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Are knots acceptable in AAA Necks?

Higher grade stuff is not what causes those marks. I think what happened was it was discounted heavily because of that mark, but they forgot to put an extra picture of the mark, like they normally would. Normally, they'd at least say there's a blemish in the description. If you want a pretty neck, I say go for it, but I doubt that marks like that will be any more prevalent in low-grade.

Now, the option is open for an exotic neck too, just in case you're wondering  :icon_jokercolor:
 
I'd return it if that blemish was on the side I look at while I'm playing. If it's on the back, well, maybe not - nah, actually I'd just return it.
 
fdesalvo said:
Sorry, but it would eat away at my soul even if I couldn't see it while playing.
If it sounds like a dream in your hands, then that mark is the easiest way to identify your guitar from any others.  If it sounds like a dream, that fixes most of the other problems as well.
Patrick

 
For me the answer lies in the structural character of the defect. Is there actually a hole/crack/soft wood in the knot, or is it just a dark spot. Dark spot I'd keep it. If there's a divot or dimple there I think I'd send it back.
 
I totally get that.  Trouble with me is I'm a perfectionist to a fault; :help: I consider this a charachter flaw. 

Patrick from Davis said:
fdesalvo said:
Sorry, but it would eat away at my soul even if I couldn't see it while playing.
If it sounds like a dream in your hands, then that mark is the easiest way to identify your guitar from any others.  If it sounds like a dream, that fixes most of the other problems as well.
Patrick
 
More opinions…going both ways…it’s like a democracy…

The answer to the ‘are knots acceptable…’ question would be more conclusive if everybody would agree the same…but this isn’t a ‘if I want your opinion I’ll give it to you’ discussion…

To answer line6man’s question of ‘why stay away from high grade’ I guess because nice ‘figures’ are less important to me than ‘clean’ looks.  I suspect that either plays the same. A nice grain or figure would be important in a ‘burst’ finish (and I DO like burst)…but other than that…it’s just ‘eye catching’. I admit I really admire an exquisite guitar…but ultimately it’s a musical instrument…but I still desire ‘cleanliness’.

Max mentioned the discount and ‘non-disclosure’ of the blemish…and I did ask myself ‘why so cheap’ before I bought it. I admit I suspected something…but no mention of anything and sometimes manufacturers just need to reduce inventory so it could have blemish free (and this discussion wouldn’t even exist). I think I mentioned before that if I had known about the knot beforehand I wouldn’t have bought it and (again) this discussion wouldn’t exist…or at least not started by me

A few replies about the knots location, and I partially agree…but then I also agree with the ‘eating at my soul’ reply from fdesalvo. The (Warmoth finished) body I bought this neck for is absolutely gorgeous (solid opaque). Let’s just say the finished guitar will LOOK overall less ‘impressive’ because of this knot…which is on the treble side…BTW.

Structurally, I think it’s solid. It doesn’t look like a deep knot and you can’t feel it.

When I originally started this post, I was ‘inclined’ to keeping the neck…though somewhat disappointed…but wanted to know if ‘blemishes’ could be expected in higher grade wood (for example a neck that WAS NOT discounted).

I guess behind that question was a ‘would you keep it or not’ query. I suppose only I could make that decision…it’s a matter of opinion…

I did learn that figures, such as birdseye, are in fact defects in the wood that for whatever reason make it more visually appealing.

Reading my last statement…in my mind…if I buy ANYTHING and pay extra because it’s ‘prettier' (forget the mentioned discount...or even that it is a guitar neck...or made of wood), then I wouldn’t expect any visual defect at all.

 
Sounds like you want to return it. Therefore, you won't accept it, making it unacceptable  :icon_jokercolor:

 
Death by Uberschall said:
jay4321 said:
That neck is like a hot swimsuit model with a missing eye.

Hot swim suit model? Doubt I'm looking at her eyes.  :laughing7:

Alright, a hot swim suit model with horrifying varicose veins bulging out of one breast.
 
it's a knot on a discounted 3A neck. what's there not to like? I wouldn't mind, if I wanted premium looks, I'd have to pay premium prices. that simple.
 
Death by Uberschall said:
jay4321 said:
That neck is like a hot swimsuit model with a missing eye.

Hot swim suit model? Doubt I'm looking at her eyes.  :laughing7:

That's what I'm getting at. If you're the type who can appreciate all of the good parts and ignore a big flaw, the guitar/model would be fine. Not everybody will though. I used to do a little side work retouching portrait photographs so for me it kicks in pretty quickly and that's why my eyes are draw to.

Also it's not like the neck isn't priced fairly, just that the guy wasn't aware of the flaw. Some people wouldn't put that neck on a nice guitar at any price if they were aware of it. No biggie or anything, like I said I'm sure Warmoth would be fine with taking it back as it just seems like a mistake in not mentioning it in the listing like they usually do. If we're still calling that a 3A neck then it's got a 3F flaw, that spot is pretty large. I have a small knot in one of my necks that's pretty small in comparison and it was noted and photo'd in the listing when it was a screaming deal. Just a miscommunication here is all. Just call them up if you don't like it, they'll take care of you and the neck will find a new home sure enough.
 
Honestly, if you just aren't happy with it I'd contact Warmoth about returning it. It's just going to continue driving you insane.
 
Thank you jay4321...you may be the only responder to understand my indifference...

'it's not like the neck isn't priced fairly, just that the guy wasn't aware of the flaw'

When Warmoth posted this particular neck with no mention of 'defects' and actually displayed the FULL 'Build-to-Order Price'...I interpreted all this to mean 'this neck is as good as if you were to custom order it'.
When I got the neck, as shown,  I wanted to know if it was 'common' for ANY AAA grade neck  to have knots (the actual subject).

The conclusion I've drawn to the main question is NO it isn't.

On the subject of whether to return it or not, that's closed...thanks to all for their remarks and suggestions.

Since it was discounted I was always undecided about returning it, but Warmoth sales agreed it should have been disclosed and offered a partial refund (which I haven’t seen yet ???)…so I committed to keeping it. I have since started finishing it so it’s ‘altered beyond return’ now…so be it…decision made…sleeping fine (sadly not with a swimsuit model...if I were I probably wouldn't have any complaints about anything...she might though :evil4:).

A may post the finished guitar...pics from the bass side  :glasses9:...may look boring compared to the masterpieces I've seen on this sight...hopefully get the tones I was after :icon_biggrin:

BTW: I'd like to post pics of the pickups. I bought them used and the seller promised the person who wound them he wouldn't disclose his name (and he kept his promise). They sound AWESOME  in alder/maple neck...they have this 'attack'...best I can explain it. Maybe the winder checks this site and will claim them...I'd like another set...what category should I post them?


 
OzOfNash said:
BTW: I'd like to post pics of the pickups. I bought them used and the seller promised the person who wound them he wouldn't disclose his name (and he kept his promise). They sound AWESOME  in alder/maple neck...they have this 'attack'...best I can explain it. Maybe the winder checks this site and will claim them...I'd like another set...what category should I post them?

That's odd.  Ah, well.  There's a PICKUPS forum.  That's where I'd head.
 
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