Feels Like the First Time

[22frets]

Well, ok, it IS the first time!  I'm finally building my first Warmoth.  I've been reading and researching here for months.  Every time I think I have a question to post on here, search finds an answer..so thanks for all the advice so far. 

I play lots of different styles, but this guitar will be for blues.  Here's what I'm planning:

BODY
Mary Kay Swamp Ash Strat
S-S-S rout, top jack
Gotoh Wilkinson Trem
Black pickguard
Std 5-way electronics

NECK
Warmoth pro compound radius, 1 11/16
Canary/ still wavering between Ebony & Pau Ferro...  no dots
SRV Back
6150 frets
Earvana Black Tusq nut
Locking Schaller tuners

PUPS
Slider's Vintage Classic '59s (already got 'em, they're sick)

So a couple of questions:
Anyone using the black tusq earvana?  I have one of their retrofits and like the tuning but not the way the nut hangs over the 1st fret.
Still wavering on the fingerboard--some say pau ferro will be warmer, but does it really make that much difference?  I think the black would look cool with the black pickguard, but the pau ferro is beautiful.

Thanks for helping out a noob.
--Rich

 

[tfarny]

Sounds great, sounds like you've done your homework. I wouldn't worry about tonal difs between Pau and Ebony, I'd just go for looks. I like them both personally. Schaller tuners are just fine, but probably my own least fave tuner - they are heavy and the plating is easily chipped. I like Gotohs, anything they make is nice I think, and Sperzels. Just my 2c.

 

[AprioriMark]

I'll echo what Tfarny has said;  Schaller tuners are my least favorite, for the reasons he mentioned.  I prefer Sperzels, personally.  They're well made, reversible, and have stood up well to years of abuse.  Also, speaking as someone with multiple guitars/basses with both Ebony and Pau Ferro, the difference is negligible.  Pau Ferro sounds *very* close to Ebony to me.  I would go so far as to call anyone who compares it to Rosewood a "LIIIIIIIAARRRR!!!!" as if I were Bevis saying "fire."

-Mark

 

[Mor Paul]

Looks good. I'd go with Pao Ferro, personally.

 

[Superlizard]

Pau Ferro sounds *very* close to Ebony to me.  I would go so far as to call anyone who compares it to Rosewood a "LIIIIIIIAARRRR!!!!" as if I were Bevis saying "fire."

-Mark

Touche'... (Pau Ferro - Ebony - Maple) for the fretboard = about the same amount of brightness and "snap" comparatively.

 

[bpmorton777]

Aw shucks... I thought this was going to be a thread about the band Foreigner :icon_jokercolor:

Brian

 

[22frets]

Excellent, thanks for the advice. Pau Ferro wins out because it looks so cool. Plus I think it's cheaper. I'm also checking out the Sperzels..is it true you don't need string trees with 'em?  SOLD!

Yep, I had that Foreigner tune in my head.  I still love me some cranked up Foreigner.  arty07:
Thanks, guys. 

 

[rockskate4x]

ebony would match the black pickguard much better

 

[22frets]

OK, here is the new plan, with changes in bold.  I'm not good at visualizing how stuff will look so I mocked it up from items in the Warmoth showcase (quick & dirty).  Thanks!

BODY
Mary Kay Swamp Ash Strat
S-S-S rout, top jack
Gotoh Wilkinson Trem
Tortoise pickguard
Std 5-way electronics

NECK
Warmoth pro compound radius, 1 11/16
Canary/Pau Ferro...  no dots
SRV Back
6150 frets
Earvana Black Tusq nut
Sperzel Trim-Loc tuners

PUPS
Slider's Vintage Classic '59s (already got 'em, they're sick)

 

[mullyman]

OK, here is the new plan, with changes in bold.  I'm not good at visualizing how stuff will look so I mocked it up from items in the Warmoth showcase (quick & dirty).  Thanks!

BODY
Mary Kay Swamp Ash Strat
S-S-S rout, top jack
Gotoh Wilkinson Trem
Tortoise pickguard
Std 5-way electronics

NECK
Warmoth pro compound radius, 1 11/16
Canary/Pau Ferro...  no dots
SRV Back
6150 frets
Earvana Black Tusq nut
Sperzel Trim-Loc tuners

PUPS
Slider's Vintage Classic '59s (already got 'em, they're sick)

Me likey lots.

You'll probably get more positive opinions on this next one, but I'll never buy a Wilkinson tremolo again. The one I have on my cherryburst Warmoth Strat sends everything out of tune when I use it. Not fond of it at all. And yes, I did exactly what Warmoth's page suggested and got the carbon nut with it. Ugggh, no thanks.

Love the look of the guitar though.
MULLY

 

[22frets]

Thanks, I can't wait to start working on it!  I read a lot about the VS100, mostly good & some bad.  This will be my first experience with it.  I've used vintage fender, floyd, and G&L-which is pretty darn solid.  I use my trems a lot, in a Jeff Beck kinda way (except not that good!).  I'll let you know how it goes.  Taylor trems look pretty smooth, but I don't think they're available separately.  Maybe on a future build.