of the case, or Jimi would nod if you pulled a righty-lefty Strat out. He invented it; why shouldn't we enjoy it?


Larry

[charley]

Here's my Alembic Further:
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/213707271.jpghttp://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/194057546.jpg

[LL1]

So your the lucky man who ended up with this one, any pics in the dark with it lit up?

Here's my Alembic Further:
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/213707271.jpghttp://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/194057546.jpg

[Mrgearguy]

This is brilliant!
"It's easy to critique a man's livelihood when you know nothing about it
other than what appeals to you aesthetically."

[Jon Silberman]

Here's my Alembic Further:
http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/213707271.jpghttp://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL1002/4981299/13107315/194057546.jpg
I love it, Charley. Simply beautiful!

[Jon Silberman]

I just saw this new Warmoth WGD. Very pretty, they should make them like this all the time.

http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/bodies/large/M403A.jpg from http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/sc_guitar_bodies.cfm?type=guitar&start=1&itemNumber=M403&menuItem=13&subMenuItem=7&subMenuItem2=0
Very nice! A shame they pre-drilled it, had they not, I'd buy it as a replacement body for me my own Warmoth Jerrycaster, it's that nice.

[aiko420]

PaulinNC, hey, I came across this site yesterday while I was searching the web to see Replica Garcia guitars. I just got mine finished. I got the body from Warmoth, it is almost the exact same as you posted, different grain. I had to fill the tail piece holes to fit the custom tail piece. I had Brian Nalls of jackofroses.com make the tail piece and switch plate cover. The top is cocobolo, with a mahogany back. The neck is ebony fret board (with gold frets), pearl inly and a mahogany back. I put the DiMarzio SDS-1 in the neck, and then DiMarzio Super II's in the middle and bridge positions, like Tiger. There is a push-pull on the volume knob to seperate them out a little more. I am not that good of a guitar player, so I wouldn't even begin to understand the pre-amps and crazy stuff that Tiger has. Anyways, I saw your post with the link to the Warmoth body and thought I would post mine.

http://www.adamjdesign.com/ripple.html

[Kalalau Hiker]

Excellent additions!

Moriarty:

http://www.moriartyguitars.com/graphics/guitars.jpg

Roberto-Venn (this is a luthiery school where you can take a class and essentially build whatever you want, I pulled the image below from the students' gallery):

http://www.roberto-venn.com/images/Fall2004/Electrics/danielse.jpg

sorry man - but that looks like shark bit it's ass off. :D

[aoguitars]

i actually got to spec out the Wolf after it was bought at auction back in '02, as the shop I was working in was commissioned to build a couple copies for the buyer. i was literally vibrating all day, being able to hold and play that guitar--truly an incredible experience.

[PFCG]

Alembic is the way to go, No other guitar sounds the same. They are incredible.

Check out mine.

http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_7stringthing.html

http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/13596_upviewL.jpg

[aiko420]

Alembic is the way to go, No other guitar sounds the same. They are incredible.

Check out mine.

http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_7stringthing.html

http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/13596_upviewL.jpg
Very sweet! If I could afford an Alembic, it would have been done that way. I had to sell a coupole of my guitars to get mine the way I wanted it. SOMEDAY, I will have an Alembic!

[Cussion]

I get my favourite Jerry tones with a maple-neck Strat and a P90 equipped Les Paul.
'67 - '72

[mike young]

I use a Resurrection Bolt and sometimes use my PRS custom 24. Both guitars I have rewired for a closer "jerry sound".

The rest of my gear is detailed on this site - too much stuff to list:
http://www.fennario.us/gear.html

[PaulinNC]

PaulinNC, hey, I came across this site yesterday while I was searching the web to see Replica Garcia guitars. I just got mine finished. I got the body from Warmoth, it is almost the exact same as you posted, different grain. I had to fill the tail piece holes to fit the custom tail piece. I had Brian Nalls of jackofroses.com make the tail piece and switch plate cover. The top is cocobolo, with a mahogany back. The neck is ebony fret board (with gold frets), pearl inly and a mahogany back. I put the DiMarzio SDS-1 in the neck, and then DiMarzio Super II's in the middle and bridge positions, like Tiger. There is a push-pull on the volume knob to seperate them out a little more. I am not that good of a guitar player, so I wouldn't even begin to understand the pre-amps and crazy stuff that Tiger has. Anyways, I saw your post with the link to the Warmoth body and thought I would post mine.

http://www.adamjdesign.com/ripple.html

Awesome. Very cool looking guitar, I bet it plays great. I might have some questions for you.

[equatorinstru]

Simply GORGEOUS instruments...definitely on my list of something I must build one day. And applause for you Ron Thorn...stunning! :)

[fenderpro]

a hint if you dont have much cash...philsguitars.com has a Yamaha SSC-500 for under $400. i remember when JG played one of these. yamaha made some damn fine guitars over the years. that said, to really sound like jerry you have to shed and shed and shed like he did. the guy was an encyclopedia of music. he got his sound on any guitar he played, sg, strat, travis bean, yamaha, whatever...

[PaulinNC]

a hint if you dont have much cash...philsguitars.com has a Yamaha SSC-500 for under $400. i remember when JG played one of these. yamaha made some damn fine guitars over the years. that said, to really sound like jerry you have to shed and shed and shed like he did. the guy was an encyclopedia of music. he got his sound on any guitar he played, sg, strat, travis bean, yamaha, whatever...

