A Couple of Questions Regarding "Non-Standard" Orders

[DocNrock]

Before I call Warmoth and ask about these specifically, I wonder if any of the board membership has any experience with a few ideas with which I am toying. 

I have a WGD that I built in the past.  It's a great player, except I rarely ever play it because it weighs a ton.  The body is solid black korina and I had bought it off E-bay.  I toyed with the idea of putting the body back for sale on E-bay and ordering a chambered one to replace it, but apparently a chambered WGD is not an option.  Has anyone ever requested that a WGD be chambered and it was done?  I suppose alternatives would be to call and ask for the lightest piece of BK they have on hand, or choosing a wood that is usually much lighter, like swamp ash.  But I like the look of black korina for this build.

Another question relates to Jackson-style headstocks.  Warmoth's Jackson-style headstock is larger than the one on Jackson guitars.  I have one Warmoth Soloist, in particular, that just looks odd with the headstock.  If one was to order a "custom headstock" neck and send them a drawing of an exact copy of a Jackson headstock, do you think they would make one?  Or would they defer me to their Jackson-style headstock?  I can always call and ask, but again, I was wondering if anyone on the forum has done anything like this before?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kostas]

Το get a chambered body it needs a CNC machine to be programmed for the specific body shape. Since they don't offer it I'm guessing they haven't programmed a CNC for the WGD. Requesting to chamber a body for you by hand is out of the question knowing Warmoth. You can ask for a lighter piece of wood if you'll pay the upcharge. I don't know if swamp ash in general is lighter from korina. I have two solid korina bodies (not WGD) that I bought both from the showcase. One is under 4lbs and the other just over 4lbs.

I believe some members have sent drawings with specific dimensions so maybe the custom headstock can be done. Someone who has done it can inform you what file you have to send and how much approximately is the cost.

 

[mayfly]

Regarding chambering, I concur - I don't think they'll do it as a one off.  HOWEVER! Ever thought of chambering it yourself?  Don't be afraid - just crank up that router and have at it!

 

[Patrick from Davis]

I think Trevor has chambered every one of his teles, and had some one add an extra chamber, err chamber opening, to his hand built acoustic.  He's a little bent that way.

They might.  If you take a blank and chamber it by hand with a router, then glue on the top and have the CNC do the rest, it could be done.  I would imagine that there would be a significant upcharge for that much custom work.  If they are busy, then the chances drop more.  I have no idea what the chances are, but it is possible. 

As far as the head stock, they will do custom headstocks for an upcharge.  I don't think they have a prob with any shape (within reason) if it is a custom one off.
Patrick

 

[ocguy106]

As to the headstock my guess is that the W headstock is slightly bigger to avoid patent issues. so if you were to send in a rendering of a Jackson that was the same as the original they would decline. Just as they just changed all their Gibson shapes to comply I doubt you could send them a drawing of a SG neck and they would cut it out for you. Just my thoughts

 

[Patrick from Davis]

I asked about another litigious company's design, and they said to me at the time, if it was a one off, and I sent the drawing, they'd do it.  Not going to name names...  Things could have changed, it has been a number of years.
Patrick

 

[DocNrock]

Thanks for the replies, all.  You all pretty much confirmed my suspicions with the chambered WGD.  No CNC program, then not an option. 

Regarding the Jackson headstock, I had heard similar things.  Send in a drawing without calling it whatever it is a copy of, and as long as there is nothing linking the two together, it might get done.  Of course, I might have screwed myself by talking about it here on the forum.  :laughing7:

It's funny, though.  The Gibson stuff I kind of understand.  But Warmoth has a Fender license, and Jackson is owned by Fender.  Warmoth even sells a body called the Soloist, which is a Jackson product (although the Jackson Soloist is neck-through) and looks very similar.  But they had to rename the awkwardly oversized "Jackson" headstock to "Arcade."  I have a Warmoth Soloist with a Warmoth "Jackson" neck.  The headstock just looks awkward.  I plan to sell the neck and replace it with something else.  My first choice would be a "real" Jackson headstock.  If that was not possible, my next choice would probably be the Warhead.  Too bad the Warhead is straight and not angled.  I guess I'm just a malcontent.  :laughing7:

Anyway, thanks again for the replies.  I appreciate the help.

 

[bagman67]

You might be able to ask for an angled Warhead headstock, if that's your bag.  They do angled paddles, so why not an angled Warhead?

 

[Patrick from Davis]

I have an angled warhead, just get an angled fender and have the mod done.  Slight upcharge.  Mine is a reverse one as well...
Patrick

 

[DocNrock]

That is good to know, Patrick.  Thanks.  :icon_thumright:

 

[Patrick from Davis]

I don't have a picture of it handy, but in person it looks purty darn good.  It's what you would expect, nothing that jumps out at you in person as, "interesting in a weird way."
Patrick