Very true, but it's fun though isn't it.

[MBreinin]

a hint if you dont have much cash...philsguitars.com has a Yamaha SSC-500 for under $400. i remember when JG played one of these. yamaha made some damn fine guitars over the years. that said, to really sound like jerry you have to shed and shed and shed like he did. the guy was an encyclopedia of music. he got his sound on any guitar he played, sg, strat, travis bean, yamaha, whatever...

Yeah, I think of him more as style than a certain guitar. The guy had a unique voice...and I always thought his guitar's aesthetics were, um....."questionable."

I would practice....ALOT.

Mike

[zenfreud]

I remember seeing a few of Jerry's guitars up close, guarded by a couple of guys that I think were once Dead roadies. As you would lean in for a closer look, to say these guys gave off an intense vibe is a bit of an understatement. His custom-built guitars looked darn heavy.

As an aside, are Jerry's various guitars scattered around the globe with different owners? I remember reading the Colts' owner Jim Irsay was a big Jerry fan, and is the owner of Jerry's Tiger. From what I've read, the guy is a major music fan, probably gets some good use from his guitar collection.

[PaulinNC]

Check out the new WGD bodies at Warmoth. Very nice, a little pricey though. They jacked up the prices on them recently.

[ssmug]

Check out the new WGD bodies at Warmoth. Very nice, a little pricey though. They jacked up the prices on them recently.

I hadn't visited Warmoth in a while, but last time I went I thought maybe they stopped making the WGD, as there hadn't been any in quite some time.

These may be a little more expensive than the previous ones, but the pau ferro tops look so much nicer than most of the others I'd seen, especially this one, which comes close to the look of Jerry's cocobolo.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/ssmugar/M515a.jpg


Not too shabby, either:
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/ssmugar/MP96a.jpg
http://warmoth.com/showcase/sc_guitar_bodies.cfm?type=guitar&start=1&itemNumber=M515&menuItem=13&subMenuItem=8&subMenuItem2=0

[GuitarGuy510]

IIRC, Mike Sherman was working on a Garcia for a customer who didn't pay, so he might have that one up for grabs with much less wait time too. :)

[PaulinNC]

I contacted Mike Sherman about some guitar tracings for the Tiger, he said he would send me some and I never heard from him again. Does he still have a website?

[Jon Silberman]

Why Warmoth pre-drills their in-stock WGDs is beyond my ken. The basically force you into Gibson-style bridges and stoptails which kills the Irwin vibe, not to mention the PUPs are incorrectly routed for an Irwin-style PUP ring.

Alembics are cool but not for me, the price tags are astronomical.

[ssmug]

Why Warmoth pre-drills their in-stock WGDs is beyond my ken. The basically force you into Gibson-style bridges and stoptails which kills the Irwin vibe, not to mention the PUPs are incorrectly routed for an Irwin-style PUP ring.

I've always been perplexed by this, too. Not that people can't do their own thing with the body, but for such a specialized design, what does Warmoth think people are gonna build with a Garcia body? At the very least, they could offer more non-pre-routed/drilled guitars.

[Jon Silberman]

I use a Resurrection Bolt and sometimes use my PRS custom 24. Both guitars I have rewired for a closer "jerry sound".

The rest of my gear is detailed on this site - too much stuff to list:
http://www.fennario.us/gear.html
Welcome to TGP, Mike - hope you stick around!

I utterly dig the cab you built.


http://www.fennario.us/images/Gear/cabsm.jpg

[PaulinNC]

I've always been perplexed by this, too. Not that people can't do their own thing with the body, but for such a specialized design, what does Warmoth think people are gonna build with a Garcia body? At the very least, they could offer more non-pre-routed/drilled guitars.

I think you can get them not drilled, you have to call and ask though. I know Brian Nalls from Jack of roses works with them so his triple pick up ring will fit the WGD body. I think to get the WGD routed for the brass ring it costs 65 bucks.

[msherman]

This one will be done soon.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l187/rgb500/JerryGuitar-3.jpg (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l187/rgb500/JerryGuitar-3.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)

[PaulinNC]

That Tiger looks awesome!!! Do you still have any template drawings?

[GuitarGuy510]

This one will be done soon.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l187/rgb500/JerryGuitar-3.jpg (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l187/rgb500/JerryGuitar-3.jpg%5B/IMG%5D)


That thing looks gorgeous Mike! Absolutely love the blended neck heel! :dude

[johnzias]

I've been a Jerry fan for over 40 years, but I always found his best tone came from his Live Dead SG, his early 70's Strat, and the Wolf, IMO. Best playing as well.
That said, I've been playing an Alembic Darling lately.

[PaulinNC]

Just got some Purple heart and flamed maple today. As it turns out the wolf template was delivered when I got home. Phase 1 is almost complete.

[mgrossm]

anyone know what some of these builders charge for replicas? Alembics have almost doubled their prices--kind of ridiulous what they're asking now(I payed around 6g for tribute several years ago but I don't think I could rationaliZe paying 10 now)-- in the past few years.

[aoguitars]

anyone know what some of these builders charge for replicas? Alembics have almost doubled their prices--kind of ridiulous what they're asking now(I payed around 6g for tribute several years ago but I don't think I could rationaliZe paying 10 now)-- in the past few years.


PM sent.

[Jon Silberman]

I'd like to speak with you, too, actually. I'll try to reach you tomorrow at the phone # listed on your website. :)

[PaulinNC]

Has anyone seen these?
I bet with a little work you could make this a pretty cool Jerrycaster.
http://www.jsdguitarshack.com/roxbury_guitars/rx-40/roxbury_rx40.html

[Jon Silberman]

That could work as a platform for the budget-conscious Deadhead who isn't after a break-the-bank replica but rather an in-the-ballpark tribute. That being said, the tribute would be almost entirely in the body shape as the rest of the guitar is quite different from Tiger or Rosebud.

[thewex]

Damn that is beautiful msherman!

I def. had jerry in mind when i grabbed my last guitar (claro walnut top carvin). I think i liked his tone best with the (single coil) wolf early-mid 70s. I wouldn't say this is a replica of any particular garcia instrument, just inspired by in looks/tone.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x95/rarebeatexpress/carvin.jpg

[Godfrey D]

That could work as a platform for the budget-conscious Deadhead who isn't after a break-the-bank replica but rather an in-the-ballpark tribute. That being said, the tribute would be almost entirely in the body shape as the rest of the guitar is quite different from Tiger or Rosebud.

I agree with Jon. From my perspective, the true measure of Tribute to Jerry is in achieving the tone. After all, Jerry's input into the design was the addition of the Effects Loop and the need for a Unity Gain Buffer to accomplish that addition. The physical design was Irwins.
In my research and in developing my guitars, I found that Maple neck/Ebony Fretboard combo along with powerful, clean pu's and the Unity Gain Buffer are responsible for whatever part of the the unique "Jerrytone" that didn't actually come from his fingers.
I find that physical replica's of the guitars are more a Tribute to Irwin's incredible talent as a luthier than to Jerry as a musician. I humbly tip my cap to all builders who have succeeded in building replicas since they are extremely complicated guitars to build. The true test of a Master Builder.
Since I am not at that level yet, I concentrate on giving the aspiring player the tool to pursue the tone at an affordable price.

[PaulinNC]

That could work as a platform for the budget-conscious Deadhead who isn't after a break-the-bank replica but rather an in-the-ballpark tribute. That being said, the tribute would be almost entirely in the body shape as the rest of the guitar is quite different from Tiger or Rosebud.

That is what I was thinking, it is a good starting point. If I got one I would rout out another pickup spot, and change the electronics. I'd throw a new bridge in there for fun too while I was at it.

[Kingbeegtrs]

The best Jerry Garcia tone I've ever obtained was from a mahogany body telecaster with a Humbucker in the neck....useful for those who can't afford a guitar like Jerry's

[Jon Silberman]

It's absolutely true that Garcia tone can be obtained through many guitar avenues. The best proof for that is Jerry himself. Folks familiar with his guitars over the years know that Jerry continued to sound like Jerry no matter he played on. As far as I'm concerned, by simply playing his music, incorporating triplets, and mastering the myxolidian mode you're already on the bus. ;)

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/127887779.jpg

[CharAznable]

Alembic is the way to go, No other guitar sounds the same. They are incredible.

Check out mine.

http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_7stringthing.html

http://www3.alembic.com/img/inst/13596_upviewL.jpg


That is just beautiful.. God I wish one day I'll get to afford an Alembic hippie sandwich... pretty much my dream guitar.

[tommy_is_here]

I had an Alembic once. Beautiful guitar, museum piece in my mind. I am a light weight guy, and my Alembic weighed a ton - she was too much of a guitar for me and my poor back to handle!

[jcombra]

I'm new here, how does one post a picture ? There is usually a 'browse' button on most forums that you use to u'l a picture, but this one i just can't seem to figure out !

Thanks !

[Jon Silberman]

It's simple. First, you must upload your picture somewhere else on the internet. It can be anywhere. I use picturetrail.com. Then you take the URL for the picture, hit this icon that's one of the icons just above the Message: screen http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/editor/insertimage.gif, enter the URL, and you're pretty much done.

And welcome to TGP. I think it's totally cool that your very first post here is on the Garcia guitars thread. :)

[jcombra]

Testing....Testing...............Take a giant step back......... Thanks Jon !!!!
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1769/11834432/21028366/344255479.jpg

[swa]

Testing....Testing...............Take a giant step back......... Thanks Jon !!!!
http://pic60.picturetrail.com/VOL1769/11834432/21028366/344255479.jpg
looks sweet, I love the eye of horus (?) behind the bridge
who built it?

[Ron Thorn]

There seems to be a sudden surge in interest in these, I wonder if this thread has anything to do with it. :confused:
Here's a couple eagle/earth headstock inlays my father is cutting by hand for a pair of Tigers someone is working on.
I love the tightness of Baja California :eek: Not bad for a 72 year old with hands like a gorilla.

http://thornguitargallery.com/rons/garciahs1.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

There seems to be a sudden surge in interest in these, I wonder if this thread has anything to do with it. :confused:
If yes, I'm certainly proud of the result. :D P.S. Sorry for the blurry shot (problem with my camera).

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/330406145.jpg

[jcombra]

Thanks SWA, i built this one myself actually.. I've played the same high school project home-brew strat since 84 and decided it was time to build myself another guitar ! This one wasn't quite done when the wife shot the pic, hence the witness protection program look. It doesn't have coco on the back, strictly maple there....... but it does have an inlay......electronics more to suit myself........ a bird headstock, but not the eagle/globe that is AMAZINGLY done in Rons pics......... GREAT JOB on that btw....... I'll post some more pics as soon as i work the little kinks out of it....... i just wasn't sure how to post pictures on this site, but Jon set that up for me........... thanks again.........
The sudded interest i think is a backlash to the cookie cutter guitars out there for HUGE money........ When Garcia was alive, people looked down on building Tigers or Wolfs because they were ' Jerry's guitars'... i think now it's more accepted because they have gone beyond a guitar and are actually works of art in my opinion..........

This thread has been AWESOME to follow........

Jon, is that one of Brians covers ???

Jim Combra

[Jon Silberman]

No sir, that cover is by Ron Thorn himself. I can't begin to tell you how perfect it is in person (as opposed to my blurry shot) but we are starting to get close on finishing the entire axe and I'll certainly post additional pix then.

[GuitarGuy510]

http://thornguitargallery.com/rons/garciahs1.jpg

WOW! That is bitchin' Ron! :dude

[PaulinNC]

It also forces you to order one custom if you want to have that stuff done, so in the end it wouldn't be much of a deal.

I've always been perplexed by this, too. Not that people can't do their own thing with the body, but for such a specialized design, what does Warmoth think people are gonna build with a Garcia body? At the very least, they could offer more non-pre-routed/drilled guitars.

[Jon Silberman]

By Craig Lavin for my Jerrycaster:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/121329559.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Originally Posted by ssmug http://img.thegearpage.net/board/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?p=4623007#post4623007)
I've always been perplexed by this, too. Not that people can't do their own thing with the body, but for such a specialized design, what does Warmoth think people are gonna build with a Garcia body? At the very least, they could offer more non-pre-routed/drilled guitars.
It also forces you to order one custom if you want to have that stuff done, so in the end it wouldn't be much of a deal.
FWIW, I emailed Warmoth about this precise point. Here's their reply.
Sent: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 4:54 pm
Subject: RE: Guitar body inquiry ... Hello,
Contrary to logic, most of the WGD bodies we sell are not set up as Jerry clones.
When something is an overwhelming favorite we make more that will follow in the same ethos to make moving them easier.
As far as the WGD itself, we sell at best 18 a year total so we don’t make a whole bunch for the showcase due to demand.

I hope this at least offers an explanation from our end.

Respectfully,

~Spike~

Warmoth guitar products

[Jon Silberman]

BTW, As I type, I'm listening to the 2nd set of the Dead's 7/12/90 RFK Stadium show that I just happened to have attended live. We have so much to be thankful for!

SET2http://stash.nugs.net/attics/images/listen_up.gif (http://stash.nugs.net/vault/bigriver.asp?show=63&set=2)
Take A Step Back
Box of Rain
Victim or the Crime
Foolish Heart
Dark Star
Drums>Space
All Along the Watchtower
Dear Mr. Fantasy>Hey Jude Finale
Touch of Gray
ENCORE
The Weight

[aoguitars]

By Craig Lavin for my Jerrycaster:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/121329559.jpg

that's so well done! Jon, that JerryCaster must be something sweet. And I agree that we have lots to be thankful for...like the three-night-stand at Alpine in '89 that I'm listening to right now....Standing on the Moon gets me every time.

[Thomas Lieber]

Not meaning to state the obvious but Jerry's guitars had little to do with his creative expression. As an apprentice with Irwin I had the opportunity to set up a number of instruments he would purchase from various luthiers while traveling on the road. Some of them were literally unplayable with mis-postioned frets etc.... In his hands, he could make it sound like Jerry. Most of the mojo's in you!

Thomas Lieber

[Jon Silberman]

Thanks for your post, Thomas. Very nice to have you join in. :) I agree with your sentiments, nevertheless, we humans are a symbolic species. For many of us, playing a guitar that reminds us of Jerry strengthens our sense of connection with his musical spirit.

[Jon Silberman]

http://i4.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/1e/11/81ea_2.JPG

[thirstypirate]

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i164/thirstypirate/steelersyourface.jpg

Steelers Your Face

[Strung Up]

OK . . . "Ick" on the football (i.e. (in my cosmos) big business iconography) mashups . . . but mainly:

As I intermittently reflect on JG's influences, and despite my initial trollishness on this thread, two additional observations:

1. In pursuit of his 'vision' ('audition'?) of tone, that send/return thing out of the guitar to preserve the basic tonal signature through effects is, I think, a thing of genius that many of us (me, certainly) who've pursued far more cumbersome rigs have simply bypassed for probably aesthetic reasons.

2. Probably another thread, but: Listened to a lot of 'Old &' lately, initially for Vassar's lines, but boy, despite JG's self-effacement regarding his banjo-picking in that era, he SMOKED! . . . and you can hear his referenced tie-in regarding melodic accent displacement between banjo picking and guitar playing.

[jcombra]

I just posted a link to some pictures of the above guitar in the 'Jerry Garcia Replica' thread in the general guitar discussion section if anyones interested in it.

Jim Combra

[Jon Silberman]

Ooh, ooh, is my new Jerrycaster getting close now. That's all I'll say at present but stay tuned - new status pics in a week or two! :D

[big mike]

Ooh, ooh, is my new Jerrycaster getting close now. That's all I'll say at present but stay tuned - new status pics in a week or two! :D

Man did I miss something...a new Jerrycaster?

[Jon Silberman]

Yes. I posted on it some here over the last year or so. Phil Jacoby is building it literally from planks of wood (very nice planks, may I add - here are some of them ;) ) as we speak.

l to r: padouk; rock maple; CITES-certified Honduran mahogany; sapele

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/316980698.jpg

[big mike]

Very cool! I love the irwin guitars, and your warmoth is such a cool looking axe.
I"m sure Phil will build you a winner.

[Galo]

Resurrection Guitar Co. (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=173768517)

http://a66.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/7/l_e19c49e073b60a0d0489cd99b93adae1.jpg

[PaulinNC]

I just got a picture of my new neck for my wolf project.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/front.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Sweet! Keep us informed of your progress.

My own Jerrycaster is, shall we say, delayed at present. But I did change my mind on the bridge - copped an NOS Ibanez Gibraltar I gold bridge (pic below) off of eBay last night, with BIN, for the J'caster instead of either the Alltone accordian bridge or the Jack of Roses Alembic-style bridge. I'll use one of those two as a replacement bridge on my other Jerrycaster and sell the third.

http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/27/e9/7e4d_1.JPG

[Jon Silberman]

I kinda like this one. Mickey Hart did the artwork on the sculpture.

http://www.savingdana.com/Guitar.jpg

[PaulinNC]

I just picked up the neck form the post office and all I can say is WOW!! The previous picture does not do Doug's work justice at all. This is hands down the nicest piece of wood I have ever seen. The feel of the neck contour is absolutely gorgeous. It feels like velvet. Anyway, with out further ado here are some quick pics I snapped. If anyone is planning a Jerrycaster talk to Doug at Soulmate guitars, he knows his stuff, and it is worth the money.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/090218_0087.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/090218_0084.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/090218_0088.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/090218_0089.jpg

[Route234]

That is a nice looking neck. Should be an interesting project.

[bomall01]

Sweet! Keep us informed of your progress.

My own Jerrycaster is, shall we say, delayed at present. But I did change my mind on the bridge - copped an NOS Ibanez Gibraltar I gold bridge (pic below) off of eBay last night, with BIN, for the J'caster instead of either the Alltone accordian bridge or the Jack of Roses Alembic-style bridge. I'll use one of those two as a replacement bridge on my other Jerrycaster and sell the third.

http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/27/e9/7e4d_1.JPG
That's a nice looking bridge, Jon. I'm thinking about using a similar Ibanez-type one for my Tiger project. I'm new here -- has anyone got a picture of a finished Warmoth "Jerrycaster" showing the neck joint with the bolt-on neck. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but at the same time, I'm not a woodworker.

[PaulinNC]

SO I brought the wood over to the cabinet makers shop today. As it turns out he is a huge deadhead, I had no idea. So this will be pretty cool for both of us. He has never built a guitar before so this will be interesting. I have a question about joining the sides with the neck, are the wings glued flush with the top of the neck and then have the back sanded down or the other way around?

[karmadave]

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i181/karmadave/P1010032.jpg

[aoguitars]

SO I brought the wood over to the cabinet makers shop today. As it turns out he is a huge deadhead, I had no idea. So this will be pretty cool for both of us. He has never built a guitar before so this will be interesting. I have a question about joining the sides with the neck, are the wings glued flush with the top of the neck and then have the back sanded down or the other way around?

Hey Paul, that's a fairly in-depth answer...I sent you an email with some info.

Great looking neck!

[PaulinNC]

SO I have been looking at determining neck angle, now I see how the wings are to be glued on. Andrew, you have mail.

[aoguitars]

Got it, thanks Paul. Like I said, it's in-depth. But if your buddy is a cabinet/furniture maker, you guys should be able to figure out what I'm saying. Keep us all posted!

[PaulinNC]

Jon,

Did you get all of the hardware for your guitar before you built it or did you get it piece by piece as you needed it?

[Jon Silberman]

For my new Jerrycaster as least, not only have I gotten it piece by piece as it's proceeded, as late as two weeks ago, when an awesome NOS Ibanez Gibralter I bridge became available on eBay, I pounced on it and will be using it in lieu of the Allparts harmonica bridge I had copped months earlier!

BTW, re: my new Jerrycaster, it was getting close and then a neck issue required significant adjustements. But those are underway now. :)

[PaulinNC]

I am going with the allparts bridge. Do you know how tall it is? I need to figure out this neck angle so I can start building. My woodworker friend is going to charge me some hefty dough for his assistance. I need to start looking at gettin my own tools.

[PaulinNC]

I just ran across website, looks like a good spot for any Travis Bean enthusiasts. http://web.me.com/bastinguitarcompany/BGC/Guitars.html

[Jon Silberman]

I am going with the allparts bridge. Do you know how tall it is? I need to figure out this neck angle so I can start building. My woodworker friend is going to charge me some hefty dough for his assistance. I need to start looking at gettin my own tools.
I'm sorry, I don't have the bridge with me (my tech has it) so I can't measure it now. I can say that of all the bridges I've gotten for this guitar (4!), if you go by looks alone, the AllParts harmonica bridge is closest looking to what's actually on Tiger. That being said, I've chosen to go with the Ibanez Gibralter I on my new/improved Philtone Jerrycaster because I believe it's of higher quality. I'll use the AllParts bridge as a replacement for my original Warmoth Jerrycaster.

[PaulinNC]

Here is a speaker pic for you guys looking for an alternative to the HT cabs. I got this from a guy over on rukind I had him build the cab and I ordered speakers from Weber and had them sent to him. When it was finished he shipped it to me. Total about 6 bills. This thing is built like a tank!!! It has a removable front panel that is held on by magnets and handles built in on the sides. I just thought I would share this with fellow GPers. Also, all the equipment in this pic is handmade, I built the strat, the perals and the amp is a 5D3 Tweed circuit that was converted from an old 1956 Hifi amp.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/PaulinNC/090318_0217.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

I saw that thread! Looks very cool.

[neastguy]

I just read this whole thread, I cant believe you guys are so fanatical about a guy who makes ice cream...

[Jon Silberman]

Oh, you want the "cherry" thread on H-C. :p :D

[PaulinNC]

I just ordered the bridge, tuners, tail piece and pick up ring today. Hopefully this project will be getting off the ground very soon.

[aoguitars]

hey guys, thought i'd show you the Rosebud cover plate that's coming in from Craig Lavin's shop for the Rosebud I'm building. Killer work:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/ad******7/deadagain.jpg

[PaulinNC]

Andrew, you have an email. Yes, the Rosebud looks awesome!!!

[Jon Silberman]

Oh, so you're the guy he created it for! (Craig sent me an email earlier this week about it.)

I agree with Craig and you - it's a beautiful piece of work.

[aoguitars]

I'm the guy, yup! My customer is still trying to roll his tongue back into his mouth. Just got it in the mail, and the work is outstanding.

[Jon Silberman]

Anything new to report on the Rosebud guitar?!

[Franklin]

hey guys, thought i'd show you the Rosebud cover plate that's coming in from Craig Lavin's shop for the Rosebud I'm building. Killer work:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v362/ad******7/deadagain.jpg


:love:

[Godfrey D]

Anything new to report on the Rosebud guitar?!
Hey Jon,
How is the Philtone coming? Need new pictures

[buchla300]

Not new, but I'm sure he MUST have tried a Veillette Citron
http://gallery.me.com/dlmorley/100312/IMG_0847/web.jpg?ver=12384814020001

[mabernstn]

What a great thread - not sure how I missed it in the past. I'm new to TGP, so maybe that's how.

I have an Alembic Tribute that is just great. Just started messing with the effects loop and awaiting Brad Sarno's new Classic Preamp (HT Cabinet on the way).

I have a custom Alembic Further in construction that has extensive custom inlays representing my family - will post pics as they come do.

Have heard great things about Scott Walker guitars.

Keep the pics coming!

[Jon Silberman]

Hey Jon,
How is the Philtone coming? Need new pictures
Unfortunately, I have nothing new to report at present, I hope to have more to report on next month.

[Route234]

I have this bun in the oven from Chris Stambaugh. Its coming along real nicely I think.

It's based on the Cripe model more than the Irwin but Chris redesigned it a bit for me.

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww253/russcarreiro/DSC02545.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Shweet! What led you to a neck-through (Tiger is set neck)? And what's the build time from beginning to end?

I'd never heard of this guy before. Found his web site:

http://www.stambaughdesigns.com/newsite/index.html

Am quite impressed both with his craftsmanship and pricing.

[Route234]

I wanted it to be based more on the Bolt guitar Jerry used that Cripe built, which is neck-thru. Chris is great to deal with. He gets all his business from "work of mouth" and he is probably known more for his basses (but he builds a lot of guitars too). The build time for me is about a year, with around 9 months of that time on the waiting list. I did change the guitar a couple of times too so that did not help the process. Eventually it is going to have a graph tech piezo/midi tone pros style bridge and super II's. It is a Gibson scale (another departure from Jerry) as well. My brother has a very nice single cut that Chris built as well and that was why I chose him. My favorite thing about Chris is that he did not nickel and dime me with little things. His base price includes a lot of little things that most people charge you for.

The guitar in the guitar section of his site is my brothers. It is a very nice instrument.

[Jon Silberman]

Sorry, I read right over the Cripe reference in your first post.

Still curious as to the build time for your guitar if you are comfortable sharing that.

P.S. Your top reminds me of my top and bottom with all the beautiful orange colors we each have!

http://www.philtone.com/tiger/18.jpg
http://www.philtone.com/tiger/7.jpg

[Route234]

So far I am at a year and its almost done. Its been in progress for around 3 months so most of the time was spent on his waiting list. He did tell me that he has refined the way he is doing things so he can probably speed things up a bit.

My top is Chechen. At first I wanted to go cocobolo but then I switched up to get something very close but just a bit different. The body is mahogany, neck is mahogany, purple heart and maple and the fretboard is macassar ebony.

[aoguitars]

Anything new to report on the Rosebud guitar?!

Hey Jon, good talking to you last week--thanks for the call. I don't have any pics up yet, but there is some good work being done on these Irwins. I just found some killer pieces of Cocobolo down in MA so I'm all set to get these bodies together. The neck are almost to the point where I can send them down to Craig Lavin to inlay the boards and pegheads. The Wolf replica's body wings are all glued up and I just laminated the back of the peghead. These guitars are so much fun to build. Pics will be up soon!

[Long2Play]

Chris Michas in Denver does this style of guitar as well.....

http://michasguitar.com

http://michasguitar.com/Gallery/Terrys%20Guitar/Body.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

Glad I checked back - hadn't heard of Chris Michas. Beautiful work!

[PaulinNC]

http://moriartyguitars.com (http://moriartyguitars.com/) I was glad to see his site come back online after such a long absence.

[heady dude]

Lots of beautiful work in this thread. The fatman lives on!

[Jon Silberman]

I must say, I'm dying for Phil Jacoby to finish mine (hard to believe that today = month 18 :( ).

[jcombra]

Holy cow 18 months.......... that's a long wait........not to mention a lot of expectations building up in your head !!!!.. I keep checking back here to see if there are any new pics........ What's the hold up Jon ?? I built my last Tiger inspired guitar in under a year and that working a full time job and basically only working on the guitar when i felt right...... unless theres a back-log of orders, anything over a year for an electric guitar is excessive.......

[Cobra]

Phil is a very busy guy, but yeah, 18mo is hella long time...

[Jon Silberman]

It's a series of things, expected and otherwise. But seriously, Phil's a good friend, not to mention a master craftsman doing his best. I'm not casting judgments or anything, just expressing my craving for the axe is all. :o

To tide me over, how do you like my newly-arrived Tele sticker (and just in time for The Thankful Dads' gig this Sat.* )? :D

* http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=586575

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1600/682310/8450308/373218232.jpg

[jcombra]

Oh man i'm glad my thoughts were taken correctly !! I was in the shower thinking i might have worded that wrong ! Never wanted to give the impression of disrespect to another builder at all......... Heck some arch-top guys have to wait YEARS to get an instrument ! I should have clarified that i only work on 2 instruments at a time so it's quicker...... I'd love to see more pictures of your guitar Jon.........

Wait for the Moriarity site to get going........ it'll be like X-mas !!

[mrmchnst]

Hey, I just joined this gear page to maybe talk about garcia's tone a bit. I will be posting a pic or two of a tiger that I built about 14 years ago and have be banging on ever sinse in a Dead Tribute band I've been in.

Been seeing alot of nice instruments on this site.

My rig is a mid 80's Fender sidekick 20 reverb ( solid state ) preamped out through a pair of alesis Nanoverbs and out to a ADA B200 stereo power amp ( 200 watts ) through two Jensen Neo10-100's and two peavey Scorpion 10's ( all open back ).

People seem to dig the big fat sound I get out of this.

Talk again soon,
mrmchnst

[PaulinNC]

I know of a couple of guys who just got back from measuring The bolt, rosebud, Top hat and Wolf Jr. I think there will be a lot of info trickling out about these guitars pretty soon.

[swa]

I know of a couple of guys who just got back from measuring The bolt, rosebud, Top hat and Wolf Jr. I think there will be a lot of info trickling out about these guitars pretty soon.

Wolf jr? I've never heard of that one, is it an Irwin?

[Jon Silberman]

I know of a couple of guys who just got back from measuring The bolt, rosebud, Top hat and Wolf Jr.
Now who might that be? ;)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/waldo041/RnR%20HOF/DSC_0127.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/waldo041/RnR%20HOF/DSC_0281.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/waldo041/RnR%20HOF/DSC_0258.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/waldo041/RnR%20HOF/DSC_0286.jpg

[waldo041]

wow! what a good looking chap that is!

peace,
waldo

[mark norwine]

If anyone is so inclined as to make themself an "Alligator" partscaster, I've found a guy who is offering the decals!

(He also has tiger stickers, rosebud stickets, etc.)

http://jackofroses.com/Alligator_Sticker_Set.html

http://jackofroses.com/images/alligatorstickerset.jpg

[Jon Silberman]

(He also has tiger stickers, rosebud stickets, etc.)
He sure does! :D

P.S. Great to find you here, Waldo. I'm not a frequent rukind poster but read a lot there and greatly appreciate your input. :)

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/8450308/373218232.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/2949318/136928219.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/2949318/136928215.jpg

[Route234]

Here is my Stambaugh. It got here yesterday. I have not had much time to play it yet, but its a really amazing instrument so far. The body is very well balanced and the guitar is not as heavy as I had predicted it would be. Chris was great to work with, can't recommend him enough.

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww253/russcarreiro/IMGP6875.jpg

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww253/russcarreiro/IMGP6876.jpg

[amc]

Here is my Stambaugh. It got here yesterday. I have not had much time to play it yet, but its a really amazing instrument so far. The body is very well balanced and the guitar is not as heavy as I had predicted it would be. Chris was great to work with, can't recommend him enough.

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww253/russcarreiro/IMGP6875.jpg

http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww253/russcarreiro/IMGP6876.jpg

beautiful...........

how about a tone report?

[Jon Silberman]

Very nice! :dude

[PaulinNC]

If anyone is so inclined as to make themself an "Alligator" partscaster, I've found a guy who is offering the decals!

(He also has tiger stickers, rosebud stickets, etc.)

http://jackofroses.com/Alligator_Sticker_Set.html

http://jackofroses.com/images/alligatorstickerset.jpg

I have ordered some stuff from here. If you want to get things before the end of the year order them now. Brian is known for taking a really long time to ship stuff.

[joemesser]

Wolf jr? I've never heard of that one, is it an Irwin?

What he said.......that thing is cool!

Where is this, Front St?

[Long2Play]

Glad I checked back - hadn't heard of Chris Michas. Beautiful work!

Chris is a really nice guy and he makes good stuff. Glad you checked him out!

[Adam Deckard]

Hey I am trying to build a wolf style guitar and need some input if any of you can point me in the right direction. I am going to try and have warmoth build me the body, so i need to aquire some measurements somehow, or design the body in autodesk inventor, or cad. Id rather be able to find someone who has the measurements. I was going to get my neck from there as well, but wanted it shaped exactly like the neck on my ibanez, so i assume I can get the specs for the neck from ibanez website and send it to warmoth, any input here would help as well. I was going to try and order the wolf fingerboard from jack of roses, does anyone know if I can order a custom shaped neck from warmoth, with no fretboard and have someone mount the jackofroses fretboard on there or does it not work like that? I am sure I can handle ordering the routing options and being an electrical engineer, the wiring should not prove difficult, there are schematics on dozin. Im sure many of you have gone through some of these options in your heads as well, any advice or data you can send me would be grately appreciated. Also, i assume that this is going to run me close to 2k by the time I am done ordering everything shaping the paddle on the headstock, having everything put together. I am wondering if I should just throw down another 1k and get a phil gawen wolf... If anyone has played one of these I would love to hear about it.

Adam

[joemesser]

Now who might that be? ;)
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h36/waldo041/RnR%20HOF/DSC_0286.jpg




Seriously, what is going on here?????

Irwin?

[Jon Silberman]

That's Waldo and yes, it's the original. :)

[rjs6700]

I've jammed with Waldo! Its been a little while since i've talked to him....gotta call him and ask him about those pics.

[doublee]

Who is Waldo and how did he gain access to the inner sanctum?

[Jon Silberman]

We could tell you ... but then we'd have to kill you! :p

Hint: www.rukind.org (http://www.rukind.org) (just gotta poke around ;) )

[doublee]

^

Thank you brother!

[joemesser]

How can you kill me when I'm already Dead?

Why do I suddenly feel Enveloped, Cryptically?

Where's Waldo? I've searched that site for years........
I'm actually wondering about the guitar, not the fellow in the picture, BTW........
(you probably know this however......doo do-do, whistle whistle, hum hum....)

[waldo041]

access was not easy, and the electrical cavities were off limits, but much info was gained. i posted most info i have on jerry's gear at www.wald-electronics.com (http://www.wald-electronics.com) URL to change as soon as i can to match the name.

peace,
waldo

[Adam Deckard]

Waldo, thanks for the advice I am on a roll now. I pasted image of wolf in autodesk inventor and went to town.

check these out!

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8170/wolfv.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/9647/wolf2p.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3558/wolf3l.jpg


You're the man WALD!

[wleeds]

Don't mean to hijack the thread but which on board buffer are you guys using? Anyone other than me using the JG-2?
However I don't have it mounted in the guitar. It is in a box on my board.
thx,
mark

[Jon Silberman]

More than a year later, the question deserves renewal: what further ;) Garcia guitar options have y'all found? I'll start with Troy Post Guitars:

http://www.postguitars.com/aboutme.html

http://i.ebayimg.com/13/%21B95HKfwCWk%7E$%28KGrHqJ,%21h4EzLjJvMsSBM7ECww5N %21%7E%7E_12.JPG

And of course, my own Philtone Jerrycaster:

www.philtone.com

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1600/682310/23163661/386232071.jpg

[jackevorkian]

Does anyone know why the electrical cavities were off limits? I remember Waldo posting this at rukind and always wondered what the intent was for doing this. It seems excessive if the goal was just to physically protect the electronics...and it seems ridiculous if the goal was to protect some secret wiring setup.



access was not easy, and the electrical cavities were off limits, but much info was gained. i posted most info i have on jerry's gear at www.wald-electronics.com (http://www.wald-electronics.com) URL to change as soon as i can to match the name.

peace,
waldo

[Portland1]

Hey guys, i dont post often but i saw this thread. Just saw an Alembic Tribute at guitar center in Boston, MA for cheap. Right now asking for only 4k. Its a beauty! Really heavy though.

[Jon Silberman]

That is a great price. Even on eBay, you don't see Tributes for 4K. And yes, they are indeed heavy (darn hippie sandwiches!).

[Portland1]

That is a great price. Even on eBay, you don't see Tributes for 4K. And yes, they are indeed heavy (darn hippie sandwiches!).

I know, someone has to buy it. I wish i had the cash. Its a beautiful instrument and I was pretty shocked to see it in the store. Expecting the regular musicman/PRS/Les Paul lineup at Guitar Center. I was blown away!